Antigua and sister island Barbuda collectively make up a Caribbean nation within the northeastern Caribbean Sea. Antigua is to the south, and Barbuda is to the north. These islands are situated east of St. Kitts and north of Montserrat. There are such a lot of amazing things Antigua is known for, together with its lovely seashores and Caribbean resorts. Antigua has over 365 seashores, all pristine with white sand and surrounded by turquoise waters. Among the greatest seashores in Antigua have palm bushes and different varieties of bushes for shade and, at a lot of the seashores on this island, you’ll finish your day with the purest sense of tranquility.
Image: Sandals Grande Antigua alongside Dickenson Bay, Antigua.
Whether or not you’re seeking to loosen up, admire the views, go snorkeling, or strive some water sports activities, you’ll have the ability to discover a seaside in Antigua that fits you. That will help you take pleasure in one of the best seashores in Antigua on your vacation, we’ve listed 11 of our favorites that might be excellent for having fun with the wonderful climate on this tropical vacation spot.
The 11 greatest seashores in Antigua
Antigua, in comparison with most different Caribbean islands, has essentially the most seashores. All of the seashores on this island are open to most of the people. Which means that the attractive seashores of Antigua can be found in your enjoyment at a second’s discover. Right here’s what you possibly can anticipate at a number of the island’s hottest seashores:
1. Dickenson Bay
Dickenson Bay is within the northwestern a part of Antigua, within the parish of St. John. Dickenson Bay is one of the lovely and pristine seashores in Antigua and there are many issues to do whereas there together with water sports activities. On this seaside, you’ll have the ability to go jet snowboarding, wakeboarding, parasailing, tubing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Dickenson Bay is roughly a mile lengthy. Which means that though the seaside can get crowded, you received’t have a tough time finding a peaceable house for simply you. The water is normally fairly calm on this seaside. Additionally it is fairly shallow for a great distance out making it nice for an informal swim, or some wading.
Dickenson Bay is a few 9-minute drive from St. John’s. There are fairly a couple of luxury-beach resorts and eating places close to this seaside and locations to buy as properly. Sandals Grande Antigua is situated on Dickenson Bay Seashore. {Couples} can take pleasure in a day journey to this seaside the place they can’t solely benefit from the ocean and sunbathe but in addition do some fowl watching for ospreys and pelicans as properly.
2. Ffryes Seashore
Ffryes Seashore is on the checklist of greatest seashores in Antigua. This seaside is situated on the western shore of the island towards the southern finish. It’ll take about half-hour to get to Ffryes Seashore from St. John’s, the capital of Antigua. Ffryes Seashore is north of Darkwood Seashore and Turner’s Seashore. This seaside is right for {couples} who need a chill and tranquil spot the place they will take pleasure in a while collectively close to the ocean and watch a tremendous sundown later within the day.
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At Ffryes Seashore, you can lease seaside chairs and umbrellas for about $15 USD. You may also discover parking close to the seaside and loos (close to the car parking zone) as properly. Although this seaside is comparatively secluded, there are locations to eat and drink, which might be handy. It’s value noting that the water on Ffryes Seashore is just a little deeper than different seashores in Antigua. The waves on this seaside might be sturdy at occasions. You’ll not often discover crowds right here.
Knowledgeable tip: Need to uncover an unmatched trip on a tropical island? Learn our Top things to do in Antigua! with the love of your life!
3. Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay in Antigua (to not be confused with Carlisle Bay in Barbados) is not at all a secret. It is a seaside situated on the south coast of Antigua, nearly 40 minutes by automobile from St. John’s. Carlisle Bay is crescent-shaped and surrounded by palm bushes. With views of catamarans and luxurious yachts from this seaside, the scene right here can actually look like it is straight from a postcard.
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Clear and crisp are two phrases you should utilize to explain this tranquil seaside and a day right here might be spent enjoyable within the heat, calm waters or on the shore. Carlisle Seashore is on the quiet aspect, so more often than not you’ll be one of many solely individuals there. It will not matter although as the attractive tones of blue of the ocean on this serene house will seemingly captivate you for many of your go to.
On one finish of this seaside, you’ll discover a resort, and the opposite finish is quieter with a lot of palm bushes. You can also make your choose relying on the kind of expertise you are hoping to have. Apart from the resort, there aren’t many facilities on this seaside. Generally there are distributors promoting clothes, hats, or drinks. The surroundings is nice throughout, notably the surrounding inexperienced hills.
4. Half Moon Bay
On the Atlantic coast of Antigua, you may discover the quiet and remoted Half Moon Bay. The crescent form of this seaside provides it its identify, and it’s beautiful. The Atlantic Ocean’s affect means the waves might be fairly sturdy right here. That is precisely what makes it an glorious spot for bodysurfing and boogie boarding.
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Half Moon Bay is on the japanese shore of Antigua in Saint Philip Parish. Whereas in Antigua, you’ll have the ability to get there in about 40 minutes by automobile from St. John’s. If you happen to love the concept of dipping into the ocean on a phenomenal seaside however would favor calmer waters, you possibly can strive getting in on the left aspect of the bay which is sheltered by rocks. That is additionally a great place to snorkel.
{Couples} who wish to spend a couple of enjoyable hours within the sunshine will love Half Moon Bay because it has a pure really feel to it but in addition has the comfort issue when it comes to eating places close by (on the finish of the seaside), in addition to seaside chair, lounger, and umbrella leases.
Do you know?: There may be additionally a Half Moon Bay seaside on the island of Providenciales in Turks & Caicos that’s house to endangered rock iguanas!
5. Jolly Seashore
Jolly Seashore is taken into account by many to be among the finest seashores in Antigua. If you happen to plan to go to multiple seaside throughout your trip, this is usually a good spot to start out. This seaside is situated in Jolly Harbour, on the western aspect of Antigua. As Jolly Seashore is on the aspect of the island framed by the Caribbean Sea, you possibly can anticipate calm situations on most days.
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Jolly Seashore is about a mile lengthy and fairly spacious. This implies that you would be able to go for a romantic stroll should you really feel like actually soaking in the fantastic thing about this house. Jolly Seashore is snug, clear, and ideal for vacationers who need a livelier seaside expertise that features water sports activities. Jet snowboarding is a chance on this seaside and the clear water is right for snorkeling. Jolly Seashore is in a handy location as properly with a lot of eating places, bars, and purchasing inside strolling distance.
6. Pigeon Level Seashore
In English Harbour on the southern tip of Antigua lies the favored Pigeon Level Seashore. It takes roughly 40 minutes to drive to this seaside from St. John’s. Paying a go to to Level Seashore is perfect should you’re on the lookout for a spot to snorkel due to the calm, clear waters at this seaside. Vacationers who select to spend a couple of hours at Pigeon Level Seashore will love that it’s fairly shady due to all of the bushes on this space.
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Whereas snorkeling at Pigeon Level Seashore, you would possibly see stingrays and a number of lovely sea shells. If you’re executed admiring the ocean life, you possibly can unfold out a towel to loosen up on the shore as there aren’t any chair leases right here. If you wish to get a snack or some cocktails in your seaside day, the French-inspired Catherine’s Cafe is close by and a terrific choice – it is considered one of Antigua’s high eateries.
Different actions on this seaside space embrace climbing — you possibly can try the paths on the close by Nelson’s Dockyard earlier than or after you go swimming. Nelson’s Dockyard is a marina and a cultural website, and it’ll take round 20 minutes to stroll right here from the seaside. The paths go alongside the dockyard, and after you are executed climbing, you possibly can benefit from the beautiful views of sailboats and yachts within the marina.
7. Turner’s Seashore
Turner’s Seashore is a phenomenal stretch of powdery white sands in Antigua. This seaside is situated south of Ffryes seaside and Darkwood Seashore. It’s alongside the west coast of Antigua on the Caribbean Sea aspect. Turner’s Seashore is an efficient choice to spend a seaside day should you’re on the lookout for a seaside that’s spacious, clear, and delightful however is not very developed.
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Turner’s Seashore incessantly makes the checklist of greatest seashores in Antigua because it simply has a lot to supply. Additionally it is one of the common seashores on the island. There are a number of eating places on this seaside in addition to seaside bars inside strolling distance. Eating places at Turner’s Seashore embrace Jacqui O’s Seashore Home and Rumbus Seashore Bar.
Turner’s Seashore is kind of an intensive seaside so there’s a lot of room to discover. This seaside can be nice for snorkeling. Whereas snorkeling off Turner’s Seashore, you possibly can anticipate to see all varieties of tropical fish and typically even stingrays. If you wish to lease a seaside chair right here, $10 USD will safe your chair for the day.
8. Galleon Seashore
Galleon Seashore is situated in English Harbour, Antigua, about 40 minutes by automobile from St . John’s. This seaside is pristine and uncrowded, and it’s common for snorkeling. Go to the left aspect of the seaside for one of the best snorkeling. As soon as there, you will not must enterprise far to see fascinating aquatic life – only a few meters from the shore might be sufficient.
Galleon Seashore’s water is calm and clear which provides to the snorkeling expertise. Whereas snorkeling on this seaside, you are more likely to spot turtles, stingrays, and a plethora of tropical fish and coral. Off the coast of Galleon Seashore, snorkelers can view a shipwreck as properly. This wreck is situated within the shallows, and it’s filled with fish together with massive tangs, snapper, and barracuda.
Galleon Seashore is surrounded by hills and has lovely surroundings. This seaside provides loads of alternatives for exploration notably as a number of the sections additional away might be explored by way of rock scrambling. Climbing to the Pillars of Hercules is feasible from Galleon Seashore. It is a rocky space the place pure phenomena might be noticed alongside the cliffs. The journey from the seashore to the Pillars of Hercules ought to take not more than 25 minutes.
Knowledgeable tip: Chances are you’ll want water footwear at Galleon Seashore as it’s fairly stony. Water footwear will come in useful should you plan on making the rocky trek from the seaside to the Pillars of Hercules. Earlier than or after spending the day at Galleon Seashore, you possibly can go to the close by Nelson’s Dockyard.
9. Lengthy Bay Seashore
There’s one thing so peaceable a few Caribbean seaside journey, notably one on a seaside like Lengthy Bay Seashore in Antigua. Lengthy Bay Seashore is on the Atlantic aspect of this island. The seaside is protected by a reef, so the water is usually calm and thus perfect for swimming. Throughout your Antigua trip, you will get to Lengthy Bay Seashore in about 35 minutes by automobile from St. John’s.
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Lengthy Bay Seashore is a favourite for diving notably if you wish to snorkel. Snorkeling might be executed near shore and through this expertise, you are more likely to see a number of fishes, hermit crabs, turtles, and an array of coral. When you’re executed snorkeling, you possibly can dry off and settle into a comfortable spot to soak in some solar.
Lengthy Bay Seashore is rarely crowded so you do not have to fret about competing for one of the best spots. At some factors within the day, it will get a bit windy on this seaside so that you would possibly wish to convey seaside cover-ups. When it comes to seaside chair and umbrella leases, some distributors supply these for your entire day at a price of $10-$20 USD.
10. Hawksbill Bay Seashores
The Hawksbill Bay Seashores are situated on the western shore of Antigua. These seashores are a few 20-minute drive from St. John’s and the cruise ship terminal. Seashores within the Hawksbill Bay area of Antigua embrace Royal Palm Seashore, Sea Grape Seashore, Honeymoon Cove, and Eden Seashore. All of those seashores are fairly secluded.
To entry the Hawksbill Bay Seashores in Antigua, you’ll must go contained in the property of Hawksbill Resort. No worries although as the entire seashores on this space are open to the general public. Not less than considered one of these seashores, Eden Seashore, is a clothing-optional seaside. If you happen to resolve to spend a few hours on any of the seashores on this space likelihood is you’ll have the vast majority of the seaside to your self throughout your time there.
When it comes to how secluded these seashores are, properly … you possibly can most likely examine them to different seashores on the island to measure this. In comparison with seashores like Dickenson Bay, the Hawksbill Bay Seashores are undoubtedly extra on the quiet aspect. Whereas in Antigua, you possibly can plan a visit to this seaside to go sea shell looking, or simply to loosen up and admire the wonderful ocean views.
11. Fort James Seashore
Fort James Seashore on the western shore of Antigua is a type of seashores that simply takes your breath away at first glimpse. This received’t be on account of any grandeur or something showy, however merely due to its pure magnificence and serene outlook. This seaside is as unspoiled because it will get, but there are a couple of eateries and bars not removed from the shoreline.
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You will get to Fort James Seashore in nearly 6 minutes should you drive there from St. John’s, the capital. Although there are eating places at each ends of the seaside, Fort James for essentially the most half stays quiet. Locals love this seaside as it’s perfect for lounging and swimming. There’s additionally parking, public showers, and umbrella and seaside chair leases out there, with a lot of room to roam and revel in your seaside day.
Good to know: The water at Fort James Seashore is usually a little turbulent at occasions, so this seaside will not be an ideal choice for youths or weak swimmers.
When is one of the best time to go to Antigua for a seaside trip?
The best time to visit Antigua for a seaside trip is through the island’s excessive season. That is through the months of mid-December to mid-April. Although this island has wonderful climate all year long, it’s even higher throughout these months which mark the excessive season. Throughout this time, the climate tends to be extra sunny and constant.
In the course of the excessive season, Antigua is definitely barely much less sizzling, which may be a great factor should you plan on spending a lot of time open air. You are additionally much less more likely to have rain interruptions in your journey should you journey through the island’s peak season. Vacationing at one of many island’s greatest couples resorts can even be a blast throughout peak season.
Apart from the excessive season, you would possibly wish to go to Antigua between the months of Might and November. The island is much less crowded throughout this time (which suggests you’ll have extra seashores to your self), however it can be rainier at the moment of yr as properly. No worries although, since rain showers in Antigua don’t normally final various minutes at a time!
Good to know: The gorgeous seashores are among the many amazing things Antigua is known for. The all-inclusive resorts of this island are on that checklist as properly!
Antigua is a good place for a beach-hopping trip
You don’t should be Antiguan to seek out one of the best of the 365 seashores on this island. All you’ll must do is begin planning your journey to the island, and the remaining will fall into place. We’ve listed the 11 greatest seashores in Antigua, and this may be a tremendous place to begin for an thrilling trip that features a lot of seaside hopping.
For one of the best seaside trip, it is best to keep at an all-inclusive resort in Antigua. There are quite a few advantages to an all-inclusive trip on this island together with the truth that you possibly can pay in your whole trip prematurely. When you arrive, you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in limitless wonderful inclusions with out worrying about the price. At Sandals Grande Antigua, this contains gourmand eating places, day and night time leisure, land and water sports activities, and quite a lot of actions for {couples}, all in one of many world’s most romantic resorts!
Knowledgeable Tip: If you happen to’ll be touring to this island for a seaside trip, don’t miss out on the highest 50 things to do in Antigua for an unmatched trip.