Dickenson Bay, Antigua: A Beach Lover's Paradise

Antigua’s famous slogan says it all: 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. It’s one of the most inviting promises in the Caribbean, and honestly, who wouldn’t fall for an island where you can spend every day on a new stretch of sun and sea? During your vacation, you could beach-hop to your heart’s content—and still leave with plenty more to discover next time. That’s the kind of island magic that keeps travelers coming back. But before you start planning your return trip, let’s talk about Dickenson Bay, one of the best beaches in Antigua.

One of the most popular beaches in Antigua, Dickenson Bay has earned the love of the many visitors and locals that swim, lounge, and unwind on its shores. This beach is in the northwest of Antigua, in St. John’s Parish. Best suited for beach lovers who crave a stretch of sand that truly delivers—and without the crowds—Dickenson Bay is easily one of the most enticing beaches in Antigua. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, you can look forward to clean, sunlit sands and plenty of ways to enjoy the water, from leisurely swims to thrilling adventures.

Picture: Let your beach vacation come to life at the all-inclusive Sandals Grande Antigua, set on Dickenson Bay!

In this article on the Sandals Blog:

Soak up some Antiguan sun!
The best time to go to Dickenson Bay
How to get there

Amenities and ambiance
What’s nearby
Things to do

Soak Up Some Antiguan Sun!

Just imagine: you’re sipping a Daiquiri or a Virgin Piña Colada while lounging on a beach chair, shaded by a rainbow-colored umbrella, as the waves brush gently against the shoreline. Just as you lift your glass for another sip, you spot a family of dolphins a little farther out, playfully dipping in and out of the turquoise waters.

Later, you head out for a swim, finding yourself surrounded by colorful fish, all curious about your presence and welcoming you into their vibrant marine world. This is life at Dickenson Bay—where connecting with nature or simply enjoying a beach day that's as close to perfection as it gets is all part of the experience. And it's the kind of moment you’ll want to post about, dream about, and keep coming back to.

Expert Tip: Walk with your sunscreen when out and about in Antigua, especially during the hottest hours. Apply liberally!

What’s the Best Time to Go to Dickenson Bay?

Dickenson Bay Antigua is amazing, but to enjoy it to the fullest, you’re going to need to know when to go. The best time to visit Antigua in general is between mid-December to mid-April annually. These months make up the peak season, which can mean higher prices in terms of accommodation. That is a relatively small price to pay considering the perks that come with traveling during peak season, including being on the island during a time when there are likely to be more activities happening, and also visiting at a time when the weather is near perfect.

To find out more about the best time to visit Antigua, check out our post: Best time to visit Antigua.

How to Get There

Dickenson Bay ranks among Antigua’s most accessible beaches. To reach this stretch of powdery sand, start by heading to Anchorage Road-from there, the beach is a breeze to locate. Once you arrive, you’ll spot its calm turquoise waters and feel the lively ambiance almost instantly. You can use the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort as your guide, which is adjacent to the beach. If you don’t know where the Sandals resort is in Antigua, ask any local, particularly taxi drivers, most of whom will offer reasonable prices to get there.

Amenities and Ambiance

Scenic views, a beautiful beach, and easy convenience all add to the appeal of Dickenson Bay. You can either pack light or bring everything you need for a full beach day when planning your visit. If you decide to bring just a swimsuit, a towel, and some cash, you’ll still be in good hands—there are plenty of hotels and restaurants nearby where you can grab lunch or snacks. You can choose to dine at one of the local restaurants or order your meal to go. If you opt for takeout, you’ll be able to settle onto a beach towel or sun lounger and start soaking up the scene—hopefully before the beach gets too busy.

From these shores, you’ll enjoy amazing views, with a few small uninhabited islands nearby and a coral reef perfect for undersea explorations. A convenient concession stand is available, along with restroom facilities to make your beach day even easier. Overall, Dickenson Bay is a great pick for all ages, thanks to its calm waters, relaxed vibe, and scenic outlook.

Tip: Dickenson Bay is a great snorkeling and scuba diving location. Bring some gear along for a day of underwater exploring! PADI certified guests of Sandals Grande Antigua dive for free during their stay.

What’s Nearby

Attractions

Grand Bay Casino – Try your luck at the Grand Bay casino, where you’ll find the typical casino tables and slot machines in an upscale venue. You can fit this in before or after your beach day for some added fun.

Sandals Grande Antigua – Stay at Sandals Grande Antigua for the duration of your vacation or spend the day there and take advantage of some of the amenities the hotel has to offer.

Cities and Towns

Picture: The Redcliff Quay strip in the town of St. John's in Antigua.

If you’re planning on visiting the beach in Dickenson Bay Antigua you might as well visit the Dickenson Bay area. It is a rural area located a few hundred yards from the coast. Get to know the people from this community and their culture and expand your day at the beach into a wider exploration of Antigua in general. This is a great way to get off the beaten track and enjoy an authentic Antiguan experience.

Food

The perfect beach day depends on knowing where to go to get something to eat when you get hungry. There are plenty of options when it comes to dining in the Dickenson Bay area, and one of these is the Beach Restaurant and Bar. You can walk there from the beach, and the restaurant offers full meals and snacks as well as cocktails and other cold drinks that are super refreshing after a scorching day on the beach.

You can also check out Sandals Grande Antigua which has 11 themed restaurants to choose from. If you aren’t staying at the resort, you can get a day pass which grants you access to hotel amenities.

Where to Stay

Picture: An adults-only vacation in the islands means there'll be plenty of cozy moments made for two.

Accommodation plays a big role when planning a Caribbean beach vacation—it can easily make or break your stay. Many travelers book their vacations months, or even years, in advance just to secure their top choice of accommodations. More and more guests are now opting for hassle-free options like all-inclusive resorts, where you can pay for your entire getaway upfront and simply focus on the fun. Sandals Grande Antigua, a popular all-inclusive resort set right on Dickenson Bay, can be just the right fit for a beach vacation. If you’re planning to spend time on the inviting shores of Dickenson Bay, staying at Sandals means you’ll have access to the best spots on the beach—and all the good vibes that come with it.

Things to Do...

Dickenson Bay checklist!

Not sure what you’ll get up to once you arrive to Dickenson Bay? Try one or two of the activities listed below for unforgettable Caribbean beach vacation memories!

1. Get in some jet ski action – Feel the thrill of skimming across the turquoise waters and taking in the coast from a whole new perspective.

2. Go on a snorkeling adventure – Dive beneath the surface to explore vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life just offshore.

3. Rent out a beach lounger and get your bronze on – Stretch out under the Caribbean sun and soak up those vacation vibes, one golden moment at a time.

4. Scope the souvenirs offered by beach vendors – Browse handcrafted treasures and keepsakes to take a bit of island magic home with you.

5. Enjoy a leisurely swim – Drift in calm, clear waters where the only rush is the gentle pull of the tides.

6. Try the floating beach bar – Sip your favorite cocktail while floating right on the sea. Or, just spend some time at the swim-up bar at Sandals Grande Antigua.

7. Take in one of the most amazing sunsets of your life! – Watch as the sky turns into a masterpiece of fiery colors, best enjoyed barefoot in the sand.

8. And if you love sunsets, plan a sunset beach dinner – End the day in style with a romantic beachfront meal that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

Picture: Stay at Sandals Resorts and let the team take care of the details—like planning a beachfront dinner or private candlelight dinner that’s all charm and zero stress.

Expert tip: Check out these other things to do in Antigua to keep the good vibes rolling!

Let Your Beach Vacation Unfold on Dickenson Bay

While the Caribbean isn’t short on stunning shores, Dickenson Bay Antigua plays a different game-easy to reach, hard to leave. Between the Instagram-worthy sands and the island’s signature chill, you’ll find yourself reaching for your phone (and a lounge chair) nonstop. It’s just as well; it's your dream vacation at an enticing tropical beach resort, so snap and lounge away!

Picture: Dream vacations look a lot like beach getaways at the all-inclusive Sandals Grande Antigua!