Beaches

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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).