Antigua claims to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, which sounds amazing in theory, but also a little overwhelming if you’re trying to plan a short trip. That’s exactly why we wrote this guide. We spent one week exploring the island, hopping between beaches on both the Caribbean and Atlantic sides, and narrowing it down to 13 of the best Antigua beaches worth your time.
Some are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Others are windier, wilder and better suited for watching the waves roll in with a drink in hand.
Whether you’re planning to beach-hop, or just want to find the perfect place to lay your towel and swim, our blog has you covered. These were our favourite beaches that we visited in Antigua that we would 100% go back to again.
Why we chose to visit Antigua
We had one week to fill before heading to the British Virgin Islands and we wanted a beach holiday that wasn’t just one beach. Somewhere we could rent a car, explore easily and not feel boxed into a single resort or area. Antigua kept coming up for its white sand beaches and the fact that it claims to have 365 beaches (which sounded like a bit of a challenge we were up for).
We’d already been to some of the bigger Caribbean islands like Barbados and Grenada, but Antigua seemed more compact and easier to get around. We picked Antigua partly because it’s one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in June for low-season prices and to have whole beaches to yourself in the middle of the day, so that sealed it for us.
The 13 best beaches in Antigua we loved
1. Darkwood Beach
Darkwood Beach was the first beach we visited in Antigua, and it kind of ruined us for the rest of them (in the best way). Powdery white sand, ridiculously clear turquoise water and a beach bar with a few umbrellas that gives the beach that rustic Caribbean aesthetic that we love.
It’s on the southwest coast and super easy to get to, right off the main road. It’s an easy drive or local bus ride from Jolly Harbour, and compared to somewhere like Dickenson Bay, it’s way more peaceful. We came twice, once in the morning and again for sunset, and both times it was super quiet.
You can rent chairs and umbrellas from the beach bar if you’re planning to stay a while (which you should). If you’re picking just one Antigua beach to spend the day, we’d say make it this one.
💦 Sail around the whole of Antigua in just a day on this 5 star (very highly rated) tour – make sure you count all 365 beaches!!
2. Turners Beach
We wondered why Turners Beach isn’t more popular with tourists because it’s so stunning. Calm turquoise water, soft sand and hardly anyone around, even in the middle of the day.
It’s just a few minutes from Jolly Harbour and right next to Darkwood Beach, so if you’re renting a car in Antigua like we did with Discover Cars, or are hopping on a local bus, it’s easy to combine the three. There’s space to park along the road, and once you’re on the beach, you can walk from one end to the other in about 20 minutes. It feels peaceful and super relaxing.
We didn’t eat here, but Aunty Cavell’s restaurant is just across the road and it smelt amazing! Definitely one to come back to.
3. Dickenson Bay
Dickenson Bay is one of the most famous beaches in Antigua, and we could definitely tell that when we arrived. It’s lively, easy to get to, and packed with beach bars, jet skis and sun loungers. If you’re looking for a buzzing beach with everything you’d need in terms of amenities, this is it.
That said, we didn’t love it quite as much as the beaches around the southwest coast. It felt more built up, with big resorts like Sandals dominating the shoreline. But it’s still worth a visit, especially if you want a beach day with drinks, watersports and a lively vibe.
We walked the full length of Dickenson Bay in under 15 minutes while watching the sunset, which was genuinely so beautiful from here. You can also wave your heads to hail a boat (for free) to Antigua’s only floating bar, called Tiki Bar, which is only 100m or so from the shore.
🍴 We recommend this private tour to Dickenson Bay with lobster lunch as it includes transport to and from your hotel.
💦 Or, if you’re looking for a more adventurous thing to do, this self drive boat and snorkel tour to Cades Reef looks incredibly fun! We’ll definitely do this next time!
4. Valley Church Beach
Valley Church Beach in Antigua might just be the softest sand we stepped on during our trip – powdery white, wide and gently sloping into calm turquoise water. It’s honestly everything you’d hope for from a Caribbean beach.
Just a 20 minute drive from the cruise port (check the cruise ship schedule if you’d rather avoid the crowds) and minutes from Jolly Harbour, it’s super easy to get to. If you’re driving from Jolly Harbour heading south, keep an eye out for the signpost to Cocos Hotel, then look out for “The Nest” sign on Valley Road – that’s your cue to turn off.
We ended up here after Darkwood and Turners, and were surprised how quiet it was compared to some of Antigua’s more popular beaches like Dickenson Bay. The beach itself is long enough to stroll from end to end, you can rent chairs and umbrellas and there’s a nice beach bar with WiFi.
💦 If you’re on a cruise, this half-day beach tour from the cruise ship gate ticks off 3 of Antigua’s best beaches: Valley Church, Jolly Harbour and Ffryes Bay.
5. Morris Bay
We think the best thing about Morris Bay is that it’s never busy with tourists. There’s no restaurant or bar right on the sand and no one trying to sell you a jet ski ride.
We parked just off the road and wandered down a shaded path to the beach. No signs, no stalls, no sun loungers, just soft sand and calm, glassy water. There’s a small fishing village nearby, which gives it a more local, lived-in feel than some of the other west coast beaches. You might see a few boats bobbing in the water or a couple of kids playing in the shallows, but that’s about it.
It feels really off the radar and if you want a quiet swim or a beach all to yourself, Morris Bay is the kind of beach in Antigua you’ll wish you’d found sooner.
💡 Our tip: Stop for lunch at Gina’s Cook Shop, an amazing local shack just on the beach road. The food was delicious and it was so nice to just chill there and play our dominoes with a beer and good food.
6. Coco Bay
This one took us by surprise. We pulled in thinking we’d just take a few photos, and ended up swimming, sunbathing and staying way longer than planned.
You’ll spot the pastel cottages of Cocobay Resort just behind the sand, giving it that boutique, honeymoon vibe. Even though the resort is there, the beach is public and no one batted an eye at us being there.
We parked near the Cocobay entrance and walked down a short sandy path, and honestly, within seconds it felt like we’d found one of our favourite beaches. If you’re doing a little beach-hopping from Jolly Harbour, Coco Bay is super easy to slot in between Turners and Morris Bay.
7. Long Bay
We’re so glad we ended up at Long Bay during our trip. It’s one of the most family-friendly beaches in Antigua, with shallow water that feels more like a giant bathtub than the ocean. You could wade out forever and still be waist-deep, which makes it great for nervous swimmers or anyone travelling with kids.
The beach sits on the east coast, near Devil’s Bridge, so it’s easy to tie the two into one trip. There’s a small car park right near the sand, plus beach chairs for rent and a handful of restaurants and local stalls. It definitely has a built-up feel compared to the more rugged beaches like Morris Bay or Galleon, but we still found it quite peaceful and happily perched ourselves under a sea grape tree.
Long Bay is also one of the best Antigua beaches for snorkelling right off the shore. The reef sits just a few meters out, and we saw loads of colourful fish without having to swim far at all.
💡 Our tip: Head out on a full day tour of the east coast as you’ll get to snorkel at Long Bay, visit Stingray City, Devil’s Bridge, Betty’s Hope and have an Antiguan cuisine lunch.
8. Galleon Beach (Freeman’s Bay)
We actually stumbled upon Galleon Beach by chance. We were headed out to hike to the Pillars of Hercules and knew the trail started at the end of a beach. When we pulled up to park, it’s safe to say that it ended up being one of the beaches we liked the most.
Galleon is on the edge of Freeman’s Bay, right across from Nelson’s Dockyard. It’s really peaceful and got that tucked-away feel that’s harder to find on the west coast. It’s peaceful, unspoiled and has lots of shady trees. It’s also one of the best Antigua beaches for snorkelling from the shore and you can do a really fun sea scooter snorkelling tour in Antigua here.
💡 And if you’re here on a Sunday, it’s worth heading up to Shirley Heights for the sunset party! The views over English Harbour are incredible, and the steel pan music and BBQ make it feel like real Caribbean party. We wrote a full guide to Shirley Heights here, including how to get there, costs and what to expect.
Getting to Pillars of Hercules from Galleon Beach
Head to the far end of the south side of Galleon Beach, climb over a few rocky ledges, and follow the coastal trail to reach the Pillars of Hercules. It’s not a long hike, but we’d definitely recommend wearing trainers.
Once you’re there, the view is amazing! These dramatic limestone formations have been carved by centuries of wind and waves to form natural columns rising up where the cliffs meet the sea.
💡 Our tip: The water can get rough around here, so if you want to get the best view of the Pillars, we recommend taking a boat tour like this one.
9. Landing Bay, Hawksbill Bay and Pinching Bay
If you’re up for a little exploring, these three beaches sit side by side on the quieter northwest coast of Antigua, not far from Five Islands Village. We were on the hunt for non-touristy beaches in Antigua, and these turned out to be some of our faves.
Landing Bay is the most tucked-away of the three, often totally empty except for the occasional local fisherman or dog walker. Hawksbill Bay, right next to it, has a more familiar name thanks to the nearby resort, but parts of it still feel peaceful if you wander away from the main entrance. And Pinching Bay is raw and undeveloped. There’s no sunbeds, no bars, it’s just a wild stretch of sand and sea.
They’re all easily reachable by car from St John’s (about 15–20 minutes), or you can pair them with a stop at Fort Barrington if you’re already exploring the area. None of these spots are set up for tourists, which is exactly what we liked about them. Just pack water, snacks and enjoy one of the quietest beach-hopping afternoons in Antigua.
💦 If you want to add some adventure, this jet ski tour from Hawksbill Beach has glowing reviews (100+ five stars!) and includes time to swim and snorkel at some of Antigua’s best beaches and hidden coves. A fun way to explore the coastline if you’re after something more than sunbathing.
10. Eden Beach (Antigua’s only official
clothing optional beach)
Eden Beach is tucked just south of Hawksbill Bay and is actually the only official nudist beach in Antigua. But don’t expect anything wild, it’s one of the quietest, most lowkey beaches we visited on the island.
There are no sunbeds, no music, no bars… just soft sand, clear water and a deserted-island vibe. Most people who come here are just looking to relax without crowds, and the nudist part is pretty understated. We wore our swimsuits, and no-one really cared, and it’s all very chill.
The only access to Eden Beach is via the Hawksbill Resort grounds. Because it’s a little hidden, it rarely gets busy, even in peak season.
💡 Our tip: Bring water and snacks, as there aren’t any facilities at Eden Beach, but that is what makes it feel like such an escape.
11. Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay was one of the most peaceful beaches we went to, and that’s saying something. It’s on the south coast and doesn’t get much foot traffic unless you’re staying at the Carlisle Bay Resort. But like all beaches in Antigua, it’s public, so you’re absolutely welcome to visit even if you’re not a guest. The resort staff were super friendly even though we weren’t staying there.
We came here one afternoon and really loved just doing… nothing. The beach is beautifully curved, with calm, clear water and a dramatic green hillside backdrop that makes it feel really peaceful and secluded.
12. Pigeon Point Beach, English Harbour
Pigeon Point isn’t the flashiest beach in Antigua, but it’s got a very local-vibe and the water is great for swimming so we don’t think you should miss it. It’s just outside English Harbour on the south coast, so it’s easy to reach, easy to park and rarely busy during the week.
There’s shaded picnic tables under almond trees and a few anchored yachts just offshore that remind you you’re definitely still in the Caribbean. It actually reminded us a lot of Lower Bay in Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
It’s also right next to Catherines Café, which means you can stroll over from your towel and grab a seafood lunch without changing out of your swimwear. We came midweek in June and practically had the place to ourselves, which made the turquoise water feel even more magical.
If you’re staying nearby in Falmouth or English Harbour, Pigeon Point Beach is one of the easiest Antigua beaches to spend a lazy afternoon doing absolutely nothing, and doing it well.
💡 Beyond the beaches, we were surprised by how much there is to do in Antigua. From hikes and snorkelling tours to local restaurants and heritage sites, our full Antigua guide covers everything else we loved about the island, including the best things to do.
13. Jolly Beach
Jolly Beach is one of the largest beaches in Antigua (it’s one mile long!), sitting right on the island’s west coast near Jolly Harbour. Even in June when we were there, there were quite a few people on the beach, but it didn’t ever feel overcrowded because it’s so big.
There are loungers and umbrellas to rent, we rented ours from Pop Up Beach Bar, as well as a few casual beach bars. We had the most delicious tuna lunch! You’ll also find jet ski rentals and paddleboards if you’re feeling active, though we mostly just floated around and walked the length of the beach – twice.
If you’re deciding among Antigua best beaches on the west coast, we’d definitely recommend Jolly Beach. Just prepare to leave with about 700 photos of the water on your phone, and possibly still not capture how good it really looks in person.
💦 Looking for a boat tour from Jolly Harbour? This 6-hour Antigua snorkelling tour takes you to two of the island’s most secluded spots (Maiden Island and Bird Island). You’ll snorkel at a coral reef, enjoy a lobster lunch right on the beach and sip rum punch in the sun. Hotel pickup is included, so it’s an easy day out from anywhere on the west coast.
What’s the best way to get around Antigua?
We rented a car for our trip, and honestly, it was the best way to explore the island’s beaches. Antigua is small enough to drive from one end to the other in under an hour, and the freedom to hop between hidden coves and west coast stunners like Jolly Beach was worth it. Just keep an eye out for pot holes and goats.
That said, if you’re mostly sticking to the south or staying in English Harbour, you can get by with taxis or local buses. The bus system is cheap and a bit chaotic, but they run regularly and it’s part of the fun, right?
Best area to stay in Antigua
The best area to stay in Antigua depends on what kind of trip you’re after. If you want nightlife, water sports, and lots of dining options, the northwest around Dickenson Bay is busier and more resort-heavy. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed beach holiday, we’d recommend staying on the southwest coast, near Jolly Harbour or Darkwood Beach.
We booked a hillside apartment which was a 5 minute walk down to Darkwood Beach, and it ended up being one of the best decisions of our trip. We were a short drive to some of the most beautiful beaches of Antigua, including Ffryes Beach and Turners. The southwest coast in general has fewer crowds, more local food spots and a slower pace than the north, so it’s perfect location if you’re looking for where to stay in Antigua that’s not a resort, especially if you’re planning to rent a car and explore.
🏡 Find the best places to stay in Antigua
Best time to visit Antigua for the Beach
The best time to visit Antigua is between December and April for dry weather and guaranteed sunshine. That said, we visited in June, which is technically the start of hurricane season, and loved it. We experienced fewer crowds (we often had entire beaches to ourselves), warm sea and it was still super sunny. Plus, we saved a lot of money on accommodation as it was outside of peak season.
🏡 Find the best Antigua holiday deals
Antigua Beach Packing List
Here’s what we packed for our Antigua trip and what we wish we hadn’t forgotten:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (the sun is no joke)
- A good beach hat (ideally one that won’t fly off on boat rides)
- Birkenstocks and trainers
- Quick-dry towel (easy to pack)
- Snorkel mask
- Reusable water bottle (some beaches have no facilities)
- Bug spray – mosquitoes don’t take holidays lol.
🛍️ Shop: Our Beach Essentials
FAQs About Beaches in Antigua
Are the beaches in Antigua nice?
The beaches in Antigua are better than nice. They’re some of the best we’ve visited, and we’ve visited 30+ islands in the Caribbean! Over one week, we swam in clear turquoise water, snorkelled from the shore, drank beer at rustic beach shacks, walked along empty stretches of white sand, sunbathed under palm trees and found quiet coves with not a single other person around. We’d go back just for the beaches alone.
Does Antigua have white sand beaches?
Yes! Almost all of the beaches of Antigua are white sand beaches. From Dickenson Bay to Turners Beach and Long Bay, you’ll find soft, light-coloured sand across the island. The sand is coral-based, giving it that signature pale look, and the water is clear and blue throughout the year.
Is it safe to swim in the sea in Antigua?
Yes, we swam at nearly every beach we visited in Antigua, it’s generally very safe. The sea is calmest on the west and south coasts, and the water is warm all year round.
Is Antigua better than St Lucia?
They offer very different vibes. Antigua is all about beaches – there really are hundreds of white sand beaches, and it’s easy to get around by car. St Lucia is more mountainous and lush, with rainforest hikes, waterfalls and dramatic views. We’ve visited and explored both islands and would say if you want a laid-back beach holiday, Antigua is better. But if you want a mix of beaches and adventure, St Lucia will probably suit you more.
Which side of the island is best for beaches in Antigua?
The southwest coast is where you’ll find many of the best Antigua beaches for swimming, sunsets and soft white sand. Our favourites were Valley Church and Darkwood Beach. The south coast around Galleon Beach and Pigeon Point is great too, especially for snorkelling. The east coast is more rugged and less swimmable, but has wilder beauty and fewer people.
What is the prettiest beach in Antigua?
It’s hard to choose, but Darkwood Beach was our personal favourite. With powdery white sand, calm water, and hardly any crowds, it felt like a proper Caribbean postcard beach. Jolly Beach is the most photogenic in terms of that endless stretch of white sand, and Half Moon Bay often also makes the top of people’s lists for how dramatic it is. If you only have a few days, we’d say start with Darkwood, Turners and Valley Church as they’re some of the most best beaches in Antigua that are close together.
Where is the clearest water in Antigua?
The west coast has the clearest water in Antigua, especially at Valley Church Beach, Darkwood Beach, Turners and Jolly Beach. These areas are sheltered from the Atlantic trade winds, so the sea tends to be calm and crystal clear which is perfect for swimming and snorkelling straight from shore.
Are there clothing optional beaches in Antigua?
Yes, Eden Beach is Antigua’s only official clothing optional beach. It’s located just south of Hawksbill Bay and is one of the quietest beaches on the island. There are no facilities, so if you visit bring your own food and drinks.
Did you know that…
When you choose to purchase through our links, you support us at no extra cost and help us keep creating content. Thank you for your support. ♥️
Leave a Reply