Carlisle Bay
 

You can find Carlisle Bay along the southern coast of Antigua. The historic district of Antigua at English Harbour is also home to the world's only Georgian dock, the fully restored Nelson's Dockyard.

Travelers who prize seaside views in a secluded setting should consider going off the beaten path to Carlisle Bay.

Located on Antigua's south coast, Carlisle Bay features a sandy white beach and crystal clear waters. Palm trees line the beach where a quaint local bar serves West Indian food and drinks.

Although Antigua offers beaches that are more secluded than Carlisle Bay the natural beauty, personality and atmosphere provided by this beach might be just right for you.

You may find that beaches throughout Antigua tend to be somewhat quiet, but you can find a difference at Carlisle Bay. Of course, this spot isn't one many would call metropolitan it isn't families and groups of friends that decide to check out this beach may choose to escape the city's bustle without sacrificing the chance to meet new people.

The beaches of Antigua are known for their natural beauty, making them a popular destination for travelers. Although travelers often frequent these beaches, a few draw smaller crowds than others. Each beach has its own personality, and the personality of Carlisle Bay is perfect for some travelers.

Whether you're looking for a secluded spot of sand or a bustling beach scene, location is crucial. The Caribbean is home to many beaches, so you have other options, in addition to Carlisle Bay. With the information presented below, you can readily decide if this one fits your dream.

Food

If you want to get a bite to eat during your beach outing, not to worry, you'll have plenty of nearby options when it comes to dining.

A list of restaurants is provided in the following table.

Restaurants Near Carlisle Bay
Restaurant NameCuisine TypeMeals ServedDistanceDirection
HQ Restaurant and Bar Seafood lunch & dinner 4.5 mi. NE
Al Porto Italian breakfast, lunch, dinner 4.7 mi. NW
Big Banana Holding Company Limited Pizza lunch & dinner 7.1 mi. NW
Redcliffe Tavern International breakfast, lunch, dinner 7.1 mi. NW
Cafe Napoleon Coffeehouse breakfast & lunch 7.2 mi. NW
Chez Pascal Restaurant French dinner 8.5 mi. NW
Coconut Grove Seafood breakfast, lunch, dinner 9.9 mi. NW
Le Bistro French dinner 10.9 mi. N

Vacationers will find plenty of great restaurants in Antigua, but some meals are best enjoyed in a totally casual setting. Many visitors enjoy having a meal right at the beach. Check with your hotel to see if they will pack a picnic lunch for you, or you can obtain picnic supplies on your way to the beach.

A restaurant on the beach caters to hungry patrons.

Amenities and Ambience

Swimming and snorkeling are ideal in the crystalline waters of Carlisle Bay.

How crowded the beach is depends on a few things, including the time of year and day of the week. A few of Antigua's beaches may hardly ever be crowded, while others are frequently crowded especially when the season is at its peak. When considering a day at the beach, an important thing to keep in mind may be the size of the crowd you'll encounter. While some prefer a crowded beach filled with people and activity, some prefer to just hear the sounds of the surf.

Like many places in Antigua this beach has a distinctive personality which will attract certain visitors. The appealing qualities of this beach are somewhat different from what you'll discover at the other beaches in Antigua. Carlisle Bay is off the beaten path so travelers visiting this beach are most likely to mingle with the locals.

Attractions

The beach is also near to several worthwhile natural attractions, including Megaliths of Greencastle Hill, which is located 3.6 miles to the northwest of Carlisle Bay.

Historical attractions like St. Johns Cathedral provide a nice complement to the shores of Carlisle Bay giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about Antigua without having to stray to far from the beach.

Plenty of nearby activities will ensure that you never run out of things to do. The attractions nearest to this beach are listed in the following table.

Attractions Near Carlisle Bay
Attraction NameDistanceDirectionType
Fort George 3.4 mi. NE Historical Site
Megaliths of Greencastle Hill 3.6 mi. NW Natural Attraction
Cades Reef 3.8 mi. SW Natural Attraction
Shirley Heights Lookout 5.5 mi. E Historical Site
Museum 7.4 mi. NW Museum
Museum 7.5 mi. NW Museum
St. Johns Cathedral 7.5 mi. NW Historical Site
Moravian Church 7.7 mi. NW Church
Andes 8.8 mi. NW Historical Site
Bird Island 11.6 mi. NE Recreational Island/Cay

Location

You can spread your beach towels at this sunny spot 3.4 miles from Fort George, on the southern coast of Antigua. Carlisle Bay is near Old Road, so you can explore the town after your visit to the beach.

Nearby Hotels

The number of other guests enjoying the beach can vary widely -- it depends on when you visit. There are no large hotels next to this beach but you may meet guests from some of the smaller hotels nearby. You'll find 10 hotels nearby. If you're looking for a place to stay in this neighborhood you won't have trouble finding a spot.

Other Beaches

Needless to say, Carlisle Bay isn't the only beach you'll find in Antigua. Travelers who like this beach might also enjoy Dickenson Bay; it's situated 10.1 miles to the northwest. Travelers seeking excitement paired with a gorgeous beach locale will be pleased with Dickenson Bay. There's something for everyone at this Caribbean hot spot and visitors will never get bored with all the activities and attractions. A plethora of restaurants and hotels makes it easy to find the right place for your tastes. Singles, couples, and families with children will all feel like they're in paradise when visiting Dickenson Bay.

But, if you're interested in a more active beach, Five Islands Peninsula may be just what you're looking for. It is located 8.5 miles to the northwest.

Another location you may want to try is Runaway Beach, which you'll find 9.3 miles from Carlisle Bay. Sugary white sand and tranquil waters distinguish Antigua's Runaway Beach. A popular spot for vacationers, the beach is located next door to another popular beach area, Dickinson's Bay. Visitors to Runaway Beach will enjoy its sparkling blue water and fantastic sunsets.

The activities you'll experience in Antigua will have plenty of variety, no matter which of the beaches, even Carlisle Bay, you choose to visit.

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