Dickenson Bay
Antigua's main resort beach on the northwest coast, with hotels along its length.
Updated 3 September 2026
Dickenson Bay is the long west-facing beach north of St John's that Antigua's tourism was built on, with hotels running the length of it, beach bars, watersports operators and calm shallow water inside the headlands. It is the busiest beach on an island that claims a beach for every day of the year, and the sunsets are the reason people stay on it into the evening. Public access is guaranteed at several points.
The main sights
- The long beach - the west-facing sand running between the headlands.
- The calm water - sheltered shallow swimming inside the bay.
- The beach bars - the run of places along the sand.
- The sunset - the western aspect that gives the evening light.
When to go
December to April is the high season and the busiest. Hurricane season runs June to November. Late afternoon is the best time.
Practical notes
It is the most developed beach on the island and busy with vendors and watersports. Hotels occupy most of the frontage. Prices along the strip are high.
Nearby
Fort James is south, and St John's is beyond it.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q5273629, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Dickenson Bay
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- Water shoes - Protect your feet on rocky entries, hot sand and sea-urchin spines. Find on Amazon
- Dry bag - Keeps phone, cash and keys safe while you are in the water. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
