7 Best Sights in Antigua and Barbuda

You can sometimes walk miles of this classic strand without encountering another footprint. That has changed, just a little, now that Robert’s De Niro’s Nobu Barbuda restaurant has arrived on this pink shore. The beach has a champagne hue, with sand soft as silk; crushed coral often imparts a rosy glint in the sun, hence its unofficial name—Pink Beach. The water can be rough with a strong undertow in spots, though it's mainly protected by the reefs that make the island a diving mecca. Hire a taxi to take you here, since none of the roads are well-marked. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; walking.

This series of connected, deserted beaches on the southwest coast looks out toward Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and St. Kitts. Notable beach bar–restaurants include OJ's, Jacqui O's BeachHouse, and Turner's. The water is generally placid, though not good for snorkeling. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

This attractive ½ mile (1 km) beach with warm, translucent waters and brown-sugar sands has everything you need for a fun and relaxing day on the beach, including a breathtaking view of Montserrat. Admired by locals and visitors, it can be quite crowded when cruise ships are in port, but desolate otherwise. Darkwood Beach Bar is your best option for a bite to eat and a cold drink; you can also rent snorkeling gear and chairs there. There are a few other food stalls along the beach. An inflatable playground is moored just off the coast—it's perfect for busying (and tiring out) tots. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

This ½-mile (1-km) ivory crescent is a prime snorkeling and windsurfing area. On the Atlantic side, the water can be rough at times, attracting intrepid hard-core surfers and wakeboarders. The northeastern end, where a protective reef offers spectacular snorkeling, is much calmer. A tiny bar has restrooms, snacks, and beach chairs. Half Moon is a real trek, but one of Antigua's showcase beaches. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; surfing; windsurfing.

Near Falmouth Harbour lie two fine white-sand beaches reasonably free of seaweed and driftwood. The leeward side is calmer, the windward side is rockier, and there are sensational views and snorkeling around the point. Several restaurants and bars are nearby, though Bumpkin's (and its potent banana coladas) and the more upscale bustling Catherine's Cafe Plage satisfy most on-site needs. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

An often unoccupied stretch of bone-white sand, this beach is still rebuilding after years of hurricane erosion, with just enough palms left for shelter. Both the water and the scene are relatively calm, the sand is reasonably well maintained, and Mystic Beach Bar (formerly Sandhaven) offers cool shade and cold beer. Horseback riding is available. Hug the lagoon past the entrance to Siboney Beach Club to get here; the Buccaneer Beach Club is the unofficial demarcation point between Dickenson and Runaway bays. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.