The Eco Tour is the original tour created by Adventure Antigua. It has been tailor made to offer a fun, interesting and informative day on the water for those who care about nature and the environment. Learn about the fragile eco systems in the North Sound of Antigua, the mangrove system of Guiana Island and the turtle project at Jumby Bay. Explore the underwater world by snorkelling at two fabulous spots including an offshore reef. Take a refreshing swim Great Bird Island, devour a delicious lunch onboard and explore the cave-like structure of Hells Gate Island where the movie 'Wendy' was filmed in 2020.
Click on the link to view my short YouTube video of the Eco Tour in Antigua.
Price and location of The Eco Tour
Minimum age of passengers is 2 years old.
US$134 per person (under 3s free) to include drinks, lunch, loan of snorkelling equipment and water shoes.
The crew pick up from 2 locations at around 9am from Jolly Harbour Marina or Dickenson Bay. Passengers are returned by 4:30pm latest.
The boat is an open white Powercat, 52 feet long. It is also available for private charters, holding a maximum of 31 passengers.
Safety
A safety briefing is given at the start of the tour and at the beginning of each activity.
The Eco Tour
Three knowledgeable crew members, Lesley, Arion and Aerial introduce themselves and share our itinerary for the day as we set off on the boat. It's an incredible feeling to be slicing through the waves with the sun on your skin whilst being cooled by the breeze and periodic spritzes of salt water. A carpet of foam unravels behind us as we pass undulating green hills, sandy beaches and rock formations with an occasional turtle rearing his head.
Watch the sea merge from hues of turquoise to bottle green on approaching the mango swamps of Guiana Island. Pausing to take in the beauty, we learn how important the mangrove systems are. In addition to providing a natural habitat for birdlife, they help prevent sediment from damaging fragile corals following storms and flooding and protect the coastline from erosion.
Hell's Gate Island
Hell's Gate Island is a stunning rock formation that narrows forming a bridge-like structure with a natural blow hole in the centre, resembling the shape of the African continent. From the boat, swim across to the compact beach area with crystal clear water and soft white sand. If you don't want to snorkel, the more adventurous might prefer to weave through the captivating hidden caves. Make sure you bring a waterproof case for your phone because you don't want to miss taking 'instagrammable' photographs from inside the caves and on top of the bridge.
Turtle project at Jumby Bay
We learn about a research program that has been running for over 30 years monitoring a nesting colony of turtles on Long Island. Turtles are tagged to better understand the marine animals. Females lay around 150 eggs in 15 minutes, several times a year, every three years. Once they reach sexual maturity they return to nest in the same place from which they were hatched. Some have been returning for over 20 years. The survival rate is low though, perhaps with just one turtle surviving per 1000.
Great Bird Island
Great Bird Island is a serene island filled with the sounds of laughing gulls. We are free to swim in the shimmering waters while a delicious lunch is prepared onboard. Once back on the boat are offered a tasty pasta salad, plantain and bbq chicken with a selection of tropical fruit juices. The most delicious, moist banana bread is served for dessert.
Snorkel at an offshore reef
Towards the end of the day, we are taken to an offshore reef for a guided snorkelling experience. Choose whether to join Aerial for a beginners session staying quite close to the boat or follow Lesley and swim further away to snorkel in a different area. Arion leads the group of most confident swimmers to snorkel much further away from the boat. It is a thrilling experience whichever group you decide to go with. Expect to see a plethora of marine life including stingrays.
Return Journey
The return journey is a chance to reflect on out incredible day, sharing our experiences with other passengers and the crew members while relaxing with some delicious home made rum punch.
Adventure Antigua also offer an 'Xtreme Circumnavigation' boat tour, Click on the link for full details, It is a popular excursion that includes a 'Swimming with Stingrays' experience at Stingray City.
Email me at info.worldwidetravelideas@gmail.com or WhatsApp me on +44 7732 329863 for further information or to book a tour.
Note: I will receive a small commission if you book this recommended activity.
Note: If you make any bookings based on my recommendations your contract will be directly with the airline/travel company/hotels/short term rental or activity providers you book through. I am acting as a referral point only based on information from my most recent visit which may be subject to change at any time.