Antigua and Barbuda / Beaches

Antigua has a huge number of excellent beaches in its whiplash coastline, so there are beaches of all sorts. There are lively and active beaches with watersports, but with so many isolated stretches there is no shortage of somewhere to chill out and soak up the rays with few or no other people.

Click on the map to see an interactive map of Antigua Beaches.

Here is a selection of the best Antigua beaches...

Carlisle Bay, south coast - At Old Road Village, a captivating, palm-backed curve of powder soft sand with calm waters, half a mile long and hemmed in by headlands. It is also home to the exclusive, luxury resort of the same name, which occupies a prime position on the beach.

Crab’s Hill/Turner’s Beach/Johnson’s Point, south-west - A fabulous strip of stunning white, sunset-facing sand running down to the south-western tip of the island between Crab Hill and Johnson’s Point villages. The busiest spot is the area right in front of the popular Turner’s Beach bar (the southern, Johnson’s Point end) which attracts the fun crowd on weekends and is a popular drop off point for cruise ship passengers, so it can be crowded on certain days. The beach has some wooden sun shades and chairs for hire, some watersports and souvenir sellers. Further up the beach at Crab Hill is the much quieter OJ’s, which is a delightful, atmospheric beach bar.

Darkwood Bay, south-west - A sight for sore eyes, a spellbinding stretch of beach with blazing white sand which runs north along the South-western coastline from the Turner’s Beach area. The snorkelling is good and there is a simple beach bar at the southern end of the beach.

Dickenson Bay, north-west - A lively stretch of white sandy beach with calm water and a host of hotels and apartments. Plenty of beachfront restaurants, bars and watersports activities.

Dutchman’s Bay, north-east - Located just north of the airport this beach offers excellent conditions for experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Fort Bay, north-west - Located north of St John’s close to the entrance to the harbour and being so close is very popular with cruise ship passengers. There are a couple of beach bars and on weekends it is a favourite with locals who like to play beach volleyball or cricket.

Ffrye’s Bay, south-west - Just north of Darkwood Beach in the south-west. Beautiful white sandy beach with calm seas. Frequented most by pelicans.

Galleon Beach, Freeman’s Bay, English Harbour - A quarter mile stretch of golden sand with calm waters and good a snorkelling reef 75ft offshore. Set within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. The Calabash Restaurant within Galleon Beach resort is located behind the beach.

Galley Bay, Five Islands Pensinsula, west coast - A stunning bay and stretch of sand which is popular with surfers in the winter season. There can be quite big sea swells.

Green Island, south-east - Located off Nonsuch Bay on the Atlantic side, an uninhabited island with a number of lovely white sandy beaches and excellent snorkelling. Popular stop off point on day cruises. Harmony Hall operate a daily boat trip.

Half Moon Bay, south-east - This is a glorious crescent shaped stretch of pink sand beach on the south-east coast. It is on the Atlantic side, so the sea can get a bit frisky at times and is good for bodysurfing and windsurfing. There are some calm spots which are fine for children and there is some very good snorkelling.

Hawksbill Bay, Five Islands Peninsula, west coast - There are four secluded beaches here, including Antigua’s only nudist beach.

Jabberwock Beach, north-east - Just beyond Dutchman’s Bay, Jabberwock is a mile long stretch of white sand just north of the airport. Perfect conditions for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Long Bay, east coast - Popular beach with fine white sand beyond the village of Willikies and not far from Devil’s Bridge.

Pigeon Point, Falmouth Harbour -  Located just beyond the Yacht Club, this is a big favourite with families, and is loved by locals and visitors. Calm waters and fine white sand, with good snorkelling.

Runaway Bay, north-west - The extension of Dickenson Bay to the south, a long stretch of white sand with a few hotels, restaurants and bars.

Rendezvous Bay, south coast - Unspoilt, remote and considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Antigua. Accessible either by sea, a long hike over the hills or on horseback. See under Horse Riding.

Hazards

Beware of manchioneel trees, which are quite common on Antigua’s beaches. They are fairly large trees, with small dark green leaves and small yellow/green apples. Contact with the sap of the tree or apples will cause blistering. In fact even rain water dripping off the leaves can have the same effect, so do not shelter under them during rainfall. The small apples are fairly prevalent. You should seek immediate medical advice if they are consumed.

Check local knowledge before swimming off remote beaches. If red flags are displayed on a beach it means do not swim.

Contributor:  James Henderson (editor)