15 BEST Antigua Beaches By A Local!
Which are the best beaches in Antigua?
As a digital nomad family, we go to Antigua each winter because Carl’s job as a yacht captain brings us to the island. We all love living in Antigua and the surrounding Caribbean islands, and we look forward to returning each year. We’ve made it our mission to try as many of the beaches in Antigua as possible.
Using our local knowledge, this post is going to make it all a lot easier for you to find the best beaches in Antigua. Especially since Antigua has 365 beaches. That’s right, Antigua has a beach for every day of the year!
We’ve picked out 15 favourite (and easily accessible by car) beaches in Antigua to recommend to you!
Our Quick Guide to Best Antigua Beaches
Fun for families: Galleon Bay or Pigeon Point
Top for restaurants, activities and nightlife: Dickenson Bay Beach
Off-the-beaten-track adventures: Rendezvous Bay or Half Moon Bay
Best for snorkelling: Galleon Bay or Long Bay
Those looking for quiet relaxation and beautiful views: Carlisle Bay or Coco Bay
1. Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay Beach is one of the most stunning and calmest bays in Antigua. It is lined with palm trees and has clear blue shallow water. What we also love is that it’s located at the end of Fig Drive and is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest!
When you visit you’ll notice that there will be quite a few yachts parked in the bay. This is because it’s the perfect place for them to drop anchor for a lunchtime swim on their way from English Harbour up to Jolly Harbour. Our first time there was on a yacht!
It’s also home to one of the most luxurious family-friendly resorts on the island called the Carlisle Bay Resort. Because there is a resort there, a lot of people tend to think that this beach is for the exclusive use of their guests, however, it is a public beach (like all beaches are in Antigua) and open for all to visit.
At a Glance
Facilities | The Carlisle Beach Resort has all of the facilities on the beach and is only open to guests. Apart from a small shack offering out jet skis there really isn’t much on the beach – which we love as it’s a lot more chilled than some other beaches. If you need water or food then Old Road village is within walking distance.
Location | Carlisle Beach is located in Old Road Village down a dirt track, click here for the location.
Parking | There are a handful of parking spaces next to the beach
2. Coco Beach
Coco Bay is a picture-perfect beach next to the exclusive Coco Bay Resort (our friends got married there many years ago). It’s one of our favourite beaches in Antigua because it’s clean, the sand is soft and it’s very rarely busy.
Although the bay isn’t sign-posted, it’s actually pretty easy to get there using Google Maps or GPS. When you arrive there’s plenty of parking directly next to the beach.
The first part of the beach is where you’ll find most of the resort guests and facilities, so we’d suggested that you head a bit further along the beach to pick your spot.
It’s great for a relaxing swim and perfect for families because it’s shallow with not many waves. We’ve been quite a lot and we’ve never seen it to be busy because it’s not a beach that gets many day trippers.
At a Glance
Facilities | There are sun beds on the beach, however these are just for the Coco Bay Resort guests. There are a couple of boutique shops near the resort, but no easy access to food or drink. There is an awesome restaurant called Sheer Rocks, one of the best in Antigua) but you’ll usually need to book in advance to get a table.
Location | You can find Coco Beach on Google Maps here.
Parking | There is plenty of free parking on the edge of the beach when you get there
3. Darkwood Beach
Darkwood is a very long white sand beach which is super easy to reach. It’s a beautiful beach with clear blue waters. Also, there’s often a small wave onto the beach which is perfect for young children to jump in and out of.
There’s a large restaurant, some small boutique shops and people selling fresh coconut water (infused with rum if you ask the right vendor…….). There are also cool wooden parasols and loungers for hire.
What we love about it is that there are a couple of smaller great beaches just next to it called Turner’s Beach and Love Beach. This means that you can spend some time at Darkwood and then walk 20 minutes along the coast to one of the other beaches. Both beaches have restaurants on them to enjoy!
At a Glance
Facilities | There’s a large restaurant called Darkwood Beach Bar, parasol and loungers for hire. Plus some vendors offer coconuts and other snacks.
If you head further along to Turner’s Beach then halfway there you have Julia’s on the Beach (a converted red bus that has a kooky wooden dinghy swimming pool perfect for young children). And Turner’s Beach Bar at the far end is covered in fishing nets and sea shells.
Location | You can find Coco Beach on Google Maps here.
Parking | It’s on the opposite side of the road to the beach.
4. Dickenson Bay Beach
This mile-long stretch of beach is one of Antigua’s most popular beaches. It has a huge range of activities and services on offer which helps to draw in visitors. It’s also very conveniently located near St John’s for day-trippers arriving by cruise ship.
The reason we’ve included it on our list (and visited it) is that if you’re looking for a lively, action-packed, more developed beach in Antigua, then this is the one for you. It’s got plenty of bars to choose from (for those wanting a refreshing drink or two) and water sports such as stand-up paddle boards and jet skis to hire.
We should warn you that it does have a large number of hotels along its edge including Sandals Antigua which means that it can be quite crowded in peak season.
If you do decide to head there and you like a drink then you should try to head out to the infamous floating Kon Tiki Bar. It’s where the rum flows and normal people leave having transformed into pirates – need we say more…. This is one of the best beaches in Antigua if you like to party!
If you’re looking for somewhere a little calmer for lunch, then we can highly recommend Casa Roots located at the next beach called Runaway Bay Beach. The food and service are some of the best in Antigua!
At a Glance
Facilities | This beach has a lot of facilities on offer, you name it and it’s got it. It’s got an abundance of parasols, loungers, water sports, bars and more.
Location | We like to head towards Anas as it is easy to access and be found here. If this part of the beach is busy, then there’s alternative access at the end of the bay here.
Parking | Parking can be busy in peak season, so you might need to try both of the access points that we’ve recommended.
5. Ffryes Beach
This beautiful beach is known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s located on the west coast meaning it has one of the most beautiful sunsets in Antigua.
Depending on the water conditions you can play in the waves by jumping over them. Or you can hire paddle boards or kayaks from the vendor on the beach.
There aren’t any shops nearby, so you will need to bring food and drinks with you.
At a Glance
Facilities | There are loungers and parasols for rent on the right-hand side. There is also a great cafe called Dennis’ Beach Bar which on a Sunday often has live music. It also has BBQ facilities, showers and toilets.
Location | You can find Ffryes Beach on Google Maps here.
Parking | There is plenty of beachside parking. We’d recommend parking at the same end as Dennis’ Beach Bar as it means you can stop by for a drink after you’re time at the beach.
6. Fort James Beach
It’s within walking distance of St John’s which is what makes this an easy-to-reach beach if you’re only stopping in Antigua for the day. Which is why we’ve put it on our list.
It’s got a lot of shade and is great for swimming. There are a couple of great cafe/restaurant options on Fort James Beach including BeachLimerz to choose from, and if you do have a car it has plenty of parking.
If you’re interested in history or want to take in a higher view then Fort James itself is only a few hundred metres away. Our son likes to play with the cannons and pretend he protecting the fort from dragons!
At a Glance
Facilities | There are a few restaurants to choose from including BeachLimerz. There are parasols and beach chairs for hire.
Location | It’s a long beach, and we definitely preferred the far end of the it located here.
Parking | There is plenty of free parking along the road next to the beach.
7. Galleon Bay Beach
This is one of our local beaches (along with Pigeon Point), and so we visit it at least once or twice a week. It’s got to have one of the best views of any beach in Antigua because at one end it’s by the opening of Nelson’s Dockyard and at one end has the amazing Pillars of Hercules.
On the right-hand side of the beach, you’re more likely to find the families making the most of the shaded tree areas and free wooden parasols that get busy early in the day. There aren’t any beach chairs or parasols for hire on the beach, the only shade offerings are the cabanas at Loose Cannon.
You can hire paddle boards, kayaks and seabobs.
It’s also become a bit of a local “hot spot” since the Loose Cannon restaurant opened offering really great locally sourced foods – they claim to have the best burger on the island and we couldn’t agree more. You’ll often find a mixture of locals, visitors and yacht crews partying from lunchtime onwards on Saturdays and Sundays giving it a relaxed Ibiza vibe.
In fact you’ll often find us there on a Sunday!
If you enjoy hiking then you can walk the trails from the beach up to Shirley Heights Lookout in the Nelson Dockyard National Park. Here you’ll get the iconic Antigua picture postcard view over English Harbour. If you go on a Thursday or Sunday evening then these are party nights with live music, BBQ and rum!
Where is the best snorkelling at Galleon Beach?
At the far left hand side of the bay you have some fabulous snorkelling just before the Pillars of Hercules. There are sea turtles and rays that can often be seen by walking in from the beach. The local turtle is affectionately known as “Stoner” for their extremely relaxed attitude, haha!
To visit the Pillars of Hercules themselves we would advise booking a boat tour. The best one local to the beach is to take the Soul Immersions Diving tour. We’ve done it before and it means that your groups of snorkelling and scuba diving friends/family can head out together on the same tour.
At a Glance
Facilities | Lots on offer including paddle boards, kayaks and seabobs. There’s one large fun restaurant located in the middle of the beach called Loose Cannon (book in advance on a Saturday or Sunday as they do get busy!).
Location | You’ll easily find it here.
Parking | This is probably one of the trickiest beaches to park at because there is very little roadside parking and it fills up early. Only part of the road is open to the public, after that it’s protected by a barrier which you can only access if you have a booking at Loose Cannon. If you are planning on eating there then you should book to make the most of getting the better parking.
8. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is one of the best Antigua beaches. It’s located on the east coast of the island. It’s also one of our favourite beaches on the island to visit as a family.
It’s a stunning horseshoe-shaped bay with no development on it and only a couple of parasol, lounger and coconut vendors operating on it. At the base of the horseshoe is a car park and access to the bay. It can at times be extremely wavey on this near part of the beach, however, you can still safely swim here most of the time.
The safer and more beautiful part of the beach is a short walk around to the left of the beach entrance. It’s so calm it’s like a swimming pool as it’s protected by a naturally formed rock wall. We tend to head to this part of the beach when we visit and you’ll see more people on this part than the entrance.
We should warn you that there is very little shade on the beach, so you’ll either need to hire a parasol and some beach chairs or bring your own shade.
If you’re looking for some extra adventure then if you continue to the end of the beach and along the coastline you’ll have amazing views out to the Caribbean sea. There are also mud pools where you can apply the clay onto your skin (you often see people walking back along the beach covered in the mud!). Once you’ve washed off the mud your skin will be left feeling super smooth and soft.
At a Glance
Facilities | There are plenty of sun loungers for hire on the beach and up the left-hand side. Whilst there aren’t any shops nearby (remember to stock up on water and snacks), there is a fantastic cafe (one of our favourites in Antigua) called Beach Bum Bar and Grill.
Location | It’s a little off the beaten track but it’s definitely worth a visit and can be found here.
Parking | There is plenty of free parking by Beach Bum Cafe next to the beach.
9. Hawksbill Beach
Hawksbill Beach is made up of four beautiful intimate crescent-shaped beaches – Hawksbill Beach, Landing Bay, Pinching Bay and Eden Beach. They can be found just down the road from Five Islands Village in the northwest of Antigua.
All beaches in Antigua are open to the public. However, getting to Hawksbill Beach, Pinching Pay and Eden Beach does require you to walk through the private ground of Hawksbill Resort. If asked then you can just say that you’re walking through to get to the beaches and they should give you access.
The stunning Landing Bay is just off a public road and has super easy access with parking right by the beach.
We should note that Eden Beach is the only nudist beach in Antigua. This beach is great for those with and without clothes on. You can access it by a path around the back of the resort.
At a Glance
Facilities | There are no public facilities. However, you are able to use the facilities at Hawksbill Resort, provided you are buying food or drinks.
Location | Find Hawksbill Bay here
Parking | Parking is just behind Landing Bay, here on maps.
10. Jabberwock Beach
This is THE beach for those of you looking for some kitesurfing or wing-foiling action and it’s where we’re currently practising our wing-foiling!
It’s not the prettiest of beaches – not when you have many that are pretty on offer. However, it’s on our list for those adrenaline seekers who’ll want to seek their next wind fix. It’s got a wonderfully consistent breeze and calm waters which is perfect for both beginners and those that are more advanced.
At a Glance
Facilities | There is a kitesurfing and wing foiling school there called Kitesurf Antigua, as well as the school they also operates a beach bar. You’ll ideally need to bring your own shade, food and drinks.
Location | You’ll find it’s easy to reach here.
Parking | There is a very small car park that can be quite busy when there are lots of people out on the water.
11. Jolly Beach
Jolly Beach is an all-around good fun beach with soft sand and beautiful crystal-clear waters. It’s also conveniently located in Jolly Harbour just a short taxi ride from St John’s.
Jolly Harbour itself is an interesting place, as quite a bit of it has been vacant for some time, and so it’s looking very tired. Rumours are that Nikki Beach will be coming in the next couple of years with a new hotel (replacing the tired-looking one) and its iconic Ibiza-style vibes. And other parts will also be getting a boost too!
Swimming at the beach is really good, even if there is a slight wave you feel pretty protected. Plus there are plenty of water sports on offer including kayaks and jet skis, plus you can hire parasols and beach chairs.
When we go there we love to grab a bite at Sandra’s – it’s classic beach bar food. There’s a cool swing and trampoline there for young children to play on whilst they wait for their food.
If you are at Jolly Beach and are looking for something fun to do with your kids, then we highly recommend renting a golf buggy and driving around for fun!
At A Glance
Facilities | It’s got beach chairs, parasols and water sports available. There are a couple of beach cafes, our favourite is Sandra’s. Pop Up Beach Bar is also very good.
Location | You have to go through the Jolly Harbour Resort. If you get to any security barriers then just say you are heading to the beach to have lunch at Sandra’s and they’ll let you through. You can find it here.
Parking | There’s a lot of free parking next to Pop Up Beach Bar.
12. Long Bay Beach
At Long Bay Beach the snorkelling is great, the water is crystal clear, and there is plenty of space for everyone on this white sand beach. The water is calm and shallow which makes it perfect for teaching kids to snorkel.
At the left end of this popular beach, you’ll find Pineapple Beach Club, an adults-only all-inclusive beach resort. At the right-hand side end is the public access to the beach and the best snorkelling spot. You’ll need to swim out about 30m from the shore and you’ll find the small coral reef.
There are some colourful beach shacks at the back of the beach (they make a great photo) selling drinks, snacks and souvenirs. If you need something more substantial to eat or drink then we can highly recommend Mama Pasta. This is great as it means that you don’t have to plan ahead and bring food with you.
Long Bay is located on the west coast of Antigua and is just a short drive from both Stingray City and Devil’s Bridge. If you’re looking for a fun day out then you should combine the three!
At A Glance
Facilities | There are several well-stocked shops as well as loungers and parasols to rent. Food-wise wise there are a couple of options including Mama Pasta to try.
Location | It’s down a bit of a track, but once you’re there it’s well worth it. You’ll find it here.
Parking | Plenty of free parking by the beach.
13. Pigeon Point Beach
We love this beach as it’s one of our local white sand beaches (Galleon Beach being the other). It’s got soft sand and beautifully clear waters and it’s located on the edge of English Harbour and near to Falmouth Harbour. Here you can watch yachts come in and out, people on dinghy racings and others paddling in on their SUPs.
It’s got everything that we look for as a family on a beach in Antigua!
For starters, it’s got plenty of trees that can both act as free shade and also make a perfect tree-climbing activity for all kids. There are also high bar-like picnic benches with parasols attached which are free on a first come first served basis. And, there’s a play area (one of the few play areas I know of in Antigua!).
There’s a marked-off swimming area which is perfect for kids of all ages, little ones can jump in the mini (and we mean mini) waves, whilst older kids can splash around in relative safety.
It’s got two great beach bars for you to choose from. At one end you have the designer beach restaurant Catherines Cafe (part of the same restaurant group as Sheer Rocks Antigua at Coco Bay) which has Ibiza vibes with live music and cabanas. On the other end, you have Bumpkins Bar – famous for its banana coladas!
It can get busy on the beach in the afternoons but it never feels crowded – there’s always plenty of beach and shade for everyone.
Where is the best snorkelling at Pigeon Point Beach?
If you’re looking for the best snorkelling spots in Antigua then you should head to the end of the beach at the far right-hand side of the beach to the point itself (in front of Windward Estate). If you swim off of there you’ll often be able to catch sight of rays and other cool fish.
How do you get there from English Harbour?
For those of you staying in or near English Harbour is a short 10-minute walk by road over the hill down to the beach.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling a little more energetic then you can hike the Goat Trail which starts at Nelsons Dockyard, up past the fort and hugs the coast to Pigeon Beach. To make it a circular route you can then walk the road back. The hike is one of our top early morning activities to do as a family in Antigua.
At A Glance
Facilities | There are two great restaurants to choose from; Catherines or Bumpkins. You can pre-book stand-up paddle boards and kayaks here. Also, a small selection of loungers is also available.
Location | It’s easy to reach by foot from English Harbour. You can also drive there really easily by heading here.
Parking | There’s lots of parking along the beach, but it can get busier later in the day.
14. Rendezvous Bay
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path then this is the beach for you in Antigua! It’s only accessible by either 4×4, boat or hiking.
When you get there, it really is amazing and possibly one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the island. It is well worth visiting. With soft white sand as far as the eye can see and crystal blue waters!
There is absolutely nothing at this beach except nature itself – which is what makes it the beach that it is. It’s great for swimming but can have a strong current at times, so please take care.
You’ll often find that you have the beach to yourself, except for the occasional boat bringing visitors for a quick swim.
We strongly advise that you please do not attempt to drive a car here. This beach is at the end of a very long, rocky and bumpy dirt track, and you should only ever attempt it using a quality 4×4 vehicle.
At A Glance
Facilities | There is a picnic bench and some tables, plenty of shade, but other than that, nothing else.
Location | You can find it on a map here.
You’ll need to drive a 4×4 to safely get there. You’ll know that you’re going the right way when you drive past Spring Hill Riding Club. You just keep driving until you reach the beach, it’s about 10 minutes from the school.
To hike there, you drive to the horse riding school and park up. Then you want the rest of the way down and around the track to the beach.
If you want to arrive by boat then the Xtreme Circumnav is one of the options.
Parking | There is some parking on the beach at the end of the track.
15. Valley Church
When we asked our friends near Jolly Harbour what their favourite beach was in that part of Antigua and they all said Valley Church. If you’re staying in Jolly Harbour then this is one of your nearest beaches.
It’s a stunning beach with wonderfully soft sand and amazing azure waters. It comes as no surprise that the Caribbean Journal has named Valley Church Beach one of the best beaches of Antigua.
As a family, we love that there is plenty of shade and the water is wonderfully calm (most days!). Plus Ffryes Bay, Coco Bay and Valley Church are all within walking distance of each other if you want to try a few beaches in one day.
At A Glance
Facilities | Sun loungers and parasols are for rent here. You can hire paddle boards and kayaks, though you have to call in advance for them. There are no shops, but there is a wonderful cafe called The Nest.
Location | You can find Valley Church Beach on Google Maps here. There are gates on the track to the beach, they should be open and you can drive on down to the beach.
Parking | You’ll find lots of parking on the edge of the beach.
Our Favourite Beaches in Antigua
During our time on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, we’ve made it our mission to try as many of the beaches as possible. We’ve found some absolute gems; the type of picture postcard beaches in Antigua that we all dream of when making our holiday plans.
At the bottom of our post, you’ll find a map with our favourite beaches marked on it so that you can see where they each are.
If you want to get out of your hotel or resort and explore the island to find your own paradise, then any of the sandy beaches of Antigua on our list should be part of your itinerary.
Some are off the beaten path and quieter. Others are easier to access and perhaps a little busier. There’s literally something for everyone on our list of beaches in Antigua, from family-friendly, to independent travellers, to honeymooners, sun seekers and day trippers.
In case you’re wondering, yes, we have put them in alphabetical order as we just couldn’t decide who would get the number 1 spot of the best beach in Antigua!
FAQ’s
When is the best month to visit Antigua?
December to April tend to be the best months to visit Antigua. Winter and spring are the drier months on the island so you’re less likely to see rain showers and it’s still beautifully sunny. Everything is open so you can pick and choose where to go and what to see.
Is Antigua safe to visit?
Statistically, Antigua is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean with a relatively low crime rate. When crime does occur, it rarely affects visitors to the island. As well as crime rates there are also health and hurricane risks to consider. With careful planning most risks can be mitigated.
What is the best to get around in Antigua?
The easiest way, in our opinion, to get around Antigua is by renting a car. It’s great because you can explore the island on your own timescale so you’re not rushed, you can swim at the quieter beaches, and have some great adventures along the way. Be aware of the potholes!
Is Antigua expensive?
Yes and no, as it really does depend on how you like to travel and what you like to spend your money on.
If you have a smaller budget then it’s totally possible to visit Antigua, you just need to be a little conscious of where you choose to spend your money. And also, what you need to spend it on and look for less pricey options.
Final Thoughts on Antigua Beaches
There are so many beaches in Antigua to choose from. We’d say that any visit to Antigua wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least a few of them.
Our favourite ones for being family-friendly are Galleon Bay and Pigeon Point Beach. Dickenson Bay Beach is the best for visitors looking for more activities and a fantastic choice of amenities, cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience then Rendezvous Bay is the beach for you.
