Antigua beckons with its promise of a stunning beach for every day of the year, making it no surprise that beach photoshoots are among the most sought-after experiences on the island. When a client inquires about a beach photoshoot, I always ask, “Would you prefer an early session or sunset shoot?” The time greatly impacts my venue selection! Some residents already have a spot in mind, while others eagerly seek the photographer's expertise. Similarly, visitors, whether new to the island or basking in the comforts of a beachside resort, also seek recommendations.
While all Antiguan beaches offer breathtaking sunset vistas, some provide front-row seats to nature's nightly spectacle as the sun dips below the horizon. If you’re envisioning a sunset photoshoot for a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, wedding, elopement, honeymoon, or just a memorable moment, let me introduce you to my top spots and their pros and cons. By the end of your journey, you'll have a vivid picture of the memories we can create together. And hey, you can also snag our downloadable PDF guide for easy reference!
1. Turners Beach
Distance from the Airport: Approximately 34 minutes by car
Distance from Heritage Quay, St. John’s: Approximately 25 minutes by car
Distance from Devil’s Bridge: Approximately 49 minutes by car
Distance from English Harbour: Approximately 37 minutes by car
Nestled on Antigua's southwest coast, Turner's Beach offers 2.26 kilometres of uninterrupted sunset views and soft white sands. Its tranquil ambiance, and multiple photo opportunities, including rugged rocks by the grassy hillside makes it ideal for sunset photoshoots. The few swimmers which journey along the stretch usually consist of persons staying in nearby hotels. Of all the beaches listed in this post, Turner's beach is one of my favourite beaches to use for sunset photoshoots in Antigua.
Popular restaurants and nearby resorts include Turners Beach Bar and Restaurant, Oj’s Bar and Restaurant, Sheer Rocks, Cavell’s Cook Shop, Keyonna Beach Resort, Tamarind Hills, and Cocobay Resort.
Reasons why you should or shouldn't use this beach for your next sunset photoshoot in Antigua.
Pros:
It is on the sunset side of the island.
It has uninterrupted sunset views.
It has very few swimmers at sunset and they usually occupy the nearby hotels.
The rocks and a grassland at the very end of the beach acts as another great photo option.
There’s a parking spot close to the beach.
Cons:
The main entrance to the beach is a gate which is controlled by a private property. It may not be open at the time of a photo session.
The drive to the beach may be lengthy if you are not staying in a nearby hotel or villa.
2. Morris Bay
Distance from the Airport: Approximately 39 minutes by car
Distance from Heritage Quay, St. John’s: Approximately 32 minutes by car
Distance from Devil’s Bridge: Approximately 41 minutes by car
Distance from English Harbour: Approximately 29 minutes by car
Morris Bay is on the south west cost of Antigua and it is home to the Curtain Bluff Hotel. This secluded gem offers more than just breathtaking sea views. Tall palms trees on grassy land and an abandoned red brick building add character to its pristine shores. Its lack of swimmers, who are usually residents of that community, also make it good spot for private photo sessions. Turner's beach is also another favourite of mine especially because it is easy to access.
Reasons why you should or shouldn't use this beach for your next sunset photoshoot in Antigua.
Pros:
It is on the sunset side of the island
It has uninterrupted sunset views.
It has few swimmers on the beach at sunset.
Its tall palm trees, and abandoned brick building act as additional photo options.
There’s parking along the length of the beach.
Cons:
The drive to the beach may be lengthy if you are not staying in a nearby hotel or villa.
3. Jolly Beach
Distance from the Airport: Approximately 38 minutes by car
Distance from Heritage Quay, St. John’s: Approximately 28 minutes by car
Distance from Devil’s Bridge: Approximately 51 minutes by car
Distance from English Harbour: Approximately 46 minutes by car
Jolly Beach is a mile long white sandy beach on the sunset side of Antigua. Although the beach itself doesn’t offer many different options for photos, it is in close proximity to the picturesque Jolly Harbour which is docked boats.
Popular nearby spots include Jolly Beach Resort, COCOS Hotel, Cocobay Resort, Al Porto and Sheer Rocks.
Reasons why you should or shouldn't use this beach for your next sunset photoshoot in Antigua.
Pros:
It is on the sunset side of the island.
It has excellent sunset views.
Swimmers usually live in the nearby community, resorts, villas and apartments.
There are other photo options by the nearby Jolly Harbour.
There’s parking available for travellers.
Cons:
There is a security checkpoint by the entrance to the beach. Residents and persons who aren’t staying in the nearby marina have to park a short distance away from the beach.
The beach is beautiful but it has few diverse areas to take photos.
It is a popular beach that is mainly used by residents of nearby hotels, persons staying in the Jolly Harbour marina, vendors, and locals.
4. Dickenson Bay
Distance from the Airport: Approximately 18 minutes by car
Distance from Heritage Quay, St. John’s: Approximately 15 minutes by car
Distance from Devil’s Bridge: Approximately 43 minutes by car
Distance from English Harbour: Approximately 47 minutes by car
Dickenson Bay epitomizes laid-back Caribbean charm with its expansive shoreline and vibrant sunsets. You'll often see photographers and tourists lining the beach to savour the moment for their client or themselves. However, the beach itself doesn’t offer various spots that act as photo backdrops. I often recommend it to persons who are unable to travel far distances but wish to have beautiful sunset photos.
It is home to many hotels and restaurants such as Sandals Grande Antigua, Siboney Beach Club, Buccaneer Beach Club, Antigua Village, Anas on the Beach, and Salt Plage and it is in close proximity to St. John’s city thus making it convenient for visitors to explore other nearby attractions.
Reasons why you should or shouldn't use this beach for your next sunset photoshoot in Antigua.
Pros:
It has great sunset views.
It is large and there are many beaches along the stretch.
It is home to many restaurants, hotels and shopping centres in St. John’s city.
Cons:
It is very a very popular beach which is used by many vendors and swimmers who journey from various hotels and communities in Antigua.
The beach is beautiful but it has few diverse areas to take photos.
Parking spots are usually busy and you may have to walk a short distance to get to an uncrowded, picturesque spot on the beach.
5. Fort James Beach
Distance from the Airport: Approximately 20 minutes by car
Distance from Heritage Quay, St. John’s: Approximately 11 minutes by car
Distance from Devil’s Bridge: Approximately 42 minutes by car
Distance from English Harbour: Approximately 45 minutes by car
Steeped in history, Fort James Beach boasts a kilometre of white sand, captivating sunsets and the Historical Fort James ruins. It is one of the most popular beaches on the island and it is frequently visited by early morning joggers, horseback riders, sports teams, and families. The beach itself offers very few photo options. However, the ancient walls and canons of Fort James provide an additional fascinating backdrop for those who wish to, add depth to the experience of their sunset photoshoot.
If you’re hungry, you can grab a bite to eat from Beachlimerz. It is right on the beach!
Reasons why you should or shouldn't use this beach for your next sunset photoshoot in Antigua.
Pros:
It has great sunset views.
It is a large beach.
It is home to the Fort James Historical Site.
There’s parking spots along the stretch of the beach and at the historical site.
It is in close proximity to many restaurants, bars, hotels and shopping centres in St. John’s city.
Cons:
It is very a popular and active beach.
The beach is beautiful but it has few diverse areas to take photos unless you are willing to journey to the Historical site.
All of the island’s beaches offer a unique blend of beauty and charm, inviting visitors to witness the unparalleled beauty of Antigua's sunsets. However, Turner’s Beach, Morris Bay, Jolly Beach, Dickenson Bay, and Fort James Beach are my top venues for picturesque sunset photos.
Grab the downloadable version of this guide for easy reference.
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