Major city · Antigua and Barbuda
English Harbour
Spend 3–4 nights in English Harbour: one night for the Dockyard, another for the Shirley Heights Friday party, plus a day to explore nearby beaches.
English Harbour is a historic sailing hub on Antigua’s south coast. The UNESCO‑listed Nelson’s Dockyard, the weekly Shirley Heights party and easy boat shuttles to nearby eateries make it a compact base for 2‑3 days. Most visitors arrive by bus or taxi from St John’s and stay in one of the Dockyard hotels or nearby apartments.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- XCD
- Best months
- Dec–May
- avoid Jun–Nov (rainy season, higher hurricane risk)
- Airport
- ANU
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- Antigua and Barbuda ↗Check entry rules for your passport on official Antigua and Barbuda government sources before you fly.
- Antigua and Barbuda ↗Camouflage-pattern clothing is illegal for civilians, including children: leave it at home.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for English Harbour911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about English Harbour, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar; US dollars are widely accepted.Antigua and Barbuda-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckDigicel and Flow (APUA's Inet also) sell prepaid SIMs and eSIMs — check.Antigua and Barbuda-wide
- Tap waterDesalinated tap water in hotels; many drink bottled.Antigua and Barbuda-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% service is often added; extra is optional.Antigua and Barbuda-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/G. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Antigua and Barbuda-wide
- SafetyEnglish Harbour is generally safe; keep an eye on personal belongings at night parties and use licensed taxis.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsHotels, restaurants, the cruise port.Antigua and Barbuda-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 999 fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysSundays quiet; many hotels close in September–October.Antigua and Barbuda-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportANU VC Bird International Airport (≈15 km (9 mi) north; taxi ≈ US$20 return).ANU VC Bird International Airport (≈9 mi (15 km) north; taxi ≈ US$20 return).
- Getting aroundBus #17 from St John’s West Bus Station (EC$3.75, ~1 h) stops at Nelson’s Dockyard then English Harbour; taxis from St John’s ≈ US$20 return…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a caféEC$3–5
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi from St John's to English Harbour (round‑trip)US$20 total
- Metro or bus rideBus #17 ticketEC$3.75
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personXCD 25
- Mid-range bedDouble room (Dockyard hotel), a night, per roomXCD 150
- High-end bedDouble room (Dockyard hotel), a night, per roomXCD 250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget XCD 30 · Mid XCD 60 · High XCD 120
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ANU VC Bird International Airport (≈15 km (9 mi) north; taxi ≈ US$20 return)ANU VC Bird International Airport (≈9 mi (15 km) north; taxi ≈ US$20 return)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jun–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest May (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
English Harbour: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
7 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
8 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
7 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Bus #17 from St John’s West Bus Station (EC$3.75, ~1 h) stops at Nelson’s Dockyard then English Harbour; taxis from St John’s ≈ US$20 return; free 1‑min shuttle boat between Dockyard hotels; walkable town centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
St John's
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h
Bus #17 back to West Bus Station, then walk or taxi
Capital’s market and museum; good for a half‑day.
West Coast beaches
goDoor to door: ≈ 30 min (check)
Taxi or local bus from English Harbour
Popular sand beaches like Dickenson Bay.
Falmouth
cautionDoor to door: ≈ 45 min (check)
Taxi or shared minibus
Another historic harbour; limited services.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Cooper & Lumber Store Hotel
Within Dockyard complex.
Admiral's Inn / Gunpowder Suites
Dockyard side rooms; free shuttle boat between the two Inn sites (≈1 min).
Energie Apartments
Gym and yoga classes; short walk to Dockyard.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- EC$70–120 excl. bed
- Mid
- EC$120–200 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room (Dockyard hotel)1 × 2 nights × XCD 150 | XCD 300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × XCD 60 | XCD 240 |
| Shirley Heights party entry2 × XCD 25 · US$25 / EC$65 (2024 price, verify 2026) | XCD 50 |
| Nelson's Dockyard entry2 × XCD 15 · US$15 / EC$40 (2024, check) | XCD 30 |
| Bus #17 round‑trip2 × XCD 8 · check | XCD 15 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | XCD 64 |
| Trip total≈ XCD 175 per person per day, bed included | XCD 699 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | EC$3–5 |
| Local fish dish (e.g., fried snapper) | EC$12–20 |
| Taxi from St John's to English Harbour (round‑trip) | US$20 total |
| Bus #17 ticket | EC$3.75 |
| Shirley Heights party drink | US$5–8 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Shirley Heights party does not accept cards on site – pay at Dockyard kiosk; parties run on Fridays at 5 pm during season.
- Clarence House tours require advance booking; only open Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:30 AM or 3 PM (check schedule).Clarence House tours require advance booking; only open Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:30 AM AM or 3 PM (check schedule).
- Bus #17 departs only when full; plan for possible wait.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire and ambulance
- 999
Pocket card
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English HarbourEnglish Harbour
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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Emergency
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance999
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- St John's → English Harbour, taxi (round‑trip): ≈ US$20 total
- Bus #17, St John's → English Harbour: EC$3.75 one‑way
- Shirley Heights party entry: US$25 / EC$65
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for English Harbour. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–May · avoid Jun–Nov (rainy season, higher hurricane risk) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a day for a sailing charter from the Dockyard.
- Combine with a Barbuda ferry trip (overnight) for a longer itinerary.
Sources
Ask about English Harbour
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