Fishing on Your Cruise Stop in St. John's, Antigua
Cruise Fishing from St. John's Harbour
St. John's is Antigua's capital and primary cruise port, receiving ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, and Carnival throughout the season. Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay put you steps from the harbor, and several charter operations run directly from the waterfront area.
What Swims in Antiguan Waters
Antigua sits on a shallow shelf that drops off into deep Atlantic and Caribbean waters. Offshore trolling produces blue marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and yellowfin tuna. The reef systems around the island hold snapper, grouper, barracuda, and kingfish. November through April is prime season for wahoo and marlin, while mahi-mahi run strong year-round.
Booking Your Charter
- Several operators run from the St. John's waterfront and nearby Jolly Harbour
- Half-day trips run 4-5 hours, priced $600-$1,000
- The drop-off is 3-5 miles from port, so transit time is minimal
- No fishing license needed for charter passengers in Antigua
St. John's makes charter fishing straightforward for cruise visitors. Short transit to deep water, experienced captains, and a productive fishery combine for an excellent half-day on the water.