Antigua: Private Island Tour with Shirley Heights & Rum Tasting

Summary

Antigua’s stories, sea spray and a taste of black pineapple

You’ll ride across Antigua with a local guide, walk among fort ruins at Shirley Heights, listen to waves crash at Devil’s Bridge, and taste black pineapple with rum before sinking your toes into soft white sand. Expect honest stories and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up to Shirley Heights when I realized how salty my hair felt from the wind — it was one of those days where the sky just glows over Antigua. Our guide, Devon, pointed out the old fort walls as we wandered around, and I could hear music drifting up from somewhere (someone’s radio maybe?). The view over English Harbour is something I still think about — all those boats bobbing in the blue, sunlight flicking off masts. Devon told us Sunday nights get wild up here but today it was just us and a few sleepy lizards sunning themselves on the rocks.

We stopped at Betty’s Hope next. The sugar mill ruins are rough under your hand — you can feel the history in the stone. Devon didn’t sugarcoat anything (no pun intended) about what happened here; he talked about families, old maps, even showed us a tiny museum tucked inside an old storeroom. There was this faint molasses smell lingering near the boiling house that made me weirdly hungry. After that we headed out towards Devil’s Bridge. The sea was loud there — really loud — and you could taste salt in the air every time a wave crashed through the limestone arch.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at lunch but somehow rum tasting brings out everyone’s stories. We tried black pineapple too — sweeter than any pineapple I’ve had back home. Our last stop was Valley Church Beach where the sand is almost powdery (I kept losing my flip-flops). Some people swam or snorkeled but I just sat with my feet buried in warm sand watching local kids chase each other along the waterline. It felt like time slowed down for a bit there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Antigua's history and beaches

• Visit Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
• Explore Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
• Walk on Devil's Bridge natural arch
• Relax or snorkel at Long Bay
• Swim or relax at Valley Church Beach
• Watch video at Dow’s Hill interpretation centre
• Tour Shirley Heights fortifications and restaurant
• Visit Blockhouse ruins above English Harbour

Top questions

How long does this Antigua private tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours including all stops and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What are some main stops on this Antigua tour?

Main stops include Shirley Heights, Nelson's Dockyard, Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation, Devil's Bridge, and Valley Church Beach.

Can I swim or snorkel during this private tour?

Yes, there is time to swim or snorkel at Valley Church Beach or Long Bay depending on your preference.

Is lunch provided on this Antigua island tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with water and beverages (including local rum tasting).

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All entrance fees to attractions are included in your tour price.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; wheelchair access and infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable local guide, all entry fees to sites like Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard, a traditional lunch (with rum tasting), bottled water and beverages throughout, plus hotel or port pickup and drop-off before returning you comfortably at day’s end.