Ffryes beach is yet another one of Antigua’s 365 spectacular beaches. With white sand stretching from point to point and calm water hitting the shores, it’s pretty hard not to relax here. Whist there are a few large tree’s you can catch some shade under, they tend to be positioned where the grass meets the sand as opposed to being right on the waters edge. If you wish to be a bit closer to the action while you relax, you can find friendly locals willing to rent you some umbrella’s and sun loungers.
Like nearby Turners beach, there isn’t much in way of sea life so depending on what your are looking for in a beach, this may not be the one for you. However, what you do get is a long stretch of sand and open swimming without much interruption of rocks or reef to worry about stubbing your toes on.
The sea at Ffryes beach is usually very calm, with a fairly easy descent into the water, making it an appealing beach for families and those less stable on their feet. Sometimes, depending on how mother nature is feeling, you can get some ground swell which makes the water a bit more choppy. While this should be no means deter you from visiting, I believe it’s worth noting in case you come on one of those rare days.
If hunger gets the best of you, there are a couple options to choose from. Long standing, Dennis Restaurant offers casual dining and drinks on one side of the beach whilst Wild Tamarind Restaurant offers a more fine dinning experience on the opposite side. It just comes down to where the mood takes you.
With Ffryes beach being a regular stop off point for tours and cruise ship passengers, depending on which day you visit, you may find it a bit busy. However, don’t let this deter you as they generally don’t stop for too long. Additionally, this is quite a popular beach for locals and families on the weekend, where you might catch a impromptu beach cricket or football match (feel free to join in). If this feels like an issue for you, going a few short steps around the corner to Little Ffryes beach may prove to be a quieter set up.
It is worth noting that there are no public restrooms on Ffryes beach. If you do find yourself in need of the facilities you will have to buy something from one of the restaurants to get access to their restrooms.
As mentioned before, there are a couple options to choose from when it comes to food and drinks on Ffryes beach. However, just 2 minutes drive around the corner, on Darkwood beach, is one of my favourite local cuisine restaurants, Aunty Cavell’s. Adding rum to one of their coconut crushes for an extra holiday feel certainly wont let you down.
Sunsets on Ffryes beach are always a spectacle with the rare ‘green flash’ of light comping just as the sun dips over the horizon. If you do planning on trying catch the ‘green flash’ or just enjoy the sunset, I would recommend you bring some insect repellent or something to cover yourself up with, as sand flies and mosquitoes will definitely be trying to enjoy the sunset with you.
If you’re tired of being on the beach all day but still want a romantic sunset view I’d recommend taking yourself just around the corner to Sheer Rocks for some amazing cocktails by the bar.
If beach hopping is your thing, there are a number of beautiful beaches close to Ffryes beach that I would recommend checking out, here are a few:
While enjoying the natural beauty of Ffryes beach, it's essential to be mindful of our impact on the environment. I encourage visitors to wear reef-safe sunblock as traditional sunscreens can harm the delicate coral reefs surrounding Antigua and Barbuda. Remember, a golden brown tan looks far better than a flaky red sunburn, and protecting the island's precious marine ecosystems is a collective responsibility.
Antigua and Barbuda are generally known for being safe islands, but it's always wise to take precautions to ensure a worry-free vacation. I recommend avoiding leaving valuables unattended on the beach, as opportunistic theft can occur. Additionally, while Ffryes beach is a serene spot during the day, it's best to avoid visiting beaches at night unless it's part of an organised event or activity.
FFryes beach is located on the West Coast of Antigua near to Jolly Harbour.
Distance from:
St John’s - 27 minutes
English Harbour - 45 minutes
Jolly Harbour - 6 minutes
Nonsuch Bay - 55 minutes
Like all other beaches in Antigua & Barbuda, this beach is free for everyone to use.
Why should you?