Half Moon Bay

You'll have to put a little effort into visiting one of the most breathtaking beaches of Antigua, as easternmost Half Moon Bay is far away from just about everything. The trek has its advantages, though, namely fewer beachgoers to distract from the charm of this national park. Windsurfers will appreciate the sizeble waves toward the beach's center, while snorkelers can find calm waters near the edges. For those looking for a place to relax, the soft white sand at Half Moon Bay offers a comfortable viewpoint to enjoy the vast seascape.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said, "We enjoyed this beach for the body surfing and the great rock formations to explore. And it wasn't busy. Thus, private and not having to stake out our territory." But the beach's off-the-beaten-path location means you'll want to visit before sunset. Half Moon is notoriously hard to find and the paved yet windy road has little signage to help you out. Add in the no-see-ums (tiny insects, sometimes called sand flies, that come out to nibble after hours), and Half Moon is definitely a beach to enjoy when the sun is up.

All Antiguan beaches are free to visit, but if you travel by taxi you can expect a hefty fare to Half Moon. Pack a lunch, bring a chair or towel, and plan on spending the whole day in the area, so that you can get the most bang for your buck.