Its name gives a big clue to its topography as Half Moon Bay is a crescent-shaped haven with calm waters that are wonderful for snorkeling and swimming along a protective reef. Though it does face the Atlantic so waves can kick up from time to time. Over 1.5 kilometers of pink sands give way to towering palms and lush hillsides that back the beach. One glance and you can see why it consistently makes the cut on lists of the world's best beaches. Less crowded than many of the other beaches on the isle, the spot on the southeastern coast lies a five-minute drive from Freetown Village.
Set in the meticulously restored historic English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard gave shelter to British warships dating back to the 1700s. The namesake Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson used the dockyards as his headquarters in the late 1700s. Abandoned at the dawn of the 20th century, the dockyard fell into disuse and disrepair. But today you'll find a revitalized site that retains all of its eighteenth-century charms. Visit the Dockyard Museum to see a telescope owned by Admiral Nelson, before hitting one of the waterfront shops, cafes, and restaurants.
At first glance, you might think that the Devil's Bridge was man-made, created to look like a natural formation. It's not. Mother Earth is responsible for the geological wonder, built from millions of years of reef formation and carved by hundreds of years of crashing waves. Standing steadfast where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, the formation gets its name from ominous lore. It's said to be the spot where slaves jumped to their deaths rather than face a lifetime of enslavement, giving their souls to the Devil in the bargain. When the seas get rough, water blasts through blowholes to create a dramatic show, and one you should keep a safe distance from.
Once the largest sugar plantation on the island and its first, dating to the mid-1600s, Betty's Hope was named for the daughter of a former owner. While most of the structures today lie in ruins, the main mill has been restored with working machinery and sails that power the process as they did centuries ago. An on-site museum tells the saga of the slaves that were forced to work the plantation. Stroll the grounds to take in the history and enjoy glorious views out over Pares Village that make for some amazing photos.
Most visitors to Antigua make their way to Dickenson Bay´s beach. It's close to the cruise port and a number of popular hotels. It's near affordable restaurants and shops for souvenirs. And it's free! Add in that it's a place for setting off on a tour in a glass-bottom boat and all the motorized water sports you could wish for. And did we mention dolphins? Some days you'll see them swimming right alongside you in the crystalline waters.
Constructed over 300 years ago to stand guard over the English Harbour and its bay, Fort Berkeley today is largely in ruins. But as it's centrally located and offers stunning views across the harbor, the site is still well worth a visit, a mere ten-minute walk from Nelson's Dockyard. While the heavy artillery is no longer in place, the cannon walls give you a good idea of what it was like at the height of its military might.
Set on the west coast of the island by Jolly Harbour, Valley Church Beach offers a laid-back scene with golden sands backed by swaying palms. While the water isn't the clearest, and thus not the best snorkeling Antigua has to offer, it is calm and good for swimming. Most days Valley Church Beach is relatively quiet, but it can get packed when cruise ships are in port, with increased watercraft rentals adding to the activity. A nearby casino, restaurants, and a beach bar also make it popular on days when more visitors are around.
While accessible to most people who are moderately fit, a hike up to Shirley Heights is somewhat strenuous. Start out from Galleon Beach in English Harbour for a trek that winds up through tropical terrain to just under 500 feet above the shore. From that lofty perch, you can take in glorious views of the Montserrat Volcano and across the water to the isle of Guadeloupe. Not up for the hike? You can also hop in a cab to get delivered to the overlook, where you'll find a popular restaurant and bar that hosts live music and can get packed with people there to take in the stunning sunset.
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