Monterrico black sand beaches from Antigua: Resort day with guide

Spot vibrant birds and sea turtles before unwinding with the best lunch in town

A full-day tour from Antigua to Monterrico on Guatemala's Pacific coast, with bilingual driver and round-trip transport. The drive takes about two and a half hours through volcanic landscape and sugar cane fields, ending at Hawaiian Paradise Resort where you swim, relax, and watch for tropical birds until the return journey to Antigua.

Step-by-step itinerary

Travel and relax at Monterrico resort

• Pickup from hotel in Antigua
• Drive 2.5 hours through volcanoes and sugar cane fields
• Pass Monterrico town and continue to Hawaii Beach
• Spend rest of day at Hawaiian Paradise Resort
• Enjoy pools, restaurant, ATV and horse riding

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Antigua hotel and a drive south through the highlands toward the coast. The route crosses volcanic terrain and passes through sugar cane fields: the landscape shifts as you descend toward sea level. After roughly two and a half hours on the road, you arrive at Monterrico and continue to Hawaiian Paradise Resort on Hawaii Beach, where you spend the rest of the afternoon.

The resort has pools, a restaurant, and shaded areas to sit out the heat. Monterrico's black sand beach stretches along the water. The area is known for strong waves that draw surfers and for the birds that nest in the mangroves and coastal wetlands nearby. The resort operates as your base. You can swim, walk the beach, use the facilities, or simply rest before the return drive to Antigua, which takes another two and a half hours.

A bilingual driver guides the trip and handles all transport. Bottled water comes with you, and the day pass gives you access to the resort's grounds. The schedule is built around the drive time, so most of your afternoon is free to spend as you choose.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from your Antigua hotel.
• bilingual driver for the full day.
• day pass to Hawaiian Paradise Resort and its facilities.
• two bottled waters per person.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (20 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 85 years) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Guate Tours by Nelson.

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Antigua and want a full day at the beach without driving yourself. You'll travel with other guests and return by late afternoon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive from Antigua to Monterrico?

The drive takes about two and a half hours each way through volcanic landscape and sugar cane fields, with the return journey taking the same time.

What can I do at Hawaiian Paradise Resort during the day?

The resort has pools, a restaurant, shaded relaxation areas, and direct access to Hawaii Beach. You can swim in the ocean, walk the black sand beach, or stay poolside. The resort also offers ATV activities and horse riding if you want to arrange them separately.

Is this tour good for birdwatching?

Monterrico's coastal wetlands and mangrove areas attract a diversity of tropical birds, making it a worthwhile destination for birdwatchers, though the tour itself is not structured as a guided birding excursion.

What's included in the day pass at the resort?

The day pass gives you access to the resort's facilities, pools, and grounds. Bottled water is provided, and round-trip transport from your Antigua hotel is included. Lunch and drinks are not.

Does the tour include time to swim at the beach?

Yes. After the drive, you have the rest of the afternoon and early evening at Hawaiian Paradise Resort and Hawaii Beach before the return journey to Antigua begins.