Dutchman's Bay

Dutchman's Bay is the beach you can reach on foot from V.C. Bird International Airport, just a few minutes from V.C. Bird International Airport. That alone makes it one of the handiest stretches of sand on Antigua's north coast: a quiet, breezy bay that works perfectly as a first taste of the island when you land, or a last swim before you fly home with your bags already packed.

The water here is shallow and warm, shelving out gently over a sandy bottom, while a steady trade-wind breeze ruffles the surface. Those conditions are exactly why the bay has become a favourite with kitesurfers and windsurfers, who rig up along the shore and use the flat, protected water to launch. It is a great place to watch the sails skim back and forth, and a friendly spot to take a lesson if you have been thinking about trying kitesurfing or windsurfing in Antigua.

Because it sits away from the resort strip, Dutchman's Bay stays low-key and uncrowded. There are few facilities, so bring water, snacks, and your own shade, and remember that like every beach in Antigua this one is public by law. The breeze that delights the sailors also keeps the sand cooler than the calmer leeward bays, which is welcome under the midday sun. Nearby Jabberwock Beach shares the same windy north-coast character if you want to chase the kites a little further along the coast.

Mornings tend to be quieter and the light is lovely, while afternoons usually bring the firmest, most reliable wind for sailing. Swimming is easy in the shallow water close to shore, though stronger gusts can push the surface around, so keep an eye on conditions and on any kites overhead. With the airport so close, Dutchman's Bay is the obvious choice when you want sand and sea bookending a flight rather than a long drive across the island.