Private Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour of Antigua
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Take in the sights and sounds of Antigua by land and sea with this guided tour led by a local spearfisherman. Get the chance to snorkel with sea turtles and explore shipwrecks at Galleon Beach. This tour can accommodate all travelers, even those who do not want to snorkel. Other stops include Shirley Heights and Nelson's Dockyard.
- The combination tour offers both land and sea experiences
- Enjoy the personalized attention of a private tour
- Admission to Shirley Heights and Nelson's Dockyard is not included
What's Included
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Admission Fee - Shirley's Heights, and Nelson's Dockyard$15.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We can pick you up wherever you may be on the island. Cruise ship travelers will meet in the parking lot right next to Rum Runners Bar which is a very short walk after you exit the ship. I will be waiting there wearing a bright yellow shirt, I have a large beard and bald head and I am pretty hard to miss. I contact all guests a day or two before your tour to get room numbers and give additional pickup information. Last minute bookings will receive a phone call or text message from me as well for pickup information. So make sure your phone number is correct when booking!
What To Expect
1
Galleon Beach
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- If you have mobility issues do not book this tour
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jessica_T
We had a wonderful day with Johnny. We got picked up at our hotel and spent time at the Dockyard, Shirley Heights mountain. Then off to swim with the Turtles, Stingray and explore a few shipwrecks. I do recommend being a decent swimmer. It's alot of swimming around a bay although pretty shallow. Read the description, there is no boat. We misread. However, we had a fantastic time and Johnny was really funny. We got some great history and island life discussion and education. Highly recommend!
Reviews
5.0
based on 248 reviews
SHELLY_M, Mar 2026
Overall great excursion. Johnny is very personable, friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating.
Highly recommend to book with Johnny( fellow Canadian)!!! :)
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks Shelly! Hope you enjoy the rest of your time here!
Brian_S, Mar 2026
Johnny was knowledgeable & friendly and an expert at snorkeling, who knew exactly where the turtles & shipwrecks were.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the review, all the best in your future travels man! Much love from my little rock!!
William_G, Mar 2026
Very poor day for snorkeling - water was VERY cloudy with low visibility. John, however, was delightful & accommodating with plenty of knowledge of the history & culture of Antigua. He could not create clear water but did everything else to make us comfortable. We did not find the effort to swim out difficult in the least.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Yes the visibility was very bad that morning, something we are really not used to. Very rarely happens. Happy you guys still enjoyed yourselves regardless. It actually got sort of better by the aftenoon, and we were able to see a turtle, hopefully it will be much better by tomorrow morning.
Gary_R, Mar 2026
A very fun experience seeing the island then many sea turtles when snorkeling. We were a group of 6 and Johnny’s vehicle did not fit us very well. It would be perfect for 4 or 2. Also, there is a lot swimming to snorkel, so when he says there is physical exertion he means it, but we were all in decent shape and loved the activity.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for the review you guys were a lot of fun. Seating is tight with a group of 6 but its a private tour so at least your close to your pal, and not a stranger. The vehicle does have 6 seats with seatbelts, but people have different statures and levels of comfort, and that's fine. A larger vehicle is in the works anyways, hoping to be able to accommodate up to 15 people soon.
Snorkeling should be effortless if done correctly, you just lay flat and float on the surface of the water and let your flippers do the work, it should really require no effort at all, but everyone has different abilities and it is my job to try to show people a good time regardless of their abilities. We snorkel in a very calm natural harbor, so there are virtually no waves or current, and loads of guests find it very easy, but like I said everyone's different. Thanks again for booking my small private tour over the larger companies out there, it is greatly appreciated!!
Paul_G, Mar 2026
This is a fabulous small group experience. Between 2-6 people. Johnny is very knowledgeable loves the water, loves the island. He took us to the Nelson Dockyards and other historic sites. He was able to take us through areas that helped us avoid the crowds from bus loads of tourist. Our final stop, which was galleon Bay was spectacular. He snorkeled out with my husband, and there are a couple of shipwrecks there plus they saw sea turtles and other fish and Johnny took videos which he uploaded and emailed to us at no extra cost. I would highly recommend this tour if you want personal service with a delightful young man.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks so much Paul it was my absolute pleasure to take you snorkeling, and show you some nice sites on the island!
Giselle_G, Feb 2026
We 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.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks so much for the review Giselle, you and Denis were great company, and good swimmers. Hope you thoroughly enjoy your time here on my little rock in the sun!
Thomas_J, Jan 2026
As 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.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks Tom I appreciate you booking and I enjoyed your company. Even with bad visibility I try not to even get out of the water until we see a turtle.
Marika_S, Jan 2026
It 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!!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks so much Marika, you and Darren were great guests and great swimmers as well. So happy to hear you had a good time on my tour. Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here. Thanks again!
Kyle_S, Jan 2026
This 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.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks so much Kyle, I enjoyed showing you around and giving you tips for the rest of your trip. I hope you thoroughly enjoy the rest of your time here on my little rock! Much love!!!
John_C, Jan 2026
Johnny did a great job and made our Excursion both educational and fun. I would recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks so much John! You and the gang were great company! Hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise, all the best in your future travels. Much love from my little rock!
Tom_D, Dec 2025
Our tour guide Johnny did a great job of showing us the island and telling us the history and background of what we were seeing. He took us up to Shirley Heights for some great family pics. Finally, he took us to the best snorkeling spot on Antigua. We saw some great fish and got to swim with the turtles. I would highly recommend going on the tour with Johnny.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks Tom! Hope you had a safe hassle free journey home! Much love and all the best for the new year from my little rock!
Jeanne_A, Dec 2025
Johnny is a wonderful, knowledgeable and friendly guide. He made sure that we had a wonderful experience and went out of his way on the snorkeling trip for even a member of our party who decided to sit it out on the beach to see a video of the octopus and turtles that we saw. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks so much for booking my small private tour over larger tour companies out there! It is greatly appreciated! Hope you and your sister have a wonderful holiday!
Hannah_U, Dec 2025
Great tour to see some of the island and for easy snorkeling. The viewpoint is stunning and seeing turtles up that close was awesome!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks Hannah, wishing you guys all the best and Happy holidays from my little rock!
Ralph_S, Dec 2025
This trip was amazing. We were looked after from beginning to end on this private tour. Even down to rinsing our Sandy, salty shoes after walking back from the beach to the car. Jonny is an amazing character who brought his experience and energy to enhance the day. Snorkeling is his A game, where he found for us octopus, lobster and to finish the day swimming with turtles. Glad we dumped our cruise ships tour and went independent. 100% recommended, a highlight for our holiday. Go you will not regret it. The underwater videos he sent us, will be treasured.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much Ralph! You and Allison were great company, and I truly enjoyed my time with you guys. I hope I helped you make some lasting memories on my tour. If you ever find yourselves back here, don't hesitate to contact me.
Much love from my little rock!
Kelleen_C, Dec 2025
Do not hesitate in booking this tour. Surpassed our expectations. Johnny made sure that we were able to see the wildlife from the octopuses to the turtles.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
The best tour youve ever experienced while in the caribbean is a really great compliment, considering you were cruise ship guests and have probably been on multiple tours of islands! Thanks so much guys I enjoyed your company very much and wishing you Happy Holidays from my little rock!
Lauren_R, Dec 2025
This tour was fantastic and we would definitely recommend. Johnny was amazing, very knowledgeable and fun. The snorkelling was incredible and Johnny was so great at finding things for us to see. We saw turtles and octopuses and the shipwrecks were really cool.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks for the review, and I hope I made your moms birthday a memorable one! Always try my best to show as much life as possible.
Shawn_O, Dec 2025
We had an awesome time on this tour Johnny was a great guide. He is very knowledgeable about the island . He made us feel comfortable by texting us and telling us exactly where to meet and what he would be wearing. I picked this excursion from Viator instead of from the cruise ship options to avoid the crowds and lines and it was definitely the right choice. Snorkeling was fun, we saw lots of beautiful fish and some turtles. I felt safe because Johnny had regular life jackets not the ones they offer for big groups. I am not a strong swimmer and I felt very safe. I would definitely recommend this excursion!!!!! Thank you for a great time!!!!!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Happy to know you felt safe with me in the water. My main focus is to keep people safe the whole time. IF we can leave a little earlier on cruise ship days we always normally beat the crowds! Thanks again yoou and Joe were great company for the day!
Carrie_K, Dec 2025
Our guide, Johnny, was great! Picked us up right from the cruise port. Super knowledgeable and showed us some great spots. While snorkeling we saw squid, an octopus, multiple turtles, shipwrecks and a 300 year old anchor. At the end, Johnny took us to a small local place for some delicious food. Support Johnny and his growing business!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
You and your mom were great company Carrie! Thanks for booking me over the larger tour companies out there it is greatly appreciated!
Rico_P, Nov 2025
He did a great job. Very personable and informative about the island. Down to earth and helpful. Thank you
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks so much for the review man! Much love from my little rock!
Stephanie_T, Nov 2025
We had a great time on this private tour ( just the two of us) with Johnny. He is a local and shared all his knowledge of living on the island and some of its history. He took us to some beautiful sights where we had time to explore on our own. Then we headed to Galleon beach which has history its self where we did some snorkeling to see a shipwreck and some turtles. A very laidback fun tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
I am so happy you had a good time on my tour! Thanks again for booking the small private tour I offer over the larger tour companies out there! It is greatly apprecciated and was truly a pleasure.
fearsfamily, Nov 2025
Wonderful!!!! Johnny was knowledgeable and fun The snorkeling was the best. Johnny made sure we were satisfied! He really cared that everyone has fun. Don't miss this opportunity!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for the review! I really enjoyed the company of all you guys. We had some great conversations, and I hope you learned a little about island life. If you're still out there cruising, hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!
Bradley_S, Nov 2025
Johnny was a phenomenal guide. He spent his childhood summers on the island with his father and has lived on the island for the last decade. He provided us with a ton of information on the island’s history. Even though the seas were choppy and visibility was lower than usual, we were able to find three wild sea turtles, two octopuses, and dozens of different species of fish. After snorkeling, we asked Johnny to take us to a local restaurant so we could taste some local delicacies, and the food was phenomenal. Overall, I would recommend this tour for anyone who wants a 4-5 hour adventure, irrespective of your skill level with swimming/snorkeling. My Wife has a heart condition and cannot swim all that well, and Johnny gave her a float to make her experience more enjoyable. 5/5 stars!
-Brad & Billie Jean
Kentucky, USA
Response from Host, Nov 2025
You guys were amazing company! I enjoyed my time with you guys a lot. Hoping you decide to return one day, and look me up when you do! Brad and Billie Jean, I wish you guys all the best from my little rock. Absolutely unforgettable people!
Michele_R, Nov 2025
Johnny was super nice and we enjoyed our conversation throughout the day with him. Snorkeling was fantastic! We saw octopus gardens and sea turtles - so awesome! Would definitely recommend!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks so much for the review! Hope you learned some new stuff and enjoyed the experience. Never get tired of snorkeling with new friends, and showing them things they may only get to see once in their lives! Much love from my little rock!
Harold_N, Nov 2025
Johnny was amazing. Very knowledgeable and good conversationalist. The snorkeling experience was awesome. Saw so much and promptly sent us the underwater videos. Would definitely recommend him!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
You guys were great company, I enjoyed our conversations very much. Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your time here on this little rock in the sun! All the best.
Julie_C, Nov 2025
Johnny is a great guide and knows his stuff!!
We did the city tour and snorkeling at galleon beach!! Saw lots of sea life and he helped me since I wasn't a strong swimmer-made it super easy.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks so much for the revie Julie, you and Trace were great company and great guests, and I very appreciate you booking my small private tour over the big companies out there!
LarryJ_M, Nov 2025
This is an excellent guided snorkeling tour from the shore at Galleon Beach. This is not a boat tour but you don’t need a boat tour to see the sights at Galleon Beach. The experience is better in my opinion from shore. John the tour guide is very knowledgeable and is very good at finding octopus, turtles, and other marine life. He will pick you up anywhere on the island. John was born in Antigua and shares his knowledge of the island while driving you to the snorkeling sight. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Antigua.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks Larry! I have been told by countless guests that they have seen more marine life on my tour than on all the boat tours they have taken. Snorkeling is done a protected natural harbor meaning it is very calm and shallow, and I have taken loads of beginners/first timers and got them to see loads of life/turtles on their first ever snorkeling experience. Thanks again for the kind words and review, I very much enjoyed your company.
John_H, Nov 2025
This was such a great experience from start to finish. Johnny was a fantastic guide who really knew the island and made sure we got around the crowds, and had a great time. The snorkeling at Galleon Beach was beautiful, and we even saw sea turtles, and an octopus! My wife was a little nervous, and Johnny took great care. The stops at Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard were great and Johnny gave us a good feel for the island’s history. Everything felt easy and personal. Highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for the review John! You and Heidi were great company. I did not mind the nervousness of your wife one bit. I am very used to beginners and always find it very rewarding to get nervous people/first timers to see turtles, shipwrecks and other marine life. It was truly a pleasure! Hope your journey home, is a safe/hassle free one! Much love from my little rock!
Daniel_C, Nov 2025
Johnny was very friendly & knowledgeable,
He took us to some popular sites, ahead of the cruise ship crowds, and then guided us on a snorkeling tour. We appreciated that he sent videos. We saw an octopus (and octopus’garden) and a plus lots of fish and a shipwreck.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks so much for the review Dan, you and the gang were great company. I enjoyed our conversations, and hope I helped make some memories for you guys! Thanks again for booking this small private tour, over the larger companies out there.
Monique_F, Sep 2025
We were met outside the port by our tour guide Johnny. He gave us instructions ahead of time and was very descriptive and that helped so much! Johnny took us to a wonderful snorkel spot and provided all the gear to go in the water. He was very helpful and made sure we were all set before we went in. The area was beautiful and there was no one else out there! We saw so much sea life! The best part was the octopus. Johnny took video and emailed it to us later. It was so nice to have a memory of what we saw! I enjoyed the one on one snorkel tour and felt it was well worth the money. My husband and I loved every bit of this tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
You guys were good company for the day! I never get tired of showing people things underwater they have never seen before. Thanks so much for the review!
Larry_S, Sep 2025
Johnny was a wonderful guide. Very fun and friendly and shared a lot of knowledge of Antigua and its history. Also he is an experienced diver and was right with us pointing out some interesting sea life. We loved the trip!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks Larry you and Dana were awesome and very good sports about the weather! I can't believe how much rain fell that day, it was crazy but I enjoyed every moment of it. Snorkeling in the rain is pretty awesome actually, and we still managed to see so much that day! Thanks again for booking my small private tour over the larger companies out there it definitely has its benefits, and is much better than being in a larger group!
From $150.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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