Antigua and Barbuda’s renowned beaches, nestled in the calm and protected waters of the Caribbean Sea, are all open to the public.
Explore Paradise: Antigua's Natural Landscapes
Northwest Coast
Antigua Island’s developed northwest coast is home to the popular Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay, offering a comprehensive beach vacation experience. Alternatively, for those wishing to be closer to St. John’s Beach, the locally popular public beaches of Fort James and Fort Bay are both excellent choices. Hawksbill’s series of four crescent-shaped beaches are also highly praised, with one particularly suitable for those seeking a naturist sunbathing experience. For those looking to party into the night, Dickenson Bay is a popular nighttime hotspot.
Southwest and South Coast
The hilly beaches on the southwestern corner of Antigua Island are generally not as developed as those around St. John’s. Along the coast, you’ll find Ffryes Bay, Darkwood Beach, and Johnson’s Point. Rendezvous Bay, especially Doigs Beach, located on the mid-southern coast, are particularly quiet beaches as they can only be accessed by four-wheel-drive vehicles or footpaths. After spending a day at Nelson’s Shipyard, Pigeon Point is an excellent midway stop for a refreshing swim or a cool drink at the local beach bar. Another popular spot for drinks or even food is Turner’s Beach Bar and Grill located in St. Mary’s Johnson’s Point.
East Coast
Half Moon Bay on Antigua Island has been rated as one of the world’s best beaches and is always a good choice with its status as a national park. Long Bay, located at the easternmost tip of the island, is another good option for families as it’s completely protected by a coral reef. Indian Town, at the island’s easternmost point and on the way to Long Bay, is home to a natural limestone arch called Devil’s Bridge, where powerful Atlantic waves, originating from Africa, have traveled 3,000 miles to crash against the endpoint, creating a spectacular natural limestone arch called Devil’s Bridge. Blowholes and surging waves make for a spectacular sight.
Barbuda Island and Surrounding Offshore Islands
Barbuda Island boasts the Caribbean’s best-kept secret beaches, featuring a smooth coastline alternating between pink and white sands, protected by reefs. These nearly deserted beaches seamlessly blend with rich marine environments, offering adventurers from Antigua Island excellent opportunities for superb diving, snorkeling, fishing, and birdwatching, making it an ideal escape from everyday life. Additionally, some of Barbuda’s beaches exhibit unique features, with striking pink “sand” formed by the tiniest pink shells (reminiscent of cotton candy) washed ashore in various bays. Apart from Barbuda Island itself, there is a series of major offshore islands, including Redonda Island, Bird Island, Green Island, Guiana Island, Prickly Pear Island, Crump Island, Maiden Island, Rabbit Island, York Island, Hell’s Gate, Sandy Island, and Long Island (which includes the super unique Jumby Bay Resort and Villas).
Devil’s Gate Island
Rent a boat and enter a perfect paradise. Although the beaches on the island are small, its main attraction is the caves. The caves of Devil’s Gate Island are simply stunning. As you enter, their unique shapes and sizes will mesmerize you.
Back Bay Beach
Located about a five-minute drive from the village of Freetown on the southeast coast of Antigua, on weekdays, when you descend from the hilltop to the white sands and translucent waters, you will discover a tranquil scene.
Coral Bay
This beautiful bay is named for the abundance of coral in the area and is sure to provide an excellent spot for snorkeling with schools of fish.
Pirate’s Bay Beach
For those adventurous souls, why not try windsurfing? The enticing breeze and shallow waters provide the perfect setting. The soft white sands offer a picturesque day for everyone. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen if you want to relax.
Carlisle Bay Beach
Carlisle Beach is located on the south coast of Antigua, near Old Road Village. This expansive beach boasts clear waters, fine sand, and excellent snorkeling spots, where you can find various tropical fish. Don your mask and fins!
Darkwood Beach
Located on the southwest coast, about a five-minute drive south of Jolly Harbour.
Darkwood Beach Bar and Restaurant
This relaxed beach bar and restaurant is situated on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear waters and white sands, offering comprehensive service to all beachgoers. Whether you arrive by cruise or stay on Antigua to explore its many beaches, Darkwood Beach Bar is an ideal spot to taste local delicacies, experience the local culture, bathe in the Caribbean sun, and explore underwater life.
Fort James Beach
Fort James Beach, located at Fort Bay on the northwest coast of Antigua, is popular among locals and tourists alike. You can often find volleyball or beach cricket matches here. It’s also a popular spot for cruise ship passengers, being just a 5 to 10-minute drive from St. John’s cruise terminal.
Dennis Cocktail Bar and Restaurant
Dennis Beach Bar & Restaurant is located next to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, offering the most delicious modern Caribbean cuisine in a colorful environment. It provides friendly and personalized service, with each dish on the menu presented stylishly and with a modern flair.
Ffryes Beach
Depart from the bustling main road and pass by a historic windmill to find this secluded retreat.
Galleon Beach
Galleon Beach is synonymous with Antigua – featuring powdery white sands surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Galley Bay Beach
Located near the village of Five Islands on the northwest coast.
Dickenson Bay
Located on the northwest coast of Antigua, Dickenson Bay is the most developed beach on the island, with hotel restaurants and water sports facilities. It’s a popular gathering spot, offering calm shallow waters and white sandy beaches, providing the perfect setting for a busy day.
Hawksbill Beach
Hawksbill Beach, named after a uniquely shaped rock resembling a hawksbill turtle, consists of four magnificent beaches… perfect for a day of adventure including swimming, picnicking, and snorkeling!
Half Moon Bay
The crescent shape resembling half a moon makes this beach a beautiful sight.
Jabberwock Beach
Jabberwock Beach is situated on the northeast coast of Antigua, featuring a mile-long stretch of white sand. Warm waters at Jabberwock Beach are loved by locals and tourists alike, making it a great spot for surfing. It’s also ideal for bodyboarding and windsurfing. Lined with palm trees and picnic tables, it’s a favorite spot for everyone to enjoy on weekends.
Jolly Beach
Jolly Beach, located at Jolly Harbour on the west coast of Antigua, boasts a mile-long stretch of pinkish-white sand in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. With plenty of restaurants, water sports, and shopping facilities nearby, it’s a great place to spend a day or an entire vacation on Antigua Island.
Hermitage Bay Beach
Located about 1.5 miles from Jolly Harbour, at the end of Jennings village. Strongly recommended for off-road vehicles. Hermitage Bay Beach boasts perfect white arc-shaped sands. This beach is truly undisturbed and excellent for swimming. Stretching over 1,250 feet, this secluded beach is located at the westernmost tip of Antigua.
Long Bay Beach
Located about a 5-minute drive from the village of Willikies in Long Bay on the east coast, Long Bay Beach features fine white sands and crystal-clear blue waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling or relaxing in the sun.
Morris Bay Beach
Morris Bay is located in Old Road Village on the south coast, not far from Turners and adjacent to the luxurious Curtain Bluff resort.
Low Bay
Low Bay Beach is situated on the western edge of Barbuda Island.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a pastoral leisure paradise, especially because there are hardly any buildings around and no urbanization. Miles away, there’s nothing but the beach and the sea. Take a stroll along this beach and experience the taste of untouched paradise.
Pigeon Point Beach
Located on the southeast coast of Antigua, just a 5-minute drive from English Harbour, Pigeon Point Beach is a favorite spot for the local community and tourists alike, and it’s also a great snorkeling spot.
Mosquito Cove Beach
This is largely an island’s conservative secret, except for yacht enthusiasts, brave marine adventurers, and some locals.
South Coast Horizons
Located in the south of Antigua, with the beautiful Boggy Peak mountain range to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. Enjoy tranquility and nature in a safe, private environment.
Princess Diana Beach
Formerly known as Coco Point Beach, it was renamed in honor of Princess Diana, who enjoyed vacationing here. A true paradise, featuring long stretches of soft sandy beaches and tranquil seas…
Ping Qing Bay
Explore where popular singers like Mariah Carey have been.
Turners Beach
Located near Johnson’s Point on the southwest coast, if you’re looking for one of those absolutely lazy days, head to Turners Beach. It welcomes you with enticing cool breezes, battles the sunshine of Antigua, and offers calm blue waters for relaxation and recharging. After you’ve unwound, why not head to the first-rate Turners Bar for some delicious seafood and chilled beers.
Sun, Sea, and Sand
If you’re craving sun, sea, and most importantly, space, we think we know the perfect spot.
Experience Wonderland: Tourism and Adventure Activities
Various land and sea activities await adventurers. On Antigua, you can zip-line through the rainforest, swim with stingrays, hike, bike, scuba dive, kayak, kite surf, fish, and more. There’s a wide range of watersports, from sailing, boating, waterskiing, deep-sea and reef fishing to scuba diving and snorkeling. For land lovers, the island offers popular activities like horseback riding, hiking, island excursions, painting and cooking classes, birdwatching adventures, and helicopter tours.
Additionally, don’t miss out on Barbuda, Antigua’s underdeveloped sister island known for its pristine 17-mile-long pink sand beaches and abundant wildlife, including rare birds. Just a 15-minute flight or a 2-hour ferry ride away, it offers a Robinson Crusoe-style ultimate vacation experience. The island is home to the largest colony of frigatebirds in the Western Hemisphere.
Celebrity Footprints: International Celebrities and Their Connection to Antigua
“As the Garden of Eden in North America, here boasts 365 beautiful beaches, including dreamy pink sands, making it one of the top choices for family vacations, romantic getaways, weddings, and holidays. Additionally, it offers luxurious villas, deluxe hotels, top-notch restaurants, delicious cuisine, and premium spas. Apart from ordinary tourists worldwide, international celebrities and wealthy elites from Europe and America prefer Antigua for vacations. Princess Diana vacationed here multiple times with her two sons, and actor Robert De Niro invested in a resort here. Singer Eric Clapton, designer Giorgio Armani, and talk show host Oprah all have property investments in the area. Antigua’s private jet terminal caters specifically to the wealthy, and it’s consistently fully booked throughout the year.”