Long Bay
St. Philip, St. Philip Parish, Antigua
Long Bay curves along Antigua's eastern coast in St. Philip parish, protected by an offshore coral reef that's rare enough among the island's beaches to make Long Bay one of the calmest places to swim on the whole coast. The reef sits close enough to shore for an easy snorkel, and a handful of beach bars behind the sand serve grilled snapper and conch fritters through the afternoon.
The offshore reef genuinely sets it apart from Antigua's other top beaches by keeping the water so calm, though the 35 minute drive from St. John's means it's more of a planned outing than a quick trip.
Snorkel straight out toward the reef rather than along the shoreline, since that's where the fish concentrate and the water stays calm enough for confident beginners.
It's about a 35 minute drive east from St. John's, with parking available near the beach bars and the Pineapple Beach Club at the west end.
The beach is flat and easy to access from the road, with calm, gentle water thanks to the offshore reef, suitable for most visitors.
The dry season from January through April brings the calmest weather, while hurricane season runs June through November across the eastern Caribbean.
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