Forget about your worries and spend a day at the beautiful Fort Bay Beach (Fort James Beach). Enjoy quiet walks and swim in the warm water of the Caribbean Sea. Get lost in a book while sitting beneath the shade of an umbrella and visit the ruins of an 18th-century fort. Fort Bay Beach sits on Antigua’s northwestern coastline.
The beach features a short strip of powdery white sand that warms the soul as it runs gently between your toes. It thrives on its spectacular natural setting and has only a small selection of amenities. There is always space to throw down a towel or sarong and sunbathe under the relentless Antiguan sunshine. Rent an umbrella to provide shade and protection from the sun if you want to read.
Go for an invigorating swim in the crystal clear water and marvel as colourful fish swim around your feet. Watch as horse owners lead their horses into the water and let them cool off from the heat. For a fee you can take a horseback ride along the seashore. Walk from one end of the beach to the other and have fun retracing your own footprints.
Located on a headland at the southern end of the beach are the ruins of Fort James, established in 1706 by British colonists. Find the relics of military barracks and a row of well-preserved cannons, which point over St. John’s Harbour. The views from here are incredible and include the Five Islands peninsula. This is also a great spot to see the cruise ships that dock at St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.
Casual restaurants provide opportunities to satisfy your hunger at the beach. Two are within the former grounds of Fort James and another is at the northern end. Snack on plates of fresh seafood infused with Caribbean flavours. Vendors also offer fresh coconuts.
Fort Bay Beach is just a 10-minute drive from St. John’s. Visit when there are no cruise ships in town and you can have the beach almost to yourself.
