Antigua: Stingray Snorkel, Long Bay Beach & Island Tour

You'll be in the water with stingrays before mid-morning

You start with a scenic drive through St. John's, then boat out to snorkel with Southern stingrays in shallow Caribbean waters. After an hour at Long Bay Beach to swim and rest, you visit Devil's Bridge's natural limestone arch and explore the historic windmills and grounds of Betty's Hope plantation. The day includes snorkel equipment, rum punch, a light snack, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide who explains what you're seeing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel, beach, and island tour

• Drive through St. John's city
• Snorkel with southern stingrays
• Relax at Long Bay Beach
• Visit Devil's Bridge limestone arch
• Explore Betty's Hope sugar plantation

The Experience

The vehicle picks you up and heads straight into St. John's, the capital, where your guide walks you through the streets and explains what you're actually looking at—the colonial buildings, the rhythm of daily life, the history that's still visible if someone points it out. Then you're at the dock, and the boat ride to Stingray City Antigua is short enough that you're in the water within an hour of leaving your hotel. The stingrays are there, in the shallows, and they're curious rather than aggressive. You'll snorkel with them in crystal-clear water, and it's the kind of thing that sounds staged until you're actually doing it.

After the snorkel, Long Bay Beach is a one-hour stop—long enough to swim properly or just sit on the sand and let the Caribbean sun do its work. The water is calm and turquoise, the kind of beach that photographs well but also just feels good. You get a light snack and rum punch while you're there, which helps. The air-conditioned vehicle waits, so you're not rushing or negotiating transport back.

The island tour part comes after: Devil's Bridge National Park, where the Atlantic has carved a natural limestone arch into the coastline, and then Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation, where you walk through the colonial grounds and the old windmills. It's the kind of stop that makes sense only if someone local is explaining it—your guide handles that. The whole day is structured so you're not sitting in traffic between things; the vehicle moves, you see, you stop, you move again. Snorkel gear is provided, so you don't pack it or worry about rental fees. WiFi is on the boat if you need to send a photo home.

What’s included

• Scenic drive through St. John's with cultural commentary from your local guide.
• boat ride and snorkeling with Southern stingrays at Stingray City Antigua with full snorkel equipment provided.
• one-hour beach stop at Long Bay with time to swim and relax.
• visit to Devil's Bridge National Park to see the natural limestone arch and coastal views.
• exploration of Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation and its colonial windmills.
• rum punch and light snack.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout the day.
• WiFi access on board.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Exquisite Taxi and Tours Antigua

Is this one for you?Book this if you want Antigua's main attractions—snorkeling, beach time, and island history—in one day without arranging separate boat trips, beach transport, or entrance fees. The fixed itinerary and included guide mean you're not figuring out timing or logistics yourself.

Top questions

How long is the whole tour?

The itinerary covers a full day with multiple stops: St. John's, the boat ride and snorkel at Stingray City, an hour at Long Bay Beach, Devil's Bridge, and Betty's Hope. Plan for most of your day.

Is snorkel equipment included?

Yes, snorkel gear is provided. You don't need to bring your own or pay a rental fee.

What's the water like for snorkeling?

Crystal-clear Caribbean waters in the shallows at Stingray City, where the stingrays naturally gather. The water is calm enough for comfortable snorkeling.

Can I bring young children?

Infants and small children can come; infants must sit on an adult's lap, and prams or strollers are allowed. Check with the operator about age-specific snorkel participation.

Is the vehicle air-conditioned?

Yes, you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle between stops, which matters in the Caribbean heat.

What's included in the price?

Entrance fees, snorkel equipment, rum punch, a light snack, air-conditioned transport, and a local guide. WiFi is available on the boat.

Is Long Bay Beach crowded?

It's one of Antigua's most popular white-sand beaches, so it can be busy, but your one-hour stop is timed to let you swim and relax without feeling rushed.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

The snorkel is in shallow water where stingrays gather naturally. You should be comfortable in the water and have at least a moderate level of fitness for the full day's activities.