Beaches…They’re What Antigua is Famous For
Warm water, white sand and the dream of sipping cocktails at sunset overlooking turquoise sea. While the most popular beaches on island are easy to find and enjoy, there are hundreds of smaller hidden gems. My friend has made it her mission to get to all 365 and having visited 221 of them so far, she’s my beach expert. In this blog post I ask her to share 5 of her favorite, less well known destinations which I hope will inspire you to explore.
Galleon Beach
I love this beach because it’s so pretty, easy to get to and you are almost certain to see turtles close to shore. Tucked into English Harbour and surrounded by green hills, the calm waters of galleon beach are home to a number of Green Turtles, perfect to snorkel with or spot from the sand. On Sunday afternoons, the steel band music from Shirley Heights floats down to the beach below as the sun starts to set behind Fort Berkley. Close to all the restaurants and bars of English Harbour this beach still manages to feel quiet and typically Caribbean.
Pearns Point
Pearns Point headland actually boasts 10 beautiful beaches but is almost deserted in comparison to nearby Jolly Harbour. The Headland itself is private land which is being developed into a number of exclusive villa properties, however access to the beaches is possible for 9am – 6pm. The most striking of the 10 beaches is Stony Horn, named after the distinctive rocky outcrop to the east of the beach. To the west is another steep rocky headland, riddled with caves which on a calm day you can swim round too. Once built, the new villas will be lucky enough to have these sandy beaches within walking distance.
North Finger
Most of the beach action in Jolly Harbour is centered around South Beach, however at the end of North Finger lies another, much quieter beach with very calm waters. It’s also a shell lovers dream as the beach itself is littered with beautifully coloured shells. Facing West, means sunsets are dramatic, especially with the steep hills of Pearns Point in the foreground.
Soldiers Point
On a headland between Dickenson bay to the West, and Blue Waters Hotel to the West, Soldiers Point is a hidden beach that can only be accessed by hiking or 4×4. A 20min hike brings you to an often deserted cove of pristine sand, limestone cliffs, turquoise water and soaring pelicans that seems a million miles away from the tourist locations on either side.
Pinching Bay
Accessible only by boat or on foot, Pinching Bay is a long stretch of sand with natural rock sheltered bathing areas. Boat is the easiest way to find the beach, although adventurous hikers can either walk along the edge of the mangroves or along a steep rocky ridgeline to find this quiet and sheltered spot.
With the exception of Galleon, none of the above beaches have any facilities so its best to pack up a cooler and set off on an adventure!
