St Johns stands out as a lively hub where Caribbean charm meets rich history and natural beauty. Its compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by small group tours, and the variety of options means there’s something for every type of traveler. Personally, we think swimming with stingrays at Stingray City is a must-do—it’s a surreal experience to pet these gentle creatures in their natural environment. Plus, with options like the 6-Hours Tour East Coast of Antigua that combines marine encounters with scenic sights and local cuisine, you can truly get a taste of Antigua’s diverse charms.
If you’re wondering what kind of tours to prioritize, we’ve gathered six standout options that showcase Antigua’s natural wonders, historic sites, and local flavor. Whether you want a quick half-day experience or a full-day adventure, this list helps you choose the best city tour based on your interests and schedule.
1. Stingray City Antigua for all the ages – ROUND TRIP INCLUDED
At number 1, this tour offers a gentle, family-friendly experience of swimming with stingrays in Antigua’s famous Sandbank. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your resort or cruise port, making logistics hassle-free. The itinerary starts with a transfer to Seatons, where you’ll board a boat to the sandbank—just an 8-minute ride—where the stingrays glide peacefully around you. What’s great about this experience is its accessibility; it’s suitable for all ages, from kids to seniors, with minimal steps to access the boat.
The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, with many praising the helpfulness of drivers like Andrew and Phoenix. The time spent in the water is approximately 1.5 hours, giving plenty of opportunity to pet, feed, and take photos of the rays. The price of $139.90 offers excellent value for a memorable half-day. This tour is perfect if you’re traveling with family or want a relaxed, safe introduction to the marine life of Antigua.
Bottom Line: A top choice for families or anyone wanting a safe, easy, and immersive stingray experience in Antigua.
2. 6-Hours Tour East Coast of Antigua: Stingray City, Lunch & Beach
Number 2 on our list is a comprehensive day trip blending marine life encounters with scenic coastal highlights. Starting at Stingray City, you’ll pet, feed, and photograph these peaceful animals—an experience lasting about 1 hour 50 minutes. What sets this tour apart is its diversity: after the marine adventure, you’ll visit the iconic Devil’s Bridge, then relax at Long Bay, and finish with a typical Antiguan lunch.
The tour is perfect for those wanting a full day of varied activities without feeling rushed. The lunch at a local restaurant introduces you to authentic cuisine, and the visit to Betty’s Hope offers a glimpse into Antigua’s sugar plantation past. The price of $194.90 reflects the value of seeing multiple sights in one trip, plus enjoying local flavors.
Reviewers praise Phoenix’s knowledge and friendly attitude, noting the tour’s well-organized nature. The highlight for many is the chance to truly connect with Antigua’s land and sea in one seamless experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation in one day.
3. Stingray City experience, Devils Bridge and Long Bay Beach
This guided tour offers a balanced mix of marine life, natural wonders, and beach time. It starts with the famous Stingray City, where you can pet and feed the rays while in their natural habitat—no cages, no restrictions. The duration is about 1 hour 10 minutes, making it a manageable half-day.
Afterward, you’ll stop at the Devil’s Bridge, a striking geological formation that’s a must-see for visitors. The visit lasts roughly 15 minutes, just enough to snap photos and hear the legend behind it. The final stop is Long Bay Beach, renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a relaxing swim or snorkel with provided equipment. The total experience is around 5 hours, making it ideal for those wanting a thorough taste of Antigua’s highlights.
Guests rave about the peaceful rays and the stunning scenery, with some noting the short but meaningful stop at Devil’s Bridge. The value here is clear, especially for those who want a full but not overly long day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded day with marine, geological, and beach highlights.
4. 3-Hours Eye-Opening Stingray City Antigua – Transfer R/T included
If you’re pressed for time but still eager to experience Antigua’s iconic stingrays, this 3-hour tour is your best bet. It’s a streamlined version of the full experience, with transportation included—making it very convenient. The tour kicks off with a short transfer to Seatons, then a quick boat ride to the sandbank, where you’ll spend about 1 hour 50 minutes interacting with the rays.
What makes this tour stand out is its time efficiency—you get the core experience without sacrificing the essence. The reviews mention how Greta and other guides make the experience memorable, highlighting how easy it is for families with small children or travelers with tight schedules. The cost of $139.90 makes it an attractive, accessible option for a half-day adventure.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a concentrated, hassle-free stingray experience with all logistics handled.
5. ANTIGUA FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Stingray City, Beach, lunch & more…
At number 5, this full-day tour takes you around Antigua’s most famous spots. Starting with the stingrays at Stingray City, you’ll enjoy chest-deep water with these gentle creatures, even if you’re not a swimmer. The tour continues to the spectacular Long Bay, where snorkeling is included, and it’s regarded as one of the best beaches on the island.
Along With marine life, the itinerary offers a visit to Devil’s Bridge, providing stunning photo opportunities, and a lunch break with local cuisine. The tour lasts about 6 hours 10 minutes, making it perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at Antigua. The value lies in its coverage—covering marine life, beaches, and cultural sites in one day.
The reviews note how Phoenix’s enthusiasm and knowledge added a lot to the experience, making the tour both fun and informative. The itinerary is ideal for those who want to see a bit of everything without rushing.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a detailed, full-day experience with diverse highlights.
6. City of St John’s Sightseeing Tour
Last but not least, the City of St John’s sightseeing tour offers a more urban perspective. Lasting about 2.5 hours, this tour covers historic sites like Fort James and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, along with the vibrant Heritage Quay. This tour is perfect if you’re interested in local architecture, history, or just want a quick taste of the city’s culture.
The price is very accessible at $64.88, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers or those with limited time. The reviews mention friendly guides like Blondell and Vernon, who make the tour engaging and informative.
While it doesn’t include marine encounters or beaches, it offers a solid introduction to Antigua’s past and present, complemented by hotel pickup and drop-off.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a concise, educational tour of Antigua’s city sights.
How to Choose the Perfect City Tour in St Johns
When picking a tour, consider your interests and schedule. If your main goal is swimming with stingrays, the Round Trip Stingray City or the 3-hour Stingray experience offer quick, immersive options. For those who want a full day of diverse sights, the East Coast Tour or the Antigua from Top to Bottom deliver both marine encounters and cultural highlights.
Budget travelers will appreciate the City of St John’s Sightseeing Tour, while families or those with limited time should consider the shorter, family-friendly options like the 3-hour Stingray City.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your spot on these popular tours.
Final thoughts
St Johns offers a wide array of city and coastal tours that showcase Antigua’s natural beauty, history, and culture. For an interactive marine experience, the stinging rays are unforgettable, but if you prefer exploring land-based sites, the full-day tours provide a deeper dive into the island’s scenic and historic charms.
For active travelers, the combination tours like stinger plus beach hit the sweet spot of variety and relaxation. And for those focusing on just the city’s urban character, the short sightseeing tour is a perfect, budget-friendly introduction.
Remember to book early, choose a tour that matches your schedule and interests, and prepare for an authentic taste of Antigua’s best offerings. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or just some R&R, St Johns has a tour to make your visit memorable.