Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay
4.5
About
Catch some rays while watching the surf at this beautiful pink sand beach.
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- Filip InnesVieste, Italy39 contributionsWonderful!!!We stayed 3 days ago, disembarked from the cruise ship. An hour's drive (30 euros per person). 20 euros 2 sunbeds 1 umbrella. Upon arrival we were scared as we saw rough seas and a small, slightly ugly beach, but then we went to the north side and what can I tell you, we were speechless! There were just the 6 of us, the beach all to ourselves! For half a day another 20 people arrived. Truly an uncontaminated beach, spectacular colours!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten February 22, 2024
- Oyster62Boston, Massachusetts50 contributionsDon't let the Sargassum stop youVisited Half Moon today. Yes there was a lot of sargassum but if you walked down to the far end there is a LOT less and some great beach area to use. There is also ample swimming area that are seaweed free. There are chairs and umbrellas to rent but also shade provided by trees. We had fries and burgers at the bar, quick service, okay food. Water was amazing with light waves.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 10, 2024
- Jim WAscot, United Kingdom62 contributionsJust amazingBest beach I have ever been on, beautiful, white sands, clear water, easily accessible, and almost no-one else there. Quite spectacular. Couple of very friendly guys renting out a pair of sunloungers and an umbrella for USD20 for the day. Fabulous beach bar (my wife asserts the best lobster roll she has ever had, my red snapper was similarly great). Wish I could live there all year round, really....(and in general I am not a beach kind of guy)Visited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten November 25, 2024
- spedubecBologna, Italy5,804 contributionsStunning horses crash on the beach.The Crescent Bay is facing east and then onto the open ocean. The sea there is rarely entirely calm. Today it was windy and in the morning raging horses crashed on the beach. Around midday the wind subsided and it became possible to swim in crystal clear water on an uncrowded beach. The bay is just crescent-shaped. It is possible to rent an umbrella and sun loungers to relax in the shade.Visited December 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten December 5, 2024
- Josie CBrighton, United Kingdom589 contributionsFabulous beach worth a tripFabulous beach approx 40 minutes from cruise terminal. Sunbeds and umbrellas reasonable priced plus food options and drinks from sunbed man. Beautiful clean beach and clear waterVisited January 2025Travelled with friendsWritten January 12, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Wendy F
Winnipeg, Canada89 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
We booked a taxi for a day and spent 2 hours at Half Moon, it was not enough time! This was a highlight of our trip. The beach/water/surroundings are beautiful. As soon as we got there we body surfed in the waves the entire time. A ton of fun and was safe enough to swim in. We paid $20 for 4 loungers and 2 umbrellas. The one bar/restaurant is also excellent for this secluded beach. 2 in our group walked all the way around to the crashing waves along the rocks and up the cliff. Spectacular view/photo up. There was no seaweed on the beach, it was all cleaned up. Would highly recommend this beach for anyone who loves to play in the waves or just to watch the beauty of the waves.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN8,072 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Remotely located on the southeast corner of the island, the beach at Half Moon Bay wasn't empty and is no longer the hidden gem but it is certainly less visited compared to the beaches along the west coast. It does take some effort to get out here, but it is worth it. This is a more rugged, less developed beach compared to Darkwood and others along the west coast of the island. When we visited in January 2023, there was a fair amount of sargassum seaweed on the beach especially at the portion near the parking lot and beach bar. However, we went further down to the left and the beach got nicer and the water calmer. 2 lounge chairs and an umbrella for US$20. The views from the beach are quite picturesque and make sure you walk to the furthest northern end of the beach and climb up a bit to watch up close the waves crashing in against the rocks. Snorkeling wasn't as good as I was expecting. Saw some fish but somewhat limited. I also did not enjoy going in the water here as much as some other beaches as it is a bit rocky and not much wave action. The beach bar was good but if you station yourself at the nicer far end of the beach, it is a bit of a walk.
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FactChick
Montreal, Canada190 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This beach is one of my favourite beaches on Antigua. It’s about 20 min from Willkie and about 25 min from English Harbour. So worth the day. The view is gorgeous. Has a Caribbean Sea calmness on one side and crashing Atlantic waves just beyond that area. The crashing waves are draw dropping beautiful against the rocks.
Note to everyone….if you walk on the rocks there is golden clay that the spas use locally. Collect it from the walls. Just spread it on your body, wait until it dries in the sun and enjoy the smoothness of your skin.
Note to everyone….if you walk on the rocks there is golden clay that the spas use locally. Collect it from the walls. Just spread it on your body, wait until it dries in the sun and enjoy the smoothness of your skin.
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi M
Malvern, PA43 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Nice beach. Water is not as crystal clear as it is on the west side of the island. Glad we stayed. We rented chairs & umbrella ($20 USD) and walked all the way around to the chairs on the far side where the water is calmer & it’s much quieter atmosphere than right by the parking lot.
Overall a nice day. Glad we saw it & checked it off our list of “must see” beaches/places in Antigua.
Overall a nice day. Glad we saw it & checked it off our list of “must see” beaches/places in Antigua.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria S
69 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This bay is truly spectacular. We visited twice during our nine day trip to Antigua. The drive from English Harbour where we were staying was only half an hour along quiet, pretty tree lined roads .
There is plenty to keep us busy here. Wonderful snorkelling ( we saw stingrays ), crystal clear water and immaculately clean beaches . It’s kind of divided into two areas . Both swim friendly . There’s a couple of friendly beach restaurants open from coffee o’clock through to late lunch.
You can of course bring your own picnic. There’s plenty of sun beds to hire for around 40EC per day ( that’s two beds and a sunshade)
I’ve read mixed reviews about this beach. Frankly the only thing that could spoil a day here is bad weather.
There is plenty to keep us busy here. Wonderful snorkelling ( we saw stingrays ), crystal clear water and immaculately clean beaches . It’s kind of divided into two areas . Both swim friendly . There’s a couple of friendly beach restaurants open from coffee o’clock through to late lunch.
You can of course bring your own picnic. There’s plenty of sun beds to hire for around 40EC per day ( that’s two beds and a sunshade)
I’ve read mixed reviews about this beach. Frankly the only thing that could spoil a day here is bad weather.
Written February 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doug8867
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Great large beach with good sizes waves on one half, and calm waters on the other and a delicious beach bar in between. We may have the best meal of our trip there and it was under $40 including alcoholic drinks! Highly recommend visiting this for an afternoon.
Written December 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel L
37 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Amazing beach, real desert island vibes! Crashing waves with a calmer more sheltered area for snorkeling. Pelicans fishing. Lovely cooling sea breeze. Great value all day beach chairs and umbrellas from friendly guys, they are happy to move you around the bay if you fancy a different view later in the day. Parking and beach bar with facilities
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blue b
15 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Half moon bay was one of my favourite beaches and had a great beach front bar for food and drink.
The beach although can be windy is huge and not bad for fishing on the south end of the beach near the rocks and small reef. Bit of a trek but glorious. When not too windy, it's hot and the snorkeling on the small reef and fishing there was great and I also saw a turtle. Also its huge so lots of space.
The beach bar, there is 2 but we went to the one on the beach front, can't remember name. Staff were great, food was excellent. Best food we had entire trip, was on a level with the pattys. Avery was a guy that worked the bar ands a great guy even though an Arsenal fan lol. I also met a guy called eddy who is Jazzy B's older brother. (the guy from soul ll soul). Great guy and a tottenham fan, wahey. Avery called the bar the Emirates but hey ho we don't all have taste.
The food! Wow for a beach bar it was great with a cold beer. Simple food cooked to the best it can be is the best way to describe it. I had the beach bum burger, was not expecting probably the best burger I've ever eaten. 2 burgers, bacon, cheese, plantain and fries. It's only a burger, I know! The love the chef/cook put into that burger was evident, it was truly a beautiful burger, I cannot say it enough, simple but executed perfectly. It gets better, my sister had the chicken goujons and the spice wings with fries. They both looked on point and my sister absolutely loved both dishes and tbh just looking at the presentation, looking at portion size and just how well simple food is cooked and presented is fantastic. If I can give any advice, eat there! Half moon bay was a great day out and I even went on a Sunday where Eddie set up a TV for prem football. (normally no TV there). I also caught 2 fish. I Cannot speak highly enough of this area and was one of my favourite places along with Morris Beach (another review I'll put up. Thanks Avery, Eddy, the bar the beach and the kitchen and serving staff. Fantastic! You won't see me be this giving much on trip advisor. So make sure you check the weather and get down there!!!
The beach although can be windy is huge and not bad for fishing on the south end of the beach near the rocks and small reef. Bit of a trek but glorious. When not too windy, it's hot and the snorkeling on the small reef and fishing there was great and I also saw a turtle. Also its huge so lots of space.
The beach bar, there is 2 but we went to the one on the beach front, can't remember name. Staff were great, food was excellent. Best food we had entire trip, was on a level with the pattys. Avery was a guy that worked the bar ands a great guy even though an Arsenal fan lol. I also met a guy called eddy who is Jazzy B's older brother. (the guy from soul ll soul). Great guy and a tottenham fan, wahey. Avery called the bar the Emirates but hey ho we don't all have taste.
The food! Wow for a beach bar it was great with a cold beer. Simple food cooked to the best it can be is the best way to describe it. I had the beach bum burger, was not expecting probably the best burger I've ever eaten. 2 burgers, bacon, cheese, plantain and fries. It's only a burger, I know! The love the chef/cook put into that burger was evident, it was truly a beautiful burger, I cannot say it enough, simple but executed perfectly. It gets better, my sister had the chicken goujons and the spice wings with fries. They both looked on point and my sister absolutely loved both dishes and tbh just looking at the presentation, looking at portion size and just how well simple food is cooked and presented is fantastic. If I can give any advice, eat there! Half moon bay was a great day out and I even went on a Sunday where Eddie set up a TV for prem football. (normally no TV there). I also caught 2 fish. I Cannot speak highly enough of this area and was one of my favourite places along with Morris Beach (another review I'll put up. Thanks Avery, Eddy, the bar the beach and the kitchen and serving staff. Fantastic! You won't see me be this giving much on trip advisor. So make sure you check the weather and get down there!!!
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JulesbSouthLondon
Coulsdon, UK282 contributions
May 2023
The beach was full of (sargassum) seaweed when we visited and smelt. There was a nice beach cafe and so we stopped briefly for a drink. Even without the seaweed the sea was a bit rough and so I wouldn't recommend it with children.
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue O
New Jersey51 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
One of the most beautiful beaches we've ever been to. Pristine sand and gorgeous turquoise water. There's a beach bar with delicious food (just not it takes a while so plan accordingly). You can rent loungers and a beach umbrella (2 loungers + umbrella for $20 for the entire day). We went three times during our weeklong stay. There was also a ton of butterflies which were so pretty to look at.
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My son was injured (laceration following encounter with rough wave) at the beach yesterday and I just wanted to say thank you to Lisa and Connie and all the other beachgoers who came to our aid. I don’t have any way to get in touch with you so I’m posting this in case there is a chance you may see it. To the 40-year island resident who suggested we go to Dr. Joey John, thank you. My son is all stitched up and doing ok now.
Written February 26, 2022
Is half moon bay beach open now and can you rent chairs and umbrellas? Is the restaurant open?
Written February 26, 2021
How much is it for a taxi from the cruise port to half moon bay
Written January 22, 2020
Half Moon Bay is on the southeastern coast of Antigua and St. John's is close to the northwestern corner of the island. I stayed in Antigua for 1 week so I rented a car. I do not know how much taxis cost on Antigua. I did notice that there are Uber drivers on Antigua. I suggest you contact Uber and find out how much a ride from St. John's to Half Moon Bay would cost.
Written March 11, 2020
Hi ! We are sailing in Antigua late December and want to stop for a late morning/early afternoon day stop at Half moon bay. We are having issues finding anchoring information for this bay. Can anyone confirm where it's safest (and closest) to anchor to access the Beach with our dinghy ? Thank you sailors !!!
Written November 2, 2019
I have never seen anyone try to get through the reef, it is often rough and more of a surfers beach than a swimmers, you can't use the Mill reef club next door as they protect their privacy. On a perfectly calm day you might attempt it but I don't recall seeing anyone give it a go, everyone on the beach or at the bar arrive by car.
Written November 6, 2019
Is there a problem with see weed.
Did they get hit with this year's hurricane or last.
Written October 23, 2018
I was last here in May and the right hand side of the bay was several feet deep in weed with a team of a dozen guys with a tractor trying to shift some of it and making little headway. The top left of the bay remains clear.
Written November 6, 2019
en que lucar se encuetra y si hace falta visa de los estados unidos
Written July 4, 2017
What is the name of the beach shack! I ate there in 2015 and we are returning in 2017!!! Can't wait!!!
Written November 6, 2016
There is Smiling Harrys along the road, but we went to the Beach Bum Shack overlooking the bay a couple of weeks ago. Absolutely excellent. Can recommend the grilled chicken strips.
Written February 20, 2017
Hi,
Our family of four is planning a trip to Antigua in December. Can someone give me tips about accomodation in and around half moon bay or elsewhere on the island? We are with two boys- 10 and 12 who want to swim, snorkel, boogie board, and sail.
Thanks
Written September 24, 2015
I suggest that you look at the AirBnB website and choose a place that is near English Harbor. The beaches along the southeastern part of the island are the nicest beaches on the island.
Written March 11, 2020
Salve, partirò per questo villaggio il 13/01/2015; potete consigliarmi qualche nome di BB bravi e affidabili per fare escursioni?
Grazie
Written January 28, 2015
Scusa ho notato ora che la tua richiesta era del 2015! ho ancora il fuso
Buona giornata
Written January 9, 2017
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