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Try water sports at Dickenson Bay

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Dickenson Bay beaches

Antigua boasts an impressive total of 365 beaches, so even those staying at a large resort can escape to a secluded cove where there will be not a soul in sight. With a string of relatively large resort hotels, beautiful Dickenson Bay has one of the island's largest collections of rooms (the other being in Jolly Harbour). The beachfront is lined with restaurants, beach bars, and water sports concessions.

Beach

Dickenson Bay has a long stretch of powdery soft sand and exceptionally calm waters. With a wide range of watersports, bars, and beachfront restaurants, it's an easy place to escape from your resort if you choose. A less developed, though narrower, beach called Runaway Bay is directly to the south for those seeking a less frenetic atmosphere.

Beyond the beach

Antigua is one of the Caribbean's major sailing centres, so trips out on the waves to more isolated snorkelling spots abound. The island's waters are also an unsung diving destination. Guided kayaking trips take you through mangrove forests along the north shore. Harmony Hall is a former sugar plantation, now a gallery and restaurant. Historic Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is one of the Caribbean's best-preserved historic districts and the only Georgian-era dockyard still in use; in addition to a museum, it's filled with shops and restaurants.

Family fun

Dickenson Bay resorts draw a fair number of families to its powdery soft beaches. Most of the larger resorts have organised activities for children. Kids always enjoy sailing and snorkelling trips, and you'll find several operations right in Dickenson Bay.

Exploring further

Antigua's sister island, Barbuda, is just 42km (26 miles) north and can be visited easily either by a 15-minute flight or 90-minute ferry ride from St John's. Day tours to see the island's famed Pink Beach and bird sanctuary are easy to arrange but can be costly.

Splashing out

The trendy Beach, right in Dickenson Bay, is a casual yet sophisticated mix of lounge and bistro and a popular destination in the immediate area. If you want to dance to reggae and Latin club music, head over to Runway Bay to the club Rush.

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