Beach Life
Antigua’s 365 beaches will have you spoiled for choice: remote and isolated isolated or fun and active with everything in between. Accompanying bays can be calm and reef-sheltered or windswept, with Atlantic swells for exciting water sports. Remember to take drinking water and sunscreen.
Here is a selection of the best beaches to visit (with their positions marked on the map on page 118 see the guide) .
Darkwood Beach
On the road between Jolly Harbour and Johnson’s Point this long white beach boasts a wealth of stunning colours. It is very popular with the locals who come here mainly on Saturdays and Sundays. There is also a small restaurant and a bar.
Johnson’s Beach
This long beach is on the southwest tip of the island. You can buy a snack or relax with a drink at Turner’s, a local restaurant. A little further along the beach is OJ’s Bar & Restaurant (T. 460 0184), an excellent place to sample fresh fish and lobster at reasonable prices, and other lovely restaurants.
Hawksbill
On the west coast and accessible through the Hawksbill Beach Hotel is a series of four beaches. The third beach is the island’s only nude beach.
Rendezvous Bay
Perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in Antigua, it can be reached along a path that leads from the rain forest. The walk will take one and a half hours. Other options to reach this beach are by boat or a 4 X 4 vehicle from Spring Hill Riding Club.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is situated on the east coast and takes its name from its distinctive shape. It is an ideal place for body surfing or you can swim in the calm waters on the left hand side of the beach. It is a popular beach with the locals who visit it mainly at weekends.
Fryes Beach
Situated on the southwest coast, Ffryes Bay lies alongside the road between Jolly Harbour and Johnson’s Point. It is accessible along 300 metres of road. At the western end is Dennis Bar & Restaurant (T. 462 6740).
Pigeon Beach
Pigeon Beach is situated in the English Harbour area at the end of a short dirt road that runs behind the Antigua Yacht Club. The beach slopes gently down into crystal-clear waters. On the beach is Bumpkins, a nice local beach restaurant.
Carlisle Bay
This lovely beach is reached from the village of Old Road. If you wish to stop for lunch and be pampered try Indigo, the beach restaurant of Carlisle Bay Resort which is open to the public.
Long Bay
Long Bay, beyond Devil’s Bridge, is protected by reefs and is excellent for swimming.
Valley Church Beach
Located between Coco Beach and Jolly Harbour this is a quiet, stunning beach with umbrellas and a restaurant. Make sure to avoid cruise ship days though as the beach becomes very busy. To get there from Valley Road turn at ‘The Nest’ sign and follow the road.
More Beaches
• Galley Bay Exposed to the west, it is the ideal beach for those who love surfing, although a part of the beach is very quiet, also suitable for a relaxed swimming. Here is also the homonymous hotel characterized by beautiful bungalows and you get there from Five Island Village.
• Dickenson Bay is the most famous, surrounded by a series of large hotels: here you can practice all water sports and in the evening it is a meeting place and entertainment.
• Fort Bay is one of the closest to St. John’s and is next to Fort James, named after the ruler who reigned during the period in which it was built.
• Jolly Beach almost entirely occupied by the resort of the same name, has a public access right behind the main entrance of the complex • St. James’s Club “all-inclusive” beach for half or full day with many attractions.
• Runaway Bay is located on the northwest coast of the island, not far from St. John’s: it is a long white beach that stands out on the turquoise sea.
• Dutchman’s Bay near the airport, another beach well protected by the reef, also famous among windsurfers. • Deep Bay easily accessible from St. John’s, is a beautiful beach within easy reach.
• Jabberwock Beach, located on the north coast of the island, home to the kitesurfing school, fun even just to go and admire the acrobatics of kitesurfers sailed and not.
Download the Guide
TiGuide Antigua & Barbuda