Postcard from Antigua
By Erica, Stamped by Focus. 3 days, 2 nights, 1 very lucky change of plans.
Dear friends,
Our itinerary changed unexpectedly, which gave me something crew almost never get: two whole nights in Antigua. No racing back for all-aboard, no squeezing a beach into a few hours. Just three slow, sunny days.
Here are my postcards, plus a few notes scribbled on the back so your trip goes smoother than my first taxi ride did.
Wish you were here. About 4 hours of doing absolutely nothing.
Postcard 1: Dickenson Bay
The water was refreshing, the sand was soft, and the vibe was pure “nowhere to be.” I lay back, listened to the waves, and let weeks at sea melt off my shoulders.
If you see a line of cruise girls, they’re waiting for the same thing: a photo at the red London phone booth on the sand. It’s the unofficial postcard shot of the beach, so get yours too.
The benches under the umbrellas are $5 each, and after a few hours in the sun, that shade is worth every dollar.
Bring: cash, sunscreen, a towel, water, and a waterproof phone pouch.
P.S. Read this before you hop in a cab.
The taxi notes
Getting to Dickenson Bay was my first lesson in Antigua taxis. Here’s what I wish I’d known.
- Fair price for guests: a 10 to 15 minute ride shouldn’t cost more than about $30 total for the car. Don’t overpay just to reach this beach.
- Crew price: $5 each if your group is bigger than 2, and $20 each if it’s just two of you. Big groups win, so travel with friends.
- Agree on the price first. Say it out loud and confirm whether it’s per person or for the whole car.
- Get your taxi number so you’ll know it’s your driver at the pickup time you set.
- Pay at the end. If you already paid, get his phone number, because he can leave you stranded.
What happened to us
Our driver never showed for the ride back. A stranger near the beach offered us a lift to the ship instead. The locals really are that friendly, but still leave plenty of time before all-aboard.
Wish you were here. Seriously, come. This was the best thing I did.
Postcard 2: Fort James and Runaway Beach
Plan on about 3 hours. The ride gave us two experiences in one:
- 10 minutes bareback in the water, which feels like a movie scene
- 75 minutes of horseback riding along the shore and trails
I’ll admit I was nervous. It had been ages since I’d ridden a horse on my own, and mine turned out to be a feisty one. A couple of times he broke into a gallop, but I pulled back on the reins and he settled right down. The local team leading the tour was so friendly and stayed close the whole time, ready to help whenever we needed it.
Scribbled on the back
- Tell the guides your experience level so they match you with the right horse
- Stay calm and relaxed, because horses can feel when you’re tense
- Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothes, since you will get wet
- Leave your phone with the guides or use a waterproof case
Booked through GetYourGuide. Price: [add current price per person]
Wish you were here. Slow day, full shopping bags.
Postcard 3: Wandering St. John’s
On our last day, I wandered through town, browsed the shops, and soaked up the island pace. I also stopped by the church, which was closed when I arrived, so check opening hours before you go.
One big note: carry cash. USD or local currency, either works, but some places don’t take cards, so don’t count on tapping your way through town.
Quick notes before you go
- ✓ Travel in a group to split the taxi fare
- ✓ Guests shouldn’t pay much more than $30 total for a 10 to 15 minute ride
- ✓ Agree on the price, pay at the end, and save your driver’s number
- ✓ Dickenson Bay umbrella benches are $5 each
- ✓ Horseback riding at Fort James and Runaway Beach is a must
- ✓ Bring cash, because cards aren’t always accepted
I never thought a change of plans would hand me one of my favourite port stops, but Antigua delivered. If you ever get more than a few hours here, take them.
Until the next stamp in my passport,
Erica
Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. If you book through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Erica’s timing rule
Plan backwards from the ship. Protect the return first, then build the beautiful part in the middle.