Beach in Northeast Antigua, near Stingray City, Antigua And Barbuda
Long Bay Beach
A beautiful northeast coast beach with Atlantic breezes and stunning scenery. The exposed position creates excellent conditions for wind and kite surfing, while a sheltered cove at the southern end provides calmer swimming. Long Bay Hotel's beach bar adds convenience.
Long Bay Beach is located on Antigua's northeast coast near Stingray City, approximately 30 minutes from St. John's. The beach occupies an elongated bay open to the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a noticeably windswept character that distinguishes it from the sheltered resort beaches on the north and west coasts. The sand is pale white and fine, the beach running in a broad straight line for roughly 800 metres before curving into a more sheltered southern cove. The exposed central section experiences consistent Atlantic trade-wind breezes and regular swell, creating excellent conditions for wind sports — windsurfing and kitesurfing operators have used this beach for decades, taking advantage of the reliable northeast trade winds. At the southern end, a naturally sheltered cove tucked behind a headland offers significantly calmer water, suitable for swimming and casual snorkeling. The contrast between the windswept main beach and the calm cove within walking distance makes Long Bay particularly versatile. The Long Bay Hotel occupies part of the beachfront and its beach bar is open to non-guests, providing the primary food and drink option at this otherwise uncommercialised location. The nearby Stingray City Antigua operation runs guided snorkeling tours to shallow sandbar areas where southern stingrays can be encountered in near-natural conditions, and the beach is a logical base for those excursions. The northeast coast road provides access, with parking available near the hotel. The beach draws water sports enthusiasts particularly during the trade-wind season, and kite and windsurf events are occasionally staged here. The scenery is dramatic, with rolling Atlantic swells visible on the horizon and the green hills of the northeast Antiguan peninsula as a backdrop.
Amenities
- hotel beach bar
- windsurfing
- kitesurfing
- swimming cove
- parking
Highlights
- Consistent northeast trade winds make this one of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing locations in Antigua
- Sheltered southern cove within walking distance of the main beach provides calm swimming conditions for all abilities
- Base for Stingray City Antigua excursions where southern stingrays can be encountered in natural sandbar conditions
- Dramatic Atlantic-facing scenery with rolling swell on the horizon and a relatively undeveloped shoreline
- Long Bay Hotel beach bar provides the primary amenity anchor while maintaining an uncommercialised beachside atmosphere
Tips
- Kitesurfers and windsurfers should arrive before 11 am when the northeast trade winds are at their most consistent and before chop builds on the surface
- Non-water-sports visitors should head directly to the southern cove for calm, protected swimming — the main beach can be rough and uncomfortable for casual swimming
- Book Stingray City Antigua excursions in advance; the operation fills up quickly, particularly on cruise ship days when group transfers from St. John's arrive
- Bring food and extra water in addition to what the hotel beach bar offers — it is the only commercial facility at this end of the northeast coast
- The northeast coast road can be bumpy in sections; allow extra travel time and consider a vehicle with decent ground clearance, especially after rain
FAQ
Is Long Bay Beach good for swimming?
The main exposed section of Long Bay Beach has Atlantic swell and wind chop that is unsuitable for casual swimming. The southern cove at the end of the bay is sheltered and offers calm water appropriate for most swimmers including older children. The hotel beach bar staff can point visitors toward the cove.
What water sports are available at Long Bay Beach?
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the primary water sports, with consistent northeast trade winds making conditions reliable from approximately November through June. The nearby Stingray City Antigua operation runs guided stingray snorkeling tours. The Long Bay Hotel beach bar can advise on current operators and availability.
How do visitors get to Long Bay Beach?
Long Bay Beach is accessible by car via the northeast coast road, approximately 30 minutes from St. John's. The road is generally paved but can be rough in sections. Taxis can make the journey and should be negotiated to wait or return, as there is no local transport service in this part of Antigua.
What is Stingray City Antigua?
Stingray City Antigua is a guided marine encounter operation where visitors wade in shallow sandbar waters to interact with southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) that have become accustomed to human presence. The experience is suitable for all ages and is accessible from Long Bay Beach or by boat from other departure points around the island.
Accessibility
Long Bay Beach has no formal accessibility infrastructure. The road to the beach is paved but may be rough in sections. The Long Bay Hotel entrance is the main access point with basic vehicle parking. The soft sand and Atlantic exposure make the main beach difficult for wheelchair users; the southern cove is reached via a sandy path. No beach wheelchairs or adapted facilities are confirmed at this location.
When to visit
November through June captures the northeast trade-wind season when windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions are at their best. For swimming in the southern cove, December through April offers the calmest overall sea state. Avoid visiting after heavy rain when the access road can be difficult to navigate.