Laivia Beachwear: Antigua's Locally Loved Swimwear Stop in St. John's
Vibrant island swimwear, XS to 5XL, a ten-minute stroll from the cruise pier.
Why Go
You forgot the swimsuit, or you brought the wrong one for a boat day with Adventure Antigua. Either way, this peach-and-tan two-story shop tucked below the Anglican Church in St. John's is the fastest fix on the island, and probably the most fun.
The Experience
Laivia is a proper local swim shop rather than a resort boutique, and it feels that way the moment you walk in. Racks are packed with tropical prints, banana-leaf blues and greens, punchy solids and skimpy-to-high-waist cuts, plus a whole wall of men's board shorts in multiple lengths. What sets it apart is the size range: XS all the way up to 5XL, with a genuine plus-size selection that's hard to find elsewhere in the Eastern Caribbean. Kids get their own corner from infants to teens, and there's a supporting cast of water shoes, sandals, waterproof phone pouches, graphic tees, jeans, sunglasses and jewelry so you can walk out kitted for a catamaran day, a beach bar dinner, or a hike with one of the local tour operators next door.
What to Try
Ask to see the newest arrivals first ΓÇö Laivia rotates styles constantly, so the freshest tropical prints usually haven't hit the front racks yet. The Eden skimpy bikini range (around EC$100) is a signature. Grab a waterproof phone case while you're at it; it pays for itself the first time you board a tender or a sailing charter.
Insider Tip
Cruise passengers: it's a flat 10-minute walk from Heritage Quay ΓÇö head up Church Street toward the twin-towered St. John's Cathedral and the peach two-story building is right below it. Pay in EC dollars if you can (roughly 2.7 to 1 USD) for the cleanest price, message ahead on WhatsApp at +1-268-783-0598 to have sizes pulled and ready for pickup, and ask about the student discount if it applies.
The Practical Stuff
Located on Upper Church Street in St. John's, directly below the Anglican Cathedral, in a distinctive two-story peach and tan building. Open daily roughly 9amΓÇô5pm with extended weekend and holiday hours. Cash (EC and USD) and cards accepted. About a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal at Heritage Quay/Redcliffe Quay. Contact via WhatsApp or call +1-268-783-0598. Sizes XSΓÇô5XL for women, full men's and kids' ranges.
Pair It With
- Adventure Antigua — Family-run since 1999, they do the island's best small-group boat charters ΓÇö pick up a new bikini or board shorts at Laivia in the morning and be on the water the same afternoon.
- Antigua +39 Tour — Italian-speaking local guides for island circuits and beach-hopping days; kit yourself out at Laivia first so you're not swimming in a t-shirt at Half Moon Bay.
- Ask Iba Tour & Services — Great for tailored day tours around St. John's and the west coast beaches ΓÇö combine a morning shop at Laivia with an afternoon exploring Fort James and Runaway Bay.
- Boardwalk Casino — An easy evening add-on after shopping: freshen up in your new resortwear and stroll over for dinner and cocktails on the redeveloped St. John's waterfront.