Prickly Pear Island Island
Small Antiguan cay popular for snorkeling trips
A tiny island off Antigua's southern coast near Jolly Harbour, Prickly Pear Island offers sandy beaches and shallow reefs. Day-trippers and charter boats visit for swimming, snorkeling and short beach stays.
Prickly Pear Island at a Glance#
Address: Prickly Pear Island, off the west coast of Antigua and Barbuda (near Saint George)
Admission: Free
How to Get to Prickly Pear Island#
Accessible only by private boat or day-trip charter from Antigua. The crossing is short from the west coast; most visitors land for a few hours before returning to the main island.
Tips for Visiting Prickly Pear Island#
- Visit by private boat from Antigua for a quick snorkel and beach picnic - landings are brief and the island is small.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a snorkel; the surrounding shallows are where most visitors linger.
- Respect any local regulations regarding fishing and anchoring - the area is small and easily impacted.
Best Time to Visit Prickly Pear Island#
Best in the dry season (December-April) for calm seas and clear snorkelling conditions.
Dry season
December-April · 24-30°C
Warm, sunny weather ideal for snorkeling and day trips from Antigua.
Wet season
June-November · 24-31°C
Higher chance of rain and stronger seas; hurricane season peaks August-October.