The 10 Best Things to do in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

November 10, 2021 Misti Hsu

Antigua has hundreds of beaches, from the bustling Pigeon Point to the kitesurfing paradise of Jabberwock Beach. It's fun to mix it up—a day spent in a secluded cove, another spent people-watching at a tourist magnet. When you’re tired of sun and sand you can shoot ‘em up at Reservoir Range, where archery and air pistols are a fun way to work out any lingering pre-vacation stress. A tour of the Antigua Distillery is a spirited way to experience a true taste of the island.
Restaurants in Antigua

1. Shirley Heights

English Harbour Antigua +1 268-460-1785 http://www.shirleyheightslookout.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=75
Excellent
55%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,673 reviews

Shirley Heights

Hills overlooking the Dockyard on the east, named after the governor who built the fortifications.

Reviewed By malefamily - Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Great views of Nelsons dockyard you are able to see from above great view of why it was chosen strategically Refreshments available / toilets

2. Darkwood Beach

Antigua
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 465 reviews

Darkwood Beach

An excellent beach for snorkelling and beachcombing.

Reviewed By worldtraveler0416 - Coronado, United States

Besides the immediate company I experienced this beach with, the beach is beautiful and a perfect place to swim, lay out, snorkel and there is a little restaurant/bar if you get hungry or thirsty. Wind is blocked on that side of the island. Some days were a little crowded for spurts of time while cruise ship people had a few hours to burn. I will go back again but this time leave the bad seed dude behind.

3. Long Bay

Antigua
Excellent
49%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 328 reviews

Long Bay

On the far-eastern coast, you'll find coral reefs in water so shallow that you can actually walk out to them. Along the beach are the Long Bay Hotel and the rambling Allegro Resort Pineapple Beach.

Reviewed By MFC31 - London, United Kingdom

All 4 of our group agreed that this was the best beach to swim at of the many we visited in Antigua. Stunningly clear waters, soft sand, a bit of shade and for those that wanted, some water sports as well. The good is the resort doesn’t take up the whole beach, so you can actually enjoy it without feeling like you’re trespassing

4. Galley Bay Beach

Galley Bay North west of the island, on the peninsula of Five Islands, St. John's Antigua
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 277 reviews

Galley Bay Beach

Reviewed By rebeccaannparsons - Allen, United States

Even though all of the beaches in Antigua are open to the public, the location of this beach is so secluded you feel as though you're on a private beach. Beautiful champagne shores, great snorkeling and no charter necessary.

5. Dickenson Bay

Lashings Northwestern coast Antigua [email protected]
Excellent
55%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 449 reviews

Dickenson Bay

Reviewed By reedmangreg - Chicago, United States

While the actual beach/sand and water aren't the best in Antigua the Dickenson Bay makes up in sunsets! :) it's just a paradise if you are into experiencing peaceful sunsets! There are some restaurants (check my other reviews from around Antigua as I believe there are better options if you are a foodie) where you can enjoy an evening meal or a cocktail or simply bring your own wine/beer; trust me you won't be disappointed! From activities; a) you can do some water sports as the bay includes two bigger AI resorts which naturally attract the resort visitors but the further south you go the more smaller boutique hotels show up and the beach "experience" becomes a bit more intimate. b) all beaches in Antigua are public so there is plenty of great areas to walk around as well; highly recommend early one before the sun goes up fully c) Kon Tiki Bar is right in front of Siboney Beach Club (where we stayed) and Buccaneer Beach Club and that looked like a lot of fun (floating bar) d) some morning horses visiting for morning "baths" by the local rasta is also a cool treat (I know I know what they do... well we all need address our needs somewhere right...) and you can also book directly with him for a horse ride Snorkeling is non existent here or at least was during our 4 nights stay as the water was always murky but that was our experience 3 years ago in Jolly Beach Harbor so it may be just waters around Antigua in general... plus there aren't really reefs here so no sea life to explore either if that's something you are looking for FYI All in all it's not the prettiest beach but very "functional" when it comes to spending a day or two and of course the sunsets are a treat! :)

6. Prickly Pear Island

St. Johns Antigua
Excellent
78%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Prickly Pear Island

Reviewed By janfH5186IB

Small group tour, great boat trip from Antigua to the island, amazing coral and fish, they provided a super atmosphere and all the snorkeling equipment, plus beach chairs and a canopy for some shade and drinks and snacks, too. Great experience!

7. Ffryes Beach

Valley Road 1.5 miles to the south-southwest of Jolly Harbour Antigua
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 262 reviews

Ffryes Beach

Reviewed By kate69 - Wymondham, United Kingdom

We stayed at Cocobay resort and whilst the hotel is sited on Little Ffryers beach, there is a path that takes you to Ffryers beach. This beach is slightly larger and has acouple of places for drinks etc. The locals seem to use this one less than Little Ffryers.

8. Deep Bay Beach

Antigua
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Deep Bay Beach

Reviewed By MFC31 - London, United Kingdom

It takes a bit to get to, but this is one of the best beaches we’ve done in Antigua so far! The water is crystal clear, and the sand is golden. There’s a nice looking hike up to an old fort which would give you spectacular views of the ocean and the bay.

9. Betty's Hope

Pares Village, St. John's Antigua +1 269-462-1469 [email protected]
Excellent
28%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 901 reviews

Betty's Hope

Sugar plantation established in 1674 and preserved as a monument to the slaves whose labor it exploited.

Reviewed By 18sarah08 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom

Really interesting place to visit, great exhibit of the Sugar plantations, showing a model of how the area was, including all the housing. It explained the Slave trade, how some managed to help themselves in such a terrible situation, where others suffered badly, and ran away to the Devils Bridge, only to loose their lives.

10. Fort Barrington

Five Islands, St. John's Antigua
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 193 reviews

Fort Barrington

British fort looming dramatically over the shoreline, built in 1779 to protect the British island from the French.

Reviewed By P-D-Rosey - Petrolia, Canada

We hiked her from the Royalton Resort. Amazing 360 degree views of the Island and ocean. Can even see the outline of the wreck of the Andes.

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