Beaches and things to do in Antigua: a beach for every day
Antigua is said to have 365 beaches, plus sailing, snorkelling and Nelson’s Dockyard. How to plan it and where to start.
Antigua trades on a claim it can almost back up: 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Whether or not the count is exact, the point holds. The island is low, dry and ringed with sand, and the sea is the whole reason to come.
What to do
Pick beaches by wind. The Caribbean (west) side is calm for swimming; the Atlantic side has more surf. Half Moon Bay and Dickenson Bay are the names people repeat. Beyond the sand, English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard are the historic heart, and the Sunday party at Shirley Heights, with the view and the steel band, is the one fixed date most visitors keep. Sailing, catamaran trips and snorkelling fill the rest.
Where to start
Open until 6:00 PMAntigua Trailz
Jennings, Antigua
Open until 8:00 PMCatamaran Sailing Antigua
Alporto Restaurant, Jolly Harbour, Antigua
Open until 10:00 PMAntigua +39 Tour
Jolly Harbour Portofino Building, Antigua
Pigs in Paradise
Sea Fourth Beach, St John's, Antigua
Closed268 Buggies
Buggy AVE Jenning's New Ext, St. Marys, Antigua
Open until 2:00 AMCarried Away Sailing
Jolly Harbour Marina, Bolands, Antigua
Blue Sailing Charters
Jolly Harbour, Antigua
ClosedUnplugged Yacht Charters
Jolly Harbour Marina, Jolly Harbour, Antigua
Open until 8:00 PMGADABOAT Antigua Sailing Charters
Jolly Harbour, Antigua
Before you go
Boat trips and popular beaches book up in season, so ring ahead. The number on each page is the operator’s own.