There is no shortage of boat and catamaran trips to be made around Antigua, with the emphasis - not, it must be said, everyone's cup of tea - normally on being part of a big crowd all having a fun time together. Most of the cruises charge a single price, including a meal and all the drinks you want, and the two main cruise companies, Kokomo and Wadadli Cats, offer virtually identical trips, traveling on large and comfortable catamarans. A more interesting and unusual eco-tour is offered by Adventure Antigua.

The most popular cruise sails right round Antigua, taking in some snorkeling and lunch at Green Island off the east coast. There is also a superb snorkeling trip to Cades Reef on the south coast, stopping off for lunch on one of the west coast beaches, and another to uninhabited Great Bird Island - where there's plenty of birdlife - off the northeast. Finally, there's a "triple destination" cruise on Sundays to English Harbour via Green Island, ending with a taxi ride up to the steel-band party on Shirley Heights and another taxi home.