Generally, wherever there's a resort there's a beach. Prime beaches include the adjacent Dickenson and Runaway beaches on the eastern coast, Deep Bay and Hawksbill Beach to the west of St John's, and Darkwood Beach to the south of Jolly Harbour. On the eastern coast Half Moon Bay is a top contender. Those based in the English Harbour area can make their way to Galleon Beach and secluded Pigeon Beach. Antigua has some excellent diving , with coral canyons, wall drops and sea caves.
Marine life includes turtles, sharks, barracuda and reef fish.
Snorkel tours run by dive shops often visit the shallow waters of Paradise Reef. Antigua's sheltered western coast is good for inexperienced windsurfers , while the exposed eastern coast has onshore winds good for slalom and wave-slalom sailing. The other major watersport is game fishing , and there are plenty of marlin, tuna and wahoo. Walks average about 90 minutes in duration and typically visit old estates or interesting landscapes. Events Carnival , Antigua's big annual festival, is held from the end of July and culminates in a parade on the first Tuesday in August.