Beach at Nelson’s Dockyard

Located near the site of the mysterious Middle Ground settlement on the Nelson’s Dockyard Peninsula, on the left of the picture…

Beach in Five Islands Harbour

Antigua has 365 beaches, and it can be tricky to find out the names of all of them! We welcome your input on this one in Five Islands Harbour!

Darkwood Beach

On the south west coast a little closer to St. John’s than Crab Hill Bay, Darkwood Beach is popular as you’ll find a great beach with good swimming and snorkelling opportunities, and amenities are nearby. It’s just off the road, so it’s also easy to get to.

Deep Bay

A little out of the way near Five Islands Village in the western corner of Antigua, Deep Bay is a good sized beach that’s great for a swim. The snorkelling’s not bad either – a wreck lies in the middle of the bay, the Andes, a barque from Trinidad that sank nearly 100 years ago when its cargo of pitch caught fire. Its mast still pokes out of the water and you can snorkel round it pretty easily. Apparently there is pitch on the bottom around the wreck that can be kicked up, so divers tend to stay keep away to avoid stirring up the muck.

Fort Barrington sits on the northern end of the bay and once used to protect the southern approach into St. John’s. The fortifications that you see today date back to about 1779 and it’s a 10 minute hike from the beach. A salt pond separates Deep Bay from Hog John Bay, a smaller but no less pleasant beach to the east.

Dickenson Bay

North of St. John’s, Dickenson Bay is the most northern of the popular beaches in Antigua and has the classic white sand, calm azure waters that make it easy to relax on. There are plenty of watersports activities on offer and beach vending facilities, and can get your hair braided if you’re in the mood.

English Harbour Beach

This beach lies at the foot of Shirley Heights as seen in the foreground, and has a number of Jetties along it, and you’ll likely be in the company of any number of boats…

Fort Bay

Just north of St. John’s with the ruins of Fort James at the southern tip of the bay, Fort Bay offers plenty of activities like volleyball and beach cricket. Due to it’s proximity to the cruise ship harbour in St. John’s, it’s popular with cruise ship visitors wishing to enjoy the beach.

Ffryes Bay

Just north of Darkwood Beach and Crab Hill Bay, powder white sand and a small, secluded beach awaits you at the bottom off an off-road. Snorkelling and views of Montserrat on exceptionally clear days.

Galley Bay Beach

Just south of Deep Bay, Galley Bay is the business. Good sand, good water. Classic Antiguan beach. At the right time of year this stretch of coast sees the hatching of sea turtles, so you may be lucky enough to be around to witness this wonderful night-time event.

Half Moon Bay

Right over on the south east point of Antigua, Half Moon Bay rightfully has acquired a great reputation. It has pink-white sand and great cooling breezes from the east. The waters are consequently a bit rougher, so it’s best to bear this mind when swimming.

Hawksbill Bay

As the name suggests, Hawksbill Bay is, in fact, part of a number of beaches on the west coast of Antigua that sees turtle hatchings at night. The bay, however, acquired its name from the uniquely-shaped outcrop of rock that lies in the middle of the bay. Go have a look. You’ll see what we mean!

Hog John Bay

Off the northern part of the road that takes you on to the Five Islands Harbour peninsula near Deep Bay, Hog John Bay is a small but beautiful beach overlooking the southern approach into St. John’s, the capital of Antigua.

Jolly Beach

With a mile long white sand beach, amenities, restaurants and shopping all nearby, it’s a good place to spend a day. Located off the Valley Road in Jolly Harbour.

Landing Bay

As the name suggests, this bay was a good place to bring your boat ashore on account of the easy landing. South of Galley Bay and just north of Hawsbill Bay in the western portion of Antigua, this small beach is a little off the beaten track, and peaceful.

Lignum Vitae Bay

Just north of the beach at Jolly Harbour, this is yet another good beach in Antigua. West-facing and sheltered with calmer waters, it’s good for swimming. Just the name alone makes it worth visiting…

Long Bay

On the eastern section of Antigua near the village of Willikies, this beach is known for its powder white sand and great swimming & snorkelling.

Pearns Bay

Fronting the sea on a secluded peninsula just north of Jolly Beach, Pearns Bay is a gorgeous, small beach. It can be reached along an off-road from the Valley Road.

Pinching Bay

Just south of Hawksbill Bay on the western part of Antigua, Pinching Bay is small and intimate. Just to the south is Fullerton Point and the ruins of the Old Battery, which dominated the entry into Five Islands Harbour.

Reed’s Bay/Reeds Point

Secluded beach between Pearns Point and Reeds Point. To get to it you need to take the off road towards the coast from The Valley Road after you pass the village of Jennings and before you reach Jolly Harbour, heading towards Pearns Point/Pearns Bay.

Rendezvous Bay

This is perhaps the most tricky beach to get to and requires a 30 minute hike on foot – it’s on the south coast of Antigua in the shadow of Signal Hill. It’s the sort of beach you plan to go for the day. Some folks prefer to get a drop-off by boat from English Harbour, as it’s literally around the corner. If going by car, you need to drive to the westernmost part of Falmouth Harbour, and head up the road towards the Spring Hill Riding School. Turn right, then take the second to last right and park on the road on the hill. Walk up to the top, go round the top of the hill. Take the path on the right which will lead you to Rendezvous Bay – the second beach is better than the first…for the more adventurous, obviously!

Runaway Bay

A short drive, north of St. John’s, you’ll find Runaway Beach between Dickenson Bay and Fort Bay. Lively Bar activity makes it fun to visit at sunset for a few…and/or a swim!