Antigua: Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley's Heights & Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Private snorkeling day in Antigua exploring shipwrecks and turtles

You’ll meet a local spearfisherman in Antigua who’ll guide you through Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley’s Heights before leading you into calm waters to snorkel around shipwrecks—maybe even spot sea turtles up close. Expect easygoing conversation, real island stories, gentle guidance for beginners, and emailed videos after your private adventure.

What’s the experience like?

It started with Devon waving from his battered truck, grinning like he already knew we’d have fun. He handed us cold water (needed — it was sticky-hot even at 9am) and asked if we’d ever seen a sea turtle up close. I said only on TV. He laughed and said, “Let’s change that.” We wound through Antigua’s green hills, windows down, reggae on low. At Nelson’s Dockyard, Devon pointed out where his uncle once worked fixing boats — you could still smell old wood and salt in the air. I tried to pronounce “English Harbour” the way he did; he just shook his head and smiled.

Shirley’s Heights was next. The view — honestly, I didn’t expect it to hit me like that. Sea breeze, faint barbecue smoke from somewhere below, the whole bay stretched out under this weirdly soft morning light. Devon told us about Sunday parties up here; you could almost hear the music echoing off the rocks even though it was quiet now. Then we drove down to a little beach for snorkeling — no boat, just us and our gear. I was nervous (not much of a swimmer), but the water was calm and warm, almost syrupy over my skin.

Devon led the way, pointing out spiky sea urchins and these tiny blue fish darting around old shipwrecks. He dove down so easily — like he belonged there — and motioned for me to follow. Suddenly there was a turtle right in front of us, munching on seagrass, not bothered at all by our clumsy flippers. I tried to stay still but my mask fogged up; Devon just laughed through his snorkel and showed me how to clear it (I’ll never get used to breathing underwater). I kept thinking about how different everything looked below the surface — quieter, slower.

We got back sandy and salty but kind of giddy. No lunch included (bring snacks), but honestly I didn’t care — my head was still full of fish shadows and that one slow-motion turtle blink. Devon promised to email videos later (“proof for your friends,” he joked). It wasn’t fancy or perfect — which made it better somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Nelson's Dockyard and Snorkel

• Visit Nelson's Dockyard
• Explore Shirley's Heights
• Snorkel around shipwrecks
• Look for sea turtles

Top questions

Is this snorkeling tour in Antigua private?

Yes, it’s a private tour—only your group participates.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler?

No experience needed; beginners are welcome as the water is shallow and calm.

Is lunch included on this Antigua snorkeling tour?

No, lunch is not provided—bring snacks if you want them.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours depending on where you’re staying.

Will we see sea turtles while snorkeling?

You have an 85-90% chance of seeing turtles during the snorkel.

Is this a boat tour?

No boats are involved—you snorkel from shore at a protected beach.

Are entrance fees included for Nelson’s Dockyard or Shirley’s Heights?

No, admission is not included; it’s $15 USD total for both sites per group.

What equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear is included for use during the tour.

Can non-swimmers join or skip snorkeling?

If someone doesn’t want to snorkel that’s fine—they can relax on the beach instead.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with cold water waiting inside, use of all needed snorkeling equipment (mask, fins), plus personalized guidance from your local spearfisherman guide throughout Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley’s Heights, and your hour-long snorkel session—with videos of your underwater moments sent by email afterward.