St John's

Dickenson Bay on the northwestern coast of Antigua features one of the most developed beaches on the island with various hotels and restaurants. Its waters are shallow and peaceful, ideal for families with children. One minor downside of Dickenson Bay comes from its level of development. When cruise ships arrive at the bay, the area becomes quite a busy place. This might not be your beach of choice if quiet is what you're looking for, but if you're up for socialising all day long — be sure to stop by.

Fort James Beach is a stretch of soft, white sand on the Northwest coast of Antigua. Given its proximity to the capital and St John’s cruise terminal, the beach is popular amongst locals and tourists alike. People often gather there to play volleyball and cricket, but if beach sports aren't your cup of tea, there are also places nestled at both ends to sit back in the shade and enjoy a nice drink or a meal. Even though Fort James Beach is a popular spot, this lengthy beach offers plenty of space for all its visitors as well as easy access to parking.

Located on the west of an island, Hawksbill Bay hugs a peninsula that offers multiple beaches and a peaceful atmosphere. Out of the four beaches, three are only accessible to resort guests and have a security entrance, while the fourth one, Eden Beach, is a quiet, clothing-optional beach with soft orange sand. The beaches here offer breathtaking views of the Hawksbill Rock cliffs and are an excellent spot for snorkelling. Dive in and explore the diversity of the bay's sea life.

Seaforth Beach is a secluded destination located on the Northwestern coast of Antigua. The beach is about a mile-long stretch of fine-grained white sand and shimmering waters, situated on the edge of the village of Jennings, which is about 30 minutes away from St Johns. The beach is open to the public, however, it can be difficult to access given its remote location and the bumpy, rocky road to reach it. Save yourself some trouble and take a guided tour to get there.

Named after its crescent shape, Half Moon Bay is a long stretch of pink and white sand located on the southeastern coast of the island, about 40 minutes from the capital. Its azure waters and a living coral reef just offshore are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. In the middle, towards the south of the beach, the surf becomes a little choppy, which is great for wakeboarding and bodysurfing. Even though the beach is very popular with tourists and locals alike, you won't have a problem finding a quiet spot, even on the busiest days.