Antigua Beaches & Barbuda Island
Photo by Mark Harrold
© All Rights Reserved
They say there are several hundred Antigua beaches and more on Barbuda, but who‘s counting when any one of them would rank among the best in the Caribbean. And since there are so many, there‘s hardly a crowded place to be found. Endless stretches of virgin sand rule in this sand-castle kingdom.
Most Antigua beaches lie in the calm, protected waters along the Caribbean side of the island. All the beaches are open to the public and many are fringed by reefs, so don‘t forget your snorkel gear.
At Carlisle Bay, the upscale luxury resort Curtain Bluff holds court on a hill between two of the island's best beaches. These two pristine stretches of heavenly calm are amongst the most secluded and unspoiled beaches on the island. Both sit in shady coconut groves where you can loll away the entire day to no purpose whatsoever, if you are so inclined.
Dickenson Bay on the northwest coast not far from the capital of St. John's is one of the island's most popular beaches. This strip of squeaky clean sand fringed by a shallow sea attracts just about everyone on the island.
Hawksbill Beach, a bit further south on the Caribbean coast is in fact a string of four crescent beaches, one of which has been zoned 'suit-op', making that difficult task of choosing a new swimsuit for the season a thing of the past.
Photo © Paul Buceta - Fotolia.com
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| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Caribbean | Antigua and Barbuda | December - April | |||||
| Carlisle Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Hidden away in a secluded setting, this stunning beach is fringed by coconut palms and is the location of two delux resorts, Curtain Bluff and Carlisle Bay Hotel. Photo by Mark Harrold © All Rights Reserved | $$$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Dickenson Bay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| The most popular beach on the island with calm waters, plenty of activities and many resorts.
Nearby Accoms: Sandals, Rex Halcyon Cove, Siboney, Blue Waters. Photo by Mark Harrold © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Hawksbill Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Zone | Yes | 9 |
| This is actually several connecting Antigua beaches, one of which has been zoned 'naturist'. Accommodations are available at Hawksbill Resort at the beach. Photo by Mark Harrold © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Jolly Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| A long wide beach on the leeward side of the island with shallow water. Great family fare.
Nearby Accoms: Jolly Beach Resort, Cocos, Cocobay, HBK Villas. Photo by Dennis Moffat © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Jumby Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Exceptional beach frontage located on a private island. The Rosewood Jumby Bay Resort caters primarily to discerning beach-lizards with exquisite taste and 'mucho dinaro'. Photo from Rosewood Resorts © All Rights Reserved | $$$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
 
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| Pineapple Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 8 |
| No pineapples. Another beach nestled in a palm grove, this time on the eastern coast of Antigua.
Nearby Accoms: Long Bay Hotel, Grand Pineapple Beach Resort. Photo by Mark Harrold © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Turner's Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 8 |
| Nice tranquil area. Great location to relax and catch some sun. So slather on a bit'o'block and chill in the gentle trades. Nearby Acoms: Jolly Beach Resort, Cocos, Cocobay, HBK Villas. Photo by Mark Harrold © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Runaway Bay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Where the freedom loving 'enslaved' still escape to. Next to Dickenson Bay, it has its share of resorts but less activity.
Nearby Accoms: Dove Cove, Runaway Beach Club. Photo by Mark Harrold © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Deep Bay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Anchored by the Royal Antiguan this sequestered setting has a beautiful beach good for swimming.
But waves can be big during winter storms. Did someone shout: "Surfs up!" Photo by effisk © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Barbuda Island | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Barbuda Island north of Antigua is known for pristine beaches that are usually empty.
It's also home to several luxury resorts. Nearby Accoms: K-Club,The Beach House. Photo by Allan B. Scholls © All Rights Reserved | $$$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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