Things to do in Antigua: Mangrove Kayaking, Reef Snorkeling and a Little Island Hike
When vacationing in the Caribbean, it’s great to get off the resort and really explore the island you’re visiting. We enjoy nature, so when we were looking for things to do in Antigua, we knew we just had to kayak the island’s rich mangroves and snorkel over one of their many reefs to see the natural treasures beneath the waves. We chose Antigua Nature Tours to show us around.
Having spent some time with the Stingrays in the morning, we had an hour or so to chill-out before the much anticipated Antigua Nature Tours’ Kayak – Snorkel – Beach – Hike Excursion was to get underway. Luckily for us, the Stingray City land based facility is a nice place to hang out. We checked out the colourful parrots, then sat down for a snack while watching the chickens running around wild at our feet.
Our nature adventure started with a motorboat ride out to Antigua Nature Tours’ floating kayak dock in the heart of Antigua’s mangroves located in the North Sound Marina Reserve. This protected area is located offshore of a north east section of the island, just south-east of the airport. As soon as the motorboat was tied to the dock, we climbed aboard our kayaks. We paddled around a bit in the lagoon, getting comfortable with our new mode of transportation. We left the protection of the mainland’s mangrove clusters and kayaked across a small channel that separates Guiana island from Antigua’s main land mass. There was a slight wind and a bit of a current, but it was fairly easy paddling across to reach the more protected west side of Guiana island.
We were part of a nice small group, maybe five double kayaks in all. While our guide was helping some of the inexperienced folks get going, the rest of us kayaked around in the amazing clear blue waters that Antigua is famous for. Unlike Antigua’s mainland, Guiana Island has no white sand beaches, instead the shoreline is a deep hedge of mangroves. Once our guide re-took the lead, we hugged the shoreline of the island, staring into the water and the thick network of mangrove roots looking for signs of activity.
Our guide knows exactly where the marine life hangs out, and as we kayaked along the shoreline, he took us into real shallow water where he literally just reached down into the sea-grass and sand to scoop something up to show us. First he gave us a couple of different varieties of sea cucumber, then he pulled up some more familiar marine invertebrate, a jellyfish, followed by a gorgeous starfish. The sea cucumbers were foreign to us – The first one looked like a giant slug (or brown cucumber), real soft and squishy, while the second one looked more protected under it’s thick hard black skin. The starfish was bright orange with yellow features – Just like something you would see on TV watching a nature show. While he explained the “ins-and-outs” (literally) of the marine animal’s eating and digestion routines, our guide ensured that the starfish was constantly kept in water so as to not harm him, or her.
We also saw a few species of fish, who our guide explained raise their young in the protection of the mangrove roots, away from larger predators who can’t penetrate the dense tangled roots of the aquatic trees.
Eventually we made our way back to the kayak base – We probably paddled around for about a mile (>km) or so in total. It was fun to kayak through a narrow ‘natural archway’ in the mangrove clusters near the mainland. Being one of the best things to do in Antigua, I could have spent more time exploring the mangrove inlets in the comfort of these calm waters… however there was more to see and do – We were soon off for the next portion of the excursion.
After a water break, we re-loaded the motor boat and off we went. Our next adventure with Antigua Nature Tours was to snorkel over a reef amidst some of the off-shore islands. First we motored past a number of islands, including Rabbit Island which is a breeding ground for the majestic, prehistoric looking pelicans seen all along the shorelines of Antigua.
Apparently these Antiguan motor boats only have two speeds – Stop and full throttle :). Seriously, not living near water myself, it was fun motoring around and it was great to get a different perspective of Antigua – Observing the island from the sea, we could better appreciate the landscape features. Oh yah, it helps when you’re cruising over such clear, multi-shaded blue water – We couldn’t get over just how beautiful the water is here! One attraction we saw from a distance is a little island, known as Hell’s Gate, which is not much more than an interesting round coral archway protruding from the sea.
Eventually we stopped just offshore of Great Bird Island. We were south of the island and somewhat exposed to the Atlantic Ocean currents. As the water was a little rough, our guide advised us to swim east against the current, then drift back to the boat – This worked out quite nicely. Sticking my face under the waves to see below is always exciting, and I was not disappointed.
The place was brimming with sea-life including tons of elkhorn, brain and lettuce-like coral as well as sea fans and tropical fish. It was fascinating to watch the fish navigating the currents in order to munch the algae clinging to the coral. Some small fish were successfully hovering in the nooks and crannies of the coral, making it difficult to see them.
While there were no large schools of fish, there was plenty to see. I was fascinated in particular by these little blue fish with a single dark blue lined white stripe. They seemed to be swimming with the more numerous Sargent-Major fish – Not sure if they were friends, or what their relationship is. As a temporary visitor to this underwater world, I’m always surprised and amazed at nature’s beauty and biodiversity. The world’s oceans are such a huge part of the planet, however it’s landscapes and marine life is so foreign to most of us. While I’m not that comfortable in the water, I was glad to have snorkeled – It is one of the best things to do in Antigua!
Once back on the boat, we motored a couple hundred yards to Great Bird Island to enjoy the un-populated ‘south beach’. By un-populated, I mean there was no-one there except us. Part of the group took a short stroll to the top of little off-shore island.
We were rewarded with spectacular views of the multi-hued blue waters shining between us and Antigua’s east coast. We peered over the dramatic cliff-sides on the east coast of the island to see a blowhole in action. What was really cool was this natural vertical shaft cut through the island’s rock, which allowed us to glimpse sea water splashing dozens of feet below us.
Mesmerized by the stunning blue waters surrounding the island, I wasn’t paying much attention to the flora and fauna on the island itself – Apparently Great Bird Island is an important conservation site, especially for rare plants and nesting birds. After enjoying some rum-punch on the beach, we were back on board and motoring to Stingray City’s land based facility where we dropped off the other folks in our party.
For the final stage of our nature adventure, our motorboat cruised down the coast back to our hotel. Once again, it’s always a great experience to view the island from sea – We could never tire of motoring over the multiple shades of blue that is Antigua’s waters. We had a great afternoon with Antigua Nature Tours and would recommend others visiting the island to enjoy the experience as well.
ACT Staff
For more information about Antigua Nature Tours, including material to help plan your own Antiguan adventure, you can contact the good folks by visiting their website (just click on the link) below:
Want to see more of Antigua’s underwater world? Check out our Snorkeling Antigua’s Great Bird Island video on YouTube!
For an overview of the “land of sun and sea”, take a look at our Antigua & Barbuda Vacations page
If you’re looking for more active things to do in Antigua, click on our Antigua Adventures blog for more great ideas!
For great Tourist Attractions on the island, check out our Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda blog
