- Tour code
ATGCAR01
- Start
St John's
- End
St John's
- Min. age
18 years old
- Group size
Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style
Classic
- Trip pace
Moderate
- Language
English
Antigua Carnival commemorates emancipation from slavery, running from the end of July to the first Tuesday in August. The modern carnival began in 1957, replacing the Old Time Christmas Festival, and while it keeps some of those older traditions, it has grown into a celebration of costumes, pageants, talent shows and music.
The calendar takes in the Party Monarch and Calypso Monarch competitions, the Panorama steel band competition, the Miss Antigua and Caribbean Queen pageants and the Parade of Bands, along with concerts, food fairs and cultural shows. J'ouvert, or juvé, brings brass and steel bands onto the streets for the whole island to enjoy.
This trip covers the final week. You'll fete at Drink Til Ya Weak, Melting Pot, BFF and De Breakfast Fete, set sail on a boat cruise that ends at the Ripple and Tease beach party, and spend a day touring Antigua's coastline, before J'ouvert, Monday wear and full costume on Carnival Tuesday in St. John's.
Fete tickets, costume coordination and pickup, individual costume photography, group transport and airport transfers are arranged for you, and your Soca Islands Host is with the group throughout.
Why This Journey
Antigua's carnival is a celebration of freedom, and you feel it on the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday in St. John's. Add an island famous for its beaches and a week of fetes, boat rides and beach parties, and it's one of the most relaxed carnivals in the region to experience.
With Soca Islands, tickets, costume pickup and transport are handled, and a small group means you have friends to fete with from the first night. It suits carnival lovers trying a new island, first-timers who want an easygoing introduction, and anyone who wants resort comfort between parties.
Where You'll Stay
Antigua: Royalton Antigua Resort, an all-inclusive resort on a private beach at Five Islands on the west coast, about 17 km from St. John's. Proposed accommodation (or similar), subject to confirmation. Hotel options can vary by departure and package; the hotel for your booking is shown in your trip details. Prices are based on two people sharing a double room with two beds.
Getting There
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. Fly into and out of V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU); arrival and departure airport transfers are included. Events scheduled before 6 pm on your arrival day are not included, allowing for flight delays. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
What you will see and do
Experience the energy of Antigua Carnival with J’ouvert and vibrant street parades
Enjoy nonstop fetes, beach parties, and high-energy boat cruises
Explore Antigua through scenic tours, coastlines, and hidden gems
What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Fete (party) tickets
Accommodations in double rooms
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
One farewell group activity when possible
Costume coordination and costume pickup
Max 16 travellers per group
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Individual costume photography
Group transportation
What's excluded
- International flights (travelers arrange their own)
- Carnival costume and associated costs are not included. All costume payments, including the initial deposit, are made directly through Myst Carnival, allowing you to secure your preferred costume and receive confirmation directly from Myst. As an official Myst affiliate, Soca Islands will assist with registration coordination, and costume selection guidance. Roundtrip transportation for costume collection is available.
- Events scheduled before 6 pm on your arrival day are NOT included in your package, allowing flexibility for any unexpected flight delays or travel disruptions.
- Meals not mentioned above.
- Travel insurance (proof of purchase required)
- Single room supplement (single rooms are subject to availability)
Group itinerary
Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) and transfer to your accommodation. Once you've settled in, meet your Soca Islands Host and the group you'll be sharing Carnival week with.
The first fete of the trip is Drink Til Ya Weak, with big music and plenty of energy to get things started. Later in the day it's on to the second event, Melting Pot.
Spend the day exploring Antigua on a land and sea tour of the island's coastline and quieter corners. As the sun sets, the group heads to BFF for a night of big tunes.
The morning is free to relax by the water or explore. In the afternoon, set sail on a boat cruise with drinks and music, then carry on at Ripple and Tease, a beach party that runs into the evening.
An early start at De Breakfast Fete. After that, the rest of the day and evening are yours to rest, explore or link up with the group.
Head out before sunrise for J'ouvert, jumping through the streets covered in paint, mud or oil. Later, the street parade begins and you'll take to the road in your Monday wear, which is bought separately.
Carnival Tuesday. In full costume, you'll parade through St. John's, Antigua's capital, with your band and the crowds, in the grand finale of the two-day street parade.
Depending on your departure time, there may be a few hours for souvenirs or a last swim. Then say goodbye to the group and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodations
Here's a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
Royalton Antigua Resort
An all-inclusive resort at Five Islands on Antigua's west coast, on a private beach facing Deep Bay below Fort Barrington. St. John's, the capital and the hub of Carnival, is about 17 km away by road.
Its 292 rooms are spread over two buildings, with several à la carte restaurants, bars, pools, a spa and a fitness centre. It suits travellers who want resort comforts to recover between J'ouvert, fetes and the parades.
Hotel websiteRooms
- Included
Shared double
Shared with the person you book with, or a fellow traveller of the same sex.
- Extra cost
Single room
A room to yourself, subject to availability.
You choose your room when you book.
Tour FAQS
Fly into and out of V.C. Bird International Airport, Antigua (ANU).
Proposed accommodation is Royalton Antigua Resort at Five Islands (or a similar hotel), subject to confirmation. Hotel options can vary by departure and package; the hotel for your booking is shown in your trip details.
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
Yes. Arrival and departure airport transfers are included when you fly into and out of V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU). Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
Meals are listed as all-inclusive, based on the all-inclusive resort accommodation. Meals and drinks away from your accommodation are at your own cost unless included in an event. Please check your booking details for your package's meal plan.
Extra nights can be requested, subject to hotel availability; contact our Customer Experience team for a quote.
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3. Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Would you like to learn more or customise our Antigua Carnival trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
Similar trips
Antigua Carnival 6 - 8 days
No departures are open right now, but new dates are added throughout the year — leave your email and we'll let you know when they open, or message a trip expert.
Ask a trip expert