Summary

Pigeon Point beach is certainly one of my favourite beaches in Antigua and Barbuda and one that I visit on at least a bi-weekly basis when I’m in the country.  This beach is everything you expect when you talk about a Caribbean beach, white sand, crystal clear waters, tropical foliage, views of classic sailing boats, casual dining, fine dining, you name it!

Whilst there is ample shade from tropical trees to relax under, you can also make use of any of the public umbrella structures or rent and umbrella and loungers from friendly locals.

Snorkeling

While swimming at Pigeon Point beach is paradise enough, bringing your own set of goggles would not go a miss for those looking to explore a little. The majority of sea life can be found at either end of the beach, where it starts to get rocky. However, for the more confident swimmer swimming along the coast in the opposite direction to the harbour will definitely be the more interesting path.

Sea Access

Pigeon Point beach is a very calm beach with easy gradual access to the water making it great for families and those who are less sturdy on their feet.

Fun fact: When I was younger my grandfather used to get us to take him to this beach and bury him neck deep in the sand. I believe he said it helped his joints haha.

Food and Drink

If you get hungry, you have two convenient beachfront restaurants to choose from, Catherine’s Cafe in one end and Bumpkins Beach Bar & Restaurant on the other. To make it even better, you can choose which you go to completely based on budget or experience. Bumpkins offers casual dinning where you can expect your standard type of well done beach bar dishes for budget friendly prices. On the other hand, Catherine’s Cafe offers an exceptional fine dining experience with the choice between having a sit down meal from their main menu or enjoying their beach menu from one of their daybeds or sun loungers.

Busy

During the general tourism season, November to April, you can expect to see a fair amount of people on Pigeon Point beach. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it is over crowded but if you’re looking for a quieter experience you may want to check out a spot just around the corner called Windward beach which is much more secluded. It’s worth noting that it is not as calm and a lot more rocky once you get into the water. You will also have to walk through security at the end of Pigeon Point beach to get there as a private development owns the land around the beach. Don’t worry though as all beaches in Antigua and Barbuda are public and they are required by law to give you access.

While Pigeon Point beach does get quite busy during the season due to Antigua being a popular destination for yachts and sailing boats, the beach does quieten down dramatically in the off-season, May to October.

Restrooms

It is worth noting that although there is a public restroom on Pigeon Point beach that you can pay a nominal fee to use, it is often closed. If you do find yourself in need of the facilities on a day where the public ones are not open, you will have to buy something from one of the restaurants to get access to their restrooms.

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Food & Drink

As mentioned before, deciding which restaurant to dine at completely comes down to your budget and what your in the mood for. I would however, recommend stepping into Catherines Cafe for at least one cocktail as they are know for making some of the best cocktails on the island. My father personally has a healthy addiction to their pina coladas.

Things To Do

Hiking

There is a really good short hike (45 minutes) that takes you from Pigeon Point beach along the hill and down into Nelson’s Dockyard, with stunning views of the surrounding area. If you are unsure of where to go I would suggest hiring a local guide such as Nick from Happy Heights to show you the way.

Sunset

With Pigeon Point beach facing the west, sunsets are always a spectacle, lighting up the sky in oranges, yellows and pinks. For some reason I don’t find the mosquitos and sun flies quite as bad as other beaches but I would still recommend that you bring some insect repellent or something to cover yourself up with as they will definitely be coming out as dusk hits.

If you’re tired of being on the beach all day but still want a spectacular sunset view I’d recommend taking yourself up to Shirley Heights. For a bit more privacy and to have a more tranquil semi-private moment I would recommend doing this on any day other than Sundays and Thursdays as those are the days the bar and restaurant are open.

Beach Hopping

If beach hopping is your thing, there are a couple of beautiful beaches close to Pigeon Point beach that I would recommend checking out, here are a few:

• Galleon beach
• Windward beach

Sunblock & Environment

While enjoying the natural beauty of Pigeon Point 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.

Safety

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 Pigeon Point 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.

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