Antigua and Barbuda beaches for swimming and a day by the sea
From sheltered swimming beaches to a pink-tinged Barbuda shore and an offshore islet, these spots offer different ways to spend a day by the water.
Antigua has calm, shallow swimming at Dickenson Bay and sheltered water at the northern end of Half Moon Bay, while the centre of the bay faces rolling Atlantic surf. On Barbuda, Princess Diana Beach has shallow, calm water; Great Bird Island adds clear snorkelling water and a hill trail to a day trip.
Darkwood Beach
Beach, Saint Mary
Darkwood Beach is a quiet stretch of white sand on Antigua’s southwest coast, with calm Caribbean water for swimming and snorkelling. A beach bar and restaurant serve local dishes.
Dickenson Bay
Beach, Saint John
Dickenson Bay’s sheltered water stays shallow well out from shore, making it an easy choice for family swimming. Beach bars and watersports operators line the pale sand.
Half Moon Bay
Beach, Saint Philip
Half Moon Bay has rolling surf along its centre, while the reef-sheltered northern end is calm enough for gentle swimming and snorkelling. The bay is protected as a national park and has little development around it.
Princess Diana Beach
Beach, Barbuda
Princess Diana Beach stretches along Barbuda’s sheltered southern shore, with shallow, warm, remarkably calm water and sand that can take on a pink tinge. It is undeveloped, so bring shade and water.
Great Bird Island
Parks & Nature, Saint Peter
Great Bird Island combines powdery beaches and clear snorkelling water with a short hill trail overlooking the North Sound islands. Most visitors arrive by catamaran or kayak on a day trip.