Tucked away on the north western coast of Antigua, Hawksbill is on of the best beaches in that quiet and picturesque area. It is approximately 20 minutes from the port in St. John’s and about 35 minutes from the VC Bird International Airport.
Finding your way to Hawksbill Beach is as easy as it gets, leading straight down from the Hawksbill by rex resorts. The latter has an adult-only policy, but the adjoining beaches are open to visitors of all ages.
Hawksbill Bay unfolds in a series of crescent-shaped beaches just a little further down from Five Islands Village on Antigua’s north-western coast. The only way to access the beaches is by foot, and you’ll need to make your way through the resort to do so. This might feel a little awkward but rest assured that Hawksbill Beach is a public beach – and that means accessible to all!
Imagine crystal-clear turquoise waves softly shimmering under the midday sun. A place where sea and sky meld into one, serving up a sense of deep immensity that only the Caribbean can truly offer…
Welcome to Hawksbill Beach Antigua! Named after the distinctive turtle-shaped Hawksbill Rock just off the coast, Hawksbill Bay Beach is a family-friendly option on the doorstep of a sumptuous resort, giving visitors easy access to facilities, refreshments and activities. A quieter and less bustling option than heady Dickenson Bay, Hawksbill has a little something for everyone. Relocate Antigua leads you along the shore, where one of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches awaits…
Before we lead you through a more in-depth look at everything Hawksbill Beach has to offer, here our top reasons why this idyllic beach deserves a place on your bucket list:
• Incredible accommodation options at top-notch resorts with all the facilities you expect from a world-class destination.
• A paradisical desert island experience with spell-binding photo spots.
• Amazing eateries with something to suit all budgets and tastes, from laid-back beachfront breakfasts to upmarket candlelit dinners.
• On the doorstep to a handful of other gorgeous beaches and within striking distance of bustling Five Islands village.
Understated elegance with a hint of Caribbean fizz. Ismay’s is Antigua’s answer to pure, unbridled romance, a hushed atmosphere and incredibly refined menu put to use in turning your candlelit dinners into unforgettable memories.
Crisp white tablecloths and full-length bay windows opening out onto the sea make this the ideal spot to fall back in love all over again over a sunset. The menu here is a medley of old favourites shot through with a fresh twist: shrimp gratin with a champagne cream, smoked beef brisket, and hot chocolate and stem ginger lava cake give you a taste of the good things to come. Open evenings only.
If carefree lunching is your style, look no further than The Barefoot Grill. You don’t get much closer to the surf than this upmarket beach shack-style lunch joint, where wooden tables huddle under the shade as the waves ebb and flow by your feet. The dress code here is casual, and the grill is only open until 4pm. Order yourself a beer and chow down on diner classics and barbecue staples, all plated up with the Galley Bay Resort’s trademark flair: Cajun catch of the day, burgers – including a veggie option – quesadillas and fresh salads. There are a host of other restaurants and bars at Hawksbill. Read our Eden Beach guide for more inspiration, or get in touch and let us know what you’re in the mood for – we’ll handle the rest.
Check out Real Paradise Jet Ski Antigua at Saint John’s for a white-knuckle tour of the coast. Hop aboard the brand-new Yamahas and get skimming across the waves! The beauty of this outfit is the seamless, friendly service and booking process – you can even ask for a pick-up right from the port.
So many visitors head straight for the beach as soon as they land in Antigua, missing out on the rich culture and effervescent atmosphere that reigns supreme on the island.
Hawksbill Beach is probably the best beach on the island for getting that sea, sun and surf hit while also remaining within striking distance of Saint John’s – the capital is just 20 minutes’ away, offering you ample opportunity to get exploring.
Home to a buzzing marina, Jolly Harbour township is just over three miles away, and is crammed full of activities, shops, restaurants and a golf course. This is a hugely popular spot for expats looking to relocate to Antigua, too.
It can be tempting to make your holiday all about the pina coladas and perfecting your tan, but we’re firm believers in the value of grabbing a little local culture and history to put a place in its rightful context.
Fort Barrington is just down the road, and is well worth a visit. This fortified hilltop site on the southern side of Saint John’s Harbour has a fascinating maze of underground dungeon-like chambers, and tours such as the ones on offer from Antigua Premier Tours will lead you up on a 30-minute hike for spellbinding views to reward your efforts. Don’t forget to claim your free rum or punch, either!
Founded in 1985, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is another interesting pitstop for history buffs and curious souls. Further your insight into Antigua’s history, culture, architecture and traditions, and check out the museum’s extensive collection of artefacts and maps.
The Galley Bay Resort and Spa is the beach’s epicentre for activities. Set your intent with a yoga session, enjoy a dip in the pool, tone up with a fitness class or volleyball match, and round off the day with a lazy game of tennis
If it’s complete ease and comfort you’re seeking, then look no further than the Hawksbill by rex resorts, an immersive, luxury complex that plunges you into the heart of Caribbean living with lashings of style and glamour. This all-inclusive, adult-only accommodation gives you peace, quiet, sea views and cutting-edge facilities to take your holiday to the next level.
Further up the coast, the Galley Bay Resort & Spa is home to four restaurants and a range of premium accommodation options. Choose from beachfront rooms to palatial suites, all set on the water’s edge with unbeatable views of the horizon.
The resort is the ideal spot for couples looking to engrave their honeymoon or anniversary in memory, and provides the perfect setting for a lagoon, fishing spot, and its very own nature trail.
These two luxury resorts handle bookings for any activities and events guests may like to try – and don’t forget that Relocate Antigua is a quick call away from helping you organise your perfect stay, too.
Some great photo-worthy spots include the ruins of a sugar mill just a short walk from the beach and of course the giant hawksbill shaped rock in the ocean. The sunset is also magical here.