Dickenson Bay Beach, Saint John's - Image 1
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Dickenson Bay Beach Saint John's

4.6
·545 reviews·Cedar Grove, Antigua and Barbuda

A stunning Caribbean beach with soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a lively yet relaxing atmosphere. Perfect for swimming, watersports, and c...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Dickenson Bay Beach, Saint John's - Image 1

Dickenson Bay Beach Saint John's

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Caribbean beach with soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a lively yet relaxing atmosphere. Perfect for swimming, watersports, and capturing postcard-perfect photos.

4.6
(545 reviews)

"Dickenson Bay is everything you hope a Caribbean beach will be: pristine white sands, shallow turquoise waters, and a friendly, active vibe."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Own Cooler 🧊

Food options are scarce, especially when cruise ships aren't in port. Pack your own drinks and snacks!

Rent Loungers & Umbrellas ⛱️

Comfortable seating and shade are available for rent, offering a great way to relax by the sea.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine White Sands

Pristine White Sands

Incredibly soft, powdery white sand stretches along the shore, perfect for long walks and relaxation.

Calm Turquoise Waters

Calm Turquoise Waters

Shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters with gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and wading.

Whimsical Red Telephone Box

Whimsical Red Telephone Box

Near Siboney Beach Club

A charming, vintage red telephone box framed by palm trees offers a unique photo opportunity.

Watersports Adventures

Watersports Adventures

From jet skiing to snorkeling, enjoy a variety of exciting water activities available for rent.

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Planning Your Visit

Beach Day Essentials

Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, as food options can be limited, especially outside of cruise ship days. Lounger rentals are available, but consider bringing your own towel for comfort. Be aware that Sandals resort guests may have exclusive access to certain areas.

Timing is Key

To avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience, aim for weekdays or early mornings. Cruise ship days can significantly increase visitor numbers, impacting the beach's atmosphere and availability of amenities.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Testing the navigation skills #jetski🚤 #dickensonbaybeach #stjohnantigua #shoreleave
jaswanthtimothy
49 likes • 0 views

Bring Your Own Cooler 🧊

Food options are scarce, especially when cruise ships aren't in port. Pack your own drinks and snacks!

Rent Loungers & Umbrellas ⛱️

Comfortable seating and shade are available for rent, offering a great way to relax by the sea.

Jet Ski Fun! 🚤

Experience the thrill of jet skiing on the calm waters of Dickenson Bay. TikTok

Capture the Red Phone Booth 📸

Don't miss the iconic vintage red telephone box for a unique photo op near Siboney Beach Club.

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Cooler 🧊

Food options are scarce, especially when cruise ships aren't in port. Pack your own drinks and snacks!

Rent Loungers & Umbrellas ⛱️

Comfortable seating and shade are available for rent, offering a great way to relax by the sea.

Jet Ski Fun! 🚤

Experience the thrill of jet skiing on the calm waters of Dickenson Bay. TikTok

Capture the Red Phone Booth 📸

Don't miss the iconic vintage red telephone box for a unique photo op near Siboney Beach Club.

Avoid Anna's Eatery 🚫

Reviews suggest avoiding this spot due to poor service; opt for other vendors or your own provisions.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(545 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dickenson Bay Beach is celebrated for its stunningly soft white sand and calm, clear turquoise waters, making it a quintessential Caribbean paradise. Visitors appreciate the range of activities available, from jet skiing to simply relaxing by the sea. However, some find food options limited and service at certain establishments disappointing, especially when cruise ships are not present.

"Popular beach in the northwest end of the island.
Surrounded with a couple of 3+ star hotels so you have options to stay long the beach and have a few food and activity options.
Beach is soft and stretches well into the water with very calm waves with a relatively low chance of a fish or two brushing up against you.
Beach vibe is for families, solo, and group trips depending on when you go and where you settle down on the beach.
Of an island that claims 365 beaches, at least one of your days should be spent on this one to fully claim you've been there."

Dwight Johnson

"Pretty, incredibly soft sand, calm water.

Bring cooler. No food options when cruise ships are not there. Only Anna's at the end and stay far away from that place. Terrible service and it will only frustrate you. Sandles doesn't allow outsiders to eat and drink.

Loungers are cheap to rent $10 a pop. Drinks are worthy and cheap at the Water Sports place $6. But no food anywhere!

The vibe is okay with he Sandles people walking about. Maybe rougher on cruise day?"

Papi 3462

"Best beach we've ever visited. Sea was perfect! Great walk along the long beach in clear water."

Mark SMITH (Mark Smith)

What People Like

Beautiful soft white sand
Calm, clear turquoise waters
Variety of watersports

What People Dislike

Limited food options
Inconsistent service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dickenson Bay Beach is located on the northwest end of the island, easily accessible from St. John's. Taxis are readily available and a convenient option. If you're renting a car, follow signs towards the beach. The journey is relatively short, typically around a 10-15 minute drive from the city center.

While the beach itself is sandy, accessibility can vary. Some resorts along the beach may offer better access points. It's advisable to check with specific resorts or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on accessible facilities.

Taxis are the most straightforward and common way to reach Dickenson Bay from St. John's. They are readily available and can drop you directly at the beach. For those who prefer more independence, renting a car is also an option, offering flexibility to explore other parts of the island.

While direct public buses to the beach might be limited, you can often take a local bus towards the general area and then a short taxi ride. It's recommended to confirm current bus routes and schedules with locals or at your accommodation for the most efficient travel.

Dickenson Bay Beach is a relatively short drive from the cruise port in St. John's, usually around 15-20 minutes by taxi. This makes it a popular and convenient choice for cruise ship passengers looking for a beach day.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Dickenson Bay Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You are free to access and enjoy the sand and sea without charge. Reddit

As a public beach, Dickenson Bay is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, amenities like watersports rentals and some eateries may have specific operating hours, often aligning with daylight.

Yes, chair and umbrella rentals are available from vendors along the beach. Expect to pay around $10 per chair, though prices can vary. Reddit

Generally, you can bring your own food and drinks in a cooler. However, be mindful of Sandals resort guests who may have access to exclusive areas. Reddit

No advance booking is necessary for general beach access. If you plan on specific activities like jet skiing, it's a good idea to inquire about availability upon arrival or with the watersports providers.

📸 📸 Photography

The entire stretch of beach offers beautiful scenery with soft sand and clear waters. Don't miss the unique vintage red telephone box near the Siboney Beach Club for a whimsical shot. The palm trees framing the coastline also make for great backdrops. Reddit

The soft morning light and the golden hour in the late afternoon are ideal for capturing stunning photos. These times offer beautiful, diffused light and fewer harsh shadows, enhancing the beach's natural beauty. Reddit

Absolutely! The aforementioned red telephone box is a standout. Additionally, capturing the vibrant colors of the water, the textures of the sand, and the silhouettes of palm trees can create memorable images. If there are boats or jet skis, they can add dynamic elements to your shots. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate for most visitors. If you're serious about photography, a wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky. Waterproof cases or bags are also a good idea if you plan on getting close to the water.

Drone regulations can vary, and it's essential to check current local laws and any restrictions imposed by resorts or authorities before flying. Always prioritize safety and respect privacy.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options can be limited, especially outside of cruise ship days. Anna's Eatery at the end of the beach is often cited for poor service. Some watersports vendors might offer drinks, and nearby resorts have dining, but access for non-guests can be restricted. Reddit

Finding truly affordable options directly on the beach can be challenging. Bringing your own food and drinks in a cooler is the most budget-friendly approach. Drinks at the watersports place are noted as reasonably priced at $6. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase drinks from vendors along the beach, particularly at the watersports locations. These are generally considered reasonably priced. Reddit

The most recommended strategy is to pack a cooler with your preferred food and beverages. This ensures you have what you want, when you want it, and saves you from potential disappointment with limited or unsatisfactory on-site options. Reddit

Yes, there are a few restaurants and bars located along Dickenson Bay, often associated with the hotels and resorts. However, access and pricing may vary for non-guests. It's worth exploring the immediate vicinity, but be prepared for potentially higher prices.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dickenson Bay Beach is a fantastic choice for families. The calm, shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for children to splash and play without the worry of strong currents. The soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles and other beach games. Reddit

While food options can be limited, packing a cooler with snacks and drinks is easy for families. Consider renting loungers for added comfort. The beach offers a good balance of relaxation for parents and fun activities for kids, making it a well-rounded family destination.

💰 Budget Travelers

Dickenson Bay Beach is accessible for free, making it a great budget-friendly option. The key to saving money here is to pack your own cooler with food and beverages, as on-site options can be pricey or limited. Reddit

While chair rentals cost around $10, you can opt to bring your own towels and find a comfortable spot on the sand. Focus on enjoying the natural beauty of the beach, swimming, and walking, which are all free activities. Drinks at the watersports place are noted as a decent value at $6. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

For photographers, Dickenson Bay offers a variety of visually appealing elements. The iconic red telephone box is a must-capture subject, providing a unique and quirky element to your shots. Reddit

Utilize the golden hours for stunning landscape photography, focusing on the soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and palm-fringed coastline. The dynamic nature of watersports also provides opportunities for action shots. Remember to bring your camera or smartphone and explore different angles to capture the essence of this beautiful Caribbean beach. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Vibe of Dickenson Bay

Dickenson Bay Beach offers a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere that caters to a variety of visitors. On any given day, you might find families enjoying the calm waters, solo travelers seeking relaxation, or groups engaging in watersports. The presence of nearby resorts, like Sandals, influences the overall ambiance, sometimes creating a lively, bustling feel, especially on cruise ship days. Reddit

Despite the potential for crowds, the beach is large enough to find your own space. The vibe is generally friendly and active, with casual eateries, vendors, and watersport rentals adding to the energy. It's a place where you can choose your own adventure, whether that's a peaceful day lounging under an umbrella or an afternoon filled with exciting water activities. Reddit

Community Insight: While some reviews mention the influence of resort guests, many find the overall atmosphere to be a good balance of relaxation and activity. The key is often timing your visit to avoid peak cruise ship days for a more tranquil experience. Reddit

Watersports and Activities

For the adventurous spirit, Dickenson Bay Beach is a hub for various watersports. Jet skiing is a popular choice, allowing you to zip across the calm, clear waters and take in the coastline from a different perspective. TikTok

Snorkeling is also an option, with opportunities to explore the nearby reef and encounter marine life. Other activities might include paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply enjoying a refreshing swim in the gentle waves. Rental equipment is typically available from vendors located directly on the beach. Reddit

Traveler Tip: If you're keen on watersports, it's a good idea to inquire about availability and pricing upon arrival. While not usually requiring advance booking, knowing your options can help you plan your day effectively.

Photography Hotspots

Dickenson Bay Beach is a photographer's delight, offering picturesque scenes at every turn. The most unique and frequently photographed spot is the charming vintage red telephone box, often framed by lush palm trees and the sparkling sea. It provides a whimsical and memorable backdrop for portraits and scenic shots. Reddit

Beyond the telephone box, the beach itself is incredibly photogenic. Capture the expanse of soft white sand meeting the shallow, turquoise waters. The gentle waves create beautiful textures, and the clear visibility allows for stunning underwater shots if you have the right gear. Visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset will bathe the beach in warm, magical light, perfect for dramatic landscapes and silhouettes. Reddit

Creator Spotlight: Many TikTok and Instagram creators highlight the photogenic nature of Dickenson Bay, often featuring the red telephone box and the vibrant colors of the Caribbean Sea in their content. TikTokInstagram