The Best Beaches in Antigua

If you are planning a luxury Caribbean holiday and you are looking for an island with the best beaches, look no further than Antigua. The island of Antigua boasts not one, not two, but 365 beaches; there’s a beach for each day of the year. 

Surrounded by clear, blue water, these beaches have something to offer for everyone, from snorkelling to dancing, drinking and sunbathing. There’s no other island quite like Antigua. 

How Many Beaches Does Antigua Have?

Antigua boasts 365 beaches, all offering something a little different to the next. The coastline for Antigua spans 87km, with views spanning the crystal clear water. There’s little wonder so many people opt for a luxury Antigua holiday. 

Which Side of Antigua Has the Best Beaches?

This very much depends on your preference as Antigua’s beaches are some of the most stunning in the Caribbean. The island is part of the Leeward Islands and the Leeward coast (west coast) of Antigua has calmer waters, which often makes it a popular choice. This side is home to beaches such as Ffryes Beach. 

The Windward Coast tends to be more breezy and cool, however, it does boast beaches such as Pigeon Point Beach; one of the most popular on the island. Typically, this side of the island is also home to some of the best beaches for sailing and snorkelling. 

The Best Antigua Beaches

So, what are some of the best Antigua beaches you can visit during your getaway? With 365 to choose from, it wasn’t an easy choice to make but to help, we’ve handpicked 10 of our favourite Antigua beaches. Find out more about each below and start planning your next holiday:

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is so named thanks to its crescent shape. Located on the eastern side of Antigua, Half Moon Bay makes the top 10 for the best beaches in Antigua due to its pink and white sand and bright blue waters. It’s the ultimate Instagram destination.

Just a 10-minute drive from the beach, you can also explore Free Town - one of the towns on the island. If you do choose to stay at the beach, however, you will not be disappointed, with surfing and snorkelling available.

Dickenson Bay

If you think of an Antigua beach, you’ll likely think of Dickenson Bay. At the heart of Antigua’s resorts, Dickenson Bay is a popular choice for thrill seekers looking to try their hand at jet skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and more. Due to its numerous activities, it’s a very popular strip of coast. But, at around one mile long, there’s plenty of space for you to stretch out and sunbathe. 

Dickenson Bay is surrounded by some of the best restaurants in Antigua. It’s also next to Runaway Beach; another popular sun trap if you are looking to explore as many of the best beaches in Antigua as possible. 

You can also reach the capital of the island, St John’s, in just a 10-minute drive if you are looking to get some souvenirs for family and friends at home. 

Carlisle Bay 

On the south coast of Antigua, you’ll find Carlisle Bay. This expanse of fine sand, clear waters and exotic fish is nothing short of paradise. Located in the town of Old Road, Carlisle Bay Beach is one of the quieter beaches in Antigua, so you won’t be bumping into lots of tourists when you visit. 

If you love diving, this peaceful spot is a divers paradise as it isn’t busy and boasts tropical fish that you can swim alongside. 

Fort James Beach 

Fort James Beach is along the same strip as the extremely popular Dickenson Bay, boasting brilliant views of the Caribbean. Situated around 5-10 minutes from the cruise ship dock in St John’s, it’s a busy spot but it doesn’t get as busy with tourists as its nearby beaches. This is also a well-liked spot for locals if you would like to meet the welcoming people who call this island home. 

The famous ruins of Fort James provide the backdrop to this beach, so you can soak up some history during your sunny getaway. 

Ffryes Beach 

Ffryes Beach is a great spot for couples and families alike. It doesn’t get too busy but it boasts an unparalleled stretch of white sand. Located on the island's west coast, it’s also next to other popular spots including Darkwood Beach and Turners Beach. 

It is a great spot for swimming, however, the water can get pretty deep here so make sure you feel confident before getting into the sea. If you enjoy Antiguan food, you’ll find some of the best places to indulge, as well as enjoy some delicious rum and punch. 

Galley Bay Beach 

This could be considered a hidden gem, certainly for snorkelling with a beautiful reef just off the coast for you to spend several hours exploring. While this beach is accessible for people staying in the nearby resort, it is also accessible for the public through the Five Islands village. As such, it tends to be one of the more quieter Antigua beaches. 

Sea turtles also sometimes use this beach as a nesting place, so you could maybe witness a hatching if you are lucky. 

Valley Church 

Valley Church Beach is not far from Ffyres Beach; one of the most well-known on the island. Located on the western side of the island, it’s a peaceful paradise and is a mix of busy and calm. You’ll always have something to do but you won’t be struggling for space on the white sands. It’s a little slice of heaven, right in the Caribbean. 

Some of the activities available here include jet skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Not to mention, it is often an excursion stop for tours around the island where you can sample some of the delicious local cuisine. There’s little wonder this is rated one of the top 10 beaches in Antigua on Tripadvisor. 

Pigeon Point Beach 

If you’re travelling to Antigua with family or are simply looking for a relaxing trip, a visit to Pigeon Point Beach will not disappoint. Located on the southeast coast of Antigua and just a 5-minute drive from English Harbour, this beach is a firm favourite with both locals and visitors alike.

The calm, tranquil waters make it a perfect spot for children to play or novice swimmers. When lunchtime comes around, take a short stroll to one of the two local eateries to sample some authentic Caribbean cuisine. 

Turners Beach

Turners Beach is a lively beach complete with Antigua’s signature white sands and crystal clear waters. Along the beach, you’ll find a selection of bars and restaurants to see off any cravings you may have.

As a popular beach for cruise ship stop-offs, this beach can get quite busy, so if you want a quieter experience, it may be best to visit on another day or one of Antigua’s many alternatives. 

Galleon Beach

Galleon Beach is only accessible via car or water taxi from English Harbour. Because its less accessible than some of the other beaches in our rundown, it tends to be quieter, making it the ideal place to soak up some sun and admire the picturesque Antigua scenery in absolute peace. 

When you’ve had enough of lounging, several trails start at the beach that you can follow, providing incredible views across the island and interesting rock formations. 

The beaches are just one of the many reasons why you should visit Antigua. 

Not to mention, Antigua’s English Harbour is a protected harbour in the Eastern Caribbean and plays host to one of the largest charter yacht shows in the world, with super yachts making their way to the destination at the end of April and beginning of May. So, if you are visiting Antigua during that time, you will experience stunning views and activities. 

If you are looking to explore all the island has to offer and start planning your next holiday to Antigua, a great place to start is our guides on the best all-inclusive resorts and best boutique hotels in Antigua.