Valley Church Beach Antigua

Beaches

Sun, sea and sand

Many of Antigua and Barbuda’s famed beaches rest inside the calm, protected waters on the Caribbean Sea. All of the country’s beaches are open to the public.

Northwest Coast

Antigua’s developed northwest coast is home to the popular Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay, which provide a fully-loaded resort beach experience. Or, for those who want a beach close to St. John’s, Fort James, a locally popular public beach, and Deep Bay are excellent choices. A series of four crescent shaped beaches at Hawksbill are also highly regarded, one of which is great for those seeking a nude sunbathing experience. And for those who want to party late into the night, popular evening hotspots can be found at Dickenson Bay.

Southwest and South Coast

The beaches of the hilly southwest corner of Antigua are generally less developed than those around St. John’s. Winding along the coast are Ffryes Bay, Darkwood Beach and Johnson’s Point. Rendezvous Bay and especially Doigs Beach, both located on the central southern coast, are especially quiet beaches as they are only accessible by four-wheel drive or footpaths. And, after a day at Nelson’s Dockyard, Pigeon Point is a great stop off for a cooling dip or a refreshing drink at the local beach bar. Another popular spot for drinks and even some food is Turner’s Beach Bar and Grill at Johnson’s Point in St. Mary’s.

East Coast

Half Moon Bay in Antigua, voted one of the world’s ultimate beaches and now a National Park is always a great choice. Long Bay, on the easternmost point of the island, is another good choice for families as it is completely protected by its reef. Situated at the extreme eastern point of the island, on the road to Long Bay, is Indian Town. Over the centuries, powerful Atlantic breakers have swept in at the end of a 3,000-mile journey from Africa, carving out a natural limestone arch called Devil’s Bridge. The blowholes and spouting surf make a spectacular site.

Beaches of Barbuda

The best-kept secret of the Caribbean is the smooth coastline edged with alternating pink and white sand beaches protected by barrier reefs on the island of Barbuda. Nearly deserted beaches combine with an environment rich in marine life offering those who venture over from Antigua the opportunity to enjoy excellent diving, snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, and of course, an escape from the everyday. Though most of Barbuda’s beaches are composed of fine white sand, a few are noticeably different. These are the striking pink “sand” beaches created from the tiniest of pink shells, the color of cotton candy, that are washed ashore in various coves.

Main Off-Shore Islands

Main Off-Shore Islands: These include, Redonda, Great Bird Island and Green Island, Guiana Island, Prickly Pear Island, Crump Island, Maiden Island, Rabbit Island, York Island, Hells Gate, Sandy Island, and Long Island (which houses the ultra exclusive Jumby Bay Resort and Vacation homes).

Galleon Beach is situated at Freeman's Bay in English Harbour on the southern tip of Antigua in the heart of the National Park. This location is great for swimming, snorkeling and hiking.

St. Paul's
Galleon Beach

Galleon beach possesses the qualities synonymous with Antigua - covered in white, powdery sand and surrounded by turquoise sea.

English Harbour
Galley Bay Beach

Located near Five Islands Village on the northwest coast.

Five Islands Village
Halfmoon Bay

Molded in the shape of half of a moon make this beach a sight to behold

Barbuda
Hawksbill Beach

Four beaches... One location

Five Islands Village
Hells Gate Island

Charter a boat and enter the perfect hideaway

Barbuda
Hermitage Bay Beach

Just about 1.5 miles before getting to Jolly Harbour, at the end of Jennings village. An off-road type of car is highly recommended. Hermitage Bay beach is a perfect white arc of sand. This beach is really undisturbed and good for swimming. This secluded beach stretches for over 1,250 feet and is located at the extreme western end of Antigua.

Jennings
Jabberwock Beach

Jabberwock beach is located on the north-eastern coast of Antigua and features a mile long white sand beach. A favourite with locals and visitors alike, Jabberwock Beach's warm waters are a fun place for playing in the surf. It's also perfect for both body and wind surfing. Laden with palm trees and picnic tables, on the weekends, it is a great place for everyone to enjoy.

Hodges Bay
Jolly Beach

Jolly Beach, located on the West coast of Antigua at Jolly Harbour, offers a mile long powder white sand beach on the warm waters of the Caribbean sea. With plenty of restaurants, water sports, and shopping amenities nearby, it's a great place to spend a day, or your entire holiday on Antigua. 

Jolly Harbour
Long Bay Beach

Located about 5 minutes from the village of Willikies at Long Bay on the east coast, Long Bay Beach offers fine white sand and crystal blue waters, making it a great place for snorkeling or just relaxing in the sun.

Long Bay