Antigua, with its clear waters, colorful marine life, and inviting coral reefs, is a paradise for snorkelers. Its diverse coastline offers a wide range of options—from private guided adventures to eco-friendly explorations—making it easy to find a tour that matches your interests and comfort level. Among these, the Private Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour of Antigua stands out for its personalized experience and the chance to snorkel with sea turtles and explore shipwrecks at Galleon Beach. If you’re looking for a tailored, intimate outing, this tour provides a perfect blend of land and sea discovery, all led by a local expert.
For those keen on combining outdoor activity with environmental awareness, the SoCoHo Eco Half Day – Mangrove Kayak & Reef Snorkeling offers a fantastic option. It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore Antigua’s mangroves and reef ecosystems while enjoying a group adventure. If your time is limited but you still want a comprehensive experience, the Snorkeling, Kayaking and Paddle Board Activity in Antigua gives you a quick but immersive taste of Antigua’s underwater wonders. Lastly, the Under the Sea snorkeling tour provides flexibility with customizable snorkeling locations, including Green Island and Long Bay.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we cover four of the best Antigua snorkeling experiences. The options range from private land-and-sea tours to eco-friendly group adventures, with prices from $110 to $150 per person. Each tour offers a unique angle—whether it’s guided wildlife encounters, kayaking through mangroves, or snorkeling at top reef sites. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Private Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour of Antigua
This private tour is perfect for travelers who want a personal touch. Led by a local spearfisherman, the tour lasts about 4.5 hours and includes snorkeling at Galleon Beach with sea turtles and exploring historic shipwrecks. It also features stops at Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard, making it a great mix of land and sea.
What sets this tour apart is the level of individual attention and flexibility. The guide’s extensive knowledge of the island ensures you won’t miss the best wildlife spotting or hidden spots. Snorkelers especially love the chance to see sea turtles, octopuses, and shipwrecks, which are often elusive in other tours. Reviews consistently highlight the guide’s friendliness and expertise, with one stating, “Johnny was very knowledgeable and fun,” and another calling it “surpassed expectations.”
While admission to Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard is not included, the tour offers an intimate experience that’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a customized adventure. The $125 price per person reflects a high-quality, private experience that provides excellent value considering the personalized service.
Bottom Line: For a flexible, personalized day with fantastic snorkeling and island sights, this private tour is tough to beat—especially if you love wildlife and history.
2. SoCoHo Eco Half Day – Mangrove Kayak & Reef Snorkeling
This eco-friendly group tour combines kayaking, reef snorkeling, and a taste of Antigua’s natural environment. Spending about 4 hours exploring, it’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the outdoors without a busy schedule. The adventure starts with kayaking through a scenic lagoon filled with lush mangroves, an experience praised as “very easy” and accessible for most skill levels.
From there, the tour takes you to Cades Reef, one of Antigua’s top snorkeling spots, famous for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. The reef is home to sea creatures like turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish. The tour also includes snacks and an optional lunch, making it a full but relaxed day.
What makes this tour stand out is its environmental focus and the chance to see Antigua’s ecosystems from a different perspective. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, with reviews like “great guides” and “highly recommended.” The price of $135 offers good value considering snorkel gear, kayak rentals, and snacks included.
Bottom Line: If you want a balanced outdoor experience with eco-conscious travel and excellent snorkel sites, this tour offers a memorable half-day adventure.
3. Snorkeling, Kayaking and Paddle Board Activity in Antigua
This multi-activity tour is designed for travelers who want a quick, active taste of Antigua’s waters. It lasts about 2 hours, making it ideal for those with limited time but a desire to explore. Your adventure begins at Galleon Beach, where inflatables, kayaks, and snorkeling gear are provided—perfect for trying out different water activities.
During this trip, you’ll paddle from Galleon Beach to Nelson’s Dockyard, passing by historic sites and enjoying spectacular views. The snorkeling part is highly praised, with many guests mentioning encounters with sea turtles, shipwrecks, and colorful fish. Guests rave about the instructor’s skill and friendliness, with comments like “great experience” and “perfect weather.”
Price-wise, at $110, this tour offers strong value for a two-hour, activity-packed session. It’s suitable for all levels, whether you’re comfortable on a paddleboard or a complete beginner. The inclusion of roundtrip transport makes logistics straightforward, freeing you to focus on the fun.
Bottom Line: For active travelers wanting a quick but comprehensive taste of Antigua’s waters, this tour delivers on variety and fun.
4. Under the Sea Snorkeling (Stingray/Kayak/Power Snorkel available)
This tour offers flexibility with customizable snorkeling locations such as Cades Bay, Long Bay, or English Harbour, and options for power snorkeling or kayaking. It lasts around 3 hours and is priced at $150 per person.
What makes this experience unique is the ability to tailor your day, whether you want to see stingrays, explore Green Island, or simply relax at Long Bay. The tour is suitable for travelers who want a personalized plan, with the chance to include specific sites like Great Bird Island. The only downside is the mixed reviews on the actual snorkeling, with some visitors noting a 3.0/5 rating and one mentioning that the power snorkel activity was not available on their day.
Despite that, the tour’s flexibility and variety make it appealing for adventurous travelers who prioritize customization. It’s a good choice if you prefer choosing your sites and activities rather than sticking to a fixed itinerary.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a flexible, tailored snorkeling outing with options for kayaking and power snorkeling, this tour offers the freedom to craft your perfect day.
$150.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Snorkeling Experience in Antigua
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If personalized service and wildlife encounters are your priority, the Private Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour might be your best fit. For eco-minded travelers who enjoy group activities and mangrove ecosystems, the Eco Half Day is excellent. Short on time but eager to try multiple water activities? The Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Paddle Board tour hits the mark. And if you want to customize your itinerary or include specific sites like Green Island or Long Bay, the Under the Sea option provides flexibility.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and activity. Consider combining tours if possible—say, the private tour for wildlife and the eco adventure for environmental exposure—to get a well-rounded Antigua snorkeling holiday.
Final Thoughts
Antigua offers a rich array of snorkeling options that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you’re seeking a private guide to find sea turtles, an eco-conscious group outing, or a quick activity-packed session, the island has it all. For a more personalized experience, the Private Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour stands out. Meanwhile, the Eco Half Day appeals to those wanting a natural, environmentally friendly outing.
No matter which tour you choose, remember that Antigua’s waters are waiting with incredible marine life and colorful reefs. Book early, pack your reef-safe sunscreen, and prepare for some truly memorable underwater moments.