Many of Antigua and Barbuda’s famed beaches rest inside the calm, protected waters on the Caribbean Sea. All of the country’s beaches are open to the public.
Northwest Coast
Antigua’s developed northwest coast is home to the popular Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay, which provide a fully-loaded resort beach experience. Or, for those who want a beach close to St. John’s, Fort James, a locally popular public beach, and Deep Bay are excellent choices. A series of four crescent shaped beaches at Hawksbill are also highly regarded, one of which is great for those seeking a nude sunbathing experience. And for those who want to party late into the night, popular evening hotspots can be found at Dickenson Bay.
Southwest and South Coast
The beaches of the hilly southwest corner of Antigua are generally less developed than those around St. John’s. Winding along the coast are Ffryes Bay, Darkwood Beach and Johnson’s Point. Rendezvous Bay and especially Doigs Beach, both located on the central southern coast, are especially quiet beaches as they are only accessible by four-wheel drive or footpaths. And, after a day at Nelson’s Dockyard, Pigeon Point is a great stop off for a cooling dip or a refreshing drink at the local beach bar. Another popular spot for drinks and even some food is Turner’s Beach Bar and Grill at Johnson’s Point in St. Mary’s.
East Coast
Half Moon Bay in Antigua, voted one of the world’s ultimate beaches and now a National Park is always a great choice. Long Bay, on the easternmost point of the island, is another good choice for families as it is completely protected by its reef. Situated at the extreme eastern point of the island, on the road to Long Bay, is Indian Town. Over the centuries, powerful Atlantic breakers have swept in at the end of a 3,000-mile journey from Africa, carving out a natural limestone arch called Devil’s Bridge. The blowholes and spouting surf make a spectacular site.
Beaches of Barbuda
The best-kept secret of the Caribbean is the smooth coastline edged with alternating pink and white sand beaches protected by barrier reefs on the island of Barbuda. Nearly deserted beaches combine with an environment rich in marine life offering those who venture over from Antigua the opportunity to enjoy excellent diving, snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, and of course, an escape from the everyday. Though most of Barbuda’s beaches are composed of fine white sand, a few are noticeably different. These are the striking pink “sand” beaches created from the tiniest of pink shells, the color of cotton candy, that are washed ashore in various coves.
Main Off-Shore Islands
Main Off-Shore Islands: These include, Redonda, Great Bird Island and Green Island, Guiana Island, Prickly Pear Island, Crump Island, Maiden Island, Rabbit Island, York Island, Hells Gate, Sandy Island, and Long Island (which houses the ultra exclusive Jumby Bay Resort and Vacation homes).
For those with a more adventurous side why not try your hand at windsurfing, the enticing breeze and shallow waters provide the perfect settings. The plush, white sands offer an idyllic day for all. If you fancy relaxing, just make sure you bring the suntan lotion.
Carlisle Beach is located by the village of Old Road on the south coast of Antigua. This expansive beach offers clear waters, fine sand and excellent snorkeling where you can find a wide variety of tropical fish. Bring your mask and fins!
With a name derived from the abundance of coral in the area, this gorgeous bay is sure to offer excellent snorkelling with schools of fish.
Located on the south west coast, about 5 minutes drive south of Jolly Harbour.
Located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island for its clear waters and white sand, this relaxed beach bar and restaurant offers a full line of services to all beach goers. Whether you are arriving on a cruise ship or staying on Antigua and exploring many of the beaches, Darkwood Beach Bar is the perfect place to taste some local specialities, experience local culture, bask in the gorgeous Caribbean sun and explore the underwater life.
Located about a five minute drive from Freetown village on the southeast coast of Antigua, during the weekdays you will find this to be a picture of serenity as you descend from the hilltop down to white sands and translucent waters.
Dennis Beach Bar & Restaurant offers modern Caribbean cuisine at its very best, set next to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and colourful surroundings, a friendly and personal service complete with a menu where each dish is stylishly presented for a contemporary edge.
Dickenson Bay is on the Northwestern coast of Antigua, and is the most developed beach on the island, with hotels restaurants and water sports facilities. It is a popular meeting place. The shallow calm waters and white sand provide a perfect setting for an active day.
Drive off a busy main road, pass a historic windmill to find this hidden retreat.
Fort James Beach located at Fort Bay on the northwest coast of Antigua is popular with locals and visitors alike, a beach where you can often find a volleyball game, or a game of beach cricket to participate in. Fort James Beach is also a popular spot for cruise ship visitors, as it's only a 5-10 minutes drive from the cruise ship dock in St.John's.
