As far as a beach vacation goes, Antigua has it all. From ultra luxurious yacht clubs where millionaires sip on Champagne to rows of wooden shacks the one thing every resident has is undeniable access to a beautiful beach. For such a tiny Island, there is enough variety for any type of tourist.
The first view is from the fort on Shirley hill overlooking English Harbour and Galleon Beach. Another name for Galleon Beach is turtle bay, the photo is from the guided tour we went on. We have Pigeon Beach on the bottom right and then some random tiny beach.
Pigeon Beach from Catherine's cafe, where rich clientele from the yachts hang out. Located just around the corner from the Antigua Yacht club, we just stayed for a quick drink and small snack. A view like this doesn't come cheap.
Speaking of luxurious views, this was taken from Sheer Rocks. Located 40 minutes away on the other side of the island near Jolly Bay, the second fanciest area of Antigua. Sometimes you have to splurge. I think that's Montserrat barely visible on the horizon. The beach on the left was easily accessible to the public.
This was probably taken on the South side of the island. Where the beach is exposed to the Atlantic ocean, the scenery here was incredible as it was too mountainous for anything but a thin strip of houses along a windy road.
Overlooking Dickinson Bay, from the private condo where we stayed. Dickinson Bay is where you have Sandals, the beach is the most developed on the island and we just went swimming there.
Jolly Harbour from the air is where the less wealthy stay, they can only afford million dollar houses and slightly less expensive boats. The main beach is private or difficult to access but the one on the right is easily accessible and is the one next to Sheer Rocks.
This was my favourite beach, we didn't swim there but it's the view from Karnagio, where that cactus photo may have been taken. There are luxurious vacation rentals available. Maybe next time.
Just love how the water and trees looked. The colour of the sand is unique and the shape of the beach is perfect. It's not near much on the island which keeps away the crowds.
This looks like Long Bay, where your inexpensive all-inclusive is. The Pineapple Beach Club. If you come here it's far better to rent a car and an Airbnb, there are better islands to sit in an all-inclusive all week.
OJs Beach Bar was one restaurant we went back to twice. They had a bunch of friendly cats, reasonable prices, it wasn't too busy and the food was incredible.
Our favourite beach was on Deep Water Bay. Near to St. John's the main city and cruise port, it's accessible by a road where you will bottom out your car, then have to cross a bridge, through the Royalton resort or some gated community. We bottomed out the car a few times driving here :D
This place was a popular stop for the catamaran tours too, you can see why. The bay made is great for swimming and it wasn't too crowded.
Looking the other way, we can see Armani's house. Oprah, Eric Clapton, Berlusconi and Richard Branson also have properties on the island along with 100s of other extremely rich people.
Nearby is Ffyres beach, you can buy a beer for a few dollars off some locals and chill. We came here a few times too.
Halfmoon bay is on the Atlantic side of the island. It's rather remote and it was extremely wavy and sunny, so we just took a picture and left. It's beautiful though and they were selling reasonably priced condos here.
Can't remember where this was.
This place was nice too. We just spend the week driving from beach to beach. Antigua is a great place chill.
All photos taken with an S22 or iPhone13pro