A traveler's guide to Antigua
You will not see 365 beaches. You will see four, properly, if you have a car and a week.
Antigua's claim is 365 beaches, which is a slogan and also a hint: the island is a collection of coves. Dickenson Bay and Ffryes are the easy, beautiful ones. Half Moon Bay is wilder. English Harbour is the history, not the swim.
When to go
Winter is dry and busy. Summer is greener and more private, with the usual storm watch. The west and northwest stay calmer than the Atlantic corners.
The beach
Dickenson is the resort bay and still a pleasure early. The west-coast beaches are the sunset ones. Half Moon is a curve of sand with more wave. Many of the famous names are small enough to walk end to end.
In the water
Calm-bay snorkeling is ordinary and good. A boat day toward Barbuda, when it is running, is the long version and a commitment. Reef shoes help on the rockier entries.
If you only remember this
- A car is the difference between two beaches and six.
- Drive on the left.
- Barbuda is a separate day and a separate boat. Do not assume it.
- Sunday is quiet. Plan groceries for Saturday.