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Falmouth, Antigua and Barbuda - Things to Do in Falmouth

Falmouth

Falmouth, Antigua and Antigua and Barbuda - Complete Travel Guide

Falmouth, located on the southern coast of Antigua, is a charming historic town that serves as one of the island's most picturesque harbors. This colonial settlement, with its well-preserved Georgian architecture and natural deep-water harbor, has been welcoming sailors and visitors for centuries. The town is renowned for its impressive marina, which hosts some of the world's most luxurious superyachts, and its role as a gateway to Antigua's rich maritime heritage. Today, Falmouth easyly blends its historical significance with modern amenities, offering visitors a perfect base to explore Antigua's beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, and busy culture. The town's strategic location provides easy access to some of the island's most spectacular attractions, including Nelson's Dockyard, pristine beaches, and excellent diving spots. With its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and proximity to both natural wonders and historical sites, Falmouth represents the perfect introduction to Antiguan life.

Top Falmouth

Nelson's Dockyard National Park

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, the world's only continuously working Georgian dockyard, dating back to the 18th century. The beautifully restored naval facility now houses museums, shops, restaurants, and galleries within its historic stone buildings. Walk through maritime history while enjoying impressive harbor views and learning about Admiral Nelson's Caribbean naval operations.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $8 USD for adults, with guided tours available for $15-25. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise ship crowds and heat. Look for combination tickets that include nearby Antigua and Barbuda for better value.

Shirley Heights Sunset Experience

Climb to this historic military lookout point for panoramic views of Antigua and Barbuda and the surrounding coastline. Every Sunday, the site hosts a famous sunset party with live steel band music, barbecue, and rum punches. The 360-degree views from the restored military ruins are spectacular any day of the week.

Booking Tip: Sunday parties cost $20-30 USD including food and drinks, arriving by 4 PM is recommended for best spots. Regular visits are free but bring water and sun protection. Local taxis charge $15-20 each way from Falmouth.

Sailing and Catamaran Adventures

Experience Antigua's crystal-clear waters aboard traditional sailing vessels or modern catamarans departing from Falmouth Harbor. Most trips include snorkeling stops at pristine reefs, beach visits to secluded coves, and opportunities to spot dolphins and sea turtles. The calm Caribbean waters make for perfect sailing conditions year-round.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips cost $60-80, full-day excursions $100-150 including lunch and drinks. Book directly with operators at the marina for better prices. Choose smaller boats (under 20 people) for more personalized experiences and better snorkeling access.

Rainforest Canopy Adventure

Venture into Antigua's lush tropical interior for zip-lining through the rainforest canopy and hiking to hidden waterfalls. The island's highest peak, Mount Obama, offers excellent hiking trails with panoramic views. Experience the island's diverse ecosystem, including rare bird species and tropical flora.

Booking Tip: Zip-line tours cost $75-95 including transportation from Falmouth. Morning tours offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring insect repellent. Some operators offer combination packages with cultural village visits.

Beach Hopping and Water Sports

Discover some of Antigua's famous 365 beaches, each offering unique characteristics from pink sand to dramatic rock formations. Popular nearby beaches include Pigeon Point, Galleon Beach, and the secluded Rendezvous Bay. Enjoy world-class snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in pristine Caribbean waters.

Booking Tip: Beach access is generally free, but parking may cost $5-10. Water sports equipment rental ranges from $20-40 per hour. Consider renting a car ($40-60/day) to explore multiple beaches independently, or join organized beach-hopping tours for $50-70.

Getting There

Falmouth is located about 45 minutes by car from V.C. Bird International Airport, Antigua's main airport which receives direct flights from North America, Europe, and other Caribbean islands. Most hotels and resorts provide airport transfers, or you can rent a car, take a taxi (approximately $60-80 USD), or use local bus services. If arriving by cruise ship, Falmouth is easily accessible from both Stjohns and Heritage Quay cruise terminals. Many visitors also arrive by private yacht or charter boat directly into Falmouth's well-equipped marina facilities.

Getting Around

Falmouth is compact and walkable, with most attractions within the town center accessible on foot. For exploring the wider area, rental cars are the most convenient option, costing $40-60 per day with driving on the left side of the road. Local buses are an economical choice at $2-4 per ride, though schedules can be irregular. Taxis are readily available but negotiate prices beforehand, with typical fares ranging from $10-25 for local trips. Many visitors rent scooters or bicycles for short distances, and water taxis provide scenic transportation around the harbor area.

Where to Stay

Antigua and Barbuda area
Falmouth Harbour
Galleon Beach
Freeman's Bay
Cobbs Cross
Liberta

Food & Dining

Falmouth's dining scene reflects its maritime heritage and international yacht crowd, offering everything from casual beachside grills to upscale waterfront restaurants. The Copper & Lumber Store Hotel houses several excellent restaurants, while Admiral's Inn provides historic ambiance with Caribbean cuisine. Local specialties include fresh lobster, conch fritters, and saltfish, often accompanied by rice and peas or fungi. The marina area features numerous bars and restaurants catering to the yachting community, with many establishments offering happy hour specials and live music. Don't miss trying local rum punches and the island's famous Antigua Black Pineapple when in season.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda

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

View all food guides →

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)
Montenegro lodging night_club

The Fox House Bar & Restaurant

4.5 /5
(231 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Falmouth is during the dry season from December to April, when temperatures are comfortable (75-85°F), humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. This period coincides with peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds, especially around major sailing events like Antigua Sailing Week in late April/early May. The shoulder seasons of November and May offer good weather with fewer crowds and better prices. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with September and October being the wettest months, though Antigua sits relatively south of the main hurricane belt.

Insider Tips

Visit the Dockyard Museum early in the day before cruise ship passengers arrive for a more intimate experience with the exhibits
Sunday's Antigua and Barbuda party is famous, but Thursday's barbecue offers the Easttimor great views with smaller crowds and lower prices
Many restaurants and bars offer significant discounts during happy hour (typically 4-6 PM), perfect timing before sunset activities

Activities in Falmouth