Discover the Best 11 Antigua Beaches that will steal your heart

This is an insider guide to the best Antigua beaches, where to find them, how to get there, and also nearby restaurants and hotels plus a detailed interactive map.

Antigua is renowned for its 365 beaches, but I am sure you are wondering, “How many beaches does Antigua have for real?”

During my 2 years living in Antigua, I visited all the ones that are reachable both by land or by sea.

Although there may not be 356 beaches in Antigua and Barbuda, I can assure you that there are enough beaches in Antigua that you can visit a different one or two every day of your vacation.

In this post, I will tell you all about my favorite ones

I will also mention the hotels and restaurants in the closest proximity of each beach, hoping it can be handy for your Antigua vacations. If you are also looking for the perfect accommodation in Antigua, I have two options to suggest. You can choose among the world-class Antigua All-inclusive resorts or rent a beautiful apartment from the Antigua Airbnb options and live like a local.

Can I swim on the Antigua beaches?

Of course, you can!

You should know that the coast from St John’s to the English Harbour on the side of Jolly Beach it’s the west coast of Antigua washed by the Caribbean Sea where the sea is calmer and it’s very easy to access to the water.

However, that doesn’t mean that on the other side of the island, you cannot swim. In fact, the popular Dickenson Bay, for example,is located between the northwest coast and the east coast and it’s swimmable by the shore. Sometimes it can get rough and if you swim a little off the coast you can feel the strong current though. So be careful.

Just for the sake of information, you can take boat tours to Green Island and Great Bird Island from there, and you can find a tranquil place where to swim and do excellent snorkeling by the barrier reefs.

Half Moon Bay is on the southeast coast of Antigua but it’s in a protected bay so it’s pretty much easy to swim if you stay close to the beach while if you start swimming a little offshore you can find some nasty currents.

If you go to Devil’s Beach that’s the easternmost point and where the sea is rougher but there is no beach there. Just make sure you go and check it out as it’s a great place for pictures and to see different scenery in Antigua.

Antigua Beaches Map

The most beautiful beaches in Antigua and nearby hotels and restaurants

1. Jolly Beach

It’s not really the name of the beach, but that’s the beach at Jolly Harbour where the iconic hotel Jolly Beach is located. The hotel is nothing special and quite worn out, but the beach is just unbelievably beautiful.

It’s one of the biggest beaches in Antigua and besides the part in front of the hotel, all the rest is infinite white sand beaches washed by blue crystal clear waters.

You cannot use the hotel facilities but some locals rent beach chairs and umbrellas for a moderate price, from local vendors. There used to be a beach bar and restaurant but it’s now closed, unfortunately. However there you can find restaurants and bars by the Jolly Harbour Marina, a good one is Sea Dream Restaurant and Bar.

2. Darkwood Beach Antigua

This is probably my favorite Antigua Beach overall although it’s really difficult to tell as each one has its charm. Washed by the Caribbean Sea, Darkwood Beach is definitely the most convenient and easy to reach from anywhere.

It’s right on the road when you are traveling from Jolly Harbour towards English Harbour, right after Tamarind Hills, a new hotel that has been built on the hills overlooking this stunning public beach.

Restaurants in the area

There are a few food shacks on the beach where you can also rent beach facilities.

Fryar’s Beach Bar/dennis

Fryar Beach Bar/Dennis is located on Fryar’s Beach just around the corner from Darkwood Beach. It’s the perfect place to try the local food, either for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner.

Hotels in the area

🏨 Jolly Beach

If you are looking for a low key relatively cheap all-inclusive hotel, right on one of the best beaches in Antigua, this is the perfect choice for you. Located right by one of the Marina, but facing on the opposite side, on a spectacular beach.

You don’t need to have any expectations of the hotel, though. Otherwise, you will be disappointed. The kindness of the staff and the beach will make up for the old and tired structure.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

🏨 Hermitage Bay

Hermitage Bay is one of my favorite hotels in Antigua, a very special place and if you want ultra-luxury and privacy this is where you should stay. Besides, you will be on a private spectacular beach.

The elegant suites are nestled on a lush hill, all built to guarantee privacy and spectacular views over the bay.

If you prefer to stay on the beach, the beach cottages will be your happy choice. The food is out of this world,d and healthy options are available for food-conscious travelers.

Hermitage Bay rates & availability:  Booking.com

🏨 Sugar Ridge 

This hotel was being built while I was living on the island and I have to say they did an amazing job. The rooms are built on a hill overlooking the Jolly Beach bay with breathtaking views. However, it’s not right on the beach

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

🏨 Cocobay 

Cocobay Resort used to be the best value-for-money all-inclusive on the island. However, they have refurbished it to become an upscale all-inclusive adult-only retreat.

Still one of the cutest boutique hotels in Antigua with the best value for money, just more money. 🙂 Tiny and chic, but not pretentious. Its beach, close to Frye’s Bay is also amazing.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

3. Turner’s Beach

Located just a few miles from Darkwood Beach, Turner’s Beach is another peaceful, white, deserted beach just for you. The restaurant is delicious too, so you can plan to stay the entire day and have lunch there. Turner’s Beach is a great place to spend the entire day on the beach with all the facilities you need, including a great restaurant.

And on clear days you can also see Montserrat island from the beach. They also have very simple cabañas for rent, if you wish to stay there.

Restaurants in the area

Turner’s Beach restaurant

Located right on the beach. You can park in the restaurant parking lot and then head to the beach. The shrimps are their specialty 🙂

Hotels in the area

🏨 Keyonna Beach Resort

This all-inclusive property is located right there in the middle of the beach. It’s a cozy laid-back luxury hotel, definitely worth checking. Unfortunately, they built it before I left the island so I didn’t have the chance to visit them personally. While writing this post I feel so nostalgic and I hope to have the chance to go back to Antigua soon.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

Further up the road at about 10 km there are two stunning all-inclusive luxury hotels

🏨 Curtain Bluff 

Iconic all-inclusive property in Antigua, it’s been there for ages and besides being one of the top luxury hotels of the island with one of the highest rates of repeating guests that come back every year to stay at Curtain Bluff, the hotel has also an amazing reputation in Antigua for giving back to the local community around Old road where the majority of the staff is from.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

🏨 Carlisle Bay

An elegant and classy property with a private beach and graceful, exquisite rooms, some of them overlooking the beach and the turquoise bay. It’s perfect for a high-end family vacation.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

Rendezvous Bay Beach

A very secluded beach that you can only reach either by walking or by jeep. Some boat tours will include a swim on these spectacular bays as well. If you go on foot I would recommend you to go in a group and even better with a local guide, as the road is really isolated. There are also boat tours that take you there. I will talk about it in a different post.

There is nothing nearby, so remember to take water and food with you. I hiked ther,e but I don’t remember how I did it. I am sure your hotel concierge will be able to help.

4. The beaches @ English Harbour

English Harbour is one of my favorite areas in Antigua, a historical place that was a fort and you can still see some of the old buildings, while a few hotels and shops have kept the same old feeling.

When you get to one of the beaches in the area, make sure you take some time to walk around Nelson’s Dockyard National Park and have lunch or dinner in the cute local restaurants in the surrounding.

The popular place is also home to a Marina where you can admire amazing billion dollars yachts anchored, very different from the cruise ship dock that you find in the capital city St. John’s.

Cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops make it a vibrant and quaint center for a night out but there are also a few beaches where to hang out during the day.

• Pigeon Point Beach – you can get there from a small road behind the restaurants on the way to the Nelson Dokyard The beach is backed by neem trees and palms offering a soothing shade from the hot sun. The water here is quite shallow for the kids’ enjoyment and adults’ alike.  And you can enjoy a family picnic on the benches.

• Winward Bay Beach – is more secluded and wilder. From Pigeon’s point, you need about 10 minutes to walk. I would suggest you shouldn’t go on your own as it’s too isolated.

• Galleon Beach – Galleon Beach is a secluded beach in English Harbour. To access you will need to go through a security gate because it’s located in a residential area but access to the beach must be granted since in Antigua the beaches are public.

Restaurants in English Harbour

There is a huge quantity of restaurants for the night and day. Here is my pick but feel free to explore more as there are so many in the area.

Pillars

I have to admit I have never tried it, probably it wasn’t there when I was in Antigua, but as far as I can see its location is stunning, right in the heart of Nelson Dockyard, with spectacular views over the bay in a historical setting. From the reviews, it seems that they are doing a good job with the food as well, which helps too! 😀

Trappas

Trappas is one of the historical restaurants in English Harbour, it’s been there forever, and that says a lot. Its laid-back atmosphere and tasty Caribbean dishes are its best recipe for success.

Caribbean Taste

They couldn’t have found a better name. For an authentic Caribbean Taste, this is where you should eat. It’s open for lunch and it’s strategically located right on your way to Pigeon Point. Very handy.

Catherine’s  Cafe’ 

This elegant restaurant has it all, a spectacular location right on the bay in front of Nelson’s Dockyard, delicious French ambiance and cuisine with some hints of Caribbean Taste as well. From what I am reading it seems that service is a little slow, but, hey you are in the Caribbean and on vacation, take it easy, there is no rush! just enjoy the breeze and the views while waiting for your meal.

Abracadabra

It’s quite an institution in Antigua. It’s been there for ages and offers a real Italian Cuisine, and has a great reputation. Open for lunch and dinner, during the weekend it’s also open after dinner for drinks and dance.

Hotels at English Harbour

🏨 The Inn @ English Harbour

The Inn is another of my favorite hotels in Antigua, for its unrivaled class and elegance,  its unique blend of colonial feeling and modern look, amazing service, and unparalleled views over the bay.

The suites are finely decorated with art objects from all over the world. The top-notch dining experience offers an exquisite fusion of authentic Italian flavors and rich Creole traditions.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

🏨 Antigua Yacht Club

Spacious rooms with modern decorations, right on the English Harbour Marina.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

🏨 South Point Antigua

I have to say this hotel was built after I left the island but I have heard from local friends that’s a really good cozy property. Located right on the marina but further uphill, in a tranquil area.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

🏨 Copper and Lumber Store

This iconic tiny hotel is located right inside the Nelson Dockyard, the historical part of Antigua. The hotel is a piece of history itself and it makes you feel like you are in a different dimension, back in the colonial era. It’s very well kept and quite charming.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

Extra tip – On a Sunday night you cannot miss Shirley Heights with its famous rum punch, live music, and stunning sunsets over English Harbour, to get your own Iconic Antigua postcard.

5. Half-moon Bay Beach

Half Moon Bay is the best beach in Antigua, in my opinion at least. It’s a little far away but it’s a beautiful half-moon-shaped stretch of beach with pristine waters and white sands and most of the time almost deserted. It was my Sunday getaway. There is nothing around, except for the few people that had the same idea.

If you walk on the rocks on the left side you will arrive at another beach where they are now building a new Rosewood hotel. I am sure it will be stunning. For now, you can just enjoy your day trip to the beach and bring water and food.

Restaurants nearby

There is one restaurant right before getting to the beach, Beach Bum Bar & Cafe, with a small selection, and small portions, according to some reviews, but great local food.

Hotels in Half-moon Bay

If you are a fan of Rosewood Resorts, you may know that they had a project to buy Mill Reef Club and turn it into a Rosewood resort, but it eventually fell through so the Mill Reef Club is still there. Rosewood, which previously Managed Jumby Bay, is now planning to open a new hotel in Bermuda in 2028. I look forward to seeing it and maybe staying there for a week. How cool would that be!

6. Long Bay beach

Here is one of the few Antigua beaches where you can find decent snorkeling while swimming from the beach on the right side.  It’s the beach of Pineapple Hotel but it’s public and you can lay down wherever you want, except using the hotel facilities.

Long bay beach is one of the best places in Antigua that has coral reefs at a swimming distance from the beach. If you stay on the right side of the bay you will be able to find some nice colorful fish.

Nearby hotels

🏨 Pineapple Beach resort

This cute hotel has recently undergone a full facelift after being acquired by the Hotel group Elegant Resorts. I haven’t visited the hotel since the remake, but I noticed from the pictures that rooms have had a nice revamping and it’s not a family hotel anymore, but for adults only.

I assume it offers a more laidback style compared to other all-inclusive hotels on the island but the beach makes up for everything else. To me, it’s one of the best Antigua Beaches for sure.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

🏨 The Verandah

Right opposite the before-mentioned hotel, The Veranda is its sister property. It’s a little more upscale but it’s not on the same beach.

The hotel is suited for family and it actually has a great kids program. They also have 2 semi-private beaches but they are not the best in Antigua. Guests can still enjoy the long bay beach at walking distance.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

7. Dickenson Bay Beach

Located at only 10 minute’s drive from St. John, the quaint capital town of Antigua,  Dickenson Bay is another spectacular long stretch of beach, where despite being home to two huge hotels, Sandals Grande Antigua and Halcyon Cove (which is now closed), you can still find lots of room for your private beach corner.

The beach is free there is beach access from the sides in between the hotels. You will find funny red phone boxes wedged between the palm trees which can look a little out-of-place, probably to remind you that you are in an ex-British colony.

They are for sure an amusing sight for the kids, while the teens and adults can enjoy an array of water sports and activities offered by local vendors. 

If you think this is still too crowded you can walk a few steps and reach the more isolated and stunning Runaway Bay.

Dickenson Bay restaurants

Ana’s on the Beach

Ana’s On The Beach has been revamped since I left, and although it was already quite cool and very much frequented, they made it even fancier, with cozy seatings and gourmet food. Definitely to try.

Coconut groove’s

I loved the food there, and it’s still the same, with a laid-back ambiance and great drinks and food.

Dickenson Bay Hotels

🏨 The Buccaneer Beach Club

Besides the above-mentioned hotels, you can find this cute little property made of self-catering apartments, with a fully equipped kitchen. They are nicely decorated with a beautiful garden, a nice pool, and a spectacular beach.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

8. Runaway Bay

To be honest, although the beach is amazing and just never-ending, I rarely went there. I find it a little too isolated. I still wanted to include it here for the sake of information. If you are a surfer and have a shortboard with you, you can find reef breaks just a few meters from the beach.

Be careful because the bottom is rocky. Since it’s not a super famous spot for surfing there are no surfboard rentals that I know of. Locals have their boards.

9. Hawksbill Bay

This is the beach of the Hotel that gets the same name, Hawksbill Resort but it’s not private and anyone can have access, but not to the hotel facilities unless you buy a day pass.

This beach is a bit off of the main road and there is no restaurant in the area so if you decide to stay all day bring something to eat and drink unless you decide to get a day pass in the hotel.

10. Deep Bay

Right beside Hawksbill Bay, you will find this isolated spectacular beach that almost nobody knows of. There was an old semi-abandoned hotel right on the beach which is still there. On the side of the beach, there is a nice short hike to Fort Barrington with amazing views of the bay.

No restaurants are available in the area.

Nearby hotels

🏨 Galley Bay

Galley Bay is another one on my list of favorite hotels in Antigua. It’s an adult-only all-inclusive and it shares the beach only with the spectacular house owned by the Italian stylist Giorgio Armani.

The hotel has extraordinary service a top-notch dining experience and spectacular rooms facing the beach and the water.

The beach is out of this world, very secluded and immaculate white. However, on this side of the island, the sea can be quite rough at times.

Check rates & availability:  Booking.com

11. Barbuda pink sand

Have you ever heard about Barbuda’s pink sand beach? It does exist for real and it’s of unimaginable beauty, still wild and untouched.

There are only a few hotels on the island. You can get there by ferry on your own or an organized tour. I would certainly stay there a couple of nights to enjoy it fully.

As a side note, besides basking on the dreamy beaches, Barbuda offers one of the biggest Frigate bird sanctuaries in the world, where thousands of Frigate birds gather during mating season.

You will see their inflated red necks, which serve to attract females. It’s simply a spectacular show to watch.

If you want to learn how to reach Barbuda from Antigua, I’ve got you covered.

Hotels in Barbuda

🏨 Barbuda Ocean Club

The Barbuda Ocean Club (former Coco Point) is the oldest hotel in Barbuda and the most popular. They don’t even need advertisements because they live mainly on their affectionate guests who return every year. Yes, it’s that beautiful. Nothing pretentious, though, just comfy and right on the spectacular Barbuda beach.

Where is Antigua?

Antigua and Barbuda Beaches FAQ

Antigua Beaches: Final Thoughts

Here you go! I hope this post will make a useful guide to Antigua best beaches and when you decide to visit the island you now know where to go and how to stay safe. Before you go, find here below all my other Antigua and Barbuda Travel Guides.

Before You Go…

• Interesting facts about Antigua and Barbuda
• The 9 Best Antigua All Inclusive Hotels
• Driving in Antigua: All you need to know
• The best snorkeling spots in Antigua
• The best 19 things to do in Antigua