Nelson's Dockyard question

[Shooraq]

What is the best way to get to Nelson's Dockyard and possibly Shirley Heights? I don't want to do a full tour, just want affordable transportation to get there, see the sights, take photography and head back to the ship!

[audrey248]

Originally Posted by Shooraq

What is the best way to get to Nelson's Dockyard and possibly Shirley Heights? I don't want to do a full tour, just want affordable transportation to get there, see the sights, take photography and head back to the ship!

best way to nelsons dockyard and shirley heights is with shem the bow tie man,taxi driver, we done the tour in april this year and it wad fantastic then shem took us to valley church beach and came back for us about 2 hours later,it only cost us about 10 dollars each,there was 4 of us in taxi we gave him a good tip because he was so good,it was a lovely day.we are going back in november 2010 and hoping to find shem and do it all again.

[aplmac]

Two and a half years ago (May,2007)
there was 19 of us to go over to Nelson's Dockyard!

We split the group into 10 in one mini-van







- and nine in another.


I'm pretty sure the cost(then) was $9 per person
so it's no surprise to hear it's $10 today

Pay the guy -he needs it more than you do.
.

[John Bull]

Taxi for the round-trip from the port gate, plain & simple, plenty of taxis, no need to pre-book. USD OK
Fare negotiable, agree a price before you get in, pay when you get back.
Best bet is direct across the island, up to Shirley Heights first (it overlooks English Harbour/Nelson's dockyard) then back down & into the Dockyard (small entry fee, I think USD OK, but your driver or plenty of other folk will change for you), then back to the ship via Fig Tree Drive & the west coast. Journey out under 30 mins once clear of St Johns traffic, back via west coast mebbe 40 mins.
This is what most folk will want to do, but if you're in a rush you'll have a problem finding sharers, most folk will aim to spend mebbe 20/30 mins at Shirley Heights & a couple of hours in Nelson's dockyard incl eats. But you could share with folk who want to spend some time on a beach around the Jolly Harbour area, driver can go back for them later. But I doubt a whistlestop will make the taxi much cheaper as it still won't allow him to get another trip in.
USD acceptable throughout.
John Bull

[sunshine3360]

We are thinking of hiring a taxi to Nelson"s Dockyard and the going to Pigeon Point to snorkel. How much time would I need at the Dockyard and is the beach easy to get to?We have had good luck on other islands just getting a taxi when we arrive. Could this be done and what kind of cost? Thanks

[John Bull]

Originally Posted by sunshine3360

We are thinking of hiring a taxi to Nelson"s Dockyard and the going to Pigeon Point to snorkel. How much time would I need at the Dockyard and is the beach easy to get to?We have had good luck on other islands just getting a taxi when we arrive. Could this be done and what kind of cost? Thanks

You can just grab a cab from the port gates, same as your experiences elsewhere. They're perhaps a little more pushy, and you may also have to bargain a little harder, but they're ok.

The drive across Antigua is no more than about 20 mins once you've cleared St John's traffic, then before Nelson's dockyard you really ought to drive up to Shirley Heights for an over-view, just a couple of minutes e/w. There's not a huge amount to see at the dockyard, but it's pleasant to wander, you'll need mebbe an hour though most folk take a couple, including a bite at the pub.

Then its just 3 or 4 mins to Pigeon Point. I'm guessing the driver will wait for you, or mebbe slip back to chat with his mates at Nelson's dockyard & return at an agreed time, but he'll have no chance of an interim fare at that end of the island.

For the return, get the driver to go via Fig Tree Drive & the west coast.

I daren't quote a cost because I really don't remember, & it will also depend on how long you're out for, but it will be on a par with taxis on the other Leeward Islands. As always, agree itinerary, return time & cost before you get in, & pay when you get back to the ship

Regards, John Bull

[sunshine3360]

Thanks. Has anyone gone to Pigeon Point for snorkeling? Saw some pictures and I'm not sure there is much there.