Adventurous Ideas:
- Sail aboard a catamaran and take in a few hours of
breathtaking scenery.
- Discover some of Antigua's most beautiful secret spots and small, uninhabited islands by kayak. You'll make a stop for a swim, and if you are quiet, you may spot the sea turtles, frigate birds, whistling ducks, endangered fallow deer and flying fish that inhabit the area.
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.
Antigua is almost completely surrounded by lush coral reefs with steep walls, and a myriad of shipwrecks. The southern and eastern coasts of Antigua surrounded by shelfs, providing perfect conditions for extraordinary shallow diving and snorkeling. There is very little current in most places in Antigua. The visibility in the waters of Antigua ranges from 65 to 155 feet, and tropical marine plants and animals are diverse and plentiful.
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.
Interesting tidbit:
The importation and wearing of camouflage clothing is prohibited in Antigua and Barbuda. Visitors should leave such items at home to avoid confiscation.
