Private Tour
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$USD for two tickets, meaning you only pay one time.
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
If you have mobility issues do not book this tour
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
WE TOUR Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley's Heights, finally we will be snorkeling for about an hour around a couple shipwrecks and looking for turtles, we normally always encounter them, but it depends on the visibility that day. I would say 85-90% of guests encounter turtles. Snorkeling is done in a protected harbor meaning the water is very calm and relatively shallow and visibility is normally good. Even beginners or first time snorkelers can do this. THIS IS NOT A BOAT TOUR! Admission to the national parks is 15$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.
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Air-conditioned vehicle
Shirley's Heights, and Nelson's Dockyard
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
253 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Boise D,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
Johnny was friendly and energetic, had a decent van and took us just to the essential highlights of the Dockyard, English Harbor and nice snorkel adventure with sea turtles. A perfect 1/2 day private tour for a great price.
JacquiG555,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Really enjoyed this trip with Johnny. Plenty of time to see Nelson’s dockyard and Shirley Heights followed by a great snorkelling experience: saw my first octopus and turtle. I’m a beginner in the water but with instructions and a float jacket I felt very safe and was able to enjoy the experience. Not my brightest moment, but I put my wet clothes on the car roof when I’d got changed at the beach and left them there! Johnny very kindly returned them to me the next day. Do note the advice around mobility, the way into the water is a bit uneven and tricky. If in doubt, check with Johnny first by message. Recommended.


U3939NAmichellee,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was everything and more as advertised. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and professional. Amazing history and snorkeling. We saw several turtles, octopus, a couple of shipwrecks.
Robert K,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
The tour owner and operator, Johnny, did an excellent job ensuring we had a really enjoyable time during our excursion. He was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. The tour allows for just enough time at each stop to enjoy it without feeling rushed or feeling like time is being wasted by spending too much time. Definitely a good tour for cruise ship guests or those with limited time. Definitely would recommend to others!
lindaguynn,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
Johnny was knowledgeable about the island and its history. Personable and personalized service. Beautiful snorkeling location.
sallyh928,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour is as good as all the reviews say. Johnny was really informative with excellent local knowledge. The tour was relaxed & culminated in a great snorkle. Despite the poor visibility on the day we went, Johnny still found us 2 turtles, a black ray,octopus & little fish. We would never have spotted them without him. Even my husband who is a nervous snorkler really enjoyed our trip. Johnny was reassuring, kind & patient. You are in safe hands with Johnny & we'd love to to another trip with him next time we visit Antigua.
54chrissyg,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had so much fun on our trip. The tour was one of the highlights. Loved hanging out and driving around learning about the local area. He’s easy going, timely and communicated well. The snorkeling was easy and we saw several sea turtles. So exciting. The videos he sends after are such a treasure. Book this trip! It’s so much better than the cruise excursions.
Guide555201,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Johnny is a wonderful guide and gave us a very special experience. We were quite nervous about snorkeling and he was reassuring and patient. We saw turtles, eagle ray and little fish around the wreck. The locations he drove us to were amazing. Our best trip on our 3 week holiday.
SHELLY M,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
Overall great excursion. Johnny is very personable, friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating. Highly recommend to book with Johnny( fellow Canadian)!!! :)
A364OGscottb,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The information shared during the tour, from a local standpoint, was quite interesting. We did not realized the snorkel part was guided as well, and that was REALLY helpful. There had been a storm earlier and the visibility was limited at the snorkel sight. With the direct assistance was still productive and enjoyable. Would certainly do tour again when we go back to Antigua.
Operated by Turtle Tales Antigua Tours & Snorkeling