After being met on the pier by our friendly, experienced tour guide, you will board an air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic drive to Parham Harbour, about 15 minutes away. There your awaiting boat will take you on an enjoyable ride through the North Sound mangroves en route to Great Bird Island, one of Antigua’s best snorkeling locations. Great Bird Island is a 20-acre islet lying about three kilometers northeast of Antigua. Visitors regard it as a desert island dream. Named by sailors amazed at the birds living and nesting there, Great Bird Island is a miniature paradise. White-sand beaches at either end of the sandbar are the main attraction. You will receive snorkeling instruction before you put on your mask, fins, and buoyancy vest and snorkel with expert guides in the crystal-clear waters. Or you can simply swim or relax and soak up the sun on the beach. We will hike a hilltop trail for wonderful views of the outlying islands and Antigua. It’s ideal for spotting migrating whales (December to May), sea turtles, and many varieties of birds that nest here year-round. Bring binoculars! While it is best known for its two superb beaches and surrounding coral reefs, this area is also the only place you may see an Antiguan racer in the wild. They are about 20 cm long, non-venomous, and harmless. It is also home to a variety of endangered creatures including exotic red-billed tropicbirds, brown pelicans, rare lizards, West Indian whistling ducks, and the magnificent frigatebird (man o’ war bird). An eco-island paradise! A delicious Caribbean lunch of barbecued chicken, pasta, green salad, banana bread for dessert, soft drinks, water, and rum punch will be served on the beach. Suitably relaxed and informed, your boat will return you to Parham Harbour, after which you will transfer by road back to your ship.