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 really superb 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 number of hidden seashores the place sea turtles usually outnumber individuals!

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 gives many issues to do, it’s nonetheless all in regards to the seashores. Be 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 unimaginable Antigua seashores alongside the way in which. And to wrap up our checklist we’ll embrace a jaunt to our favorite pink sand seaside in Barbuda.

1. Nice Hen Island – Escape the Crowds

I used to be skippering a sailboat the primary time I noticed Nice Hen 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 facet then trudging by 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} picket staircase has changed the trail, making that ascent even simpler.

Whereas you’ll have to share the seaside with a number of others when you’re not a sailboat skipper, you may play castaway on a Nice Hen 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 Hen Island, you may even see the indigenous endangered Antigua Racer snakes.

Don’t fear – they don’t chew.

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

2. Lengthy Bay Seashore – A Good 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 may snorkel to your coronary heart’s content material.

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

Situated lower than 50 metres from shore, the reef will be reached by foot.

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

The method is alongside a considerably bumpy gravel street, so it’s excellent for individuals who don’t like individuals.

Having stated that, Pineapple Seashore Membership occupies one finish of the seaside so that you gained’t get it fully to your self.

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

A pastel-painted row of distributors’ huts is ready 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 do-it-yourself pasta and pizza. Or go for extra Caribbean fare.

3. Jabberwock Seashore – A Thrill Seekers Paradise

If you happen to 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 street however the mild dunes between the street and the seaside itself quickly make you overlook the place you’re.

To be truthful the seaside, although scenic, is open to waves. However that’s the enchantment for most 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 appears like an enormous wing.

“That’s wingfoiling,” says an Aussie named Adam, on the weather-beaten picket 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 gives me a lesson. You may supposedly be taught to kiteboard after three classes.

Possibly subsequent time. Extra seashores await my pleasure.

4. Dickenson Bay Seashore – The place the Motion Is

Only a few 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 once 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 visitors of the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa.

At first intimidated by the crowds, I finally 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 experience 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: If you happen to’re planning a trip throughout sargassum seaweed season (Could to September), Antigua’s seashores on the northwest coast — reminiscent of Dickenson Bay Seashore — have traditionally been among 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 common 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 experience or a comparatively brief stroll from the cruise ship terminal.

Doubtless attributable to that proximity to city, on a Saturday morning it’s full of 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’ll want to take a look at the Treehouse Seashore Membership (Google Map) with its stained picket loungers and engaging eating space in a mini-forest of native crops, even a treehouse.

If you happen to introduced the youngsters you’re in luck. This seaside membership contains a supervised youngsters’s play space.

🌟 Insider Tip: Beachlimerz restaurant proper beside Tree Home, is a Fort James Seashore establishment. It gives, along with a full foods 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), certainly one of my favorite Antigua seashores.

Depart the sand for a bit, discovering the trail by the bushes and climbing the steep path resulting in this erstwhile fortress. Right here you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful 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 facet 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 can be a part of the Royalton Antigua Resort.

If the view had been the one promoting level to this seaside I’d nonetheless like 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 amazing place to snorkel. Make your manner from the north finish of the seaside and see a lot of marine life and a few wholesome coral.

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

A particular must-see seaside in Antigua.

🌟 For one more 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, wanting precisely like the top and neck of a Hawksbill turtle.

These seashores are nearly fully 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 by a laid-back resort, all-inclusive (Hawksbill Resort) boasting 4 seashores, Eden Seashore is probably the most southerly (Google Map), nearly fully abandoned.

Living proof, final time we sailed previous we noticed one particular person (sans bathing swimsuit) and two seaside chairs.

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

You’ll want to deliver your sunscreen. Plenty 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 picture in my workplace for the following 15 years.

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

Nonetheless my favorite seaside by way of surroundings and swim-friendliness, however right here’s a caveat. There’s one other much more alluring seaside close by…

Darkwood Seashore

Yow will discover a seaside (Darkwood Seashore) nearly as fairly a few bays to the south. It’s a secluded spot for when cruise ships are available in.

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

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

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

One of the vital lovely seashores in Antigua it contains a mild slope from alabaster sand into sapphire waters which can be completely calm just about year-round.

That’s attributable to 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 certainly one of Turner’s primary promoting factors is the restaurant housed in a country beachside constructing surrounded by a white picket fence.

The ambiance may be very informal – suppose 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 picket deck sipping the Painkiller cocktails.

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

On condition that there are solely two different individuals 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 may need to time your go to. However you gained’t get the crowds you may meet nearer to St. John’s.

In relation to facilities, Turner’s Seashore boasts each showers and alter rooms. And whereas I’ve seen individuals 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, nonetheless, basted on the seaside, swam within the sea and noshed down on an amazing 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 had been this oasis’ solely promoting level, it could be adequate testimonial to earn it a spot on this checklist of the very best seashores in Antigua.

Amber sand graces the north facet of this horseshoe bay, onerous by a beautiful resort.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carlisle Bay Seashore is named the very best place on Antigua for encountering – and bonding with – sea turtles.

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

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

This 5-star resort boasts suites from Backyard to Seashore Balcony items, so that you gained’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 notably massive – doubtless 200 metres lengthy, if that – Pigeon Level on the south coast continues to be near the highest of my checklist of favorite seashores in Antigua.

It’s well-shaded, seaside chairs are available and it’s common 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.

Among the most luxurious mega yachts within the Caribbean should negotiate that channel, simply metres out of your seaside perspective. Good place for watching the world – or no less than 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 couple of individuals are snorkeling simply to seaward of that pier.

Take into account doing lunch on the south finish of the seaside at Catherine’s Café, boasting French-inspired fare and a surprisingly intensive wine checklist for a seaside institution.  The opposite finish options the purple-painted rudimentary picket watering gap referred to as Bumpkin’s (they’ve additionally acquired a fame for excellent jerk hen).

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 principle street and immerse your self in an irresistible bastion of historical past at this UNESCO-designated website.

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 acquired the right likelihood for a bit historical past and numerous enjoyable.

Yet another excellent 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 incredible – 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 manner up cactus-studded hills amid dense vegetation behind the seaside.

There you may hike the reasonably difficult path ascending to Shirley Heights, residence to common weekly get together 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 residence.

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 Web site, a working Georgian dockyard.

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

A water taxi is without doubt one of the solely methods of getting right here.

🌟 Insider Tip: In search of a little bit of hydration? Take a look at the Free 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 acquired your self a deal – two seashores for the worth 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 facet of the resort.

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

Notice: If you happen to’re involved in regards to the seasonal sargassum seaweed drawback affecting a lot of Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean, it’s nice to have the choice of getting two seashores to select from!

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

You may’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 when 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 residence.

“Favorite a part of the island?” I ask, inquisitive about his adventures.

He appears 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 – will 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 a complete.

“The seaside is just the start”.

An excellent place to start out.

🌟 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 residence to a drop-dead attractive seaside.

It options cactus, palms, century crops and a few nice snorkelling inside a reef that juts out from a degree 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 depart anyway. The waters are crystal clear. So clear you won’t even your masks to take a look at some sea life.

Paradoxically, regardless of Carlisle’s fame as the very best place to see sea turtles, once 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 technique 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

If in case you have time for only one extra seaside, then it’s acquired to be one of many lovely seashores in Barbuda, situated north of Antigua.

Dwelling to only 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.

Nevertheless it’s wealthy in pure wonders.

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

It’s a stunner. Whereas you could find 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 will 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 facet 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 purple balloons to draw the eye of females throughout mating season is a bucket checklist factor to do in Antigua & Barbuda.

Closing Ideas and Map

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

And you’ll want to do some unbiased exploring. You’re sure to find your personal 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 facet of the street.

We hire our vehicles on Discovercars.com. It’s a web based automobile rental reserving website that compares charges from a number of corporations to seek out the very best deal.

Verify for the very best automobile rental charges at Discovercars.com

SVG Airways

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

FAQs

Official Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Web site

Study Licensed Tourism Companies at: Go to Antigua & Barbuda

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