The Land of 365 Beaches. Explore 20 attractions and 17 bookable experiences across the island.
Antigua delivers on its famous promise of 365 beaches, but the island has far more texture than sand alone. Start at Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour, the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site where restored naval buildings now house restaurants, shops, and a small maritime museum. Walk the Dockyard Trail uphill to Shirley Heights Lookout for a sweeping view across the harbor to Montserrat's volcanic silhouette - come on a Sunday afternoon for the legendary barbecue party where steel pan and reggae bands play as the sun drops into the sea.
From Shirley Heights, the Pillars of Hercules trail descends steeply to a hidden rock formation at the water's edge, an Instagram-worthy spot that most visitors never find because it requires some scrambling over loose ground. On the Atlantic coast, Devil's Bridge at Indian Town Point is a dramatic natural limestone arch carved by centuries of surf - blowholes erupt when the swell is running and the spray can shoot twenty feet high.
Nearby Half Moon Bay, once home to a resort that Hurricane Luis flattened in 1995, is now an undeveloped national park beach with powerful bodysurfing waves on the Atlantic side and calmer water in the southern crescent. For a quieter beach day, Darkwood Beach on the southwest coast has calm turquoise water, a single beach bar, and views of Montserrat.
History buffs should not miss Betty's Hope, a partially restored sugar plantation dating to 1650 with a working windmill and a small museum that does not shy away from the brutal realities of the sugar trade. A day trip to Barbuda by ferry or charter flight opens up an entirely different world - seventeen-mile-long Pink Sand Beach is often completely deserted, and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Codrington Lagoon shelters one of the largest colonies in the Western Hemisphere, with over 5,000 birds nesting between September and April. Hire a local boatman from Codrington village to navigate the mangrove channels to the nesting grounds.
Every Sunday afternoon from four o'clock, Shirley Heights Lookout hosts a barbecue with live steel pan and reggae music, rum punch, grilled lobster, and ribs. The panoramic sunset view over English Harbour and out to Montserrat and Guadeloupe is the best on the island. Arrive by 4:30 to get a good spot.
Cades Reef is a two-mile-long barrier reef off the southwest coast with excellent snorkeling directly from a catamaran. Most half-day sailing tours depart from Jolly Harbour and include reef stops with sea turtles and spotted eagle rays. The reef is shallow enough for beginners at three to fifteen feet deep.
This short but steep trail descends from Shirley Heights to dramatic rock pillars rising from the sea at the entrance to English Harbour. The path involves some scrambling over loose rock and takes about 30 minutes each way. Bring water shoes for exploring the tidal pools at the base.
The only working Georgian dockyard in the world, restored as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the old naval officer quarters, sail loft, and copper and lumber store, now converted into restaurants and shops. The Admiral's Inn serves lunch in a building dating to 1788.
Take a boat through the mangrove channels of Codrington Lagoon to see over 5,000 magnificent frigate birds nesting on low bushes. Males inflate bright red throat pouches during mating season from September through April. Local boatmen from Codrington village are the only way to access the colony.
Jabberwock Beach on the northeast coast is Antigua's premier kitesurfing spot, with consistent trade winds blowing cross-onshore from December through July. Kite Antigua operates from the beach and offers lessons for beginners as well as gear rental for experienced riders. Flat water inside the reef makes it ideal for learning.
This undeveloped national park beach on the southeast coast catches Atlantic swells that produce some of the best bodysurfing waves in Antigua. The southern end is calmer for swimming. There are no facilities beyond a small snack shack, so bring water and sun protection.
Stingray City Antigua is a nature attraction on Antigua and Barbuda. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Antigua and Barbuda is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
1700s–1800s site with a naval history museum & restored buildings with shops, restaurants & bars.
Dickenson Bay Beach is a nature attraction on Antigua and Barbuda. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Antigua and Barbuda is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Devil's Bridge National Park is a historical site on Antigua and Barbuda. This historic site reflects the rich cultural heritage and storied past of Antigua and Barbuda. It offers a glimpse into the events and traditions that have shaped the island over centuries.
Antigua Cruise Port is a nature attraction on Antigua and Barbuda. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Antigua and Barbuda is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Galleon Beach is a nature attraction on Antigua and Barbuda. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Antigua and Barbuda is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Pig’s Paradise Antigua is a nature attraction on Antigua and Barbuda. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Antigua and Barbuda is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Long Bay Beach is a nature attraction on Antigua and Barbuda. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Antigua and Barbuda is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Jolly Beach - Antigua is a nature attraction on Antigua and Barbuda. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Antigua and Barbuda is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Fort James is a historical site on Antigua and Barbuda. This historic site reflects the rich cultural heritage and storied past of Antigua and Barbuda. It offers a glimpse into the events and traditions that have shaped the island over centuries.
Half Moon Bay Beach is a nature attraction on Antigua and Barbuda. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that Antigua and Barbuda is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
Small, intimate hotel with an outdoor pool, beachfront scenery & on-site dining & spa treatments.
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