Antigua, humbly known as the “Land of Sea and Sun” is also known for having 365 beaches around its coastline. With one for every day of the year, how do you pick the best one to visit in just a short vacation? While I can’t say I’ve visited all of them, I have visited a few, and can make some recommendations. Here are 6 of the best beaches in Antigua!
Pigeon Point Beach
Pigeon Point Beach is a small beach just off of Falmouth Harbor. A popular spot for Yachties and cruisers alike, this small stretch of beach is a great spot to watch the sunset with the boats bobbing in the foreground. A short walk from the marina is possible, but most people access this beach by dinghy.
There are perfect little trees to hang a hammock, or just lie under for a sundowner. This little stretch of beach is also popular for snorkeling, so bring your dive flag and hop in!
PLanning a trip to Antigua? Check out the best things to do in Antigua!
Galleon Beach
Located just inside the entrance to Freeman’s Bay, Galleon Beach is a calm, beautiful beach to visit within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. A great spot for snorkeling, this is a spot that is much calmer and more easily accessed than the Pillars of Hercules. Watch the anchored boats in the harbor, or catch a glimpse of the beautiful sea life below. Keep your eyes out for sea turtles, as they are known to frequent the area! Pack a picnic, or book a room at the resort that lines the inland side of the beach.
Jolly Beach
Jolly Beach is nestled next to Jolly Harbor on the West side of Antigua and is a mile long stretch of white sandy beach. Jolly Beach is a great option if you want to be close to the shopping and restaurants in the area. A stunning little beach, offering views of the harbor, soft white sand, and is a pretty great sunset spot as well! If you’re looking for the picturesque palm-lined beach and a nice place to relax, then Jolly Beach is a great choice!
Jabberwock Beach
Prior to Antigua, I had never really seen anyone kiteboarding. If you were like me and hadn’t experienced it, this beach is an awesome spot to hangout on, but this beach is definitely one of the beaches you don’t want to miss on Antigua. Jabberwock Beach is filled with kites of all colors, and it makes for an incredible skyline. I don’t know a whole lot about kiteboarding personally, but I got to see everything from setting the kites up, all sorts of tricks, to breaking it all down and walking away from the beach leaving only footprints. I did not try it, but I enjoyed the day on the beach watching the kiters [is that the right terminology??] and soaking up the sun!
Don’t forget your camera if you’re heading to Jabberwock, you can get some really unique photos of the surfers while you’re relaxing from the shoreline!
Morris Bay Beach
Once you get your pineapple from Cades Bay Agricultural Station, bring your newfound fruit to Morris Bay to enjoy the sweet snack on the beach. This beach is on the south side of the island, just a few minutes from the Agricultural station. A coconut palm lined path takes you towards the beach, which was pretty quiet when I visited. There is a resort at one end of the beach, but even so, I didn’t feel like the beach was crowded at all.
And if you missed your stop for a pineapple, there may be a little fruit stand that you can pick one up on right near the entrance to the beach! Take your fresh pineapple and a coconut, and you’ve got yourself a yummy “pina colada” for a snack! The sand is beautiful here, you can take a dip in crystal clear water, or meet the local grazing animals, like goats or cows!
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay gets its name from the shape of the shoreline, and was one of my favorite beaches that I visited on the island. It is a gorgeous beach with rocks, coral, sand, and some really cool cliffs to hike on make it the perfect spot for everyone. While not nearly as “thrilling” as kite surfing, climbing all over the rocks and walking down the short cliff while being splashed with the roaring waves may not be everyone’s cup of tea. A little heads up if you do look to go on the little walk; the cliffs are made of clay, and can be a bit slippery, best to bring a friend to hold onto!
If you’re not looking for the adventurous hike, but still want the best day on the beach in Antigua, don’t fret, the beach is calm and beautiful and the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the warm Caribbean sun.
Planning a trip to Antigua? Make sure to check out The Best Things to do in Antigua here! Or, if you’re looking for another Caribbean Beach guide – check out the 10 Best Beaches in Grenada!
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