Half Moon Bay Beach

From Saint John's, drive east — the journey takes around 25 minutes on daily-accessible roads. A small informal car park sits at the top of the access path and is free to use. From there, an unpaved path with steps leads down to the beach; note that this route is not wheelchair accessible. Ferry access is also possible, making it reachable from the water as well.

Devil's Bridge, about 6 kilometres away in Indian Town National Park, is the east coast's most striking natural landmark — a limestone arch carved by Atlantic wave action, complete with blowholes. The park itself protects a stretch of dramatic northeastern coastline worth exploring on the same day trip. Further afield, Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation, roughly 15 kilometres away, offers a sobering look at Antigua's colonial history through restored 17th-century windmill towers. Stingray City, around 7 kilometres away, is an option if you want structured marine interaction after a morning at the bay.

The closest option is Beach Bum Bar & Cafe, about 1.1 kilometres from the beach — the only realistic stop for a meal or drink without a longer drive. For more variety, Macumba Cafe and Mama Pasta are both within 6 kilometres, and Coco's and The Docksider are just slightly further at around 6.4 and 6.6 kilometres respectively. Pack your own lunch if you want to spend the whole day at the beach itself — there is nothing on-site.

Nonsuch Bay Resort, 3.5 kilometres away, is the closest base and suits those who want easy access to the east coast's wilder shores. The Verandah Resort and Estates and Grand Pineapple Beach Club are both under 6 kilometres away and offer more resort-style comfort. For something more private, Villa H and Cliffside Villa Antigua are both around 6 kilometres out.

Shoot from the western end of the crescent in the early morning, when the low sun catches the pink tinge in the sand and the turquoise water is at its calmest and most reflective. The abandoned hotel ruins framed against the treeline make for a compelling, unusual composition — late afternoon light adds texture and shadow to the crumbling walls.

There are no facilities whatsoever on this beach — carry everything in and take every scrap of rubbish out with you. Rip currents are possible near both horns of the crescent, and the Atlantic swell makes swimming rough and unpredictable on the eastern horn specifically; stick strictly to the sheltered centre of the bay. There is no lifeguard on duty at any time, so swim conservatively and never alone. Avoid visiting in September and October, when hurricane season pushes Atlantic swell to its most dangerous levels.