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Carlisle Bay, Antigua and Barbuda - Things to Do in Carlisle Bay

Things to Do in Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay, Antigua and Barbuda - Complete Travel Guide

Carlisle Bay is a stunning crescent-shaped beach located on the southwestern coast of Antigua, renowned for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This protected bay offers some of the Caribbean's most spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities, with several historic shipwrecks resting in its shallow waters, including the Andes merchant vessel and the Jettias barge. The bay's calm, sheltered waters make it perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while its proximity to St. John's makes it easily accessible for day trips. Beyond its natural beauty, Carlisle Bay serves as a gateway to Antigua's rich maritime history and vibrant marine ecosystem. The area is home to luxury resorts, charming beachfront restaurants, and water sports operators offering everything from sunset sailing to deep-sea fishing. The bay's unique position creates a natural harbor that has been significant throughout Antigua's colonial history, and today it continues to attract visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure in one of the Caribbean's most picturesque settings.

Top Things to Do in Carlisle Bay

Shipwreck Snorkeling Adventure

Explore the underwater museum of Carlisle Bay, home to several historic shipwrecks in shallow, crystal-clear waters. The wrecks, including the Andes and Jettias, are teeming with colorful tropical fish and coral formations, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. The calm, protected waters offer excellent visibility year-round, allowing you to discover sea turtles, stingrays, and schools of tropical fish.

Booking Tip: Book with established operators like Adventure Antigua or Mystic Man Tours for $45-75 per person including equipment. Morning tours offer the best visibility and fewer crowds. Look for operators that provide underwater cameras and marine life identification guides.

Catamaran Sunset Sailing

Experience the magic of Caribbean sunsets aboard a luxury catamaran cruising the waters around Carlisle Bay. These tours typically include stops at secluded beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and premium open bars with local rum punches. The spacious catamarans offer comfortable seating and unobstructed views of Antigua's dramatic coastline as the sun dips below the horizon.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days in advance during peak season, with prices ranging from $85-120 per adult. Choose tours departing 2-3 hours before sunset for the best experience. Look for operators offering small group sizes (under 20 people) for a more intimate experience.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Glide across the tranquil waters of Carlisle Bay on a stand-up paddleboard, perfect for exploring hidden coves and getting up close to marine life. The bay's calm conditions make it ideal for beginners, while the clear waters allow you to spot sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish beneath your board. Many operators offer guided tours that include basic instruction and safety equipment.

Booking Tip: Rent boards for $25-35 per hour or join guided tours for $50-70 per person. Early morning sessions offer the calmest conditions and best wildlife viewing. Choose operators that provide dry bags for valuables and offer basic instruction for beginners.

Deep Sea Fishing Excursion

Venture into the deep Atlantic waters beyond Carlisle Bay for world-class sport fishing targeting marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna. Professional fishing charters provide all equipment and expertise needed for both novice and experienced anglers. The waters around Antigua are particularly productive year-round, with the chance to land trophy-sized game fish.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters cost $400-800 for up to 6 people, full-day trips $800-1500. Book during the dry season (December-April) for the best conditions. Choose boats with experienced captains who know local fishing spots and provide quality tackle and safety equipment.

Kayak and Beach Hopping Tour

Paddle along Antigua's stunning southwestern coastline, exploring secluded beaches and hidden coves accessible only by water. These guided tours combine kayaking with beach stops for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking on pristine stretches of sand. The route typically includes visits to Darkwood Beach and Coco Beach, offering diverse landscapes and excellent photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $65-85 per person including equipment and refreshments. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon trade winds. Look for operators providing waterproof bags, snorkeling gear, and local refreshments. No prior kayaking experience necessary.

Getting There

Carlisle Bay is located approximately 10 minutes south of St. John's, Antigua's capital city. Most visitors arrive via V.C. Bird International Airport, which is about 15 minutes from the bay area. Taxis from the airport cost $25-35 USD, while rental cars are available from major international companies. Many hotels and resorts in the area provide complimentary shuttle services from the airport. If staying in St. John's, the bay is easily accessible by taxi ($15-20) or rental car via the scenic coastal road.

Getting Around

The Carlisle Bay area is best explored by rental car, taxi, or resort shuttle services. Car rentals cost $40-60 per day and provide the freedom to explore Antigua's 365 beaches at your own pace. Local taxis are readily available but can be expensive for multiple trips - negotiate day rates of $150-200 for island touring. Many resorts offer complimentary shuttle services to nearby beaches and St. John's. For water-based exploration, water taxis and boat rentals are available directly from the beach, providing access to secluded coves and neighboring beaches.

Where to Stay

Carlisle Bay Resort Area
St. John's City Center
Dickenson Bay
Jolly Beach
English Harbour
Five Islands Peninsula

Food & Dining

Carlisle Bay offers an excellent mix of beachfront dining and upscale resort restaurants. The area is known for fresh seafood, Caribbean specialties, and international cuisine with stunning ocean views. Popular beachfront spots like Sheer Rocks and Catherine's Café serve everything from casual beach fare to gourmet dinners. Many restaurants specialize in locally caught fish, lobster, and conch prepared with island spices. The nearby resorts offer multiple dining options ranging from casual poolside grills to fine dining establishments. Don't miss trying local specialties like ducana, saltfish, and the island's famous rum punches made with Antiguan rum.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Papa Zouk

4.5 /5
(550 reviews) 2

Le Bistro Restaurant

4.6 /5
(342 reviews) 3

Paparazzi Pizzeria & Bar

4.5 /5
(295 reviews) 2

Casa Roots - Beach - Food & Drinks

4.7 /5
(260 reviews)

South Point | Antigua

4.5 /5
(264 reviews)
bar lodging night_club

The Fox House Bar & Restaurant

4.5 /5
(231 reviews)
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Carlisle Bay is during the dry season from mid-December through April, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. This period offers perfect conditions for water activities, though it's also peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds. The shoulder seasons of May-June and November can offer excellent value with good weather and fewer tourists. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with September and October being the most active months, though many days remain sunny and pleasant even during this period.

Insider Tips

Visit the shipwrecks early in the morning when visibility is best and marine life is most active - sea turtles are commonly spotted around 8-9 AM
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as Antigua has implemented strict environmental protections for its coral reefs and marine life
The beach bars along Carlisle Bay offer some of the island's best rum punches - try the local Cavalier or English Harbour rums mixed with fresh fruit juices

Explore Activities in Carlisle Bay