Mamora Bay Beach

Mamora Bay sits on a secluded peninsula on the southeast coast, a short drive east of the historic harbours. The bay curves into a calm, palm-backed pocket of golden sand, and because it faces inward rather than out to the open Atlantic, the water stays remarkably sheltered and still. It is the kind of bay where you wade in slowly and the surface barely ripples, ideal for an easy swim or a long float with nothing but the tree line and a few small boats for company.

The beach shares its peninsula with the St James's Club resort, but like every shoreline in the country it is public by law. To reach it, drive out to the security gate at the peninsula entrance and park nearby; the staff there will point you to the path down to the sand. It is a low-key arrival rather than a roadside pull-off, so the bay tends to stay calm and uncrowded even when busier beaches fill up.

Calm, clear water makes Mamora Bay a natural spot for gentle paddling and non-motorized water sports, and the rocky edges of the bay reward a slow swim with a mask. If you want more bite from the sea, the peninsula's ocean-facing side picks up real surf, a striking contrast just a short walk away. For more snorkeling ideas across the island, see our guide to snorkeling in Antigua.

The bay pairs well with a day around English Harbour and the Georgian naval buildings at Nelson's Dockyard just to the west. Come in the morning for the calmest water and softest light, bring your own shade and water, and treat this as a tranquil stop rather than a facilities-heavy beach day.