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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16 of the best beaches in Antigua
The following 16 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 sea and beachfront.
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Three 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 and to book, 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 and to book, click on the Xtreme Circumnavigation link.
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Private Boat Charter - tailor make an exciting boat charter for up to 6 people - perhaps a sunset sail, snorkelling, view some of Antigua's points of interest or perhaps arrive at your preferred restaurant by boat. For full details click on the Private Boat Charter link.
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Accommodation:
Two recommended 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 recently refurbished neighbour...
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Several bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance of the beach - Salt Plage, Ana's and Casa Roots.
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Pigeon Point Beach
Pigeon Point beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand popular with locals and tourists on the Southern coast of Antigua. It is a short walk or drive to the following recommended hotels and apartments...
A scenic walking trail begins at Pigeon Point Beach, 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, great for snorkelling and kids will enjoy the play park. 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, open daily except Mondays.​
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Click on the link to see a video of Pigeon Point Beach on my YouTube channel.
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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Recommended accommodation close by
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Click on the link to see a video of Galleon Beach on my YouTube channel
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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.
Recommended accommodation nearby:
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4 bed luxury villa in Jolly Harbour - less than 10 minutes walk to Jolly Beach.
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2 x studio apartments. Each studio is within 10 minutes drive from Jolly Beach, one tucked away on a hillside, the other opposite stunning Crabbe Hill beach. Both are 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 The Royalton all inclusive hotel 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 and day passes are available for non-residents.
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Click on the link to view a video of Deep Bay Beach on my YouTube channel.
Crabbe Hill Beach
Crabbe Hill Beach is postcard perfect located on Antigua's West coast. The powdery white sand 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.
Nearby rental accommodation:
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Two highly recommended studio apartments are close by, one is directly opposite the beach in the heart of Crabbe Hill Village, the other a short walk away at Johnson's Point.
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A luxurious 4 bed villa in Jolly Harbour is less than 10 minutes drive.
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.
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Click on the link for details of some highly recommended, privately owned, one bed apartments available for holiday rentals. They are within walking distance of Mamora Bay and a short drive from the nightlife at English Harbour.
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Click on the link to view a video of Mamora Bay on my YouTube channel.
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 and friends. 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 beneath the trees while carving some wooden ornaments and bamboo weaving. These are great souvenirs to take home.
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Click here for a short video on YouTube of Half Moon Bay.
Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay is a gently shelving beach with sugar soft sand and turquoise water. It is far less crowded than it's larger neighbour Dickenson Bay. Exceptional food and refreshments can be purchased from Casa Roots, a restaurant with bar area directly on the beachfront.
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Accommodation nearby ...
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Click on the link to view a short video of Runaway Bay Beach on my YouTube channel.
Rendezvous Beach
Rendezvous Bay is a remote beach that cannot be accessed by car. Choose to take a hike from Wallings Dam, a 40 minute walk from Falmouth or perhaps via a boat tour such as Xtreme Circumnavigation that stops here for a rum punch. The beach offers plenty of shade and it would not be uncommon to find yourself being the only people here.
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Click on the link to view a video of the Xtreme Circumnavigation boat approaching Rendezvous Bay Beach from my YouTube channel.
Hodges Bay
As beaches are public, access is via upscale Hodges Bay Resort. As a non-resident it is still possible to relax on the powdery white sand, use the bathroom facilities and purchase food and drinks from the bar. Click on the link for a YouTube video showing a 360 degree view of Hodges Bay.
A daily boat service runs from here over to Prickly Pear Island (low season the boat does not run on Mondays and Thursdays).
If you prefer to stay off resort, click on the link for details of studios, 1 and 2 bed properties for rent close to Hodges Bay.
Prickly Pear Island
Catch a boat over to Prickly Pear Island from the beach at Hodges Bay Resort. Bathe in gin coloured water, sip cocktails from a cabana and indulge in some delicious dishes from the island's restaurant.
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Click on the link for details of studios, 1 and 2 bed properties for rent​ close to Hodges Bay.
Pinching Bay
An enchanting beach with sand as soft as talcum powder that can be accessed by boat or via a hiking trail. Click on the link for a recommended tailor made private boat charter.
Fort James Beach
Fort James Beach is a long stretch of white sand close to St Johns. The Fort was originally built to protect the capital's harbour from a French invasion back in the 18th Century. Today visitors can roam the remains, view the cannons and take in the breathtaking views of the beach and Caribbean sea. Beachlimerz restaurant is located here for good food and to hire paddle boards, snorkels and kayaks.
Darkwood Beach
Darkwood Beach is a stretch of powdery white sand with turquoise hued water, popular with locals and tourists. Beach amenities include lounger/parasol hire, a massage hut and beach bar/restaurant. Opposite is Auntie Carvel's, a recommended restaurant to experience authentic local cuisine.
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Recommended Accommodation
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Studio apartments - One is tucked away on a hillside, the other opposite Crabbe Hill beach (see above). Both are ideal for couples and solo travellers.
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4 bed luxury villa in Jolly Harbour - less than 10 minutes by car
Note: I will receive a commission if you make a booking via the hotel/rental property/activity links
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If you make any bookings based on my recommendations your contract will be directly with the travel company/hotel/short term rental or activity provider you booked through. I am acting as a referral point only based on information from my most recent visit which may be subject to change at any time.