Trifter

Antigua, W.I., a tiny almost 14 mile long Island in the Leeward chain, Antigua is the largest of the English speaking Leeward’s.  Temperatures are generally in the mid-seventies but do get up to the mid eighties in the summer months.  The trade winds that flow over the Island create the perfect climate, dry, sunny and breezy.  Humidity is quite low most of the year but does rise a little in August and September.  The Island is surrounded by a virtually unbroken coral reef resulting in approximately 365 beaches open to everyone who can get there.  No beach in Antigua is private and although some take a four wheel drive or a yacht to get to some of the most perfect beaches are within a short drive of anywhere on the Island.

Pigeon Beach is a gorgeous little spit of a white sand beach sitting just down from the English Harbour Yacht Club.  Tricky to get to you have to navigate a pretty tight road behind the Club and down a rough hill but a little swing to the left at the bottom of the hill and the way opens up to a fantastic white sand beach.  There is plenty of parking and trees hug the edge of the sand.  On the beach itself there are several picnic table palapas to enjoy your lunch at.  The beach is very well maintained by government workers that stroll down to rake the sand and pick up rubbish for a few hours every day.  The water is glorious, it is a sheltered harbour and there are virtually no heavy waves which makes it a wonderful beach for little ones or those intimidated by the big waves. The water is a brilliant turquoise blue and very warm.  The temperature can be deceptive though and many a significant sunburn has been experience by those tempted to have long chats while neck deep in the lovely calm water.

The beach does get the occasional yachty coming in from some of the sail boats using the Club.  On any given day you will hear Dutch, German, French, UK English and North American spoken and they are a friendly group.  On weekdays the Beach will host an average of 2 to 10 people enjoying the sun and water.  Weekends are a different story.  In Antigua Sunday after Church is a huge beach day, the entire family rolls up with picnics, coolers all the kids, grannies, aunties and extended family.  They swim, sunbathe, play beach games and have a wonderful relaxing family day. 

Sitting at the edge of the beach by the tree line you can enjoy your paperback while waiting for the Roti Lady.  During the weekdays she shows up at around 11am toting some of the Islands best Roti for around $8 E.C. (approx $3.00 U.S).  Roti is comprised of a soft tortilla like shell which is made with a yellow pea puree in the dough.  The large shell is then wrapped around a tasty mix of Caribbean curried chicken, potatoes and carrots or you have a choice of vegetarian or goat.  Pop down to the bar a short stroll down the beach and grab yourself a refreshing Ting or a Wadadli beer to sip with the best meal of your life. When lunch is over relax, lie out in the sun or shade grab some rays or some zzzz’s and enjoy your virtually private Antiguan beach.