AN IDYLLIC ISLAND AWAY FROM IT ALL
Miguel's Prickly Pear Island Excursion, aka Miguel's Holiday Adventure, started some 38 years ago when Miguel and his wife Josephine would take tourists from the neighbouring White Sands Hotel (now Hodges Bay Club) over to Prickly Pear Island for a relaxing day to snorkel, swim and enjoy a tasty West Indian buffet lunch of lobster, conch, fish, chicken, rice & peas, potato salad and tossed salad.
Today Miguel's Prickly Pear Island has hosted thousands of tourists and locals many of whom return regularly for the attractive buffet, the breathtaking snorkeling and the warm hospitality of Miguel and his family.
In a recent Caribbean Travel + Life article titled “Best Beaches in Antigua,” writer Ann Wycoff said, “Antiguan hoteliers will attest that guests often ask about Miguel’s Holiday Adventure before they even get their room keys. Once you’ve taken his five-minute boat trip out to tiny Prickly Pear and spent a day on the perfect white-sand beach where the rum flows freely, the food is home-cooked and the snorkeling is divine, you’re hooked.“
The Island
Prickly Pear Island is perfect for snorkeling as the surrounding coral reefs attract schools of fish, turtles, lobsters. Even if you have never snorkeled before, you will not leave the island without having this experience.
The beach speaks to the body of relaxation. Many have found it the perfect place to read, listen to their favourite songs or just nap. There are lounge chairs for resting and umbrellas to shade you from the sun.
The water is shallow and suitable for young children. It is ideal for swimmers and learners.
If you want to expand on the adventure, you can take a short hike to the top of the island where the sea gulls nest and sea crabs crawl along the rocks.
The Tour
Tours are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, lasting from 10 am to 3 pm. Guests are picked up at a dock in Hodges Bay and spend about 5 minutes getting to the island.
We also offer special trips on other days of the week for groups and cruise ship passengers.
Rates: US$95 per adult and US$60 per child 4 - 11 years. Local and group rates are also availble.