Galley Bay Beach
Galley Bay Beach
4.5
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9 within 3 miles
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37 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
271 reviews
Excellent
192
Very good
56
Average
19
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Michael M
London, UK123 contributions
Dec 2022
A bit of a hidden gem. If you’re not staying at the resort then access is through a gate on the far right of the resort just on the uphill bend. Beautiful beach with a good snorkelling reef right off the beach
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kendall M
New York City, NY106 contributions
Jan 2021
Antigua has so many lovely beaches that it is difficult to choose the best. During my stay in Five Islands, I found this beach to be quiet and relaxing. I encounter only one other visitor which made me feel that I had the beach all to myself. No facilities but parking on the side of the beach is available. Bring your food and drinks.
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sunmama09
Battlefield, MO24 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
We recently returned from Galley Bay resort on Galley Beach and had an amazing time on a incredible beautiful beach. We've traveled 3-4 times a year for several years, mainly in the Caribbean, and my husband thought it was the favorite beach of all times. The sand was amazing, the water a great temperature and thought it was rough when we first arrived, it was a special thing to watch the power of the ocean and hear the roar of the surf. We spent the week watching the miracle of a rough sea become calmer every day until by the time we left it was smooth. It was fun shelling and walking along the water. Carey of Beach Bum Vacations helped us pick Galley Bay because she knows of our love for beautiful beaches and she definitely picked a winner this time!
Written January 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
niks216
London, UK252 contributions
Apr 2022
We didn't love this beach, compared to others on the island. There's a small gate in the fence line, very discrete to try and put people off I'm sure. It was very rough and windy but maybe just the way the wind was blowing that day. It has an all inclusive resort but you can't buy drinks or snacks if you aren't guests.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jeffgreer
Columbus, OH47 contributions
Feb 2022
a lovely beach but with some of the worst waves on the island. if you are coming during the winter expect very rough seas, red flags and treacherous surf. There is a reason this is the best surfing beach in Antigua. We spent a few days at the next cove Deep Bay for a more relaxing time in the water
Written February 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SootyCumbriaEngland
Cumbria England106 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
All beaches are public property in Antigua but land owners build right up to the beach making access difficult. Galley Bay beach resort has completely taken over this beach with bedrooms right up to the sand. The hotel grounds are patrolled by several large females in uniform who were polite but unfriendly. They absolutely would not let us off the beach just for a look around. Fat chance of us going there next year. Stick with the Hawksbill next door far better and cheaper too!
Written February 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mizgeorge
UK/Antigua10,137 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
This is a listing for galley bay beach. Not Galley Bay Resort, which has it's own listing. Not for Sean's 'Beats Working' boat trip, which sadly is unlisted as tripadvisor seem unable to accept that he exists.
It's a nice beach. Especially if you're staying at Galley Bay Resort and can easily access it. However, if you're staying elsewhere, be aware that whilst there is a public access point (as required by law), there is pretty much no parking (room for perhaps 2 cars at the most), and once on the beach, there are no facilities available for public use. The restaurants are for resort guests only, as are the chairs, shade, pool, water sports and everything else.
It's a nice beach. Especially if you're staying at Galley Bay Resort and can easily access it. However, if you're staying elsewhere, be aware that whilst there is a public access point (as required by law), there is pretty much no parking (room for perhaps 2 cars at the most), and once on the beach, there are no facilities available for public use. The restaurants are for resort guests only, as are the chairs, shade, pool, water sports and everything else.
Written September 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gay J
Brewster, NY23 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
Galley Bay is a very very special place for my husband and I. We have been fortunate enough to go back "home" twice a year. We have spent 25+ years at this lovely property. Arriving at reception and being greeted by Nola, Ismay, Ernestine, Jennie or other staff always puts a big smile on our faces. Being offered a cold towel as well as a rum punch or champagne while checking in and awaiting our buggy chauffeur Javid, David or Richard is yet another personal touch. Looking forward to another enjoyable stay has just begun. After arriving at our favorite beachfront room we unpack and race to the bar. Seeing many special bartenders and staff while sipping our first few cocktails we have settled in and are comfortable. Galley Bay is our home away from home and we are sure you will feel the same way after you visit and the first time you return only to know you will be back again! We love our Galley Bay family!
Written February 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ed M
Pittsburgh, PA69 contributions
Apr 2018
Antigua has 365 different beaches and they are all open to the public. After reading reviews, my wife and I chose Galley Bay Beach. It didn't look like we were going to be able to get in to it, but our taxi driver talked to the security at the gate (and since all beaches are open to the public), we got in. It was a nice beach. Calm waters. If I make it back to Antigua, I would try one of the other 364 beaches.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
darauz1
Seabrook, TX11 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Beach is a beach, there is not much parking. Pillars of hercules are on the other side of the trees very close to this beach. We found this out during a tour and are going back today to snorkel the whole thing again. This was probably the best snorkel spot on island that we experienced but you would have never known.
Written July 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
With the latest Covid restrictions can you dine with other guests if we are meeting some friends there? Is there any dancing there in the evenings if we are outside? Thank you
Hi, we want to stay here. Are there any single storey rooms on the beach or are they all 2 storey?
NewarkScubaDiver
Newark, NJ301 contributions
The rooms are all single storey. To explain, some units have one room on the ground level and another room above it. Nevertheless, they do have single storey, single rooms - they are more expensive but very enjoyable.
tuffy1973
Jacksonville, FL33 contributions
Hello, Just wondering if there is bar service on the beach? :)
girgo
Hamilton, Canada104 contributions
there is literally nothing except vendors hiding in the bush and once they see human life they come out and try to sell you whatever they have. Hope that helps
Lorena
Bellingham, WA87 contributions
Question one: How much is the upcharge for Ismay"s?
Question 2: Where can I find a copy of Spa menu?
Thank you! LoriB21
temperatures for spring
LKTC4
St. John's, Antigua12 contributions
The temperature is quite hot at this time probably in the 80s
cgkingston
Charlton, MA59 contributions
I need to know if I can visit the beach if I'm not staying at the hotel. I understand the beach is public but I don't know where to park and where to access the beach. Does anyone on the beach rent loungers and/or umbrellas?
theNamssob
Fort Wayne, IN142 contributions
Sorry for the delay, hopefully it's not too late. So here's the scoop:
YES - the beach is officially a public beach. However....
1) It's not easy to get in. There is an entrance/path that allows access to the beach from the north side. It is heavily watched by resort security.
2) You won't be able to use any of the chairs from the resort. Even though the beach (the sand and the water) are supposed to be public, the chairs are property of the resort, the facilities (everything else) cannot be used unless you are a guest.
3) You may be approacedh by someone from security. I don't think they can kick you out, but they won't let you use the lounge chairs, towels, or anything else.
I've heard there are prettier beaches that are easier to get to, although I don't know where they are. Sorry :-(
cgkingston
Charlton, MA59 contributions
Hello, I understand all beaches are public but how do we access the beach? Where do we park if we are not staying at the hotel? Last trip I tried to go to Gall Bay Beach but everything was so secure and there where no places to park and find a path to the beach. Please advise.
theNamssob
Fort Wayne, IN142 contributions
Sorry for the delay, hopefully it's not too late. So here's the scoop:
YES - the beach is officially a public beach. However....
1) It's not easy to get in. There is an entrance/path that allows access to the beach from the north side. It is heavily watched by resort security.
2) You won't be able to use any of the chairs from the resort. Even though the beach (the sand and the water) are supposed to be public, the chairs are property of the resort, the facilities (everything else) cannot be used unless you are a guest.
3) You may be approach by someone from security. I don't think they can kick you out, but they won't let you use the lounger chairs, towels, or anything else.
I've heard there are prettier beaches that are easier to get to, although I don't know where they are. Sorry :-(
Galley Bay Beach (St. John's) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Galley Bay Beach
- Hotels near Galley Bay Beach:
- (0.09 mi) Galley Bay Resort & Spa
- (0.11 mi) Galley Bay Resort & Spa
- (0.11 mi) **WONDERFUL RATES -PLEASE ASK** Sugar Mill - Amazing 7 Bedroom Villa
- (0.26 mi) Villa Champagne - Sea Views - 5 Bedrooms
- (1.12 mi) Antigua's Yepton Estate Cottages
- Restaurants near Galley Bay Beach:
- (2.06 mi) BeachLimerz
- (3.37 mi) Hemingway's Caribbean Cafe & Restaurant
- (3.91 mi) Stella Ristorante
- (3.30 mi) Roti King
- (3.40 mi) Papa Zouk