Private Tour
Private Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour of Antigua
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
WE TOUR NELSON'S DOCKYARD, SHIRLEYS HEIGHTS & SNORKEL This is a guided tour by a local spearfisherman. Taking in all the sights and sounds of the island on land and in the sea, with a very high chance of snorkeling with sea turtles, and a definite chance of seeing two shipwrecks! The snorkel is in mostly shallow water, off of a beach. THIS IS NOT A BOAT TOUR. Your snorkel guide enjoys spearfishing and can show you things while snorkeling you never even knew were below you! This is a private tour, meaning you will be the only travelers. It is roughly 4 hours long. There is cold water in the vehicle. Lunch is not provided on the tour. You will also have videos of you snorkeling around the shipwrecks and turtles emailed to you after the tour. If you don't wish to snorkel or if not all travelers would like to participate in the snorkel that is okay as well. Admission to national parks not included, it is 15$USD for two tickets, meaning you only pay one time.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
If you have mobility issues do not book this tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
WE TOUR Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley's Heights, finally we will be snorkeling for about an hour around a couple shipwrecks and looking for turtles, we normally always encounter them, but it depends on the visibility that day. I would say 85-90% of guests encounter turtles. Snorkeling is done in a protected harbor meaning the water is very calm and relatively shallow and visibility is normally good. Even beginners or first time snorkelers can do this. THIS IS NOT A BOAT TOUR! Admission to the national parks is 15$USD which gives you two tickets one for Nelson's Dockyard and one for Shirley's Heights. So to clarify you only pay one time for both parks! Tour Duration time is approximate, and depends on where you are staying and how far drive time is.
What‘s Included
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Air-conditioned vehicle
Shirley's Heights, and Nelson's Dockyard
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour of Antigua
Pickup included
Reviews
238 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience - highly recommend!
Giselle G,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved the experience and Johnny was an awesome host. This is a private tour! He was very knowledgeable about the island. Nelson’s Dockyards and Shirley Heights are two sites that showcase the heritage and beauty of the island. If you haven’t heard of “World’s Toughesr Row” - look it up! It’s rowing across the Atlantic from Canary Islands to Antigua. We were fortunate to see one of the last three boats arrive. Amazing! It was our first time snorkeling from the shore and we loved the experience. We saw a stingray swim right beneath us, and the turtles were actively swimming around us and going up for air. It was clear Johnny knew the hotspots that Galleon beach had to offer. He took a number of videos that he shared with us after our tour. Overall, a great experience! Highly recommend.
Amazing snorkeling experience
Laura D,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cannot recommend enough. Pickup instructions were really cleatlr. Johnny was extremely knowledgeable about the history of antigua. Amazing snorkelling experience, we saw an octopus, stingray, eagle ray and a beautiful turtle. Good quality snorkelling equipment. The water is quite calm but you do spend a lot of time in it so would recommend being a decent swimmer. Absolutely magical experience
Amazing afternoon
Navigate673949,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow Johnny, thank you for an amazing afternoon. Wonderful, chilled experience, great local knowledge, fabulous views and 5 turtles! Including a very old and large lady turtle, 100 years plus! Such a privilege to swim with her. The videos you include are just the icing on the cake. You made our honeymoon! Highly recommend for an authentic, relaxed, personal experience, one that we will always remember. All the best for the future. Thank you 🤗xx
Fab personalised trip with amazing snorkelling
zeddysmith,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great morning with Johnny. Prompt pick up at our hotel. He was very friendly and keen to tailor the trip to what we wanted. Went to Shirley Heights and Nelsons Dockyard and he told us some interesting facts about the places. Then to Galleon bay for snorkelling. Well prepared and good kit. He was a great guide. Saw some great stuff - 2 shipwrecks, shoal of squid and a turtle. Best bit was the massive spotted eagle ray tho!! Excellent trip. He sent video he’d taken at the end of the trip.
Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour
sarahmN5994GO,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David, Dino & Mark provided us with an excellent boat trip to Hell's Gate, along with snorkelling to see Turtles and Stingrays in their natural environment. The lunch on board was great and later after all the activities rum punch and banana bread was provided. The whole trip was fun, informative and a huge amount of consideration was given to our Health & Safety . The only thing we would add is that you are on a boat so be prepared to get wet!
Great private tour guide on Antigua
Thomas J,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00As a private tour guide Johnny is a great personality. Fun and knowledgeable. Visibility was poor for the snorkel portion of this trip but he did a great job making the best of it for us. Even spotted a sea turtle.
Best way to experience Antigua!
Marika S,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a very valuable experience for anyone who wants to see the island and experience top scenic attractions like Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyards. However the guided snorkelling was the highlight! Saw sea turtles, sting rays, baby Octopus and even a shipwreck! Johnathon provided us with the history of Antigua, and pointed out areas of interest all along the way. So thankful for this experience!!
Incredible Experience
B4160RWcalebm,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience! Learned so much about Antigua’s rich history and culture. We were carefully guided through our first snorkeling experience and it went great. Johnny is a great pick for your time!
Sights and Snorkeling in Antigua
briandR5547JY,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Johnny was a great tour guide. He gave us wonderful background information about the island. The sites we visited were interesting, and he got us there before hoards of tourists arrived. He even knew the back way in to a site so we could skip the crowds. We saw sea turtles, mongoose and octopus (pointed out by Johnny). He will even send pictures that he took of our time with him. It was a delightful morning and I highly recommend this trip!
Incredible experience
Kyle S,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a must do tour while in Antigua. Johnny picked us up promptly at the stated time and then expertly guided us through the sites on Nelsons Dockyard, Shirley Heights, and Galleon Beach. We had plenty of time at each site as well as free time to walk around at our leisure. The snorkeling was the highlight where we were fortunate to see two turtles.
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Operated by Turtle Tales Antigua Tours & Snorkeling