1st TIme in Antigua, beach question

[boblerm]

We are trying to decide between Dickenson Bay and Long Beach Bay, and would love some info from those that have been to either or both. We would especially like to know:

 

Is there shade?

Are there chairs, umbrellas to rent?

Bathroom facilities?

Food???

How long a taxi ride, and how much?

Are taxis readily available to get back to port?

 

Any other info, or any other beach suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Bob

[scooter421]

Dickinson beach has food, umbrellas and chairs for rent. They also have wave runners. It was close and I believe only about $5 pp each way. We arranged for the same taxi to pick us up so that was not a problem.

There is a Sandels resort right there as well so getting a taxi would not be a

problem.

 

We have not been to Long Beach but it is further away from the port.

[Jamgirl]

Long bay beach is much further away from Dickenson Bay beach even though Long Bay is nice and a great ride, the Pineapple Beach Hotel is right there and food is sold there on the beach. :) Taxis are available for all you can visit this website www.qualityci.com there are taxis on the website that is at the Harbour where the boat docks. Find more about Antigua here too www.classified-ads-antigua.com

[MaraGirl]

If you decide to go to Long Bay - you can buy a day pass from the Pineapple Beach Hotel. This will cover the beach chairs, food, etc.Their website is www.allegroantigua.com.

 

There is also another hotel on the beach - Long Bay - Barrow's Chill Out Bar and a small group of vendors.

[meyerhaus]

...in july and I would drop everything now and go there in a hearbeat if I had the money to go to the Allegro Resort.

 

Beautiful beach, great snorkeling, chairs, umbrellas, waverunners (2 to take out of the bay), food, quiet, perfect...

[Jamgirl]

Just posted some pictures of beaches in Antigua with chairs umbrellas and restaurant www.qualityci.com more information will be posted later. Other pictures of Antigua including weather checks www.classified-ads-antigua.com :) Hope this helps!

[Denfield]

I agree with Meyerhaus - Long Bay All the Way - Dickinson Bay is one of the most commercialised Beaches on the Island - saying that it doesn't have that much shade availalbe, there are too many vendors, you can't snorkel because its a sandy bottom so nothing to see, and it s busy.

 

Long Bay in contrast has fantastic snorkelling, Barrows is a great local bar if you don't want to do a day pass at Pineapple Beach, and you also get to see something of the island getting there. The taxi ride is about 30 minutes from St Johns and will probably cost you approx US$26 each way for your taxi - not somuch if you are sharing.

 

If you want to be nearer to town than this - my personal choice would be Darkwood Beach on the west cost - a gorgeous beach with an excellent beach bar at one end which serves fantastic Lobster, fish and chicken lunches, very reasonable prices, the best Pina Colados on the Island (I know you should be drinking rum punch but believe me you have to try these), and its only 20 minutes from the centre of St Johns. If the cafe gets busy you can wander laong the beach away from the bar and I can practically guarantee you will find your own spot.

[kitty1]

Dickenson's is right in front of the Sandals Resort. It is very commercialized, and there are lots and lots of vendors. We were constantly being bothered (seemed like every 5 mins) to buy something. Not a very relaxing day.

[Jamgirl]

People often complain about Dickenson Bay beach and being bothered. Antigua has many, many other beaches that people can go and relax.

 

I guess it is because it is so near to St. John's where many vendors find easy access to the beach.

 

www.classified-ads-antigua.com www.qualityci.com :mad:

[Beach710]

People often complain about Dickenson Bay beach and being bothered. Antigua has many, many other beaches that people can go and relax.

 

I guess it is because it is so near to St. John's where many vendors find easy access to the beach.

 

www.classified-ads-antigua.com www.qualityci.com :mad:

 

I am really getting nervous about our port stop in Antigua. It seems like we can spend about $50 (round trip) for a taxi to get to a decent beach or we can go to a not so good beach and get harrassed by vendors. Given these choices, my husband will likely want to stay on the ship!

[MA 2 VA]

The taxi ride is about 30 minutes from St Johns and will probably cost you approx US$26 each way for your taxi - not somuch if you are sharing.

 

Is this 26 dollars per person or for the taxi? We have 4 people in our group, and splitting that cost between us wouldn't be too bad.

[michellemjack]

http://www.qualityci.com has changed to http://www.antigua-caribbean.com

[Cruisin' Patti]

We were at Long Bay Beach last week. It was beautiful!;) Chairs and umbrellas to rent, $5. each. Food very reasonable at the Bar Stand. Changing rooms with restrooms right there also. Not much shade, bring sun screen. A smaller beach and NOT crowded.:p

[hcat]

Does the Pineapple Resort still offer a day pass?

[mikepmcm]

I am really getting nervous about our port stop in Antigua. It seems like we can spend about $50 (round trip) for a taxi to get to a decent beach or we can go to a not so good beach and get harrassed by vendors. Given these choices, my husband will likely want to stay on the ship!

 

Roundtrip transportation offered at Scenic Tours Antigua to LONG BAY," located on Antigua’s North East Coast, lives up to its name. A stone’s throw from the famed natural wonder Devil’s Bridge, it’s a lengthy stretch of beach ideal for discovering Antigua’s rich underwater life. With invitingly blue and temptingly shallow waters, it encourages you to pack on your snorkeling gear and explore the colourful garden below. Long Bay is, hands down, Antigua’s best snorkeling beach. Its gentle, shallow waters make it a good pick for families with kids; and, with lots of fun optional diversions, such as kayaking, there’s plenty to keep everybody occupied and happy."

 

Cost:

US$16.00 per adult round trip

http://www.scenictoursantigua.com/tours_beach_excursions.html#beach_excursions

[mikepmcm]

Does the Pineapple Resort still offer a day pass?

Take note of this posting found in Antigua Boards

"

Warning About Pineapple Resort

We just returned from the Destiny on Sunday and thought I should give you a heads up on the experience we had at the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort. We had a group of about 16 that got reserved day passes to the resort by email. We were quoted a price of 55.00. We hired a van to take us to the resort for 16.00 a person round trip. The van worked out great but when we arrived at the resort we were told the day passes were not 55.00 but 71.00. The website stated 60.00. They made us pay 66.00 per person. Since we had already paid for the van we went ahead and payed the 66.00. Part of our group arrived in another van before we did and when we met up with them and asked them what they paid they paid 50.00 per person. We were pretty steamed so I went back to the office and was told by the manager that the other group was lying. Then he later admitted that they were charged the wrong price and had been looking for the group to charge them more...yea right! We asked that the difference be refunded and we were denied. Our group thinks we were charged the extra amount to make up for their mistake they made with charging the first group the 50.00. Also when we arrived at the resort there were police cars there with the lights on. We later learned that 12 rooms had been burgularized, they took the whole safe out of several rooms. One american couple lost their passports, jewelry, all their money. It had to be employees doing this. Also I checked my credit card statement today and they charged us double for a total of 266.00. The resort is not worth the 71.50 they are starting to charge. Also the food was horrible and not much of it. Dont waste your money here, there are so many beaches on Antigua that are free or alot cheaper. I now have the hassle of disputing the charges with my credit card company. The staff were liars and very rude...dont waste your money!"

[BEENAROUNDTHEBLOCK]

We were there last year. Unfortunately many people were rude/hostile. You are attacked as you come off the ship with very aggressive people insisting you buy a tour with them. We have been on 25 cruises & many islands. Just walk away & go a couple of blocks & get your own cab driver. Chat him up & negotiate. This time we will be more prepared & know exactly our destination & pricing as we usually do. This will make for a much more pleasant island experience. Be polite, but do stand up for yourself & pay what's fair, but get what you pay for & don't do business with those that are rude or aggressive. I get it that tourists get old & some are very arrogant & flat out rude.:D

[JohninDC]

Some good advice, but why did you pull up an 8-year old thread to post it on? :confused:

[PORT ROYAL]

We are trying to decide between Dickenson Bay and Long Beach Bay, and would love some info from those that have been to either or both. We would especially like to know:

 

Is there shade?

Are there chairs, umbrellas to rent?

Bathroom facilities?

Food???

How long a taxi ride, and how much?

Are taxis readily available to get back to port?

 

Any other info, or any other beach suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Bob

 

Lunch and Beach day? There is no better place than Jacqui O's

Taxi about 10 Minutes - $8.00 pax each way

https://www.facebook.com/JacquiOsBeachHouseAntigua/

 

Shade - tick

Chairs - tick

Bathrooms - tick

Food - tick (book lunch in advance)

Cocktails - tick

Beer/wine/spirits - tick

Return taxi - tick (booked by JO when you are ready)

 

Have a wonderful day.

 

Away from the cruise herds - tick

Edited January 26, 2016 by PORT ROYAL

[woody14h]

Lunch and Beach day? There is no better place than Jacqui O's

Taxi about 10 Minutes - $8.00 pax each way

https://www.facebook.com/JacquiOsBeachHouseAntigua/

 

Shade - tick

Chairs - tick

Bathrooms - tick

Food - tick (book lunch in advance)

Cocktails - tick

Beer/wine/spirits - tick

Return taxi - tick (booked by JO when you are ready)

 

Have a wonderful day.

 

Away from the cruise herds - tick

 

We will be there in March. Do you remember the cost of chairs.umbrellas etc. use of beach/facilities? Thanks.

[PORT ROYAL]

We will be there in March. Do you remember the cost of chairs.umbrellas etc. use of beach/facilities? Thanks.

 

Chairs/Beds are $10.00 total, with facilities being free for guests taking lunch and drinks.

 

Book early and Lance will confirm by return.

 

Here us the link to the recent CC Thread, for my reccomendation, information, discussion, booking and feedback of a new fan with photographs.

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/sho....php?t=2228870

 

 

Enjoy

[BeachBlonde217]

I too would like some pricing info on Jaqui O's!!!!

[PORT ROYAL]

I too would like some pricing info on Jaqui O's!!!!

 

Our spend is about $100/120 pax, for a wonderful day, including, cocktails, lunch (2/3 courses) wine, beers, rum, tips etc. :)

 

Worth it!!!!

 

A run-of-the-mill "all inclusive" is about $65/85.00 pax and is not in the same league as JO's

Edited February 2, 2016 by PORT ROYAL

[swimgirl1]

How far by taxi is Jackie O's and are taxis readily available back to the ship? Do you have to book ahead?

[BeachBlonde217]

Our spend is about $100/120 pax, for a wonderful day, including, cocktails, lunch (2/3 courses) wine, beers, rum, tips etc. :)

 

Worth it!!!!

 

A run-of-the-mill "all inclusive" is about $65/85.00 pax and is not in the same league as JO's

 

Thanks....looks like I need to find out exchange rate. I panicked when I saw their menu online and thought that was in US dollars. Stupid me.....lol

 

EDIT: or is pax mean per person? I've never seen that before?????

Edited February 2, 2016 by BeachBlonde217