There are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for each day of the year. The
great majority rest inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. All
are open to the public, and so the challenge posed to a visitor is not how to gain access
to the best of them but simply how to locate the beach that suits one's taste. Exploring
on your own is the best way to do this, although it is wise to bring a companion along to
particularly isolated locations. Antiguans are understandably reluctant to divulge their
own favorites, so here are a number of good starters. Be sure to acquire specific
directions before you go.
Northwest Coast:
Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay, located along the island's developed northwestern
coast, are the place to go for those who want the fully-loaded resort beach experience.
The beaches most convenient to St. John's are Fort James, a
locally-popular public beach, and Deep Bay. Galley Bay attracts surfers during the winter
months and a joggers during the evening. The series of four crescent beaches at Hawksbill are also highly regarded, one of which is
nudist.
Southwest and South Coast:
The beaches of the hilly southwest corner of Antigua are generally less developed than
those around St. John's further north. On the road that winds along this coast are Fryes
Bay, Darkwood Beach, and the beaches around Johnsons Point. Rendezvous Bay and especially
Doigs Beach, both located on the central southern coast at Rendezvous Bay, are especially
quiet beaches worth the rough travel necessary to reach them. Pigeon Point, near English Harbour Town, is a convenient balm after a day at Nelson's
Dockyard.
East Coast:
On the southeast corner of the island is Half Moon Bay, now a National Park and a good
choice for a family outing. Long Bay, on the easternmost point of the island, is another
good choice for families, as it is completely protected by its reef.
Barbuda's smooth coastline is edged with long pink and white sand beaches protected by
barrier reefs. In fact, the pristine pink beaches of the southwestern shore stretch as far
as ten miles without interruption. The beaches of the island's eastern shore, facing the
Atlantic, are somewhat rougher, although they are outstanding for beachcombing.
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