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Jolly Harbour

Antigua and Barbuda · Coast · XCD · 17.066100, -61.887200
Family friendly 6.8/10 · Rank 955 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

Suitable for beach holiday lovers, sailing and golf enthusiasts, families with children and anyone wanting to enjoy a comfortable Caribbean holiday.

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$211.00 (≈ 17 707 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 477.00 (≈ 123 950 ₽)
Jolly Harbour is a popular resort township on the southwestern coast of Antigua. This modern complex features a marina for yachts, shops, restaurants and its own beaches. Jolly Harbour is an ideal destination for family holidays and water sports..
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
22.0°C
Sea
30.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Jolly Harbour residents are friendly and used to tourists. Many tourism workers and sailors.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic white sand beaches
  • Large marina with shops and restaurants
  • Diverse entertainment for families
  • Excellent snorkelling opportunities
  • Affordable prices compared to other resorts

Cons

  • High accommodation prices
  • Limited nightlife
  • Transport needed to get around the island
  • Few restaurants outside the marina
  • High season from December to April
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
25.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
22.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
September-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Jolly Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Jolly Harbour beaches are safe for swimming, the water is clean. Protective footwear is recommended for protection against sea urchins on rocky bottoms.

Sea urchins — details

  • Black sea urchins are found in Jolly Harbour waters on rocky bottoms and near coral reefs. Protective footwear is recommended when swimming and snorkelling.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Caribbean coral reefs inhabit Jolly Harbour waters, including barrier reefs. Risk of cuts on contact, do not step on corals.

Jellyfish — details

  • Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) are found in Jolly Harbour waters, usually harmless but can cause mild stinging. Peak activity season is August-October.

Sharks — details

  • Lemon sharks, blacktip reef sharks and nurse sharks inhabit Jolly Harbour waters. Attacks on humans are extremely rare. Caution is advised when swimming in deeper water.
Attractions

Jolly Beach

One of Antigua's best beaches with white sand and calm water

Jolly Harbour Marina

Large marina with shops, restaurants and bars

Darkwood Beach

Scenic beach with white sand and crystal clear water

Ffryes Beach

Popular beach with restaurants and bars, ideal for sunsets

Jolly Harbour Golf Club

Scenic golf course with sea views

Best areas

Jolly Harbour

Resort area with a marina, beaches and restaurants

Darkwood Beach

Quiet area with a beach and hotels, popular with families

Ffryes Beach

Scenic area with a beach and restaurants

Must-try food

Fungee

Cornmeal porridge, Antigua's national dish, served with fish soup

Ducana

Sweet dish of grated sweet potato, coconut and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf

Pepperpot

Stewed meat with vegetables and spices, a popular dish

Roti

Flatbread with curry filling, a popular street food

Tamarind Ice Cream

Refreshing tamarind dessert, popular on beaches

Where to go next

St. John's

Antigua's capital with markets and museums, 30 minutes by car

Falmouth Harbour

Yachting harbour with restaurants and bars, 40 minutes by car

Dickenson Bay Beach

Popular beach with white sand and calm water, 30 minutes by car

Barbuda

Island with pink sand and frigate birds, accessible by ferry

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт имени В. К. Бёрда (ANU).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$441.00
≈ 37 009 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$400.00
≈ 33 568 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Jolly Harbour Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Jolly Harbour: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Jolly Harbour: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Jolly Harbour: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +22.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Jolly Harbour: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Jolly Harbour: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on September-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Jolly Harbour: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, crystal water. The most popular beaches: Jolly Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Jolly Harbour: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Jolly Harbour: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish, sharks. Jolly Harbour beaches are safe for swimming, the water is clean. Protective footwear is recommended for protection against sea urchins on rocky bottoms.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Jolly Harbour: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $211.00 (≈ 17 707 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Jolly Harbour: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $50.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $150.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $250.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $441.00 per night, an apartment — $120.00 per night, a villa — $400.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Jolly Harbour: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $15.00, dinner at a restaurant — $40.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Jolly Harbour: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Jolly Harbour: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Jolly Beach — One of Antigua's best beaches with white sand and calm water; Jolly Harbour Marina — Large marina with shops, restaurants and bars; Darkwood Beach — Scenic beach with white sand and crystal clear water; Ffryes Beach — Popular beach with restaurants and bars, ideal for sunsets; Jolly Harbour Golf Club — Scenic golf course with sea views. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Jolly Harbour: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fungee — Cornmeal porridge, Antigua's national dish, served with fish soup; Ducana — Sweet dish of grated sweet potato, coconut and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf; Pepperpot — Stewed meat with vegetables and spices, a popular dish; Roti — Flatbread with curry filling, a popular street food; Tamarind Ice Cream — Refreshing tamarind dessert, popular on beaches. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Jolly Harbour: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Jolly Harbour — Resort area with a marina, beaches and restaurants; Darkwood Beach — Quiet area with a beach and hotels, popular with families; Ffryes Beach — Scenic area with a beach and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Jolly Harbour: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Jolly Harbour: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт имени В. К. Бёрда (code ANU). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Jolly Harbour: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — XCD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $211.00 (≈ 17 707 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Jolly Harbour: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Jolly Harbour: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Jolly Harbour: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: St. John's — Antigua's capital with markets and museums, 30 minutes by car; Falmouth Harbour — Yachting harbour with restaurants and bars, 40 minutes by car; Dickenson Bay Beach — Popular beach with white sand and calm water, 30 minutes by car; Barbuda — Island with pink sand and frigate birds, accessible by ferry. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.8/10
Overall rank: 955 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 639

Best season

December-April

Useful information

Currency: XCD
Coordinates: 17.066100, -61.887200