valley church beach

Arrived at the cruise port and found a wonderful local who recommended to go to Valley Church beach ($8 cab ride each way per person) as the waves were calm and there were places to get lunch. Unfortunately, we didn't decide to go to the beach until 11 am and by the time we got there, all beach chairs were gone and the place was packed (there were 5 ships in port!). We then decided to go to nearby Jolly Beach ($6 cab ride each way from ship per person). We went to Castaways at Jolly Beach and got two of the few remaining chairs ($5 each and umbrella $10). The beach was great, water a beautiful turquoise blue, great for swimming, water calm. Ate at the Castaway and the food was very good. Overall a great beach day. Tip: much better shopping deals by port in stall shops (just outside store front area, then turn right 1 block) than from Jolly Beach vendors and storefronts.

The most breath taking beach I've seen. Cab driver recommended and am so glad we went there instead of a resort. Bar was great, food a little high priced for what we got but would still go back. Rented jet ski's, chairs and umbrella. We arrived before the crowd so we had a good spot.We were not bothered by beach sellers were not pushy. Everyone was friendly. It was a perfect day for me ... so beautiful.

We visited Antigua on a cruise and went to this beach on the advice of our cab driver ($16./pp/RT). Beautiful beach and spectacular colored water. Coarse sand and plenty of shells for the shell seeker. Not recommended for children as there is a drop off ledge and quite a strong current.

We were visiting at the recommendation of our hotel rep. Food was great, drinks very good. Beach a 3 on scale of 1 to 5. White beautiful sand to look at, blue turquoise water but the sand is very "shelly" and very uncomfortable to walk. To get into water, very step with a huge water break. Not the best by far.

This beach is fairly easy to get to by road and there is no shortage of taxis waiting after lunch to take you back. It is a wonderful bay with the usual water sports including jet skis. The are reasonable public toilets and a bar. It is frequented by the usual beach sellers but they do take "no thanks" for an answer the first time you tell them.

Our favorite beach on Antigua, usually busy when cruise ships are in port. Return taxi trip about $16 per person, sun beds $15 for two beds & parasol.The far end of the beach is quiter with no sunbeds.

Went there early in the morning and had to leave the car by the roadside. Obviously the access road is only open during the restaurant's opening hours.Beautiful, deserted beach in the morning. Piles of seashells everywhere in all colours.

There are no words to describe the beauty of this place! It's everything you see in magazines and in movies, and more. Truly the most beautiful beach we have ever seen. Perfect white sand, gorgeous blue shades of water, and friendly people! Excellent food, excellent service, and well worth the time & money! We rented jet skies, drank the best piña coladas, and ate the most amazing lobster. There's no better way to spend the day in Antigua!

My favorite beach in the whole entire world. I've been to many and none surpass this one. It is awesome!!

After extensive research, we decided to go to Valley Church Beach when our cruise ship stopped in Antigua. After reading on CC Forums that you can get a taxi for about $15 per person, or take the "city" bus for $1.50 per person, we did the bus.Super easy 10 min walk to the bus station and the driver will tell you when to get off the bus. The beach was beautiful, but crowded, as there were 5 ships that day. If you go to the end of the beach where you drive in, it's not that crowded, but there are no chairs/umbrellas there either. You have to go near the restaurant/bar (The Nest) to get chairs/umbrellas. Even though crowded, it was a great beach to visit. We were happy with the decision.

Gorgeous beach if you want to look for shells and sea glass. Swimming area very nice. If you want a chair have to rent and drinks snacks available. Disappointed in the snorkelling water very murky maybe just the fault of Mother Nature

Lovely beach but avoid on Cruise ship days as its packed.If you have chairs you can sit at the end and enjoy the views.Strong current so not suitable for young children.

Changing facility, beach bar (The Nest), umbrellas and chairs avail for rent $15, jet skis $50. Pristine sand.

We visited Antigua on a cruise, and decided against an excursion. We opted to spend the day at Valley Church beach. First off, the water is unbelievable, and the view is breathtaking. The color of the water is exactly what you go to the Caribbean for. The sand was mostly crushed shells. So, it didn't have the baby powder feel, but it wasn't hard on the feet. I will say it got crowded pretty quickly. That was a bit of a downer. The feel of the beach and the crowds keep me from giving it an excellent rating, but all in all, a very good beach to visit. Try to go in a group to get the taxi fare down. We had only three in our party. Mao, the fare was kind of steep.

Several "Cattle-marans" were dropping passengers off while we visited. It is more of a tourist attraction with chairs and umbrellas to rent. There is a bar, and restaurant, but it is a rather busy beach. Nice to see, but not as nice as Darkwood Beach is nearby, but much, much quieter and more beautiful.