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So you’re heading to Antigua? Lucky you! There are nearly 400 beaches on the small island, making it one of the best vacation destinations in the Caribbean. You’re guaranteed to be spoiled as far as choices go, so we’re here to help by rounding up some of the island’s best spots. From red rocky beaches, through to the top hotspots for windsurfing, we’ve rounded up the six best beaches in Antigua:
1. Dickenson Bay
Up first is Dickenson Bay. The beach has sand as soft as sugar and bright, turquoise water. The sea is very calm, so it’s a great place to bring kids or just spend your vacation days swimming and floating in the clear waters. There are tons of fun watersport options on the beach — just head to one of the beachside shacks and sign up for a spot of banana boating, jet skiing or kayaking.
2. Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay is located to the south of the island. It’s a stunning Caribbean paradise with clear waters and soft sand. The bay is known as the best snorkeling spot in Antigua and you’ll find tons of tropical fish swimming around your feet. Bring a waterproof camera and snap some pictures of butterflyfish, surgeonfish, pufferfish, among many more. Happy snorkeling!
3. Green Island
Green Island is also one of the top places to snorkel in Antigua, with some saying it rivals Carlisle Bay. Green Island is a tiny islet, just off the east coast of Antigua. It has several beaches with amazing sea and marine life. To get to the island you have to hop on a boat for about twenty minutes. You can sign up for day trips to Green Island through most hotels in Antigua.
4. Hawksbill Beach
What makes Hawksbill Beach different is the interesting red rocks that protrude through the water close to the shore. The beach is made up of four sections, with three of the sections being ‘access-only’ through the Hawksbill Resort hotel. There’s a smaller section which is free for all to visit, however, this gets busy on weekends. One of the three beaches that can be accessed through the hotel is a ‘clothing optional’ beach (the only on the island). Be sure to remember your sunscreen.
5. Pigeon Point
Pigeon Point got its name after serving as the island’s main point to send and receive messages in the days long before the internet. Today, you’ll find a stunning beach, with perfectly white sand and blue waters. Trees line the bay, making it the perfect place for a nap in the shade. It’s a popular beach with families thanks to its warm, shallow waters.
6. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a crescent-shaped bay that has a strong, Atlantic breeze. Thanks to its winds it’s the perfect place to surf or windsurf and there are a couple of shacks on the beach where you can rent gear.
Many recently married couples enjoy the beautiful Carribean islands. With almost 400 beaches is Antigua also an amazing location for a honeymoon. Read up on Things to do in Antigua on a Vacation to ensure you celebrate in true Caribbean form.