| About Antigua | Accommodations | Beaches | Dining |
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Most of Antigua’s beaches are public and lined with resorts that have water-sports outfitters and beach bars. Topless sunbathing is not allowed in most of these beaches except one of the small beaches at Hawksbill Beach Resort.
Pigeon Point
About 4 minute drive from Admiral’s Inn, near Falmouth Harbour, is a lovely white sand beach. With calm waters and unspoiled sand, it is the best beach near English Harbour. It is often crowded, especially when cruise ships dock in St John’s. It is ideal for snorkelers and swimmers of most ages and abilities. There are several restaurants and bars near Pigeon Point.
Dickenson BayLying in the northwest, directly north of St John’s, Dickenson Bay is one of Antigua’s finest beaches. It is a lengthy and wide strip of powder soft white sand beach with exceptionally calm turquoise water, attracting families and children. Water-sports equipment can be rented from some of the small and large hotels or the some of the water-sports outfitters along the beach. Restaurant and beach bar nearby provides refreshments. |
North of Dickenson Bay is some really secluded beaches and some ideal snorkeling areas. For a fee, locals will take you to one of the uninhabited islets, such as Prickly Pear Island, which is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. One of Antigua’s best snorkeling spots, Paradise Reefs, 1 1.6km long coral garden of spectacular beauty north of Dickenson Bay, can be visited through glass-bottom excursion boats.
Johnson’s Point
This series of connected, secluded beaches of bleached white sand lies on the southwest coast overlooking Montserrat. The waters, usually calm and crystal clear, are populated with hordes of colorful tropical fish that are a feast to the eyes.
Turner’s Beach
This idyllic beach is situated near Johnson’s point on the southwest coast. It is one of the best places for sunbathing as it is cooled by trade winds. The beach has powdery white sand and the water is crystal clear. If the day is clear, you can see the volcanic island of Monserrat.
Carlisle Bay
One of Antigua’s most distinguished shores, Carlisle Bay, serves the island’s most deluxe hotel, Curtain Bluff. Here, where the calm Caribbean meets the more turbulent Atlantic, the water is incredibly blue.
Driftwood Beach
In the southwest of the island lies Driftwood Beach. Its white sand beach and calm water are simply delightful. Being close to the villas of Jolly Harbour Beach Resort Marina, it can be overcrowded.
Darkwood Beach
Also southwest of Antigua is Darkwood Beach, a 5 minute drive south of Jolly Harbour Marina and the Jolly Harbour Golf Club. It waters are almost crystal blue and snorkeling here is great. It can get overcrowded, especially when ships dock.
Hawksbill Beaches
On the Five Islands peninsula, there are four secluded Hawksbill Beaches. Here, the beaches have white sands, turquoise waters and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. On one of them, it is clothing optional.
Half Moon Bay
A 1.6km beach on the southeastern coast, it is a prime snorkeling and windsurfing area. The water on the Atlantic side can be quite rough at times, but windsurfers who enjoy that rough ride, like to head out beyond the reef that sheltered protected waters. This beach is now a public park and ideal for family outing.
Long Bay
Long Bay fronts the Atlantic on the far eastern coast of Antigua. Here, you will find coral reefs in water so shallow that you can walk out to them. Guests of the Long Bay Hotel and the Pineapple Beach Club usually occupy this beach.