Galleon Beach
Galleon Beach
4.5
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4.5
214 reviews
Excellent
111
Very good
74
Average
25
Poor
2
Terrible
2
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Christopher S
Philadelphia, PA11 contributions
Jan 2020
Galleon Beach is on a bay near English Harbour. You can see lots of beautiful yachts parked off-shore and there is an old stone fort across the bay guarding English Harbour from 18th Century hostile navies. It is all very interesting to see. There is also a small coral reef off to the left that has a few tropical fish swimming in it. It is worth spending an hour or two exploring this beach. I wouldn't spend much more here because there are no waves and there are much better beaches and much better places to snorkel on Antigua than Galleon Beach.
Written 12 March 2020
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.
Explorcation
Florida300 contributions
Mar 2020
We visited Antigua on a cruise and decided to take a taxi to Galleon Beach. We heard it was great for swimming, snorkeling and hiking. It was about a 25 to 30 minute drive across the island. We used Theo's taxi service and really enjoyed learning about the island's history from Theo.
When we arrived, there was a small group snorkeling in the water and we had the beach to ourselves. It was kind of a cloudy day so we walked to the edge of the beach and started hiking around the rocks to see the Pillars of Herecules and Mermaid Gardens first. We visited during low tide and were able to walk in front of the pillars. The rock formations looked like they were out of this world!
When the sun finally came out we hiked back to the beach to snorkel. It didn't take long to find some sea turtles. And after about 10 minutes we found a sunken ship.
There were so many things to do at this beach. After snorkeling we were able to try a local beer at the beach bar.
Tip: you can also hike to Shirley Heights from this area to see an amazing view of the island.
If you are considering visiting Galleon Beach or the Pillars of Hercules, we did make a video of our experience that can be found on our YouTube channel (the link is in our bio). Happy vacation planning!
When we arrived, there was a small group snorkeling in the water and we had the beach to ourselves. It was kind of a cloudy day so we walked to the edge of the beach and started hiking around the rocks to see the Pillars of Herecules and Mermaid Gardens first. We visited during low tide and were able to walk in front of the pillars. The rock formations looked like they were out of this world!
When the sun finally came out we hiked back to the beach to snorkel. It didn't take long to find some sea turtles. And after about 10 minutes we found a sunken ship.
There were so many things to do at this beach. After snorkeling we were able to try a local beer at the beach bar.
Tip: you can also hike to Shirley Heights from this area to see an amazing view of the island.
If you are considering visiting Galleon Beach or the Pillars of Hercules, we did make a video of our experience that can be found on our YouTube channel (the link is in our bio). Happy vacation planning!
Written 11 June 2020
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.
Genevieve
Newcastle, UK34 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
The beach is absolutely beautiful and not too busy (we visited on a Thursday around noon). The perfect spot for swimming. While we were there a turtle was spotted swimming very close in to the shore. Great facilities - the Loose Cannon beach cafe serves great drinks and we had a delicious Caribbean salad for lunch. Wonderful spot.
Written 3 February 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 beach is a lovely little find, very close to English Harbour.
There’s a couple of attractive hotels lining the beach and we used their restaurant which overlooks the beach, for lunch.Loose Cannon served wonderful food, cocktails and friendly service .
The complex is very sympathetic to its surrounding, bungalows scattered in the hills behind the bay .
While spending the day here we explored the tiny desert island beach just a short walk through the woods which lead on to the Pillars of Hercules. We had fabulous weather so snorkelled round to the rock formations .
We spotted, lobster, stingray and shoals of amazing coloured fish . The previous day turtles had been spotted .
No sun beds available to hire here.The soft sand will act as a cushion .
There’s a couple of attractive hotels lining the beach and we used their restaurant which overlooks the beach, for lunch.Loose Cannon served wonderful food, cocktails and friendly service .
The complex is very sympathetic to its surrounding, bungalows scattered in the hills behind the bay .
While spending the day here we explored the tiny desert island beach just a short walk through the woods which lead on to the Pillars of Hercules. We had fabulous weather so snorkelled round to the rock formations .
We spotted, lobster, stingray and shoals of amazing coloured fish . The previous day turtles had been spotted .
No sun beds available to hire here.The soft sand will act as a cushion .
Written 3 February 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.
Melissa S
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
The beach was okay, but it was pretty crowded. The only place to get food/drinks is from the Loose Cannon, which is very expensive. The day beds for rent looked nice, but way too expensive ($300 EC). There are many other nicer beaches in Antigua, in my opinion.
Written 11 February 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.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,970 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
The beach itself is rather underwhelming and is quite rocky especially when entering the water. However, I came here for the snorkeling and to hike up the Jones Valley Trail to Shirley Heights. After reaching the summit with the spectacular views of English Harbour, I descended on the equally spectacular and exhilarating Carpenter Rock Trail returning me to the beach where I found a nice beach bar. The hike was a 5 out of 5 and was one of the of the highlights of our visit to Antigua. Snorkeling was good and I saw a fair number of fish. There is also a sunken boat out in the bay which was cool. However, there are a number of boats moored in the bay and you have to remain alert for any moving boats. Back to the beach, I suspect most of those at the beach are staying near English Harbour and this is a convenient beach to visit as it is close. However, considering all the other great beach options on the island, I would look elsewhere if you have the ability.
Written 23 September 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.
Alessandro B
Savona, Italy980 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Beautiful beach, not very large, a stone's throw from English Harbour, you can rent beds where you can wander off and rest which, however, are quite expensive there and don't protect much from the sun (in February it's already very hot especially during peak hours!) Much better instead the bar and restaurant service managed by the owners themselves. The beach is very suggestive closed by two promontories with an ancient anchor beached in the centre, buoys for sunbathing and diving, there was even a sea turtle that surfaced every now and then!
Written 9 April 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.
clarkwhite
Ipswich, UK77 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
If you like snorkelling you have to visit this beach. There is a small track at the very left end of the beach, that leads to another part of the beach, or you can wade around the rocks. From this little part, you are in snorkelling heaven. We see 2 or 3 turtles every time we go, watch for their heads breaking the surface to breath.
There is also at least 2 shipwrecks in relatively shallow water in this part of the beach, one in the middle, about 30yards out, a small metal fishing boat, and one to the left, a similar distance out, a much older wooden ship. many people don’t even know these exist as they sit on the main part of the beach.
Snorkelling around towards the rocks and the mouth of the bay sees stingray, remora, and all sorts of fish
There is also at least 2 shipwrecks in relatively shallow water in this part of the beach, one in the middle, about 30yards out, a small metal fishing boat, and one to the left, a similar distance out, a much older wooden ship. many people don’t even know these exist as they sit on the main part of the beach.
Snorkelling around towards the rocks and the mouth of the bay sees stingray, remora, and all sorts of fish
Written 19 March 2020
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.
JMM40
Surrey, UK59 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
I visited this beach last year and loved the quiet tranquility and beauty of this prime location. A year on, Loose Cannon Beach Bar has arrived.
If you want an Ibiza style experience, loud music, huge speakers (couldn’t have a nap or read a book), then this is the place for you.
I am really surprised that the local residents and hotel have allowed this.
If you want an Ibiza style experience, loud music, huge speakers (couldn’t have a nap or read a book), then this is the place for you.
I am really surprised that the local residents and hotel have allowed this.
Written 4 April 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.
Daydream812740
16 contributions
Mar 2020
We were able to visit Galleon Beach on our recent trip to Antigua, via the Wind Surf cruise ship. Nelson's Harbour was a 10 minute walk from where our ship was anchored, so it was perfect! We took a water taxi over to the beach for I believe $12. The beach has lovely white, soft sand, and the bottom of the bay was very sandy right to the edge of the dropoff, where the water deepened. There were some small fish to see in the very clear water, and it is said that sea turtles like to come in an feed on the sea grass...unfortunately we didn't see any turtles on our visit. Worth your time to visit:)
Written 13 April 2020
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.
how much is a taxi from cruise port to Galleon Beach
Written 14 January 2023
how much is the taxi fare from ship to English harbor
Written 2 May 2019
When we were there in 2019 it cost 40Bnd
Written 25 August 2019
Hi, there are no private beaches in Antigua, the public are allowed onto any beach. If you are driving, pull up and park on the side of the road,it is a dead end road, then walk through the gate, (what seems to be a holiday park in disrepair, If I remember correctly, there is a guard hut on the gate to. You will not be stopped walking to the beach, you just can't drive your car down to it. Best place for seeing a lot of fish and turtles, you won't be disappointed!
Written 11 October 2018
Hi,
Is it enought time to take a bus (number 17, I think) from St. Johns to English Harbour and first go to Shirley Heights and than walking to Galllon beach, stay there for two hours and than return to cruise terminal. I think that we stay in Antigua for 8 hours.
Kirandevi,.
Written 29 November 2016
Are rocks at the beach. Im thinking to stay at the inn but i want a white sand beach
Written 16 July 2016
Can I get to this beach from the cruise port using a taxi? Is the water suitable for a 6yr old or are there strong currents?
Written 10 March 2015
Yes, you can reach the beach by taxi from St. John's, the main cruise port on the island. The journey takes about 30 -40 minutes dependent on traffic conditions. The road to the beach is narrow. An alternative is to get a taxi to English Harbour and then get a water taxi across to Galleon Beach. The journey across the harbour is only 5 minutes and you can ring up from the hotel gatehouse at Galleon Beach to get the water taxi to come and pick you up when you wish to return. There are lots of taxis at English Harbour waiting for passengers and they can take you back to St. John's.
The water at Galleon Beach is very safe with no strong currents as it is in a protected harbour.
Written 11 March 2015
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