Antigua: Xtreme Circumnavigation Boat Tour & Stingray Swim

Summary

Circle antigua by boat swim with stingrays lunch on green island snorkel pillars of hercules end at rendezvous bay rum punch

You’ll circle Antigua by powerboat with a local crew, swim alongside gentle stingrays at Stingray City Marine Park, eat lunch right on Green Island’s beach, snorkel among limestone pillars near Nelson’s Dockyard, then unwind with homemade rum punch on secluded Rendezvous Bay. It’s a day for salt on your skin and stories you’ll remember back home.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever touched a stingray before?” That’s what our guide, Marcus, asked as he handed me a mask. I just shook my head and tried not to look nervous. The boat had already zipped us past Antigua’s north coast — all that wind in my face, sun bouncing off the water, and this weird salty-sweet smell that clings to your skin. At Stingray City Marine Park, I slid into the water and suddenly there were these soft, cool bodies gliding past my legs. One brushed against my ankle and I yelped (quietly, I hope). Marcus laughed and told me they like gentle hands. I still think about how strange their skin felt — like velvet but alive.

Lunch happened on Green Island — which is more sand than island, honestly. They set out grilled chicken and some spicy rice under a little tent while we all tried to dry off in the breeze. My hair was full of salt by then. You could hear someone playing soca from another boat drifting nearby. After eating (and maybe too much pineapple), we headed south along the coast for more history than I expected: Nelson’s Dockyard came into view with its old stone walls and faded cannons, while Captain Li pointed out which buildings were British and which were just “old but useful.” We didn’t get off the boat but it was easy to imagine people in heavy uniforms sweating through those same docks.

The second snorkeling spot was at the Pillars of Hercules — limestone pillars dropping straight into turquoise water. There’s this colonial anchor down there; Marcus dove first to show us where it was, waving us over like a kid showing off a secret fort. The light flickered underwater in a way that made everything look older than it probably is. Last stop: Rendezvous Bay. The sand squeaked underfoot (I’d never noticed sand could do that) and someone handed me homemade rum punch that tasted way too good after all that swimming. I sat there for a minute longer than planned — just watching the waves roll in and thinking about how many beaches Antigua actually has. Didn’t count them all, but… maybe next time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day boat tour around Antigua

• Pass Great Bird Island and North Sound
• Stop at Stingray City Marine Park
• Swim with stingrays and marine life
• Lunch on Green Island beach
• Pass historic Nelson's Dockyard with talk
• Snorkel at Pillars of Hercules
• Stop at Rendezvous Bay beach
• Swim, snorkel, or relax with rum punch

Top questions

How long does the Xtreme Circumnavigation tour last?

The tour is a full day experience around Antigua by powerboat.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, lunch is served on Green Island as part of the day trip.

Do you get to swim with stingrays?

Yes, there is a 45-minute to 1-hour session swimming with stingrays at Stingray City Marine Park.

Are snorkeling stops included?

Yes, you’ll snorkel at two locations: Stingray City Marine Park and the Pillars of Hercules near Nelson’s Dockyard.

Is hotel pickup provided?

The reference content does not mention hotel pickup; check directly when booking.

Can travelers with spinal injuries join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Soda, bottled water, snacks, and homemade rum punch are included after activities are completed.

Do you get off at Nelson's Dockyard?

No, you view Nelson's Dockyard from the boat while the captain gives commentary.

What’s included

Your day includes all fees and taxes covered up front; use of snorkeling equipment for both sessions; bottled water, soda, snacks throughout; lunch served fresh on Green Island; plus homemade rum punch after activities as you relax on Rendezvous Bay before heading back to port.