Excusion-ed out? Or maybe you just came to kick back and watch the Caribbean world mosey on by.
Well you’re in luck as there are 365 beaches in Antigua – one for each day of the year! So here’s our top 5 and reasons why:
1.DARK WOOD: FOR THE SUNSET
A long curve of flour-fine soft sand with minimal development and dazzling turquoise, calm and clear water, ideal for swimming – Dark Wood is hard to beat. It’s backed by a large lagoon and the lush green hills of southern Antigua, with a small snorkeling and shelling area at one end.
Warm waters and shallow areas are perfect for young families and there is a great snack bar serving burgers and cold drinks and great beers – ideal! Pitch up and settle down for the day!
For a fantastic sunset, this beach is also a cut above the rest…
2. HALF MOON BAY: FOR THE WAVES
Also one for Pirates of the Caribbean fanatics, this idyllic place is where Captain Jack and Elizabeth are marooned in the 2003 film. Located on the eastern Atlantic side of the island, waves are not so good for the young kids, however it has amazing surf and wild beauty. It has a lively beach atmosphere, but not so crowded that you have to fight for a spot.
It offers little tree hideaways to give shade and even fire pits for cooking your own lunch if you’re feeling adventurous.
It is also one of the best places on the island for turtle-spotting, diving and snorkelling, with a beautiful reef situated at one end. Adventurous ones can walk to the point and watch the powerful waves crashing into the headland.
So if you love marine life, and prefer the crash of waves on the Atlantic side, then this beach is for you!
3. TURNERS BEACH: FOR FOOD & ACTIVITIES
A breath-taking powder sand beach and a top location for jet skiing. Activities include reef trips, snorkelling and jet skis and all equipment can be rented at the bar.
It feels more private than other others, plus if you’re a foody and want some real Antiguan grub, head to Turner’s Beach Restaurant. Surrounded by an idyllic white picket fence, the restaurant has a raised deck and stylish furnishings. It serves a fab lunch, is right on the beach, and has a car park, restrooms and showers. A real West Indian menu including some great Antiguan classics – yum!
4. VALLEY CHURCH BEACH: FOR THE LOUNGING
The natural beauty of the palm tree-lined beach is phenomenal. Completely uncrowded, and since locals use the spot for casual boating and fishing, you’ll avoid too many tourists competing for the chairs and umbrellas available for rent.
The beach bar at Valley Church serves tropical drinks and cooks up local Antiguan fare. And with restrooms, changing rooms and showers available to the public, Valley Church also makes for an easy day trip when venturing from other parts of the island.
This beach is the best for lounging…
4. GREEN ISLAND – GARDEN OF EDEN: FOR WILDLIFE & WALKING
A stunning island, off the coast of Antigua, well protected by the reef and very quiet; there is amazing snorkelling and marine life along the surrounding reefs, and the whole island is also home to hundreds of turtles.
The beaches are small and secluded; it’s a gentle, peaceful and restorative place, perfect to recalibrate and feed the soul. As it’s a boat trip away from the mainland, less people know about it or make the effort to visit, which is why it is always so uninhabited. A real paradise.
Not only can you kick back and relax, there is great opportunity to blow out the cobwebs and do some hiking. It’s possible to cover most of the island in a day, including a stop for lunch. Beautiful scenery and a light breeze, it’s definitely the best place in Antigua for this kind of exercise.
An island so beautiful the locals call it the Garden of Eden…do you need any more reason to visit?!
