Jolly Beach
Welcome to Jolly Beach
Deep blue skies? Check. Mesmerising turquoise waters? Check. Positive vibes with a tropical twist? Check! Welcome to Jolly Beach, the go-to beach in Antigua if you’re an active traveller who enjoys being right in the thick of it all.
This colourful, bustling beach is packed full of restaurants, hotels, bars and activities galore, with all you need to keep you busy for the duration of your stay on the island – and some amazing Jolly Beach photo opportunities, too.
Jolly Beach at a glance
Located in the beating heart of vibrant Jolly Harbour, Jolly Beach sits on Antigua’s west coast, stretching out a mile long and curving inwards to cusp the Caribbean Sea. Velvet-soft white sand beaches and tranquil turquoise waves that glisten under the sun are most definitely to be found here, and the ubiquitously high quality of service and warm, welcoming locals all make for a profoundly relaxing experience.
The beauty of Jolly Beach – aside from the picture-postcard views! – lies in its versatility and the breadth of its charms. There genuinely is something for everyone to enjoy here, from fun activities to total serenity.
Getting here
Jolly Beach hugs the eponymous harbour, making it easy for you to hop out of the sea, towel off, and explore the city when you’re done relaxing on the shore. Jolly Harbour town strikes the perfect balance between fast-paced city-living and a sense of secluded quiet.
Less than a hundred yards separates Jolly Beach from Jolly Harbour, making it an excellent holiday choice for families with young children. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of turtles nesting and hatching here!
Getting to Jolly Beach is child’s play. Make your way down Valley Road, turning off past Jolly Harbour and the Jolly Beach Resort, and you’ve arrived. The beach is just over half an hour away from the airport, and just under half an hour away from the glorious capital of Saint John’s, meaning less time in the car and more time out and about in the sunshine.
One important point to note is that Jolly Beach is wheelchair-accessible in some spots, which isn’t always the case for beaches in Antigua.
Relocate Antigua remains at your disposal for any further information you might require on identifying access points for wheelchair-users. Give us a call, and let us help you plan a seamless, unforgettable stay.
Where is Jolly Beach?
Location
Jolly Beach is close to Jolly Harbour, so you can explore after your visit to the beach. Nearby, you’ll find Jolly Harbour centre, with a fully-equipped supermarket, different other shops such as car-rental, tour operators, dive shop for diving lessons and a number of restaurants catering to different tastes.
From Jolly Beach, Jolly Harbour is a quick trip away, roughly less than a hundred yards.
Access
HOW CAN THE BEACH BE ACCESSED?
You will have no trouble finding this beach on the western side of the island, right off of valley road. It’s in Jolly Harbour near the Jolly Beach Resort.
Things To See and Do
If you’re looking for a jam-packed holiday with a difference, Jolly Beach is where it’s at.
DEEP SEA MAGIC WITH INDIGO DIVERS
Skim the seabed and get scuba-diving with Indigo Divers. This local outfit offers crash courses for beginners and more intensive sessions for advanced divers, too. Indigo Divers can provide a pick-up service from Jolly Harbour and its hotels.
WATER SPORTS WITH AVA WATER SPORTS
Rent all the gear you need to experience Antigua up close and personal. Head out on private group snorkel excursions, hire an inflatable boat and guide, and more.
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES WITH ANTIGUA ISLAND PARADISE
Treat yourself to a little slice of paradise. Antigua Island Paradise offers boat trips and excursions. The local guides here can whisk you away to a secluded spot where you’ll catch magical sunset views, and give you the opportunity to dive offshore.
CHAIR & UMBRELLA RENTALS
Here’s our Relocate Antigua friend Jeremy who owns Jeremy’s Umbrella Rental on Jolly beach.
He is so friendly and quick in serving his customers their umbrellas at a great price.
Resorts on the Beach
When it comes to choosing your Jolly Beach hotel, the sheer range of choice may seem overwhelming! Antigua Jolly Beach all-inclusive options abound, so take the time to feel out the best option for your holiday.
Relocate Antigua has hand-picked our selection of the very best resort hotels and hotel and spa accommodation in the area – and we’re just a call away if you’d like more in-depth assistance in hunting down the right choice for you.
Beachfront resorts
If minimal hassle for an easy breezy stay is more your thing, look no further than the many Jolly Beach resort hotels.
COCOS HOTEL ANTIGUA
Perched on a small hilltop, Cocos Hotel is a charming couples-only Caribbean-style cottage hotel overlooking the southern end of Jolly Beach.
It’s a gentle stroll down to Jolly Beach heading north, or saunter south for easy access to the spectacular Valley Church Beach. This ultra-romantic haven is set against emerald rainforest hillsides, and offers luxurious, secluded cottages for complete privacy under the balmy Caribbean sun.
The perfect spot for Jolly Beach weddings.
STARFISH JOLLY BEACH
Set in the heart of Jolly Beach, the 40-acre Starfish Jolly Beach Hotel is one of Antigua’s largest all-inclusive resorts. Don’t be fooled by its sprawling size, though: this resort manages to perfectly capture the secluded intimacy you’re looking for from your Caribbean break.
Expect glamorous suites with breath-taking views, and a host of dining options and facilities – including sports courts, a fitness centre and even sailing lessons.
Relocate Antigua’s top insider tip? Day passes are also available, giving visitors access to the resort’s facilities and the beach.
VIP VILLA STAYS
If you’re craving a little luxury in the heart of the action, a stay in one of the many Jolly Beach villas may be just the ticket. Luxury villas are available for visitors to rent for a taste of Antiguan living with all home-away-from-home comforts.
Jolly Beach beachfront villas offer an authentic immersion in local life, while those dotted along the quieter North Beach at the Jolly Harbour Compound are ideal if you’re looking to kick back in peace and quiet.
This type of accommodation has a more exclusive feel and very often boasts spacious outdoor living areas ranging from rooftop bars to sprawling decks complete with yacht moorings. If a hint of glamour gets you excited, and you’re on the lookout for tranquillity in a tropical setting, this might be the right option for you.
As Antiguan real estate specialists, Relocate Antigua specialises in sourcing premium villas and short- or long-term Jolly Beach rentals, and our expert teams are only too happy to talk through any ideas you might be mulling over. Get in touch to explore your options, and browse through our luxury Jolly Beach villas for a sense of what’s available.
Food and drink
Jolly Beach has plenty of restaurants to whet foodies’ appetites. We’ve put together a quick guide of all the best eateries in town.
It is definitely a great stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner on the beach.
Here are some fun actives around the beach that can help keep you active in the sun.
BODOG BEACH CLUB
Bodog Beach Club is the living, breathing embodiment of Caribbean beach bars at their very best: rustic, traditional décor laid out on a pristine white-sand beach with a laid-back vibe. Caribbean classics with a twist (try the jerk chicken!) and authentic Indian cuisine make this the ideal place to stop off for breakfast, lunch or dinner on the water’s edge.
Sandra's Beach Shop bar ang Grill
Sandra’s Beach Shop Bar and Grill is a must-try when you’re staying at Jolly Beach. This cosy joint has been running for over 20 years now, serving up mouth-watering local delicacies with friendly service and sunny smiles – all right there on the beach.
Kick back in one of the bar’s hammocks, and have fun with the photo spots scattered around the place. An intense hit of island living.
You heard it here first!
Secret Rum Remedy
Just this once, we’re prepared to let slip one of the island’s best-kept secrets.
Head over to pay a visit to ‘the coconut man’ for a taste of Antigua’s secret rum remedy! This stall-holder is something of a Jolly Beach legend, an integral part of the local landscape who blends up fresh coconut water with local Antiguan rum: Cavalier.
If you’re on your best behaviour, you can stick to neat fresh coconut water extracted from locally-sourced coconuts, a refreshing, moreish beverage that does an excellent job of keeping you hydrated in the sun. If you’re looking for something a little headier, try it with a shot of Cavalier Antigua Gold Rum!
The coconut man also sells Aloe Vera: a classic sunburn-soother that’s a good idea to have to hand for long days spent lounging on the beach.
Nearby beaches
If all the fun and frenzy of Jolly Beach leaves you panting for breath, take time out with a day trip to one of Antigua’s many other stunning beaches.
It’s often said that Antigua is the island of 365 beaches, and whether or not that number is accurate, it’s fair to say that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches to explore.
We bring you Relocate Antigua’s suggestions to get you started!
COCO BEACH
Make a day of it and enjoy a leisurely stroll down to Coco Beach. This spot makes for a quieter experience than Jolly Beach, while retaining the upbeat energy you might still need.
Make sure you check out the Dennis Beach Bar and Restaurant while you’re there, and stop overnight at the ultra-magical Wild Lotus Camp for a night under the stars in slick glamping style.
FFRYES BEACH
An ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling and soaking up sunset views, Ffryes Beach is low-key, secluded and never crowded, for a restful antidote to the excitement of Jolly Beach. Take in the hush of the waves and the gentle sway of the palm trees overhead and recharge your batteries in peace and quiet. The perfect desert island experience.
EDEN BEACH
Feeling brave? If you’re prepared to strike a little further out and dare to go bare, then Eden Beach might be worth a try. Located a half-hour drive away from Jolly Beach, Antigua’s only nude beach offers something a little different and a friendly, open atmosphere if it’s your first time!
Eden Beach is on the doorstep to the truly excellent Hawksbill by rex resorts, where you’ll find all the food and drink options you can handle.
Picture Worthy Spots
Everywhere on the beach, basically!
What To Bring
Special Notes
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Wheelchair access is also available for some spots on the beach.
TURTLE NESTING
Sometimes turtle nesting and hatching can be seen on the
beach.
Check out our photos of Jolly Beach
ADDRESS
(Relocate Antigua)
Suite 10
Jolly Harbour
Commercial Centre
Antigua & Barbuda
