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Half Moon Bay, Antigua and Barbuda - Things to Do in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, Antigua and Barbuda - Complete Travel Guide

Half Moon Bay in Antigua and Barbuda is a pristine crescent-shaped beach located on the southeastern coast of Antigua, renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This secluded great destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it one of the Caribbean's most photographed and beloved beaches. The bay is framed by lush green hills and provides excellent swimming conditions with calm, protected waters ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts alike. The area surrounding Half Moon Bay remains relatively undeveloped, preserving its natural charm and offering visitors an authentic Caribbean beach experience away from crowded resort areas. The beach consistently ranks among the world's best beaches and serves as a gateway to exploring Antigua's diverse coastline, rich maritime history, and busy local culture.

Top Half Moon Bay

Snorkeling and Swimming

Half Moon Bay's protected waters offer exceptional snorkeling opportunities with busy coral reefs just offshore. The calm, clear waters provide excellent visibility for spotting tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful marine life. The beach's gentle slope and soft sand bottom make it perfect for swimmers of all levels.

Booking Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent from local vendors for $15-25 per day. Best visibility is typically in the morning hours between 8-11 AM. Look for local guides who can show you the best reef spots for around $40-60 per person.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Explore the coastline and hidden coves around Half Moon Bay by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The protected waters make it ideal for beginners, while experienced paddlers can venture to nearby secluded beaches and mangrove areas. The scenic paddle offers impressive views of the coastline and opportunities to spot marine wildlife.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost $30-50 per day, while SUP boards rent for $25-40. Book with operators who provide safety equipment and basic instruction. Early morning or late afternoon sessions offer the best conditions and lighting.

Hiking to Lookout Points

Several hiking trails lead to elevated viewpoints overlooking Half Moon Bay, offering impressive panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding islands. These moderate hikes through tropical vegetation provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to experience Antigua's diverse flora and fauna. The trails also connect to other scenic beaches along the coast.

Booking Tip: Guided hiking tours cost $40-70 per person and include transportation and refreshments. Self-guided hiking is free but bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Best hiking times are early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

Catamaran and Sailing Excursions

Join a sailing excursion that includes Half Moon Bay as part of a coastal tour, offering a unique perspective of this beautiful beach from the water. These trips often combine multiple beach stops, snorkeling opportunities, and onboard dining with local cuisine. The sailing experience showcases Antigua's impressive coastline and provides access to remote beaches.

Booking Tip: Full-day catamaran tours range from $80-150 per person including lunch and drinks. Book tours that specifically include Half Moon Bay in their itinerary. Look for smaller group sizes (under 20 people) for a more personalized experience.

Beach Photography and Sunset Watching

Half Moon Bay is considered one of the most photogenic beaches in the Caribbean, with its perfect crescent shape, white sand, and dramatic backdrop of green hills. The beach offers spectacular sunset views, particularly from the eastern end where you can capture the sun setting over the water. The changing light throughout the day provides endless opportunities for impressive photography.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops with local professionals cost $100-200 per session. The best light for photography is during golden hour (1 hour before sunset). Bring a tripod for long exposure shots of the waves and sunset. Drone photography requires special permits.

Getting There

Half Moon Bay is located approximately 30 minutes by car from V.C. Bird International Airport and 45 minutes from Stjohns, Antigua's capital. Most visitors rent a car or arrange taxi transportation, as public transportation to this remote beach is limited. The final approach involves a short drive down a steep, winding road that leads directly to the beach parking area. Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services or can arrange private transportation for around $60-80 round trip from the airport area.

Getting Around

The Half Moon Bay area is best explored on foot once you arrive, as the beach and immediate surroundings are compact and walkable. For exploring other nearby beaches and attractions along the coast, a rental car is highly recommended and costs $40-70 per day. Taxis are available but can be expensive for multiple trips. Some visitors opt for bicycle rentals ($20-30 per day) to explore the coastal roads, though the hilly terrain can be challenging.

Where to Stay

Freetown area (closest accommodations)
Antigua and Barbuda (historic charm, 20 minutes away)
Antigua and Barbuda Harbour (marina area with restaurants)
Stjohns (capital city, most amenities)
Antigua and Barbuda area (resort zone)
Antigua and Barbuda (northern beaches, family-friendly)

Food & Dining

Dining options near Half Moon Bay are limited due to its secluded location, with most visitors bringing picnic lunches or purchasing snacks from occasional beach vendors selling fresh fruit, local snacks, and cold drinks. The nearby villages of Freetown and Willoughby offer a few local restaurants serving traditional Antiguan cuisine including fresh seafood, curry dishes, and tropical fruits. For more extensive dining options, visitors typically head to Antigua and Barbuda or Antigua and Barbuda Harbour, both about 20 minutes away, where waterfront restaurants serve everything from casual beach fare to upscale Caribbean fusion cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Papa Zouk

4.5 /5
(550 reviews) 2

Le Bistro Restaurant

4.6 /5
(342 reviews) 3

Paparazzi Pizzeria & Bar

4.5 /5
(295 reviews) 2

Casa Roots - Beach - Food & Drinks

4.7 /5
(260 reviews)

South Point | Antigua

4.5 /5
(264 reviews)
Montenegro lodging night_club

The Fox House Bar & Restaurant

4.5 /5
(231 reviews)

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Half Moon Bay is during Antigua's dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and trade winds provide comfortable temperatures averaging 75-85°F. This period offers the most reliable weather for beach activities and water sports, though it's also the busiest and most expensive time. The shoulder seasons of May-June and November can offer good weather with fewer crowds and better prices, while July through October is hurricane season with higher humidity and potential for storms, though many days are still beautiful and rates are at their lowest.

Insider Tips

Arrive early in the morning (before 10 AM) to have the beach largely to yourself and enjoy the best lighting for photography
Bring your own food, water, and shade as there are no permanent facilities at the beach - pack out all trash to help preserve this pristine environment
The road down to the beach is steep and can be challenging for some vehicles - consider parking at the top and walking down if you're unsure about your car's capabilities

Activities in Half Moon Bay