LOCAL BEACHES

All beaches on Antigua are available to the public, though some are only accessible by boat. There are reputed to be 365 beaches on Antigua, so you will be spoilt for choice with one for every day of the year ! Too many to describe in detail but here are some of our favourites.

Jolly Beach

Jolly Beach is about a 15 minute walk away. As good as beach can get, both wide, long and with soft white powder sand. Has ‘Castaways’ which is an excellent bar / restaurant and also available are both non and motorised watersports, vendors, taxis and tour organisers.

Valley Church

Valley Church is the closest to Coco – about 10 minute walk. The sand is perfect and usually the waves are very gentle, so ideal for children. Plenty of shade under the trees. Normally deserted mid week, but popular at weekends. Located at the end the Nest is a good beach bar / restaurant with great pina coladas.

Ffyres

Is about 10 minute walk along from Valley Church. Turn right at the old Sugar Mills to almost a mile of unspoilt soft white sand. On the headland at far end, Dennis’s is a popular restaurant with some of the best views in the area.

Darkwood

About a half mile of pristine sand and has 3 beach bars and 2 restaurants ( OJ’s and Gibsons) plus good diving. Usually very quiet and a great place for collectors of driftwood and shells.

Coco Beach

Coco Beach situated next to Jolly Beach with the fabulous Castaways beach restaurant right on the sand. Extensive menu and reasonable prices. Plenty of Caribbean character with many colourful beach vendors.

Carlisle

Small and very photogenic with plenty of coconut palms. Quite a few boats about as it is regarded as a safe anchorage. Good place for spotting turtles.

Long Beach

A beautiful half mile stretch of fine sand with  beach restaurants. Although half an hour away, it is well worth a visit for perfect snorkeling in shallow water which is especially safe for children and beginners.

Malmora

Home of the St James Club, but non residents are allowed access. So expect plenty of facilities, water-sports and dining. Picture perfect with 2 beaches, one either side of the headland, but can be affected by seaweed at certain times of the year.

Turners

Small but with white sand and good beach bar. Popular so can get overcrowded.