 Antigua: A Beach
for Every Day and Every Dream
Located in the heart of the Leeward Islands, Antigua
and Barbuda are comprised of a blend of coral, limestone and volcanic materials that have melded together over
the millennia to create a coastline dotted with reefs and coves that today provide privacy, calm, warm, crystalline
waters, abounding in diverse recreational opportunities.
Here, clear turquoise water gently laps against 365 sugary white sand beaches creating the most seductively breathtaking
seashore in the world. From sunbathing and swimming, to sailing, scuba and snorkeling, these beaches are enjoyed
year round by the adventure seeker, water nymph and book worm alike… while romance seekers come to enjoy the many
breathtaking sunsets made even more spectacular by the legendary green flash that accompanies that last dip of
the sun.
With more than 62 percent of leisure travelers interested in a beach experience, one might think the beaches of
Antigua and Barbuda could get crowded. Not so. The sister islands’ miles-upon-miles of pristine coastline provide
the idealized Caribbean backdrop for people from across the globe of varying tastes and interests. No wonder it
was to these islands that Britain’s Princess Diana escaped the paparazzi with her two young sons, soon after her
much publicized divorce. But you don’t have to be royal born to explore these islands that define the pure Caribbean
beach experience.
Many of Antigua’s famed beaches rest inside the calm, protected waters on the Caribbean Sea. Since all of the island’s
beaches are open to the public, the only challenge posed to visitors is determining the one that best suits their
mood of the day. 
Northwest Coast: The Island’s developed northwest coast is home to the popular Dickenson Bay and Runaway
Bay which provide a fully-loaded resort beach experience. Or, for those who want a beach close to St. John's, Fort
James, a locally-popular public beach, and Deep Bay are excellent choices. During the winter months, Galley Bay,
which is known for its wave breaks, is flushed with surfers and joggers. A series of four crescent-shaped beaches
at Hawksbill are also highly regarded, one of which is great for those seeking a nude sunbathing experience.
Southwest and South Coast: The beaches of the hilly southwest corner of Antigua are generally less developed
than those around St. John's. Winding along the coast are Ffryes Bay, Darkwood Beach and Johnson’s Point. Rendezvous
Bay and especially Doigs Beach, both located on the central southern coast, are especially quiet beaches as they
are only accessible by four-wheel drive or footpaths. And, after a day at Nelson’s Dockyard, Pigeon Point is a
great stop off for a cooling dip or a refreshing drink at the local beach bar.
East Coast: Half Moon Bay, voted number one on the Travel Channel’s list of the world’s ultimate beaches
-- and now a National Park -- is always a great choice. Long Bay, on the easternmost point of the island, is another
good choice for families as it is completely protected by its reef. Situated at the extreme eastern point of the
island, on the road to Long Bay, is Indian Town. Over the centuries, powerful Atlantic breakers have swept in at
the end of a 3,000-mile journey from Africa, carving out a natural limestone arch called Devil’s Bridge. The blow
holes and spouting surf make a spectacular site. Legend has it that if one throws two eggs into the water to boil,
the devil (who is said to be down there) would keep one and return the other.
Beaches of Barbuda: The best kept secret of the Caribbean is the smooth coastline edged with alternating
pink and white sand beaches protected by barrier reefs on the island of Barbuda. Nearly deserted beaches combine
with an environment rich in marine life offering those who venture over from Antigua the opportunity to enjoy excellent
diving, snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, and of course, an escape from the everyday.
Though most of Barbuda’s beaches are composed of fine white sand, a few are noticeably different. These are the
striking pink “sand” beaches created from the tiniest of pink shells, the color of cotton candy, that are washed
ashore in various coves.
- For more information about Antigua and Barbuda visit the official Web site of the Antigua and Barbuda Department
of Tourism at http://www.antigua-barbuda.org
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Media Contact:
Marie Kephart
(407) 838-1827
Marie_kephart@ypbr.com
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