Fort James Tours and Activities

Fort James featuring military items, heritage elements and general coastal views
Fort James featuring building ruins
Fort James showing general coastal views and views
Fort James
Fort James featuring heritage elements, a lake or waterhole and military items


Admire the view of the Caribbean Sea and St. John’s and examine the powder magazine and gun emplacements of this beachside fort.

Fort James comprises the remains of an 18th-century military structure that overlooks Fort Bay Beach. An array of intriguing artifacts remain from its time as an active colonial base built to defend the island against a French invasion. Piece together parts of Antigua’s rich history from the remnants of this fascinating fort.

Inspect the preserved cannons and imagine them being fired over the endless blue ocean. Snap photos of the excellent views of the verdant coast and the town of St. John’s. Walk beside the remaining foundation of the wall of the fort and see the powder magazine for a rough idea of the structure’s appearance centuries ago. It was initially constructed in 1706, before more buildings were added in 1739.

Note that the fort takes its name from King James II of England. The barracks lodged 75 men and contained 36 gun emplacements. Soldiers here fired daily gun salutes to friendly ships as signals at sunrise and sunset during the 1800s.

Dine at one of the small restaurants where the fort area meets the southern end of Fort Bay Beach. Try the seafood and chat with friendly staff. Younger members of the restaurant’s family often sell bracelets and souvenirs.

Make use of the restrooms and shower facilities on the stretch of sand. Although the beach is generally tranquil and has few structures, you can walk to another restaurant farther north along the beach. The beach and fort are free to visit and open to the public at all times.

Find Fort James at the southern cape of Fort Bay Beach on a promontory that juts out from the southwestern outskirts of St. John’s. Take a taxi from the cruise terminal and arrange your return pick-up time with the driver. Visit nearby sights, such as the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Runaway Beach and Blackburn Park.

Tours & day trips

See all 60 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 15 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 12 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 7 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Fort James Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

4.5 out of 5
Halcyon Road, St. John's, Saint John
Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only
Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

4.5 out of 5
Five Islands VIllage, St. John's, Saint John
Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Hawksbill Resort Antigua

Hawksbill Resort Antigua

4 out of 5
Hawksbill Beach, Five Islands, St. John's, Antigua
Hawksbill Resort Antigua
4 Min Walk to Beach: Coastal 2BR - Relax in Our Blissful Retreat Near the Shore!

4 Min Walk to Beach: Coastal 2BR - Relax in Our Blissful Retreat Near the Shore!

Saint John
4 Min Walk to Beach: Coastal 2BR - Relax in Our Blissful Retreat Near the Shore!
Breeze by the sea

Breeze by the sea

St. Johns
Breeze by the sea
Beachfront Villa with Ocean sounds and views, 1 bedroom & AC, WiFi in Antigua

Beachfront Villa with Ocean sounds and views, 1 bedroom & AC, WiFi in Antigua

AG
Beachfront Villa with Ocean sounds and views, 1 bedroom & AC, WiFi in Antigua
Villa by the sea

Villa by the sea

St. John's
Villa by the sea
Perfect Hillside Ocean View

Perfect Hillside Ocean View

St. John's
Perfect Hillside Ocean View
Condo by the sea

Condo by the sea

St. John's
Condo by the sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.