A Sailor’s Information to the Finest Seashores in Antigua and Barbuda

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As a sailor who’s spent years exploring the coasts of Antigua and Barbuda, I’ve come throughout some actually wonderful seashores.

Whether or not you’re into snorkelling, swimming, or simply absorbing the relaxed Caribbean vibe, I’m excited to share my favorite spots—together with a couple of hidden seashores the place sea turtles typically outnumber folks!

Over time, I’ve sailed to 40 or extra Caribbean islands, scouting out tradition, sights, native meals and even some historical past. However seashores are my old flame.

I’ve sipped Painkillers within the British Virgin Islands, body-surfed off a Puerto Rico seaside, bonded with sea turtles beachside in Trinidad and chilled out at almost each seaside bar in Anguilla.

Whereas Antigua presents many issues to do, it’s nonetheless all concerning the seashores. Be a part of me on a sail across the island, starting within the northeast, heading west alongside the north shore, south down Antigua’s west coast, then east alongside the south shore.

We’ll cease at some unbelievable Antigua seashores alongside the way in which. And to wrap up our listing we’ll embrace a jaunt to our favorite pink sand seaside in Barbuda.

1. Nice Chook Island – Escape the Crowds

I used to be skippering a sailboat the primary time I noticed Nice Chook Island, a nature protect situated three kilometres off Antigua’s northeast coast.

I preferred it a lot we anchored there for 2 nights, visiting a tiny seaside on the south aspect then trudging via forest to the north seaside, a 400 metre stretch of sand we needed to ourselves. Removed from the madding crowd.

We spent a pleasant day lounging on the seaside and snorkelling the reef guarding the opening to the bay earlier than going inland.

There we climbed a steep path to a vista providing views of the distinctive landforms on the island itself and close by islands lashed by Atlantic waves.

Final time there – simply weeks in the past – I seen {that a} wood staircase has changed the trail, making that ascent even simpler.

Whereas you will have to share the seaside with a couple of others in case you’re not a sailboat skipper, you may play castaway on a Nice Chook Island Eco-Journey.

On this full-day expertise you may snorkel, bask within the solar, go caving at Hell’s Gate, do some birdwatching or discover the mangroves at Guiana Island.

Whereas on Nice Chook Island, you would possibly even see the indigenous endangered Antigua Racer snakes.

Don’t fear – they don’t chunk.

Verify charges and availability of Nice Chook Island Eco-Journey (together with lunch) on Viator.com.

2. Lengthy Bay Seashore – A Excellent Seashore for Snorkeling

Lounging in Antigua’s northeast nook, Lengthy Bay is a beautiful white sand seaside. It’s arguably Antigua’s prettiest seaside.

Add in a coral reef defending the seaside and creating comparatively calm waters, and you’ll snorkel to your coronary heart’s content material.

Lengthy Bay’s seaside is broadly thought-about one of many island’s greatest seashores for snorkelling.

Positioned lower than 50 metres from shore, the reef may be reached by foot.

Given its distance from St. John’s, cruise passengers hardly ever go to this seaside, leading to few crowds.

The strategy is alongside a considerably bumpy gravel highway, so it’s good for individuals who don’t like folks.

Having mentioned that, Pineapple Seashore Membership occupies one finish of the seaside so that you received’t get it utterly to your self.

However throughout our latest go to we encountered only a few folks as soon as we left the lodge behind. 

A pastel-painted row of distributors’ huts is about on a small ridge overlooking the seaside itself. So you may decide up that seaside towel you forgot.

Thought of by many to be Antigua’s most scenic seashores, its north finish options lush vegetation and a weather-beaten stone constructing.

🌟 Insider Tip: Go to Mama Pasta’s Restaurant (Google Map) simply above the seaside itself for extremely rated home made pasta and pizza. Or go for extra Caribbean fare.

3. Jabberwock Seashore – A Thrill Seekers Paradise

When you proceed west alongside Antigua’s north coast and also you’re a thrill-seeker, Jabberwock Seashore (Google Map) is a must-do.

This still-wild Antiguan seaside is near the highway however the mild dunes between the highway and the seaside itself quickly make you neglect the place you’re.

To be truthful the seaside, although scenic, is open to waves. However that’s the enchantment for lots of the guests right here.

Jabberwock is the preferred seaside in Antigua for kite boarding.

Excessive overhead an orange kite grasped by an adventurer driving a surfboard wheels and soars above the boarder who rides the waves and catches air – typically flying three metres above the floor. 

Out on the water one other rider hangs off what seems to be like an enormous wing.

“That’s wingfoiling,” says an Aussie named Adam, on the weather-beaten wood shack that homes Kitesurf Antigua “it’s thenewest factor.”

Whereas this isn’t Antigua’s calmest seaside, Adam praises it enthusiastically.

“Finest place on the island,” he says.

Then he presents me a lesson. You possibly can supposedly study to kiteboard after three classes.

Possibly subsequent time. Extra seashores await my pleasure.

4. Dickenson Bay Seashore – The place the Motion Is

Just some kilometres east of St. John’s, Dickenson Bay (Google Map) and neighbouring Runaway Bay are Antigua’s hottest seashores.

If I wanted any additional convincing, I get it after we drop the anchor of our sailboat a few hundred metres off the seaside.

We’re nearly instantly buzzed by a trio of waverunners.

Moments later two Hobie Cats slice the close by waters.

One finish of the seaside is populated by water sports activities centres and umbrellas sheltering company of the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa.

At first intimidated by the crowds, I ultimately make it ashore. I stroll he kilometre-long seaside, discovering a wealth of eating places dotting the shoreline.

A stunning lunch of grilled mahi mahi at one spot – Ana’s on the Seashore – washed down with a freezing Piña Colada enhances my relationship with Dickenson.

A go to to a hopping floating bar (a free water taxi journey from the seaside) provides to the enchantment.

It’s not essentially my favorite Antigua seaside however I’ve but to satisfy a seaside I didn’t like.

🌟 Professional Tip: When you’re planning a trip throughout sargassum seaweed season (Might to September), Antigua’s seashores on the northwest coast — corresponding to Dickenson Bay Seashore — have traditionally been a number of the greatest Caribbean seashores with out seaweed. 

5. Fort James Seashore – A Serving to of Historical past

Fort James Seashore, a white sand oasis roughly a kilometre lengthy and fringed by an unbroken emerald ribbon of vegetation, is sort of as in style as Dickenson Bay. 

Cruisers flock right here after they’re in Antigua cruise port. The closest seaside to the cruise port, it’s a five-minute journey or a comparatively brief stroll from the cruise ship terminal.

Seemingly as a result of that proximity to city, on a Saturday morning it’s filled with Antiguans, partying with their households, taking part in seaside volleyball, tending barbecues wafting blue-gray smoke and irresistible aromas of conventional Antigua meals.

Since this Antigua seaside is sufficiently lengthy you may nonetheless discover a place to put your seaside towel. Possibly within the shade of a few clumps of boulders that remind me of artists’ sculptures on the seaside’s west finish.

Historical past buff that I’m, I’m enamoured of a landmark simply up a close-by hill. Take a break from the sand and sea and stroll contained in the partitions of an eighteenth-century stone fort.

Or take a guided Fort and Seashore E-Bike Tour, an tour that mixes a cease at Fort James or Fort Barrington.

You should definitely try the Treehouse Seashore Membership (Google Map) with its stained wood loungers and engaging eating space in a mini-forest of native crops, even a treehouse.

When you introduced the children you’re in luck. This seaside membership incorporates a supervised youngsters’s play space.

🌟 Insider Tip: Beachlimerz restaurant proper beside Tree Home, is a Fort James Seashore establishment. It presents, along with a full food and drinks menu, loungers, kayak and SUP leases.  

6. Deep Bay – An Antigua Seashore with a View

Whereas Fort James occupies a strategic headland guarding the approaches to St. John’s from the east, a hill roughly 200 metres excessive surmounted by the ruins of one other historic bastion – Fort Barrington – stands sentinel over the harbour within the west.  

Within the lee of that towering landform you’ll discover Deep Bay Seashore (Google Map), one in every of my favorite Antigua seashores.

Go away the sand for a bit, discovering the trail via the timber and climbing the steep path resulting in this erstwhile fortress. Right here you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the mountains marching south alongside the coast, St. John’s harbour and the seaside itself.

It’s a skinny strip of land bounded by the ocean on one aspect and an enormous saltwater lagoon on the opposite. 

Look to the south finish of the seaside. You’ll see the over-water bungalows and the seaside umbrellas lined up seaside which are a part of the Royalton Antigua Resort.

If the view have been the one promoting level to this seaside I’d nonetheless adore it. However wait, there’s extra.

Each due to its location on Antigua’s leeward coast and due to the form of the bay itself, waters are each crystal clear and quiet as a Sunday morning.

It’s a daily bath-tub of a spot.

However that is additionally an excellent place to snorkel. Make your method from the north finish of the seaside and see numerous marine life and a few wholesome coral.

Maintain going additional then minimize throughout to the center of the bay and snorkel over a historic shipwreck.

A particular must-see seaside in Antigua.

🌟 For an additional distinctive journey hop on a Tuk Tuk Tour of Rainforest and Seashores from Saint John’s.

7. Hawksbill Seashore – For That Full Physique Tan

I’ve sailed Antigua 4 instances now and my favorite stretch of water is that skirting Antigua’s west coast south between Deep Bay and Jolly Harbour.

Lush mountains kind the background whereas verdant forest reaches nearly to the sand itself.

Surreal rock formations dot the water, most notably the one that offers this space its title.

It thrusts up from the waves attacking its base, trying precisely like the top and neck of a Hawksbill turtle.

These seashores are nearly utterly abandoned. They’re so remoted I’ve heard taxi drivers don’t even need to take you there.

Eden Seashore

Someplace alongside that stretch you’ll discover Antigua’s solely nude seaside (Eden Seashore), the right spot for that total tan.

Accessed via a laid-back resort, all-inclusive (Hawksbill Resort) boasting 4 seashores, Eden Seashore is probably the most southerly (Google Map), nearly utterly abandoned.

Working example, final time we sailed previous we noticed one individual (sans bathing go well with) and two seaside chairs.

Methods to get to Eden Seashore? Entry is thru Hawksbill Resort (Google Map). They’re cautious to let you understand it’s not a naturist resort, then it’s a 5 to 10 minute stroll.

You should definitely deliver your sunscreen. A number of sunscreen.

8. Ffryes Seashore – My All-Time Favorite Seashore in Antigua

First time I noticed Ffryes Seashore was from a sailboat anchored possibly 200 metres offshore. 

If ever there was a postcard-worthy seaside this was it: Amber sand nuzzled by neon lime waters, an oh-so-gentle surf, palms and sea grapes hugging the seaside within the shadow of a seventeenth century windmill.

Behind, a procession of emerald mountains appeared to march into the space. And there was nobody in any respect on the seaside.

How a lot did I like Ffryes Seashore? After our first go to 20 years in the past I requested my spouse to explode a seascape she photographed there. I hung the photograph in my workplace for the following 15 years.

Right this moment, Ffryes Seashore is simply as beautiful as I keep in mind it. However it’s a lot livelier now, because of the rows of individuals lounging on seaside chairs, hugging matching blue towels from a Norwegian cruise.

Nonetheless my favorite seaside when it comes to surroundings and swim-friendliness, however right here’s a caveat.

Darkwood Seashore

You could find a seaside (Darkwood Seashore) nearly as fairly a few bays to the south. It’s a secluded spot for when cruise ships are available.

🌟 Professional Tip: Dennis Restaurant, one in every of my favorite beachside watering holes, is housed in a rambling low-lying constructing overlooking Ffryes Seashore itself.

9. Turners Seashore – A Excellent Place for Lunch (and Extra)

Although some might name this gem Crab Hill Seashore and it really occupies the southern reaches of Picarts Bay, it’s straightforward to seek out Turners Seashore (Google Map) in Antigua’s southwest nook.

Probably the most lovely seashores in Antigua it incorporates a mild slope from alabaster sand into sapphire waters which are completely calm just about year-round.

That’s as a result of its location on Antigua’s west coast and the truth that a bit ridge referred to as Fort Johnson’s Level protects it from Atlantic waves out of the south.

For me one in every of Turner’s predominant promoting factors is the restaurant housed in a country beachside constructing surrounded by a white picket fence.

The ambiance may be very informal – assume naked wooden rafters overhead with decorations reflecting its nautical location – and so is the meals. However don’t be stunned by its high quality and selection.

There, we bob in mild waves, lounging on a wood deck sipping the Painkiller cocktails.

Final time there I sampled their scrumptious fish muffins for a starter. My spouse went for the entire grilled pink snapper. Killer rum punches added to the expertise.

On condition that there are solely two different folks doing lunch right here and the seaside is occupied by solely three {couples}, I ask our server about how busy it will get.

She admits they’ve a particular deal for cruise passengers. So that you would possibly need to time your go to. However you received’t get the crowds you would possibly meet nearer to St. John’s.

In relation to facilities, Turner’s Seashore boasts each showers and alter rooms. And whereas I’ve seen folks snorkelling off the rock formations at Johnsons Level I’ve by no means snorkelled right here myself.

(Cades Reef, an underwater marine park and one of many island’s greatest snorkelling and diving spots is to the southwest). 

I’ve, nevertheless, basted on the seaside, swam within the sea and noshed down on an excellent lunch a number of instances.

Turners is a must-do for me.

10. Carlisle Bay Seashore – Bonding with Turtles

If the view that greets you while you uncover the seaside at Carlisle Bay on Antigua’s south coast have been this oasis’ solely promoting level, it might be ample testimonial to earn it a spot on this listing of the most effective seashores in Antigua.

Amber sand graces the north aspect of this horseshoe bay, arduous by a stunning resort.

Rising up behind the resort, voluptuous inexperienced hills utterly devoid of any signal of humanity attain skyward in one in every of Antigua’s most unspoiled areas.

Two huge hills shield this pure great thing about a bay from Atlantic waves. One in every of which sports activities a large stone cliff.  

Dramatic rock formations throughout the bay are embellished by spectacular views of crashing surf.

Above that headland itself pastel-painted properties cling to the slopes.

However this gorgeous Antigua seaside (Google Map) has much more to advocate it.

Final time we sailed right here, we anchored on its japanese shore. Our crew snorkelled off seeking this spot’s different attraction.

Carlisle Bay Seashore is called the most effective place on Antigua for encountering – and bonding with – sea turtles.

Our crew returned to the boat with out seeing any turtles however they raved concerning the different marine life they encountered.

And in case you keep at Carlisle Bay Resort you may console your self.

This 5-star resort boasts suites from Backyard to Seashore Balcony models, so that you received’t expertise any hardships as a result of absence of turtles.

And there’s at all times subsequent time.

11. Pigeon Level Seashore – A Seashore For Watching the World Go By

Although it’s not significantly massive – possible 200 metres lengthy, if that – Pigeon Level on the south coast remains to be near the highest of my listing of favorite seashores in Antigua.

It’s well-shaded, seaside chairs are available and it’s in style with each vacationers within the know and Antiguans themselves.

Regardless of that, I’ve by no means seen it actually crowded.

For me its chief enchantment is its location.

Simply previous the village of Falmouth, it occupies an undulating inexperienced level jutting into the Atlantic, lounging on the east shore of a reasonably slim channel.

A number of the most luxurious mega yachts within the Caribbean should negotiate that channel, simply metres out of your seaside perspective. Excellent place for watching the world – or a minimum of the haute monde – go by.

Final time I got here right here I heard I missed seeing Jeff Bezos’ yacht by simply two days.

However that’s not the one promoting level. A concrete pier juts into the water, pointing towards a fleet of sailboats gently bobbing at their mooring balls. A number of persons are snorkeling simply to seaward of that pier.

Think about doing lunch on the south finish of the seaside at Catherine’s Café, boasting French-inspired fare and a surprisingly in depth wine listing for a seaside institution.  The opposite finish options the purple-painted rudimentary wood watering gap referred to as Bumpkin’s (they’ve additionally received a repute for excellent jerk rooster).

Even cooler from my perspective, you could possibly take a break out of your break and climb the roughly three-kilometre path main from right here to Nelson’s Dockyard, or simply take pleasure in a twenty-minute stroll ( or brief drive) alongside the primary highway and immerse your self in an irresistible bastion of historical past at this UNESCO-designated web site.

I’m a dedicated seaside bum however I’m additionally a critical history-lover.

Plan it proper, getting the seaside and Nelson’s Dockyard in on the identical day and also you’ve received the right probability for a bit historical past and lots of enjoyable.

Another good day in paradise.

12. Galleon Seashore – An Even Larger Serving to of Historical past

Possibly the best factor about discovering your house within the sand at Galleon Seashore (Google Map) in English Harbour is the distinctive – and implausible – view of the stone partitions and powder journal of an 18th century fortification referred to as Fort Belvedere.

Chill to these views or make your method up cactus-studded hills amid dense vegetation behind the seaside.

There you may hike the reasonably difficult path ascending to Shirley Heights, house to in style weekly occasion and barbecue.

Simply south of the seaside itself a reef extends from the shore. It’s one other prime snorkel spot.

Or simply chill on the sand and take a look at the mega yachts that decision this harbour house.

The vistas are simply as interesting for wannabe yachters because the views you encounter in Pigeon Level.

After your morning within the solar, step off the water taxi and discover historic Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, a working Georgian dockyard.

Among the finest seashores in Antigua, Galleon Seashore is rarely crowded regardless of its location close to this high Antigua attraction.

A water taxi is likely one of the solely methods of getting right here.

🌟 Insider Tip: On the lookout for a little bit of hydration? Take a look at the Unfastened Cannon Seashore Bar (Google Map). You’ll love its specials from Brunch on the Seashore on Saturdays to daybed leases full with cocktails or wine.

13. St. James Membership Marmora and Willoughby Bay – Two Seashores for the Worth of One

Select an Antigua base right here at a resort referred to as St. James Membership & Villas (Google Map) on the south coast and also you’ve received your self a deal – two seashores for the value of 1.

Each are simply achieved while you e book a keep at this resort.

Admittedly the easterly one – dealing with Willoughby Bay – is far smaller than the pleasant seaside situated at Mamora Bay on the opposite aspect of the resort.

It’s extra a spot for gazing than swimming given the sturdy surf.

The Mamora aspect is sheltered, calm and downright spectacular. Marvel how fairly this seaside is? A huge hill dominates the view to the west from this seaside.

You possibly can’t see the home from right here, however that promontory is host to Eric Clapton’s sprawling mansion.

Fairly good style in actual property.

However there’s a caveat in case you select to remain right here. Attractive and dramatic although their seaside choices could also be.

Again from a day of exploring Antigua we cease for a drink at one of many lodge’s pool bars and I chat with a fellow Canadian. Subsequent day he was going house.

“Favorite a part of the island?” I ask, interested in his adventures.

He seems to be sheepish. “Haven’t left the lodge.”

Completely comprehensible. 

Unfold throughout greater than a 100 acres, its décor and structure – from the beachside villas to our personal room with a balcony not more than 10 metres from a rocky shore – could be the most interesting of any Caribbean resort I’ve visited.

And as soon as we pattern the actions from trivia nights, to state-of-the-art pickleball courts, from tennis courts to a 24 hr espresso store, I’m struck by how apt Antigua’s tourism slogan is whether or not describing this resort or the island as an entire.

“The seaside is just the start”.

An excellent place to begin.

🌟 Professional Tip: Commune with gigantic wild stingrays on a 3-hour tour to Stingray Metropolis in Willikies, a 20 minute drive from St. James Membership.

14. Rickett Harbour, Inexperienced Island – Play Castaway on an Uninhabited Island

Rickett Harbour, on Inexperienced Island, a Robinson-Crusoe-worthy spot situated off Antigua’s southeast coast, is house to a drop-dead beautiful seaside.

It options cactus, palms, century crops and a few nice snorkelling inside a reef that juts out from some extent on the seaside’s south finish.

As a result of this uninhabited island is privately owned by the Mill Reef Membership (Google Map) on the mainland you may’t go exploring additional than the seaside.

However when you get right here you’d by no means need to go away anyway. The waters are crystal clear. So clear you won’t even your masks to take a look at some sea life.

Satirically, regardless of Carlisle’s repute as the most effective place to see sea turtles, after we anchor right here on a chartered sailboat we see a minimum of 10 or 15 sea turtles surfacing simply metres from our boat.

There are not any amenities right here. However that’s most likely okay.

Your solely solution to get right here is a part of an organized tour such because the Xtreme Circumnavigation of Antigua. tour with Island Routes. It features a high at Inexperienced Island in addition to Stingray Metropolis.

15. Pink Sand Seashore in Barbuda – The Pinkest Seashore of All

When you’ve got time for only one extra seaside, then it’s received to be one of many lovely seashores in Barbuda, situated north of Antigua.

Residence to simply 1,300 full time residents (and accessible by ferry, direct scheduled flights and helicopter constitution from Antigua), Barbuda is the smaller and fewer populated of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

However it’s wealthy in pure wonders.

Whereas the island’s Princess Diana Seashore (as soon as a favorite of Diana, Princess of Wales) remains to be a stunning excessive wattage stretch of sand that continues to draw celebrities (because of Robert de Niro’s Nobu restaurant), you don’t need to miss Pink Sand Seashore.

It’s a stunner. Whereas yow will discover rose-hued seashores in Bonaire, the Bahamas and Bermuda, Barbuda’s Pink Sand Seashore is the pinkest seaside within the Caribbean.

That is as a result of abundance of tiny pink shells washed ashore combined with luminescent sand. Whereas the depth of its pinkness is seasonal (the sand may be nearly fuschia from November to February relying on the tides) the pinkest seashores are at Low Bay, Palmetto Level (Google Map) and across the Barbuda Belle Boutique Lodge.

Open seasonally, the Barbuda Belle (Google Map) is situated on the west aspect of Barbuda close to Cedar Tree Level between the seaside and Codrington Lagoon. It has the added benefit of swimmable water (with out seaweed) along with pink sand.

🌟 Insider Tip: Don’t miss exploring Codrington Lagoon Nationwide Park, a various ecosystem supporting reef fish, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles, in addition to magnificent frigatebirds.

Witnessing male frigatebirds inflating their throat pouches into good pink balloons to draw the eye of females throughout mating season is a bucket listing factor to do in Antigua & Barbuda.

Remaining Ideas and Map

Hopefully this round-up has given you a very good begin on planning a seaside trip in Antigua and Barbuda.

And make sure you do some impartial exploring. You’re sure to find your individual favorite stretch of sand in Antigua.

Click on to view and obtain a map of Antigua’s Finest Seashores on Google Maps.

Getting Round

You’ll want a automobile (or a ship) to go exploring across the island in Antigua & Barbuda. A lot as in Nassau, Bahamas, Anguilla, Trinidad and Grenada, driving is on the left-hand aspect of the highway.

We hire our automobiles on Discovercars.com. It’s a web-based automobile rental reserving web site that compares charges from a number of corporations to seek out the most effective deal.

Verify for the most effective automobile rental charges at Discovercars.com

SVG Airways

BMN Airways (with SVG Airways plane) presents two scheduled passenger flights every day, one within the morning and one other within the night, from V.C. Chook Worldwide Airport in Antigua to Barbuda Codrington Airport. Flight time is 17 minutes. booknow.antigua-flights.com 

FAQs

Apart from nice seashores what else is there to do on the island of Antigua?

Take a look at our listing of high issues to do in Antigua & Barbuda for some concepts past the seaside.

A few of our favorite actions embrace visiting the UNESCO designated historic web site Nelson’s Dockyard, dancing on the Caribbean’s greatest occasion at throughout the weekly occasion at Shirley Heights) and touring the ruins of a plantation at Betty’s Hope.

What’s Antigua greatest recognized for?

With 365 seashores, solar, sand and sea are most likely Antigua’s chief declare to fame. However crusing and yachting are proper up there too. From regattas that includes mega yachts and traditional boats to weeklong celebrations like Antigua Crusing Week with races days, shore occasions and events there’s tons to do.

Official Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Web site

Find out about Licensed Tourism Companies and extra at: Go to Antigua & Barbuda

Extra Antigua Journey and Meals Concepts

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