This 2-island nation is a hidden gem in the Caribbean, adorned with 365 beaches. It’s a serene place to explore with stunning coral reefs. Overall, there’s less crowds and more space to rejuvenate and relax. I soaked up the refreshing atmosphere at Antigua and Barbuda attractions, like Dickenson and Jolly Beaches, as well as Stingray City.
Antigua and Barbuda Attractions – Dickenson Bay & Beach
Dickenson Bay is easily accessible, just a 10-minute drive from the capital city, St. John’s. It was utterly transformational and healing to spend a day here not doing much of anything. My soul just wandered with no agenda floating between my chair under an umbrella, swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters and walking along the milelong white sandy beach.
There are nice restaurants and bars along the beach as well. But not so many that the beach feels cluttered. That’s what I love most about Antigua beaches. Here, I felt the blue sea air and space expand me into something greater than when I arrived.
Jolly and Long Bay Beach
Jolly Beach is another one of the top beaches that I visited, just a 30-minute drive from St. John’s. It’s similar to Jolly Beach with the same beautiful, turquoise waters and mile long opalescent sandy beach. However, there is more resorts and restaurants.
We enjoyed a delicious meal on the beach at Bodog Beach Club. They served us sitting on a large Bean Bag-type chairs on the beach, with a small table. Here, I was able to savor both the meal and sunset in the ambience of bliss. Just like my day at Dickenson Beach, I left here feeling more light and serene than when I arrived.
Long Bay Beach was our planned next destination, however, we went home early due to the National Emergency from COVID-19. But, I do want to mention this, because our local driver said that Long Bay is the best beach for snorkeling. This gives me another reason to return to this extraordinary island.
Swimming with the Stingrays at Stingray City
Swimming with the Stingrays at Stingray City is an Antigua highlight. First, the guides brief everyone on precautions and safety for interacting with the Southern Stingrays. These stingrays are called the “the Brightest Rays in the Caribbean.” Unlike the Blue Spotted Stingray, the Southern Stingrays are more friendly with humans. They innocently swim right up to you out of curiosity. However, the guides do caution to only approach them from the front. Obviously, everyone must avoid touching their long whiptail, being serrated and venomous. But, unless threatened by a predator, these “puppy dogs of the sea” are quite gentle.
Next, everyone is whizzed out in just10 minutes on an invigorating speedboat ride to the coral reefs where the Stingrays and tropical fish colorfully gather. We entered the water from a floating platform, accessing the shallow area, where visitors stand in waist-deep waters or swim. They also offered us snorkeling gear. There was about 30 people screaming and swimming in the stingrays’ playpen of the sea. They swim right up to greet you, with the guides knowing them all by name.
Photo Op’s Holding a Stingray
The Southern Stingray has flat, diamond-shaped bodies and is a solid dark brown or grey color. They generally grow 2-4 feet, with the long, serrated tail being almost twice the length. It’s fascinating to observe them from the platform, gliding along so graceful and eloquent with the sea.
They offer fun photo op’s. I, hesitantly, received mine holding a stingray headfirst, with its long tail pointing away from me. Knowing that even though these creatures are gentle and friendly, they are marine wildlife. Anytime us humans forget this with any wildlife, we can be abruptly reminded of their survival instincts.
However, similarly, just like my experiences in Grand Cayman and Belize, I perceived the Southern Stingrays as the “puppies of the sea.” I always take away that memory of feeling their curiosity and child-like excitement. This is probably mostly about them expecting some snacks from a human. But, nonetheless, it is endearing and oh, they feel so unbelievably soft!
Overall, Antigua and Barbuda Attractions
As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I’ve enjoyed seeing over 20 Caribbean islands. Therefore, I say with utmost confidence that Antigua is one of my favorite Caribbean islands for relaxing and enjoying the bountiful ocean. With their 365 beaches and encompassing coral reef, Antigua and Barbuda is all about exploring the beauty and biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea.
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