Antigua E-Bike Tour of Forts & Beaches with Guide

Summary

E-bike Adventure to Shirley Heights & Nelson’s Dockyard

Get ready to explore Antigua’s forts and beaches by e-bike with a local guide who brings history to life. Cruise up to Shirley Heights for sweeping harbor views, wander through Nelson’s Dockyard museum, and enjoy snacks along the way. It’s an easygoing day full of color and stories you’ll remember long after you’ve left the island.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much trying to balance on an e-bike for the first time — it’s way easier than it looks, but I still managed to wobble into a bush before we even left the parking lot. Our guide, Marcus, just grinned and said, “You’re not the first!” The air was thick with that salty Caribbean smell, and someone nearby was grilling something that made my stomach growl even though it wasn’t lunchtime yet. Antigua’s colors hit you right away: bright blue sky, faded pastel houses, flashes of bougainvillea everywhere.

We cruised up towards Shirley Heights, letting the e-bikes do most of the work (thank god for that battery). Marcus pointed out old stone ruins half-hidden by vines and told stories about pirates and British soldiers — he had this way of making history sound like gossip. At the top, there’s this view over English Harbour that kind of sneaks up on you. I just stood there for a minute, not really saying anything. Some local kids were selling coconut water in plastic cups; I bought one mostly for the excuse to linger. The wind up there felt different — cooler somehow.

Afterwards we rolled down to Nelson’s Dockyard. The cobblestones rattled under my tires and I almost dropped my phone trying to take a photo of the old cannons (not my smoothest move). Inside the museum, Marcus showed us a map covered in faded ink — he said his grandfather used to work here when he was young. That stuck with me more than any plaque or exhibit could have. We snacked on plantain chips in the shade before heading back along the coast road, sunburned and kind of happy-tired. I still think about that view from Shirley Heights sometimes — it just pops into my head at random moments.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Antigua Forts and Historic Sites

• Multi-media history presentation and ruins view
• Visit Shirley Heights lookout and gun battery
• Explore Nelson's Dockyard National Park

Top questions

Is this Antigua e-bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, the e-bikes are easy to use and most of the route is gentle—no serious fitness needed.

Does the tour include entry fees for Nelson’s Dockyard?

Yes, entry fees are included in your booking.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included along the route.

How long does this day trip around Antigua last?

The tour usually takes about half a day including stops at each site.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable electric beach cruiser bikes with specialized infant seats if needed, bottled water and snacks throughout, all entry fees for sites like Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, plus guidance from a local expert who shares stories as you ride along Antigua’s scenic roads.