Attraction in Antigua And Barbuda
Green Island
Uninhabited offshore island perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and playing castaway. Crystal-clear water with vibrant reef just offshore.
Green Island is a small, uninhabited island sitting approximately one kilometre off the northeast coast of Antigua, just beyond the entrance to Nonsuch Bay. Entirely undeveloped and protected from construction, it remains one of the few places in Antigua where visitors encounter no beach bars, no vendors, and no infrastructure beyond the natural environment. The island is ringed by shallow bays of extraordinarily clear water above white sand and scattered coral, creating the kind of Caribbean scene more commonly associated with promotional photography than with actual, accessible destinations. The island's beaches are calm and well-protected on the western side, where the water is shallow enough for snorkelling very close to shore. The reef system around Green Island is considered one of the healthiest in Antigua, supporting elkhorn coral colonies, sea fans, eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, and a wide variety of reef fish. The eastern side of the island, exposed to Atlantic swell, is rougher and less suitable for swimming but offers good diving conditions for those arriving on organised dive trips. Access to Green Island is exclusively by water. Kayakers from Nonsuch Bay can paddle across in roughly twenty minutes in calm conditions, making the island a popular self-guided day trip from the eastern coast. Several boat-tour operators run scheduled day trips from Jolly Harbour and English Harbour, typically including a snorkel stop at Green Island as part of a broader reef and island circuit. The Nonsuch Bay Resort on the mainland also operates kayak and paddleboard connections for guests. There are no toilets, showers, or shade structures on the island; visitors must carry all supplies in and remove all waste. The island sees moderate boat-tour traffic during the high season from December to April, with the most peaceful visits in the early morning before the first tour groups arrive. Outside the peak season, the island is often nearly deserted. Green Island sits within the Nonsuch Bay area of eastern Antigua, a quieter and less developed stretch of coastline that contrasts sharply with the busier resort strips on the island's west and north sides.
Highlights
- Uninhabited island with no development, ringed by some of Antigua's clearest turquoise water
- Healthy reef system supporting eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, elkhorn coral, and diverse reef fish
- Accessible by kayak from Nonsuch Bay in approximately 20 minutes in calm conditions
- Western beaches offer calm, shallow water ideal for snorkelling directly from the shoreline
- One of the most photogenic and genuinely remote-feeling spots in Antigua despite proximity to the mainland
Tips
- Arrive early — boat tours begin arriving by mid-morning in high season and the small beaches fill quickly.
- Kayak rentals from operators near Nonsuch Bay offer the most flexible and affordable access to the island.
- Carry enough water for the full trip; there is no fresh water and no shade shelter on the island.
- Snorkelling is best on the western and northern beaches where the reef begins very close to shore.
- Check wind conditions before paddling across — the crossing can be difficult if easterly trade winds are strong.
- Bring all rubbish back to the mainland; the island has no waste facilities.
- Avoid anchoring on or walking across coral formations — the reef is fragile and legally protected.
FAQ
How do visitors reach Green Island?
Green Island is reached by kayak from the Nonsuch Bay area — roughly a 20-minute crossing in calm conditions — or by boat tour departing from Jolly Harbour or English Harbour. There is no regular ferry service.
Is Green Island suitable for children?
Yes, for older children who can manage the kayak crossing or boat tour. The western beaches offer calm, shallow water that is safe for swimming and snorkelling. The absence of facilities means food and water must all be carried.
Is snorkelling equipment available on the island?
No equipment is available on Green Island itself. Visitors should hire snorkelling gear from operators on the mainland before departing, or bring their own.
Accessibility
Green Island has no wheelchair-accessible infrastructure. Access requires a boat or kayak crossing, followed by landing on a sandy beach with no ramps, pathways, or facilities. Visitors with mobility impairments would need significant assistance with both the crossing and the beach landing.
When to visit
The dry season from December to April brings the calmest sea conditions and best snorkelling visibility. Arriving before 10 a.m. avoids the boat-tour groups that typically dominate the beaches from mid-morning onward.