Catamaran Cruise on Bird Island

After being met on the pier by the friendly, experienced tour guide, you will board your awaiting boat for an enjoyable ride along the northwest coast to Great Bird Island, one of Antigua’s best locations for snorkeling. Great Bird Island is a private 20-acre islet lying almost 2 miles northeast of Antigua. Visitors to Great Bird Island regard it as a ‘desert island’ dream. Named by sailors who were amazed at the number of birds they found living and nesting there, Great Bird Island is a miniature paradise. White sand beaches at either end of the sandbar are the main attraction for visitors. You will be given instructions before you are invited to put on your mask, fins and buoyancy belt and go snorkeling with expert guides in the crystal-clear waters! Or you can simply take a swim or relax and soak up the sun in the idyllic location on the beach. You will hike up the hilltop trail to wonderful views of outlying islands and Antigua. It’s ideal for looking for the migrating whales during December to May, sea turtles, and many varieties of birds who nest there throughout the year. While it is best known for its two superb beaches (where you can relax and top up your tan) and closely surrounding coral reefs, it is also the only place you may be able to see an Antiguan Racer snake in the wild. They are only 8 in. long at best, non-venomous and completely harmless. It's also the home for a variety of endangered creatures including exotic, red-billed tropic birds, brown pelican, rare lizards, West Indian whistling ducks and the magnificent frigate bird or man o’ war bird. An eco-island paradise! There’s an open bar including beer, rum punch, soft drinks and fruit punch and a delicious Caribbean lunch including barbequed chicken, pasta, green salad with local banana bread for dessert. Suitably relaxed and educated, your catamaran will return you to St. John’s and your waiting ship.

Don’t forget your sun protection, two towels, swimsuit and, of course, a camera and binoculars!