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Antigua Beach Escape

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Julia Rosien | 12/09/2007 - 10:00 | Add new comment

365 Beaches - One for every day of the year

Ever wanted to play Robinson Crusoe?

Grab your guy, (let's call him Friday for argument's Antigua BeachAntigua Beachsake) and start beach hoping. There are more sensuous beaches here than you'll ever have time to stretch out on. But we dare you to try.

Long Bay Beach

It's a busy beach, often filled with kids, but within wading distance you'll find coral reefs - a perfect way for the don't-splash-me swimmer to cash in on some of the natural beauty. Long Bay Beach is a 20-minute drive (along the north coast) and the water's usually calm and clear. Get there early and be prepared to pay for chairs and a beach umbrella - $20US-$30US.

Half Moon Bay

On the southern coast (now a national park), Half Moon Bay is Antigua's most photographed and prime windsurfing and snorkeling beach. It's tricky to get to from anywhere on the island though (and involves a lot of direction-asking and praying - all the roads are unmarked). It hasn't recovered from Hurricane Luis in 1995 (the abandoned hotel adds an eccentric flair to the beach), but if you're looking for a quiet expanse to stretch out on with relatively few signs of life other than your own, this is your beach.

Hawksbill Beaches

Antigua BeachAntigua BeachAntigua's stiff British history means sunbathing au naturel is illegal, except at one of the four Hawksbill beaches. It's not only permitted, it's encouraged. The beach is quiet and rarely busy - perfect if you're a newbie. The only way to get food here is to buy the all-inclusive day package from Hawksbill resort (approx $75US per person or $40US for a half-day).

Darkwood Beach

On the southwest coast of Antigua (a 5-minute drive from Jolly Harbor), you can see the still-active volcanoes of Montserrat on a clear day. If you're looking for a cooling breeze and choppier water (for body surfing), this is the perfect beach for you. When you're done body slamming with the waves, treat yourself to a beach massage.

Do you have a favorite beach in Antigua?

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