Monterrico Hawaii Beach with Day Pass from Antigua Guatemala.

This day trip is interesting because it turns your Antigua morning into a one-day coastal reset, with Monterrico’s black sand and a day pass at Johnnys Place. You get two beach-club stops, so you are not stuck in one place all day, and the plan keeps you moving without feeling rushed.

I love two things about this outing: round-trip transportation from Antigua and hassle-free day passes that include admission, waiting time, and basic comforts like bottled water. In plain terms, you show up, get picked up, and spend the day on the beach and pool side.

One drawback to keep in mind is the drive. The route is listed as about 2.5 hours each way, but construction and heavy traffic can stretch it closer to 4 hours at peak times, so plan your energy for the road.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

Two beach stops in one day so you get both black sand beach time and a full-service pool, restaurant, and beach setup.

Real guidance during the drive with bilingual support, plus photo stops along the way when possible, like the help Nelson is known for.

Day pass value, not just beach access including admission, waiting time, and 2 bottled waters per person.

Black sand comfort tip pack cheap flip-flops, since the sand can get extremely hot.

Onsite fun options including ATV activities and horseback riding (ask on arrival what is available that day).

Private format meaning only your group participates, which often makes the day feel smoother.

A One-Day Beach Plan That Fits Antigua, Without Much Planning

If you want beach time but you do not want to handle transportation logistics, this is a practical way to do it. You leave early, you get picked up, and you spend the bulk of the day at two beach club-style stops.

I like the structure because it gives you choices. You can relax in pool areas and beachfront seating, then add optional activities if you feel like it.

Just know this is a full day built around getting there and back. Your main “work” is the morning drive, so bring patience and water, and you will be fine.

Leaving Antigua at 7:00am: Pickup, Drive Time, and Photo Stops

Pickup starts at 7:00am, and you will head out from Antigua Guatemala with a bilingual driver/guide. The drive takes you past volcano views and sugar cane fields, plus you go by Monterrico town before continuing to the beach clubs.

The schedule says about 2.5 hours of driving, but I recommend you plan for longer. One review notes the drive can run 3 to 3.5 hours due to construction, and another mentions about 4 hours in heavy traffic, so do not treat the listed time as a guarantee.

The good news is that the guide can make the trip feel less like a long commute. Nelson, for example, is praised for stopping along the way so you can take pictures and look around briefly.

Stop 1: Monterrico at Hawaian Paradise, Black Sand Relaxation

Your first beach window is at Monterrico, at a resort-style stop called Hawaian Paradise. You get admission included here, and the plan allots about five hours at this first location, with the rest of the day’s timing handling transportation back and forth.

What makes Monterrico special is the black sand beach. One of the best practical tips from the experience is to bring cheap flip-flops, because the sand can get extremely hot.

This first stop is mainly about relaxing and settling into the vibe. Think pool time, beach time, and a slower pace where you can swim and soak up the day without worrying about another transfer every hour.

If you are sensitive to schedule changes, keep in mind your day starts early. Still, the reward is clear: you get enough beach time to actually feel like you went somewhere, not just a quick photo stop.

Stop 2: Johnnys Place, Pools, Beachfront Seating, and Food

After your Monterrico time, you switch to Johnnys Place, a beach club and hotel setup with facilities built for a full day. You get about five hours here, and admission is included for this stop.

What I like about Johnnys Place is the “you can do it all here” feel. The pools are a big part of the appeal, and you also have beach-front seating, showers, and a restaurant on site. One review specifically calls out pools with pool bars, which is exactly the kind of convenience you appreciate once you are in the sun.

Food is available, but lunch is not listed as included. That means you should budget for meals or plan snacks you bring yourself. The upside is you are not stuck hunting down a place to eat at the last minute.

You also have activity options onsite. ATV activities and horseback riding are mentioned as available, and one review even includes doing an ATV ride down the coast along the beach. If you want that kind of added fun, this is the time to ask what is running and what the safety or pricing details are.

The Beach Reality: Crowds, Quiet Moments, and Getting Comfortable

Monterrico can feel like a true escape when conditions are right. One review describes the beach and nearby hotel area as pretty empty during off-season, with fewer people around and a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

That said, do not expect the beach to be empty on every date. What you can plan for is the overall experience type: it is a laid-back beach day with plenty of room to spread out at the pool and shoreline areas.

Comfort is the real game here. Beyond flip-flops for hot black sand, bring sunscreen you will actually reapply, and a light cover-up for walking between pool, beach, and restaurant areas.

If you have ever done a hot sand beach before, you already know the routine. If not, here is the simple rule: keep your feet protected, and you will enjoy the beach longer.

What You Get for the Price, and Why It Adds Up

The price is $140 per person, and what you are paying for is not only beach access. You also get round-trip transportation from Antigua, a day pass, a bilingual driver/guide, waiting time, and all fees and taxes.

You also receive 2 bottled waters per person. That might sound small, but it matters on a long day when you are commuting before you even reach the beach.

When people feel this tour is worth it, it is usually for one of these reasons. Either the drive is handled for them, or the day pass saves them from researching and buying separate entry arrangements. With two separate stops, the organization helps you get more beach value in one long day.

What is not included is also important for budgeting. Lunch, alcoholic drinks, sodas, and a boat ride are not included.

If you like to control costs, plan your lunch strategy before you go. If you are happy to pay onsite, you can treat this as a beach club day where you snack, drink water, and buy what you want.

Planning Your Day: Timing, Food, and Optional Activities

This is about making the most of your limited daylight. Start early, accept that the drive might run long, then treat your beach time as the main event.

The tour includes about five hours at each stop, so you will have enough time to swim, relax by the pool, and still do an optional activity if you want it. If you are the type who needs a lot of downtime, you might focus more on pool time at Johnnys Place and take it easy on the ATV or horse options.

If you are the more active type, ATV riding is a possibility. Just remember it is not described as part of what is included, so ask what is available and what you would pay on site.

For food, the restaurant at Johnnys Place is a practical fallback. Still, since lunch is not included, you will want cash or a card ready.

What to Pack for Monterrico’s Black Sand Day

Pack like you are dealing with heat and walking on a beach that holds heat. The best direct advice from the experience is to bring cheap flip-flops.

Add these basics so you do not have to stop somewhere mid-day:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A hat or cover-up for sun breaks
• Flip-flops plus a backup pair if you can
• A swimsuit you can wear confidently to the pool areas
• A small dry bag for phone and wallet

One nice detail from the day is that you might find nearby vendors selling things like swimwear and extra beach essentials, including flip-flops, hats, and cover-ups. Still, I would not count on finding exactly what you need, so pack ahead.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This works especially well if you want an easy day trip from Antigua to Monterrico and you prefer a structured plan. The private format helps too, because only your group participates, so you are not dealing with a large mixed crowd.

It is also a good fit if you care about practical amenities. Johnnys Place has showers, pool areas, beach-front seating, and a restaurant, so you are not improvising your comfort for the day.

If you hate long drives, you might think twice. The trip is long enough that you should be okay with some traffic variability. If you plan for it, it will feel like a fair trade for a full day at the coast.

If you want a boat ride, this tour is not the match since boat ride is not included.

Should You Book This Monterrico and Johnnys Place Day Pass Tour?

I think you should book it if you want a high-convenience beach day from Antigua with two stops, included admission, and a guided setup that removes the guesswork. The strongest reasons to choose it are the included day passes, the round-trip transportation, and the clear onsite convenience at Johnnys Place.

I would skip it if you are very sensitive to travel time. With traffic and construction, the drive can expand well beyond what the short estimate suggests, so you need patience for an early start and a long return.

If you go in prepared, especially with flip-flops for hot black sand, you will likely love the mix of relaxation, pool time, and optional activities like ATV rides.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

How much does it cost?

It costs $140.00 per person.

Is pickup included from Antigua?

Yes, pickup is offered, and transportation is included round trip.

Are the day passes included?

Yes. You get a day pass, with admission included at both stops as described.

What is included in the price besides the day pass?

Round-trip transportation, a bilingual driver/guide, waiting time, all fees and taxes, and 2 bottled waters per person are included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic drinks and sodas are not included.

Is a boat ride included?

No, a boat ride is not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes, it is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.