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Uncover one of the best seashores in Antigua for snorkelling, swimming and hanging out. Plus hidden seashores the place you would possibly see extra sea turtles than individuals!
As a sailor and a journey author specializing within the area, I’ve been to (and written about) 40 or extra Caribbean islands, scouting out tradition, points of interest, native meals and even some historical past. However seashores are my old flame.
I’ve sipped Painkillers on Jost Van Dyke seashore within the British Virgin Islands, body-surfed off a Puerto Rico seashore, bonded with sea turtles beachside in Trinidad and chilled out at almost each seashore bar in Anguilla.
Whereas Antigua presents many issues to do, it’s nonetheless all concerning the seashores.
With 365 seashores on an island smaller than 300 sq. kilometres (115 sq. ft), narrowing it all the way down to the 14 finest could also be a idiot’s errand.
However throughout my years of visiting Antigua I’ve provide you with some favourites.
Be a part of me on a visit across the island, starting within the northeast, heading west alongside the north shore, south down Antigua’s west coast, then east alongside the south shore.
We’ll cease at one of the best seashores alongside the way in which.
1. Nice Chook Island – Removed from the Madding Crowd
I used to be skippering a sailboat the primary time I noticed Nice Chook Island, a nature protect situated three kilometres off Antigua’s northeast coast.
I favored it a lot we anchored there for 2 nights, visiting a tiny seashore on the south facet then trudging by way of forest to the north seashore, a 400 metre stretch of sand we needed to ourselves. Removed from the madding crowd.
We spent a pleasant day lounging on the seashore and snorkelling the reef guarding the opening to the bay earlier than going inland.
There we climbed a steep path to a vista providing views of the distinctive landforms on the island itself and close by islands lashed by Atlantic waves.
Final time there – simply weeks in the past – I observed {that a} picket staircase has changed the trail, making that ascent even simpler.
Whereas you could have to share the seashore with a couple of others if you happen to’re not a sailboat skipper, you possibly can play castaway on a Nice Chook Island Eco-Journey.
On this full-day expertise you possibly can snorkel, bask within the solar, go caving at Hell’s Gate, do some birdwatching or discover the mangroves at Guiana Island.
Whereas on Nice Chook Island, you would possibly even see the indigenous endangered Antigua Racer snakes.
Don’t fear – they don’t chew.
Test charges and availability of Nice Chook Island Eco-Journey (together with lunch) on Viator.com.
2. Lengthy Bay Seashore – A Good Seashore for Snorkeling
Lounging in Antigua’s northeast nook, Lengthy Bay is a beautiful white sand seashore.
Add in a coral reef defending the seashore and creating comparatively calm waters, and you may snorkel to your coronary heart’s content material.
Lengthy Bay’s seashore is broadly thought-about one of many island’s finest seashores for snorkelling.
Positioned lower than 50 metres from shore, the reef will be reached by foot.
Given its distance from St. John’s, cruise passengers hardly ever go to this seashore, leading to few crowds.
The strategy is alongside a considerably bumpy gravel highway, so it’s good for individuals who don’t like individuals.
Having stated that, Pineapple Seashore Membership occupies one finish of the seashore so that you gained’t get it utterly to your self.
However throughout our latest go to we encountered only a few individuals as soon as we left the lodge behind.
A pastel-painted row of distributors’ huts is ready on a small ridge overlooking the seashore itself. So you possibly can decide up that seashore towel you forgot.
Thought of by many to be Antigua’s most scenic seashores, its north finish options lush vegetation and a weather-beaten stone constructing.
🌟 Insider Tip: Go to Mama Pasta’s Restaurant (Google Map) simply above the seashore itself for extremely rated do-it-yourself pasta and pizza. Or go for extra Caribbean fare.
3. Jabberwock Seashore – A Thrill Seekers Paradise
For those who proceed west alongside Antigua’s north coast and also you’re a thrill-seeker, Jabberwock Seashore (Google Map) is a must-do.
This still-wild Antiguan seashore is near the highway however the mild dunes between the highway and the seashore itself quickly make you overlook the place you’re.
To be honest the seashore, although scenic, is open to waves. However that’s the enchantment for most of the guests right here.
Jabberwock is the preferred seashore in Antigua for kite boarding.
Excessive overhead an orange kite grasped by an adventurer driving a surfboard wheels and soars above the boarder who rides the waves and catches air – generally flying three metres above the floor.
Out on the water one other rider hangs off what seems like an enormous wing.
“That’s wingfoiling,” says an Aussie named Adam, on the weather-beaten picket shack that homes Kitesurf Antigua “it’s thenewest factor.”
Whereas this isn’t Antigua’s calmest seashore, Adam praises it enthusiastically.
“Greatest place on the island,” he says.
Then he presents me a lesson. You may supposedly be taught to kiteboard after three classes.
Perhaps subsequent time. Extra seashores await my pleasure.
4. Dickenson Bay Seashore – The place the Motion Is
Only a few kilometres east of St. John’s, Dickenson Bay (Google Map) and neighbouring Runaway Bay are Antigua’s hottest seashores.
If I wanted any additional convincing, I get it after we drop the anchor of our sailboat a few hundred metres off the seashore.
We’re virtually instantly buzzed by a trio of waverunners.
Moments later two Hobie Cats slice the close by waters.
One finish of the seashore is populated by water sports activities centres and umbrellas sheltering friends of the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa.
At first intimidated by the crowds, I ultimately make it ashore. I stroll he kilometre-long seashore, discovering a wealth of eating places dotting the shoreline.
A stunning lunch of grilled mahi mahi at one spot – Ana’s on the Seashore – washed down with a freezing Piña Colada enhances my relationship with Dickenson.
A go to to a hopping floating bar (a free water taxi journey from the seashore) provides to the enchantment.
There, we bob in mild waves, lounging on a picket deck sipping the Painkiller cocktails. .
It’s not essentially my favorite Antigua seashore however I’ve but to satisfy a seashore I didn’t like.
🌟 Professional Tip: For those who’re planning a trip throughout sargassum seaweed season (Might to September), Antigua’s seashores on the northwest coast — reminiscent of Dickenson Bay Seashore — have traditionally been among the finest Caribbean seashores with out seaweed.
5. Fort James Seashore – A Serving to of Historical past
Fort James Seashore, a white sand oasis roughly a kilometre lengthy and fringed by an unbroken emerald ribbon of vegetation, is nearly as common as Dickenson Bay.
Cruisers flock right here after they’re in Antigua cruise port. The closest seashore to the cruise port, it’s a five-minute journey or a comparatively brief stroll from the cruise ship terminal.
Possible as a result of that proximity to city, on a Saturday morning it’s full of Antiguans, partying with their households, enjoying seashore volleyball, tending barbecues wafting blue-gray smoke and irresistible aromas of conventional Antigua meals.
Since this Antigua seashore is sufficiently lengthy you possibly can nonetheless discover a place to put your seashore towel. Perhaps within the shade of a few clumps of boulders that remind me of artists’ sculptures on the seashore’s west finish.
Historical past buff that I’m, I’m enamoured of a landmark simply up a close-by hill. Take a break from the sand and sea and stroll contained in the partitions of an eighteenth-century stone fort.
Or take a guided Fort and Seashore E-Bike Tour, an tour that mixes a cease at Fort James or Fort Barrington.
You’ll want to try the Treehouse Seashore Membership (Google Map) with its stained picket loungers and enticing eating space in a mini-forest of native crops, even a treehouse.
For those who introduced the youngsters you’re in luck. This seashore membership contains a supervised youngsters’s play space.
🌟 Insider Tip: Beachlimerz restaurant proper beside Tree Home, is a Fort James Seashore establishment. It presents, along with a full food and drinks menu, loungers, kayak and SUP leases.
6. Deep Bay – An Antigua Seashore with a View
Whereas Fort James occupies a strategic headland guarding the approaches to St. John’s from the east, a hill roughly 200 metres excessive surmounted by the ruins of one other historic bastion – Fort Barrington – stands sentinel over the harbour within the west.
Within the lee of that towering landform you’ll discover Deep Bay Seashore (Google Map), one in all my favorite Antigua seashores.
Depart the sand for a bit, discovering the trail by way of the timber and climbing the steep path resulting in this erstwhile fortress. Right here you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the mountains marching south alongside the coast, St. John’s harbour and the seashore itself.
It’s a skinny strip of land bounded by the ocean on one facet and an enormous saltwater lagoon on the opposite.
Look to the south finish of the seashore. You’ll see the over-water bungalows and the seashore umbrellas lined up seaside which might be a part of the Royalton Antigua Resort.
If the view had been the one promoting level to this seashore I’d nonetheless like it. However wait, there’s extra.
Each due to its location on Antigua’s leeward coast and due to the form of the bay itself, waters are each crystal clear and quiet as a Sunday morning.
It’s an everyday bath-tub of a spot.
However that is additionally an amazing place to snorkel. Make your manner from the north finish of the seashore and see a lot of marine life and a few wholesome coral.
Preserve going additional then lower throughout to the center of the bay and snorkel over a historic shipwreck.
A particular Antigua must-see seashore in Antigua.
🌟 For an additional distinctive journey hop on a Tuk Tuk Tour of Rainforest and Seashores from Saint John’s.
7. Hawksbill Seashore – For That Full Physique Tan
I’ve sailed Antigua 4 occasions now and my favorite stretch of water is that skirting Antigua’s west coast south between Deep Bay and Jolly Harbour.
Lush mountains type the background whereas verdant forest reaches virtually to the sand itself.
Surreal rock formations dot the water, most notably the one that provides this space its title.
It thrusts up from the waves attacking its base, trying precisely like the pinnacle and neck of a Hawksbill turtle.
These seashores are virtually utterly abandoned. They’re so remoted I’ve heard taxi drivers don’t even wish to take you there.
Someplace alongside that stretch you’ll discover Antigua’s solely nude seashore (Eden Seashore), the proper spot for that general tan.
Accessed by way of a laid-back resort, all-inclusive (Hawksbill Resort) boasting 4 seashores, Eden Seashore is essentially the most southerly (Google Map), virtually utterly abandoned.
Working example, final time we sailed previous we noticed one particular person (sans bathing swimsuit) and two seashore chairs.
Find out how to get to Eden Seashore? Entry is thru Hawksbill Resort (Google Map). They’re cautious to let it’s not a naturist resort, then it’s a 5 to 10 minute stroll.
You’ll want to carry your sunscreen. A number of sunscreen.
8. Ffryes Seashore – My All-Time Favorite Seashore in Antigua
First time I noticed Ffryes Seashore was from a sailboat anchored possibly 200 metres offshore.
If ever there was a postcard-worthy seashore this was it: Amber sand nuzzled by neon lime waters, an oh-so-gentle surf, palms and sea grapes hugging the seashore within the shadow of a seventeenth century windmill.
Behind, a procession of emerald mountains appeared to march into the gap. And there was nobody in any respect on the seashore.
How a lot did I like Ffryes Seashore? After our first go to 20 years in the past I requested my spouse to explode a seascape she photographed there. I hung the photograph in my workplace for the following 15 years.
At this time, Ffryes Seashore is simply as attractive as I bear in mind it. Nevertheless it’s a lot livelier now, because of the rows of individuals lounging on seashore chairs, hugging matching blue towels from a Norwegian cruise.
Nonetheless my favorite seashore by way of surroundings and swim-friendliness, however right here’s a caveat.
You could find a seashore (Darkwood Seashore) virtually as fairly a few bays to the south. It’s a secluded spot for when cruise ships are available in.
Or head north and go for that all-over tan.
🌟 Professional Tip: Dennis Restaurant, one in all my favorite beachside watering holes, is housed in a rambling low-lying constructing overlooking Ffryes Seashore itself.
9. Turners Seashore – A Good Place for Lunch (and Extra)
Although some might name this gem Crab Hill Seashore and it truly occupies the southern reaches of Picarts Bay, it’s simple to search out Turners Seashore (Google Map) in Antigua’s southwest nook.
One of the vital lovely seashores in Antigua it contains a mild slope from alabaster sand into sapphire waters which might be completely calm just about year-round.
That’s as a result of its location on Antigua’s west coast and the truth that a bit ridge referred to as Fort Johnson’s Level protects it from Atlantic waves out of the south.
For me one in all Turner’s fundamental promoting factors is the restaurant housed in a country beachside constructing surrounded by a white picket fence.
The ambiance may be very informal – suppose naked wooden rafters overhead with decorations reflecting its nautical location – and so is the meals. However don’t be stunned by its high quality and selection.
Final time there I sampled their scrumptious fish truffles for a starter. My spouse went for the entire grilled crimson snapper. Killer rum punches added to the expertise.
On condition that there are solely two different individuals doing lunch right here and the seashore is occupied by solely three {couples}, I ask our server about how busy it will get.
She admits they’ve a particular deal for cruise passengers. So that you would possibly wish to time your go to. However you gained’t get the crowds you would possibly meet nearer to St. John’s.
In relation to facilities, Turner’s Seashore boasts each showers and alter rooms. And whereas I’ve seen individuals snorkelling off the rock formations at Johnsons Level I’ve by no means snorkelled right here myself.
(Cades Reef, an underwater marine park and one of many island’s finest snorkelling and diving spots is to the southwest).
I’ve, nevertheless, basted on the seashore, swam within the sea and noshed down on an amazing lunch a number of occasions.
Turners is a must-do for me.
10. Carlisle Bay Seashore – Bonding with Turtles
If the view that greets you while you uncover the seashore at Carlisle Bay on Antigua’s south coast had been this oasis’ solely promoting level, it will be enough testimonial to earn it a spot on this record of one of the best seashores in Antigua.
Amber sand graces the north facet of this horseshoe bay, laborious by a beautiful resort.
Rising up behind the resort, voluptuous inexperienced hills utterly devoid of any signal of humanity attain skyward in one in all Antigua’s most unspoiled areas.
Two large hills shield this pure great thing about a bay from Atlantic waves. One among which sports activities a large stone cliff.
Dramatic rock formations throughout the bay are adorned by spectacular views of crashing surf.
Above that headland itself pastel-painted houses cling to the slopes.
However this beautiful Antigua seashore (Google Map) has much more to suggest it.
Final time we sailed right here, we anchored on its jap shore. Our crew snorkelled off in the hunt for this spot’s different attraction.
Carlisle Bay Seashore is named one of the best place on Antigua for encountering – and bonding with – sea turtles.
Our crew returned to the boat with out seeing any turtles however they raved concerning the different marine life they encountered.
And if you happen to keep at Carlisle Bay Resort you possibly can console your self.
This 5-star resort boasts suites from Backyard to Seashore Balcony models, so that you gained’t expertise any hardships because of the absence of turtles.
And there’s all the time subsequent time.
11. Pigeon Level Seashore – A Seashore For Watching the World Go By
Although it’s not notably giant – doubtless 200 metres lengthy, if that – Pigeon Level on the south coast remains to be near the highest of my record of favorite seashores in Antigua.
It’s well-shaded, seashore chairs are available and it’s common with each vacationers within the know and Antiguans themselves.
Regardless of that, I’ve by no means seen it actually crowded.
For me its chief enchantment is its location.
Simply previous the village of Falmouth, it occupies an undulating inexperienced level jutting into the Atlantic, lounging on the east shore of a reasonably slim channel.
A number of the most luxurious mega yachts within the Caribbean should negotiate that channel, simply metres out of your seashore perspective. Good place for watching the world – or no less than the haute monde – go by.
Final time I got here right here I heard I missed seeing Jeff Bezos’ yacht by simply two days.
However that’s not the one promoting level. A concrete pier juts into the water, pointing towards a fleet of sailboats gently bobbing at their mooring balls. A number of individuals are snorkeling simply to seaward of that pier.
Contemplate doing lunch on the south finish of the seashore at Catherine’s Café, boasting French-inspired fare and a surprisingly intensive wine record for a seashore institution. The opposite finish options the purple-painted rudimentary picket watering gap referred to as Bumpkin’s (they’ve additionally obtained a popularity for excellent jerk hen).
Even cooler from my perspective, you could possibly take a break out of your break and climb the roughly three-kilometre path main from right here to Nelson’s Dockyard, or simply get pleasure from a twenty-minute stroll ( or brief drive) alongside the primary highway and immerse your self in an irresistible bastion of historical past at this UNESCO-designated website.
I’m a dedicated seashore bum however I’m additionally a severe history-lover.
Plan it proper, getting the seashore and Nelson’s Dockyard in on the identical day and also you’ve obtained the proper probability for a bit historical past and numerous enjoyable.
Another good day in paradise.
12. Galleon Seashore – An Even Greater Serving to of Historical past
Perhaps the good factor about discovering your home within the sand at Galleon Seashore (Google Map) in English Harbour is the distinctive – and incredible – view of the stone partitions and powder journal of an 18th century fortification referred to as Fort Belvedere.
Chill to these views or make your manner up cactus-studded hills amid dense vegetation behind the seashore.
There you possibly can hike the reasonably difficult path ascending to Shirley Heights, residence to common weekly occasion and barbecue.
Simply south of the seashore itself a reef extends from the shore. It’s one other prime snorkel spot.
Or simply chill on the sand and take a look at the mega yachts that decision this harbour residence.
The vistas are simply as interesting for wannabe yachters because the views you encounter in Pigeon Level.
After your morning within the solar, step off the water taxi and discover Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, a working Georgian dockyard.
The most effective seashores in Antigua, Galleon Seashore is infrequently crowded despite its location close to this high Antigua attraction.
A water taxi is without doubt one of the solely methods of getting right here.
🌟 Insider Tip: In search of a little bit of hydration? Take a look at the Unfastened Cannon Seashore Bar (Google Map). You’ll love its specials from Brunch on the Seashore on Saturdays to daybed leases full with cocktails or wine.
13. St. James Membership Marmora and Willoughby Bay – Two Seashores for the Value of One
Select an Antigua base right here at a resort referred to as St. James Membership & Villas (Google Map) on the south coast and also you’ve obtained your self a deal – two seashores for the value of 1.
Each are simply achieved while you e book a keep at this resort.
Admittedly the easterly one – dealing with Willoughby Bay – is way smaller than the pleasant seashore situated at Mamora Bay on the opposite facet of the resort.
It’s extra a spot for gazing than swimming given the sturdy surf.
The Mamora facet is sheltered, calm and downright spectacular. Surprise how fairly this seashore is? A huge hill dominates the view to the west from this seashore.
You may’t see the home from right here, however that promontory is host to Eric Clapton’s sprawling mansion.
Fairly good style in actual property.
However there’s a caveat if you happen to select to remain right here. Attractive and dramatic although their seashore choices could also be.
Again from a day of exploring Antigua we cease for a drink at one of many lodge’s pool bars and I chat with a fellow Canadian. Subsequent day he was going residence.
“Favorite a part of the island?” I ask, interested in his adventures.
He seems sheepish. “Haven’t left the lodge.”
Completely comprehensible.
Unfold throughout greater than a 100 acres, its décor and format – from the beachside villas to our personal room with a balcony not more than 10 metres from a rocky shore – would be the most interesting of any Caribbean resort I’ve visited.
And as soon as we pattern the actions from trivia nights, to state-of-the-art pickleball courts, from tennis courts to a 24 hr espresso store, I’m struck by how apt Antigua’s tourism slogan is whether or not describing this resort or the island as a complete.
“The seashore is only the start”.
An excellent place to start out.
🌟 Professional Tip: Commune with gigantic wild stingrays on a 3-hour tour to Stingray Metropolis in Willikies, a 20 minute drive from St. James Membership.
14. Rickett Harbour, Inexperienced Island – Play Castaway on an Uninhabited Island
Rickett Harbour, on Inexperienced Island, a Robinson-Crusoe-worthy spot situated off Antigua’s southeast coast, is residence to a drop-dead attractive seashore.
It options cactus, palms, century crops and a few nice snorkelling inside a reef that juts out from some extent on the seashore’s south finish.
As a result of this uninhabited island is privately owned by the Mill Reef Membership (Google Map) on the mainland you possibly can’t go exploring additional than the seashore.
However when you get right here you’d by no means wish to depart anyway. The waters are crystal clear. So clear you won’t even your masks to take a look at some sea life.
Mockingly, regardless of Carlisle’s popularity as one of the best place to see sea turtles, after we anchor right here on a chartered sailboat we see a minimum of 10 or 15 sea turtles surfacing simply metres from our boat.
There are not any services right here. However that’s most likely okay.
Your solely technique to get right here is a part of an organized tour such because the Xtreme Circumnavigation of Antigua. tour with Island Routes. It features a high at Inexperienced Island in addition to Stingray Metropolis.
Last Ideas and Map
Hopefully this round-up has given you a great begin on planning a seashore trip in Antigua.
And you should definitely do some unbiased exploring. You’re sure to find your individual favorite seashore in Antigua.
Or head to neighbouring Barbuda for much more choices.
Click on to view and obtain a map of those 14 Antigua Seashores on Google Maps.
The place to Keep in Antigua
Tamarind Hills
This newly constructed upscale villa growth close to Jolly Harbour options stellar views of Darkwood and Ffryes seashores. The villas additionally supply full kitchens and a up to date decor making them an amazing choice for {couples} and households.
Test charges and availability at Tamarind Hills on Reserving.com.
Sandals Grande Antigua
This luxurious, couples-only, all-inclusive resort is ready straight on Dickenson Bay.
Its mature landscaping, distinctive design with unfold throughout two sections, the Mediterranean Oceanview Village and the Caribbean Beachfront Village with rondovals, and 11 eating places are among the many many causes it typically will get voted the world’s most romantic resort.
Test charges and availability at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.
Hodges Bay Resort & Spa
Keep the place celebrities keep in Antigua! This Instagram worthy resort presents a personal, white-sand seashore, a great deal of artwork and posh rooms.
Plus, limitless photo-ops with the Boonji Spaceman artwork set up.
Test charges and availability at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.
Blue Waters Resort & Spa
Set on a secluded bay on Antigua’s northwestern shore, this refined luxurious property can be residence to the acclaimed fine-dining restaurant The Cove.
Test charges and availability at Blue Waters Resort & Spa on Reserving.com.
Ellen Bay Cottages
A studio and 2-bedroom condo models close to Lengthy Bay Seashore within the village of Seatons. A vibrant and cheerful price range choice.
Test charges and availability at Ellen Bay Cottages on Reserving.com.
Curtain Bluff Resort
Overlooking its personal little seashore on the south coast, uber-upscale Curtain Bluff Resort payments itself because the longest-running luxurious all-inclusive resort within the Caribbean.
Contemplate this: beachfront suites with personal terrace and plunge pool.
Test charges and availability of Curtain Bluff All-Inclusive on Reserving.com.
St. James Membership
Average to upscale lodging would finest characterize St. James Membership on the south coast, although the property is attractive.
It contains a kaleidoscope of pastel-painted villas marching skyward, a swathe of sand boasting a restaurant, two seashore bars and each single non-motorized water sport you could possibly think about.
Guide a room, a Junior Suite or perhaps a villa at this all-inclusive resort.
Test charges and availability of St. James Membership on Reserving.com.
Getting Round
You’ll want a automotive (or a ship) to go exploring in Antigua & Barbuda.
We hire our automobiles on Discovercars.com. It’s an internet automotive rental reserving website that compares charges from a number of corporations to search out one of the best deal.
Test for one of the best automotive rental charges at Discovercars.com
FAQs
In addition to nice seashores what else is there to do on the island of Antigua?
Take a look at our record of high issues to do in Antigua & Barbuda for some concepts past the seashore.
A few of our favorite actions embrace visiting the UNESCO designated website Nelson’s Dockyard, the Caribbean’s finest occasion at in the course of the weekly occasion at Shirley Heights) and touring the ruins of a plantation at Betty’s Hope.
What’s Antigua finest identified for?
With 365 seashores, solar, sand and sea are most likely Antigua’s chief declare to fame. However crusing and yachting are proper up there too. From regattas that includes mega yachts and basic boats to weeklong celebrations like Antigua Crusing Week with races days, shore occasions and events there’s tons to do.
Official Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Web site
Find out about Licensed Tourism Companies and extra at: Go to Antigua & Barbuda
Extra Antigua Journey and Meals Concepts
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Mark Stevens and photographer/associate Sharon Matthews-Stevens are a multiple-award-winning group who’ve supplied tales and photos for shops from Canadian Yachting to the Washington Submit. Collectively they’ve swum with sharks in Bahamas, dogsledded within the Yukon, cooked within the mountains of Morocco and reported from no less than 40 Caribbean islands. Go to their portfolio at Journey Write Click on
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