Shirley Heights & Galleon Beach - Sun, Rum & the Perfect Antigua Day
Galleon Beach and Shirley Heights in Antigua make for one of the best day-to-night experiences on the island — from a quiet beach and snorkeling to one of the most famous sunset views in the Caribbean.
We feel this is one of the best ways to experience both sides of Antigua in a single day.
In this video, we start at Galleon Beach, then make our way up to Shirley Heights for sunset, live music, and the full experience.
🏖️ Galleon Beach
• Smaller, quieter beach near English Harbour
• Not a main stop for cruise excursions
• Clear water with areas for snorkeling
• Some rocky sections in the water — water shoes can help
• Great views with boats and the surrounding hills
🍽️ Loose Cannon Beach Bar & Grill — the main spot on the beach for food and drinks
🤿 Snorkeling
Galleon Beach is known as one of the better snorkeling spots in Antigua, especially near the far end of the beach toward the inlet.
The day we went it was fairly quiet which we like, we saw a variety of fish but unfortunately no turtles that day.
• Chance to see fish and sometimes turtles
• Conditions vary day to day
• Rocky entry in some areas — take your time getting in
🥾 Hiking options
• Carpenter Rock Trail — longer and more difficult
• Jones Valley Trail — shorter, moderate hike toward Shirley Heights
If you’re not up for hiking, a taxi is the easier option.
🌅 Shirley Heights Lookout
One of the most famous viewpoints in Antigua overlooking English Harbour.
• ~$15 USD entry (subject to change)
• Sunday sunset party is the most popular (and most crowded) — big crowd, live band, BBQ, full party atmosphere — they even ran out of wine the night we were there, Lili was a little disappointed but the beer was still flowing
• Thursday nights (Reggae night) are usually a bit more relaxed with music and food
• Open other days as well, but much more low-key — smaller setup, some food and drinks available, mostly people coming for the view
*If you’re visiting through Nelson’s Dockyard, the entry fee can sometimes be bundled in.
Come for the view — stay for the sunset
🚗 Getting there
From the southwest side of the island, it’s about a 30-minute drive to English Harbour.
We recommend taking a taxi if you plan on staying for sunset and drinks.
Round trip was about $80–100 USD.
Make sure to have your driver’s contact to coordinate your return.
🏨 Where to stay
This area has a different feel from the west side — more historic, more local, and great if you want to be near English Harbour.
→ https://tidd.ly/4cq2vac
🎒 Beach essentials — do you want to make your beach day easier and more enjoyable?
→ https://amzn.to/4m6T7vC
⛵ Things to do in Antigua
Spending the whole day at the beach is incredible here, but exploring the island can lead to some of the most memorable experiences.
→ https://www.viator.com/Antigua-and-Ba...
Galleon Beach and Shirley Heights are worth the trip across the island — especially if you’re looking to mix a relaxed beach day with one of the best sunsets in Antigua.
📍 Full Antigua playlist
→ • Antigua Travel Guide | Best Beaches, Local...
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CHAPTER MARKERS
00:00 Galleon Beach & Shirley Heights Antigua
00:33 Getting there
01:28 Galleon Beach overview
01:48 In and On the Beach
04:08 Under the water
04:52 Hiking trails
05:52 Shirley Heights
07:27 Food & drinks
08:07 Sunset & live music
09:12 Final thoughts
#Antigua #ShirleyHeights #GalleonBeach #CaribbeanTravel #YTMexplores #yourtravelmoves
Executive Producer: McBean