Beaches in Antigua
Antigua & Barbuda are blessed with some of the best beaches the Caribbean has to offer. Antigua alone has 365 of them, the locals say one for every day of the year. Some are ideal for relaxation, watching a sunrise or sunset, while others are more popular for water sports or snorkelling. For those seeking romance, many of the resorts can organise romantic candlelit beach dining experiences.
Barbuda, the second island that makes up the nation has the most incredible pink hued beaches. The candy floss colouring is due to millions of tiny crushed pink seashells. Stunning crescent shaped Princess Diana beach was re-named from Coco Point beach in her memory in 2011 by the Barbuda Council. It would have been her 50th birthday that year and it was an island she visited several times.
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8 of the best beaches in Antigua
The following 8 beaches are some of the best in Antigua....
Dickenson Bay
Dickenson Bay is a mile long stretch of powdery white sand on Antigua's NW coast. It is a hit with families with young children as the beach gently slopes into the cool, clear water. Expect water sports, water hammocks and some non intrusive beach vendors to wander past offering a range of clothing and jewellery, massages on sun loungers and boat trips. Floating in the ocean is unique bar Kon-Tiki, with a party vibe and speakers that pump out well known favourite tunes. Simply wave from the water's edge and a boat driver will speedily collect you and return you when you're ready to leave. It is a popular place for friends and couples to hang out with a fair priced rum punch and 360 degree views of the ocean and beachfront.
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Two excellent tours operate from Dickenson Bay, I highly recommend both.
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BBQ Boat ANU - a unique sailing experience with a private captain. Several packages are available to include a sunset sail or bbq lunch. Snorkelling equipment is also available as well as a floating, water carpet. Sails range from 30-90 minutes. For more details, click on the BBQ Boat ANU link.
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Xtreme Circumnavigation - an exhilarating tour of the island by speed boat, stopping at Stingray City to snorkel with stingrays, lunch on an uninhabited island, further snorkelling by the Pillars of Hercules and a rum punch on a remote beach. For full details, click on the Xtreme Circumnavigation link.
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Two great self-catering hotels to consider staying at on Dickenson Bay are Siboney Beach Club, easy to spot due to the iconic red phone box in front of it and its neighbour Buccaneer Beach Club.
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Several bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance of the beach.
Pigeon Point Beach
Pigeon Point beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand popular with locals and tourists on the South coast of Antigua. It is a short walk of 15-20 minutes from highly recommended, boutique hotels, The Copper & Lumber Store and Admiral's Inn. A scenic walking trail begins here, The Middle Ground Trail. Allow around 90 minutes for this hike with superb views that heads up to Fort Berkeley, Antigua's oldest fortification.
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Once on the beach, trees are aplenty offering a shady place to lay your towel and relax. Water is calm, clear and warm and great for snorkelling. At the far end, a fantastic French-inspired restaurant, Catherine's Cafe, will ensure you are well fed. Check Catherine's Cafe's website for details of brunches with pilates and regular live bands. To the other end of the beach is a casual beach bar, Bumpkins. They offer a range of burgers and salads and some excellent cocktails. The restaurant is in prime position for a sundowner with stunning sunsets.
Galleon Beach
Galleon beach on the southern coast of Antigua, is paradise for those who love to snorkel. Swim from the shore to a shipwreck surrounded by a plethora of marine life including regular turtle sightings. The sea is clear and calm, framed by soft white sand.
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Situated smack bang in the middle of the beach is Loose Cannon, a buzzing bar/restaurant offering exceptional food, cocktails and bottomless brunches. Weekends can be spent dancing barefoot on the sand to live DJs and for EC$300 on Tuesdays to Thursdays, hire a canopied cabana for the day. The price includes a mezze platter, use of a paddle board, bottle of wine or pitcher of a cocktail.
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The more active might prefer to take a short hike to the Pillars of Hercules, a stunning natural rock formation.
The beach can be accessed a number of ways: Peak season, take advantage of the free half hourly shuttle from Covent Garden Supermarket, take a taxi or pay to sail across from a shuttle boat located behind the Copper & Lumber Store. Residents of Admiral's Inn are entitled to complimentary boat rides to and from the beach.
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Jolly Beach
Jolly Beach is a stunning, mile long stretch of white sand with turquoise hued water, popular with locals and tourists. Restaurants, bars and shops are a short walk for lunch and refreshments.
For recommended accommodation nearby check out this highly recommended studio apartment. It is within 10 minutes drive from Jolly Beach, tucked away on a hillside, ideal for couples and solo travellers.
Deep Bay Beach
Deep Bay Beach has soft white sand and crystal clear water. Set back from the beachfront is luxurious hotel, The Royalton Antigua, on the NW coast. Hotel guests benefit from the use of non-motorised water sports though bring your own snorkelling equipment as this ceased to be loaned out following the pandemic. A lifeguard is on duty at certain times of the day, just let him know you are planning on going out and he will watch over you. Sun loungers are readily available with parasols and side tables and drinks are unlimited from the beach bar as part of the hotel's all inclusive package. A burger restaurant is conveniently located beside the beach. Day passes are available for non-residents.
Crabbe Hill Beach
Crabbe Hill Beach is postcard perfect located on Antigua's West coast. The white sandy beach is an ideal spot to relax, swim in the clear, calm turquoise water or perhaps wander along to Crabbe Hill Beach Rentals and hire a paddle board or kayak. A highly recommended studio apartment is within walking distance although car hire may be preferable due to its hillside location.
Mamora Bay
Mamora Bay is one of the beaches within St James's Club Resort, a luxurious hotel I recommend staying in for solo travellers, couples, families and friends. This golden sand bay is on a peninsula on the South East coast. The beach is sheltered with loungers and parasols and ideal for water sports due to the calm water.
Long Bay Beach
Long Bay beach is located on the Eastern coast, the Atlantic side of the island. It is protected by a band of coral making it a great place to snorkel. Directly on the beachfront is Pineapple Beach Club Resort, one of the adults only hotels I recommend for couples. Guests benefit from the complimentary use of water hammocks, non-motorised water sports, catamaran hire and rides. The sunrise from here is spectacular.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a crescent shaped beach of white sand on the Atlantic side of the island framed by tropical flora. To one end of the beach the surf is wild and powerful, ideal for body surfing while the other end is calmer for swimming. On the beachfront is a superb place to eat and drink, the Beach Bum Bar and Grill. Expect a big greeting, lots of smiles and excellent food with the most spectacular view.
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Look out for Alex, taking some shade while carving some wooden ornaments and bamboo weaving. These are great souvenirs to take home.