by Angela Braun, GoGirlfriend Correspondent
Beach 411 ~ Dickenson Bay Beach
Northwest Antigua in St. John's Parish
- Beach type: Cruise ship central.
- Beach geography: Relish in the gentle surf of this three-quarter-mile crescent that narrows during the winter months.
- Ease of access: Dickenson Bay is only a 15-minute drive from the cruise port and a nearby taxi stand is your best transportation option if you're not staying on the Bay.
- Extra costs: Rent two chairs and an umbrella for $20.
- Beach amenities: You’ll enjoy restrooms, regular lifeguard duty, designated swimming areas, several restaurants, souvenir shops and locally run kiosks, resorts and beach bars. Sunbeds and parasols are available for hire as are jet skis and other water sport equipment.
- Special note: Lively from sunrise to nightfall.
- Geo-locator: Where is Dickenson Bay Beach?
Location, location, location, girlfriend
Dickenson Bay is the most accessible and conveniently located beach on the island and if you’re hunting for the fully loaded resort beach experience, it’s the perfect choice. From swimming to cove explorations, yacht sailing to snorkeling, kayaking, wind surfing and scuba diving, Dickenson Bay has it all. Get here early when the beach is least busy to snag a good spot. Warm yourself in the sun, cool down in the water and enjoy all that surrounds you as you indulge in life on this busy beach.
Dickenson Bay activities, attractions & events
Feast your eyes on a wide pallet of colors offered on the bay by catamarans, beach umbrellas, sailboats, jet skis, speedboats and brightly dressed tourists. Do some light souvenir shopping as you stroll kiosks run by the locals or savor Caribbean food and drinks at Anna's On the Beach, Salt Plage, Kon Tiki Bar and Grill, Putters Bar and Grill or Bay House Restaurant and Bar. Meander over to St Mary's Street or High Street in St. John's for upscale, boutique shopping or to Redcliffe Quay or Heritage Quay for stores that offer more authentic Caribbean merchandise.
Looking for something different? Head to Tony’s Watersports and Bar for a glass-bottom boat trip, a banana boat ride or rent out your own jet ski. The Antigua Donkey Sanctuary, located in St. John’s, gets you up close and personal with cuddly, well-tended Donkeys. If neither of these activities fit your forte, don’t fret – spend an afternoon at Putters Miniature Golf or Grand Bay Casino. A must do at Dickenson Bay are the tours with Adventure Antigua (visit them on Twitter or Facebook)
International Cricket 2nd Test Match (February): Don’t miss out on one of the hottest annual cricket events in the entire world. See teams from all over the Caribbean gather to compete according to the governance of the West Indies Cricket Board.
Antigua Carnival Celebrations (July-August): Make merry during the Caribbean’s greatest summer festival created to celebrate the end of slavery. A festive opening sends the kids to the children’s carnival to witness the crowning of a party and calypso monarch. Reggae performances, a lion dance, carnival queen pageants, live entertainment and food can also be enjoyed at the Antigua Carnival during the most culturally significant two weeks on the island.
Dickenson Bay accommodations
Dickenson Bay offers the greatest selection of all-inclusive hotel options on the island. The most noteworthy accommodations within two kilometers of the beach include Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, Siboney Beach Club, Antigua Village, Buccaneer Beach Club and The Villas at Sunset Lane.
Dickenson Bay weather
With an average temperature of 82°F, June is the hottest month in Antigua. The coldest month in Antigua, with an average temperature of 76°F, is January. You’ll want to avoid travelling to Antigua during the month of October if you don’t like the rain because it’s the wettest month with an average of 110mm of rain. Plan your vacation in September and you’ll enjoy the best temperatures for swimming in the sea when the average water temperature is 84°F.
For more information or help planning your next Antigua getaway, visit:
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