Top Things to do in Antigua
Things to do in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda: The Best Beaches
Antigua has hundreds of beaches, from the bustling Pigeon Point to the kitesurfing paradise of Jabberwock Beach. It's fun to mix it up—a day spent in a secluded cove, another spent people-watching at a tourist magnet. When you’re tired of sun and sand you can shoot ‘em up at Reservoir Range, where archery and air pistols are a fun way to work out any lingering pre-vacation stress. A tour of the Antigua Distillery is a spirited way to experience a true taste of the island.
Restaurants in Antigua
1. Half Moon Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
Catch some rays while watching the surf at this beautiful pink sand beach.
Reviewed By Lovetotravel0981
By far, my favorite beach on the island! Went there twice. Wide open beach, soft, white sand and cool breezes. Great little bar to get drinks and food. Lobster and Von were great in providing chairs and umbrellas at a reasonable cost and they couldn't be more helpful and kind. Definitely a must go to beach!!
2. Darkwood Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
An excellent beach for snorkelling and beachcombing.
Reviewed By worldtraveler0416 - Coronado, United States
Besides the immediate company I experienced this beach with, the beach is beautiful and a perfect place to swim, lay out, snorkel and there is a little restaurant/bar if you get hungry or thirsty. Wind is blocked on that side of the island. Some days were a little crowded for spurts of time while cruise ship people had a few hours to burn. I will go back again but this time leave the bad seed dude behind.
3. Long Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
On the far-eastern coast, you'll find coral reefs in water so shallow that you can actually walk out to them. Along the beach are the Long Bay Hotel and the rambling Allegro Resort Pineapple Beach.
Reviewed By MFC31 - London, United Kingdom
All 4 of our group agreed that this was the best beach to swim at of the many we visited in Antigua. Stunningly clear waters, soft sand, a bit of shade and for those that wanted, some water sports as well. The good is the resort doesn’t take up the whole beach, so you can actually enjoy it without feeling like you’re trespassing
4. Dickenson Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
Reviewed By reedmangreg - Chicago, United States
While the actual beach/sand and water aren't the best in Antigua the Dickenson Bay makes up in sunsets! :) it's just a paradise if you are into experiencing peaceful sunsets! There are some restaurants (check my other reviews from around Antigua as I believe there are better options if you are a foodie) where you can enjoy an evening meal or a cocktail or simply bring your own wine/beer; trust me you won't be disappointed! From activities; a) you can do some water sports as the bay includes two bigger AI resorts which naturally attract the resort visitors but the further south you go the more smaller boutique hotels show up and the beach "experience" becomes a bit more intimate. b) all beaches in Antigua are public so there is plenty of great areas to walk around as well; highly recommend early one before the sun goes up fully c) Kon Tiki Bar is right in front of Siboney Beach Club (where we stayed) and Buccaneer Beach Club and that looked like a lot of fun (floating bar) d) some morning horses visiting for morning "baths" by the local rasta is also a cool treat (I know I know what they do... well we all need address our needs somewhere right...) and you can also book directly with him for a horse ride Snorkeling is non existent here or at least was during our 4 nights stay as the water was always murky but that was our experience 3 years ago in Jolly Beach Harbor so it may be just waters around Antigua in general... plus there aren't really reefs here so no sea life to explore either if that's something you are looking for FYI All in all it's not the prettiest beach but very "functional" when it comes to spending a day or two and of course the sunsets are a treat! :)
5. Galley Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By rebeccaannparsons - Allen, United States
Even though all of the beaches in Antigua are open to the public, the location of this beach is so secluded you feel as though you're on a private beach. Beautiful champagne shores, great snorkeling and no charter necessary.
6. Valley Church Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,016 reviews
Reviewed By WanderessM - Mississauga, Canada
After visiting multiple beaches in the area - we kept being drawn to this place. Locals call it "The Nest" based on the name of the restaurant. The beach is not too big and not too small. Soft sand, usually very calm blue water, friendly service, amazing sun sets, cozy restaurant with some authentic local dishes. Two chairs and an umbrella = $20 USD. The beach is long enough to take a walk. There is a little bit of a drop as you enter the water - so may be difficult to get out (the trick is to wait for the wave to help you up). On busy cruise ship days, the crowds arrive by 11 am and it gets noisy and hectic - on the left side of the beach towards the restaurant. However, the right hand side (if facing the beach from the water) is what the locals use, and you can always find a quiet spot. The cruise crowds are usually out by 3 pm and you can have the beach to yourself. On days without the ships it was our perfect secluded piece of paradise with hardly any people. The Nest served some of the best dishes we tried in Antigua - curry conch, coconut shrimp, fish soup, seafood in cream sauce (however, the service may be long - on island time, and on some days conch was perfectly tender while on others super tough). All in all, wonderful beach to enjoy the perfect blue water of Antigua. Miss it already!
7. Turners Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Reviewed By kate69 - Wymondham, United Kingdom
My husband and I visited this beach during a trip round the island in a 4X4. It is one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever visited. There are changing rooms on site and a small snack hut and bar. There are a few sunloungers and umbrellas for hire on the beach too.
8. Pigeon Point Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
Reviewed By rochellem65 - Hampshire, United Kingdom
Pigeon Beach English Harbour is one of the most beautiful beaches in Antigua, clear sea, soft sand, play area for kids & facilities. Topped off with the best restaurant in Antigua at one end called Catherine's and a humble relaxed beach bar at the other end called Bumpkin's. Just turn up and enjoy this beautiful location and spend the day blissfully tuned into pure relation????100% recommend!
9. Galleon Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By RiderofTrees - New York City, United States
Turtles, nurse shark, lots of fish and a sunken ship that’s easy to get to and only 15’ deep. Best snorkeling on the island. And highly recommend. I also highly recommend hiking up to see the pillars. One of my favorite parts of the visit. It’s not difficult , but also not easy...but so worth it. Add Mary’s height, and it’s worth a day. We drove (driving in Antigua is a whole ‘mother story!) and parked on the road by the beach. It was a very easy walk. We went on a Thursday just passed high season so there was barely anyone there, but the one bar was also close. Make sure you pack water and snacks just in case! Also, there are no public restrooms
10. Ffryes Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By kate69 - Wymondham, United Kingdom
We stayed at Cocobay resort and whilst the hotel is sited on Little Ffryers beach, there is a path that takes you to Ffryers beach. This beach is slightly larger and has acouple of places for drinks etc. The locals seem to use this one less than Little Ffryers.
