Currency
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Language
English
Time Zone
AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Apr
Typical Duration
7-14 nights
Price Range
$5,930-$9,650 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
A pristine, uninhabited island sanctuary offering excellent snorkeling, pristine beaches, and exclusive access to one of the Caribbean's most unspoiled natural destinations.
Cruises that visit Prickly Pear Island
Build Your Day in Prickly Pear Island
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 2:00 PM
Usually about 6 hours ashore
Getting around:
Heritage Quay Complex
Small tourist trap that is probably about the most exciting part of Antigua.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Nelson's Dockyard
One of the "must see" on Antigua.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
COCOS Hotel (Antigua)
A visit to Stingray Island is a must place to go whilst in Antigua.
Stingray City Antigua
We found this activity on a whim while looking for things to do in Antigua.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Woods Mall
Just nice area.plenty parking, shops are nice and clean.
Closed · Opens 6:45 AM Thu
Shirley Heights Lookout
It is a must when in Antigua & Barbuda
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Redcliffe Quay
It’s filled with small boutiques, art galleries & many restaurants.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Devil's Bridge National Park
This is a stunning place and a must-visit in Antigua and Barbuda!
Antigua Cruise Port
Antigua is the Jewel of the caribbean
The Penthouse
Penthouse is a great addition to the Antigua Nightlife scene!
Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
Another must see if you visit the island of Antigua.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Casa Roots - Beach - Food & Drinks
I think this has to be the best restaurant in Antigua!
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Village Walk Shopping Centre
Well kept shopping center, though parking can be tricky
Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Royal Palm Place
Good variety of businesses.
Closes soon · 11 PM
Kon Tiki Bar and Grill
Also this is the most unique bar you will find in the Caribbean.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Tree House Beach Club
This is such a hidden gem in Antigua!
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Tropical Adventures Antigua
We did the Best of Antigua: Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights & Dow's Hill.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
The Hut, Little Jumby
The Hut is a must visit restaurant in Antigua.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
TWIST Mall
A simple mall to satisfy your basic needs
Closed · Opens 5 AM Thu
MAMMA MIA
This is my favorite restaurant in Antigua.
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
GullSea RestoBar
Best restaurant in Antigua by far
Closes soon · 11 PM
Vendor's Mall
Ask for Cynthia booth #2 & 3 for the best prices and quality items
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Rum Runners By The Sea
Here's this cool bar facing the water right behind our ship.
Exotic Antigua
Friendly staff, with a great selection of clothes at reasonable prices.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Pigotts Mall
Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Morlene's Restaurant and Bar
Dine-in·Takeout
Stickz Bar and Restaurant
Best Rum punch on the island.
Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Laviscount Island
We visited the island as part of a Stingray City tour, and it was brilliant.
Ivy Vybz
Right on the boardwalk Rum punch was A+ Service second to none.
Noreen Phillips Couturiere
They are so helpful and all their stuff is gorgeous
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Charr'd Wood Fire Grill
Eating at Charr’d is an experience.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Hungry Pelican
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
The Cove Restaurant
Dine-in·No delivery
Prickly Pear Island
You can hike around the island and get an amazing view.
The Red Roof Beach Bar
Great vibes and they serve the best rum punch of the island!
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Island Beach Bums
Awesome store pretty stuff exceptional customer service
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Best Beach Bar
Best floating bar in Antigua
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Charlotte's Cove
Climbing down from the path to the beach is challenging.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Prickly Pear Island
Prickly Pear Island serves as a scenic port of call in the Caribbean, with two specialized cruise lines—Emerald Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS—offering voyages that feature this charming destination. With 38 upcoming cruises and a typical voyage length of seven nights, this intimate port attracts travelers seeking a more curated exploration of the Eastern Caribbean. From here, passengers enjoy convenient access to nearby islands including Marigot, Gustavia, and Charlestown, making it an ideal hub for island-hopping adventures.
The island itself offers a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere perfect for a day of exploration between longer journeys. Visitors can expect pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and water activities, along with the warm hospitality that defines Antigua and Barbuda. The peak season runs from December through April, when the weather is ideal and the island welcomes the most cruise traffic, though the smaller scale of this port means you'll experience a more authentic, less-crowded Caribbean experience compared to busier cruise destinations.
The island itself offers a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere perfect for a day of exploration between longer journeys. Visitors can expect pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and water activities, along with the warm hospitality that defines Antigua and Barbuda. The peak season runs from December through April, when the weather is ideal and the island welcomes the most cruise traffic, though the smaller scale of this port means you'll experience a more authentic, less-crowded Caribbean experience compared to busier cruise destinations.
Cruise Lines at Prickly Pear Island
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (19 cruises)
- Emerald Cruises (17 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Prickly Pear Island
Cruises Visiting Prickly Pear Island
Ship Schedule at Prickly Pear Island
Prickly Pear Island Location
Other Cruise Ports in Antigua and Barbuda
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prickly Pear Island?
Prickly Pear Island is a small port island in Antigua and Barbuda.
Where is Prickly Pear Island located?
It lies at latitude 17.176111 and longitude -61.797778 in Antigua and Barbuda.
How can visitors access Prickly Pear Island?
The island is accessible by boat from Antigua.
What activities are available?
Enjoy beaches, snorkeling, and views of the surrounding Caribbean.