Prickly Pear Island Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Prickly Pear Island Shore Excursions
Prickly Pear Island
Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation tour
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 221.39
Prickly Pear Island
Scenic Full Day Tour of Antigua
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 142.95
Prickly Pear Island
Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 142.50
Prickly Pear Island
Private Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour of Antigua
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 150.00
Prickly Pear Island
Tuk-Tuk Adventures Rainforest and Beach Hopping Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 109.00
Prickly Pear Island
SoCoHo Eco Half Day - Mangrove Kayak & Reef Snorkeling
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 135.00
Prickly Pear Island
Antigua Zipline Canopy Adventure from St John’s
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 110.00
Prickly Pear Island
Salty Dogs UTV Adventure
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 155.00
Prickly Pear Island
Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 121.00
Prickly Pear Island
Historic City, Fort and Beach E-Bike Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 130.00
Prickly Pear Island
Crystal Clear Kayak Drone Photography Antigua
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 180.00
Prickly Pear Island
Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 121.00
Prickly Pear Island
Historic Island Tour(Historic Barbuda tour also available))
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 128.21
Prickly Pear Island
Horseback Riding at Hawksbill Beach in Five islands Antigua
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 120.00
Prickly Pear Island
Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 64.88
Prickly Pear Island
Half-Day Tour: Island Safari Adventure from St. John's
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 162.83
Prickly Pear Island
Snorkel - Lobster Lunch Cruise to Cades Reef
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 160.00
Prickly Pear Island
Antigua Round Island Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 93.73
Prickly Pear Island
Nicole's Table - All about Jerk
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 145.00
Prickly Pear Island
TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 130.00
Prickly Pear Island
City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 105.00
Prickly Pear Island
Rum Making Masterclass Galleon Beach Antigua 2 People per Station
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 150.00
Prickly Pear Island
Dickinson bay beach
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 85.00
Prickly Pear Island
Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 35.00
Prickly Pear Island
Nicole's Table - Cooking with Rum
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 165.00
Prickly Pear Island
St. Mary's Mud Buggy Experience
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 145.00
Prickly Pear Island
Private Antigua Island Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 130.00
Prickly Pear Island
Crystal Kayak & Snorkel Eco Tour (with transfer - 8:15am)
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 89.00
Prickly Pear Island
Nicole's Table - From the Sea
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 165.00
Prickly Pear Island
Rum Making Masterclass Galleon Beach Antigua for 1 Person
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 99.00
Related destinations to Prickly Pear Island
What should a first-time visitor know about visiting Prickly Pear Island?
A first-time visit offers a compact, relaxed island experience with shallow turquoise waters and short walks between landing spot and snorkel sites. Most itineraries are gentle and focused on swimming, snorkelling and beach time rather than long hikes or extensive facilities. Pack reef-safe sun cream, a hat, water and a lightweight towel because there are no shops or services on the islet. Operators often include short safety briefings and basic snorkel equipment; confirm what is provided before you go to avoid duplicates. Prickly Pear Island shore excursions typically return to Antigua within a few hours, so plan any onward ship or transport timing accordingly.
What are the top attractions and sights on Prickly Pear Island?
The main draws are the shallow turquoise lagoons, accessible coral gardens and small sandy beaches ideal for relaxing. Snorkelling close to shore reveals colourful reef fish, sea fans and occasional rays in clear, calm water. Birdwatching can be rewarding on quiet mornings when coastal birds rest among the scrub and rocks. Views back to Antigua and nearby islands make for attractive photo opportunities during late afternoon light. Prickly Pear Island tours often highlight these natural features rather than man-made attractions, so expect a nature-centred experience.
Is it better to choose a half-day or a full-day shore excursion?
A half-day option typically provides two to four hours ashore which suits brief snorkelling sessions and a relaxed picnic on the sand. Full-day trips allow more time for extended snorkelling, leisurely swims and possibly a barbecue lunch if included by the operator. Consider your energy levels, sea conditions and ship schedule when choosing, since longer outings require more daylight and comfortable transit. Those who value a calm, shorter visit may prefer the half-day while people wanting a slow pace and extra water time may favour a full-day. Prickly Pear Island shore excursions are arranged to match both options, so check exact timings and inclusions to decide what suits you best.
Are there any cultural or historical points of interest on Prickly Pear Island?
The islet itself is uninhabited and does not feature significant built heritage, but its coastal setting reflects broader Antiguan maritime history. Fishermen and sailors historically used nearby waters and small islets for shelter, fishing and navigation around Antigua's coastline. Visitors can learn about local seafaring traditions and the island's role in regional reef ecology from guides who explain historical uses. Evidence of limited past human activity may appear as scattered artefacts on shore but there are no formal archaeological sites or museums on the islet. Prickly Pear Island tours often include short interpretive remarks rather than in-depth historical programming, reflecting the islet's primarily natural significance.
What kind of natural scenery and wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect low scrub, rocky outcrops and narrow sandy beaches framed by vivid blue-green water and bright white sand. Shallow reefs nearby host healthy coral gardens with small reef fish, sea urchins, starfish and occasional juvenile rays or turtles. Sea birds frequent the islet; herons and terns are commonly sighted from the shoreline, particularly in early morning. Snorkelling visibility is usually good in calm weather, revealing coral formations and colourful marine life close to the landing area. Prickly Pear Island shore excursions focus on these natural features, so bring a mask and underwater camera if you want close-up photos.
Will food and drinks be available during a shore excursion to Prickly Pear Island?
There are no permanent food vendors or restaurants on the islet, so many visits include a simple catered lunch or require visitors to bring their own provisions. Operators sometimes provide packed lunches, fresh fruit and drinks while other excursions recommend participants bring water and light snacks. If you wish to sample Antiguan cuisine, plan to do so before or after the trip on Antigua where local dishes such as ducana, saltfish and pepperpot are served. Carry any dietary necessities and avoid single-use plastics by using reusable water bottles and containers during your visit. Prickly Pear Island tours generally advise checking inclusions in advance so you know whether food and refreshments are supplied or self-catered.
What activity level should I expect and who is it suitable for?
Activities are typically low to moderate intensity, centred on short walks, swimming and snorkelling in calm, shallow water close to shore. People with basic mobility can usually manage the short, uneven paths and gentle beach slopes, though those with limited mobility may require assistance. Children and older adults often enjoy the easy snorkel conditions, but supervising youngsters in the water is essential for safety. Bring comfortable water shoes, sun protection and a personal flotation aid if you prefer extra stability while swimming. Prickly Pear Island shore excursions suit most fitness levels but check landing arrangements and boat transfer details if you have specific accessibility or health concerns.
How accessible is Prickly Pear Island for people with mobility needs?
Accessibility is limited because the islet has no formal ramps, paved paths or accessible toilets; landings are often by tender that requires stepping over a gunwale. Assistance from crew may be available for boarding but transfer conditions vary with sea state and vessel equipment, so discuss needs with the excursion organiser beforehand. Those using wheelchairs or with significant mobility restrictions should expect challenges and consider alternatives on Antigua with better facilities. Bringing a companion and mobility aids suitable for uneven sandy and rocky surfaces can improve safety and comfort during short visits. Prickly Pear Island tours commonly highlight these limitations, making prior enquiries essential to assess if a particular outing is appropriate.
What is the best time of year and day to visit Prickly Pear Island?
The drier months from December to April generally offer calmer seas, clearer water and sunnier days ideal for snorkelling and beach activities. Visiting in the morning typically provides gentler winds and better underwater visibility before afternoon breezes pick up. Avoid peak hurricane season when sea conditions can be rough and some operators reduce or cancel visits for safety reasons. Consider local cruise schedules and shore-side crowds; weekdays and earlier arrivals often feel less busy than later, mid-day landings. Prickly Pear Island shore excursions operate year-round subject to weather, so flexibility around timing improves the chance of calm conditions.
Should I take a guided excursion or explore Prickly Pear Island independently?
Guided outings provide local knowledge on safe snorkel spots, reef ecology and boat-handling, plus equipment and basic safety instruction included in many trips. Independent visits require arranging your own transport, snorkel gear and awareness of landing regulations, which can be practical for confident, experienced visitors. Safety considerations such as currents, marine life and navigation favour choosing an operator if you are unfamiliar with the area. Check with local authorities about permitted landings and any protected reef zones before attempting a self-directed visit. Prickly Pear Island tours are often recommended for first-time snorkellers and those who prefer a structured, informative outing rather than self-planning.