Information
Landmark: Parham HarbourCity: St Johns
Country: Antigua and Barbuda
Continent: North America
Parham Harbour, St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda, North America
Overview
Parham Harbour sits on Antigua’s northern coast, just outside the town of Parham, where calm blue water meets a shoreline rich with history.This port ranks among the island’s oldest, its weathered stone docks once bustling with merchants and soldiers during the colonial era.Today, the area feels calm and inviting, with old stone buildings, leafy trails, and a peaceful stillness in the air.Highlights of Parham Harbour, where fishing boats rock gently in the tide.Parham Harbour once stood as one of Antigua’s key ports in the colonial era, with the nearby town of Parham thriving as a busy trading hub; in the 18th and 19th centuries, British naval ships anchored here, securing its place in the island’s maritime history.Today, green hills wrap around the harbor, and the Caribbean glimmers in shades of turquoise so clear you can see the sand ripple beneath.Sheltered from the open sea, its calm, shallow waters welcome small boats, quiet fishing trips, and easy paddles in a kayak or on a board.Parham Harbour draws plenty of weekend boaters, with sails snapping in the breeze and hulls rocking gently on the water.Parham Harbour’s calm, sheltered waters make it perfect for sailing or simply drifting under the sun, and anglers can cast a line from the shore or a small boat in the surrounding seas.Just minutes away, the historic town of Parham-one of Antigua’s oldest-invites you to wander past weathered stone buildings and step inside the Parham Anglican Church.After exploring, you can linger over fried plantains or fresh-caught fish at one of the area’s tiny Caribbean restaurants and bars.More rural and less commercial than other parts of the island, it offers a slower, more authentic pace.Located on Antigua’s northern coast, about 15 to 20 minutes from St. John’s, the harbor is easy to reach by car along the main roads.Parham sits just a short drive away, with a few basics on hand-a small grocery, a café, and a post office.Parking’s limited near the harbor and in town, so plan ahead.From December to April, warm sun and calm seas make it the perfect time to come.Between May and November, you’ll find fewer visitors and a quieter pace.Bring a light rain jacket-showers can pop up without warning.Just north of Parham Harbour, Indian Town Point greets you with jagged rock outcrops and sweeping views worth a dozen photos.A short drive away, Shirley Heights offers a historic perch where the island and coastline sprawl beneath you.Twenty minutes in the other direction, Nelson’s Dockyard-recognized by UNESCO-mixes centuries-old buildings and museums with cafés and other modern comforts.Parham Harbour itself blends history and beauty, with calm, sheltered waters perfect for an unhurried sail or a quiet afternoon fishing.Here, you’ll find a slower, more authentic slice of Antigua, steeped in maritime heritage and local charm.Whether you’re out on the water, casting a line, or wandering the docks to hear the gulls cry, Parham Harbour offers a calm, deeply satisfying escape.
