Half-Day Island Safari from St. John's: Off-Road Antigua Tour

Off-road trails through rain forest and colonial ruins, lunch by the sea

A half-day island safari from St. John's that combines off-road driving through Antigua's interior with visits to Nelson's Dockyard National Park and Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation, a 1650s sugar estate with a restored mill tower. The tour includes a guide, hotel pickup, lunch at Turner's Beach, and time for a swim. It covers about five hours total and requires moderate fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Nelson's Dockyard National Park1h · entry included
2. Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation15m

Island Safari Adventure and Cultural Tour

• Pickup at designated point
• Visit Antigua Rain Forest along Fig Tree Drive
• Tour Nelson's Dockyard and learn history
• Shop for souvenirs at Nelson's Dockyard
• Explore Betty's Hope Plantation sugar mill
• Lunch at Turners Beach
• Swim at Turners Beach

The experience

The route starts with a pickup from your hotel and heads into Antigua's rain forest along Fig Tree Drive, where the guide points out the landscape and village life as you travel. You'll stop at Nelson's Dockyard National Park, a restored naval compound with relics dating back to the 1800s. The guide walks you through the site and explains the history of each structure, and shops are open if you want to pick up souvenirs. From there, the tour moves to Betty's Hope, a sugar plantation established in 1650 on the island's east side, where one of the two mill towers has been fully restored with its original sails still intact.

Lunch happens at Turner's Beach, where you eat at a local restaurant or beach spot and have the option to swim in the water. Bring your bathing suit if you plan to go in. The whole day runs about five hours from start to finish, including the drive time between stops and the time spent at each site.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• lunch at Turner's Beach.
• access to Nelson's Dockyard National Park and Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation.
• time for a swim at the beach.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by National Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a full-day experience mixing off-road exploration, village visits, and beach time rather than a shorter colonial walking tour.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).

What exactly is Nelson's Dockyard and what will I see there?

Nelson's Dockyard National Park is a restored naval compound with structures and relics dating back to the 1800s. Your guide will walk you through the site, explain the history of each building and artifact, and answer questions. Shops are also open so you can browse for souvenirs.

Is there really time to swim during this tour?

Yes, lunch is served at Turner's Beach and you have the option to take a swim in the water there, so bring your bathing suit if you want to go in.

How fit do I need to be for this half-day safari?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness because of the off-road driving and walking at the plantation and dockyard sites.

Does the tour pick me up from my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price.