Jolly Harbour and the west coast beaches

Why go

If your idea of a perfect trip is a different beach every day, clear water and sunset drinks, this is the place to base yourself. The west coast faces the calm Caribbean Sea, so the water is usually gentle and good for swimming and snorkelling, and every evening the sun sets straight over the sea.

The beaches

**Jolly Beach** is a long white curve with calm water and resorts at one end. Just south, **Valley Church Beach** has shallow, clear turquoise water where children can paddle far out. **Ffryes Beach** is broad and soft, with a hilltop bar above it that is a favourite for sunset. **Darkwood Beach** sits right beside the coast road, easy to reach by bus, with a beach bar and, on clear days, a view of Montserrat. Further on, **Crab Hill** and **Turner's Beach** near Johnson's Point are quieter, with simple, friendly bars serving grilled fish.

All beaches in Antigua are public up to the vegetation line, even in front of resorts, though access paths and facilities can be private.

On and under the water

Boat trips leave from Jolly Harbour Marina for **Cades Reef**, a long protected reef off the southwest coast with colourful fish and coral, and for sailing days around the island. Catamaran cruises, sport fishing and snorkel trips can be booked through marina operators or your hotel.

Into the hills

Behind the coast, the **Shekerley Mountains** hold Antigua's last stretches of rainforest. **Mount Obama**, formerly Boggy Peak, is the island's highest point, and a steep trail leads to views over the coast and across the sea to Guadeloupe. Go with a local guide, start early and carry plenty of water. **Fig Tree Drive** winds through the forest from Old Road, with fruit stalls and a zip line canopy tour.

Food and drink

The marina has several restaurants, bars and a large supermarket for self catering. For something special, **Sheer Rocks** at Cocobay serves small plates on cliffside daybeds, and **Carmichael's** at Sugar Ridge has a hilltop view over the coast. Beach bars such as **OJ's** at Crab Hill and **Dennis** above Ffryes are the classic sunset spots, with grilled fish, local lobster in season and rum punch.

Practical tips

Minibuses run along the west coast road from the West Bus Station in St. John's in the daytime, but they thin out in the evening and on Sundays, so plan taxis for dinners. Bring reef safe sunscreen, a hat and water shoes for rocky entries. Look out for manchineel trees, which have small green apples and sap that burns the skin: never shelter under them in rain.

A suggested day

Start with an early swim at Valley Church before the day trippers arrive, then drive or take the bus south to Darkwood for a mid morning snorkel along the rocks. Have lunch at a beach bar at Crab Hill or Turner's, spend the afternoon in the shade, and finish at Ffryes Beach for sunset with a rum punch and grilled fish.

Where to stay

There is a wide range here: big all inclusive resorts on Jolly Beach, hillside villas and suites at Sugar Ridge, adults only cottages at Cocos above Valley Church, and colourful cottages at Cocobay. Self catering villas and apartments around the marina are popular with families and longer stays. Use our places to visit list for beach bars and restaurants, and the free trip planner to shape your beach week.