Antigua

365 Beaches and World-Class Regattas

$2,800/week

Overview

Antigua proudly claims a beach for every day of the year, and from the helm of a charter yacht you will believe it. This compact Caribbean island packs an extraordinary variety of anchorages into its deeply indented coastline: sheltered bays fringed by mangroves on the leeward side, dramatic cliff-backed coves to windward, and the legendary English Harbour where Nelson's Dockyard still stands as the world's only continuously working Georgian naval yard. The sailing here is outstanding. Steady northeast trade winds of 15 to 20 knots push you between anchorages separated by short, enjoyable passages, making Antigua ideal for both confident bareboat sailors and those stepping aboard a crewed yacht for the first time. Time your visit for Antigua Sailing Week in late April and you will join one of the oldest and most prestigious regattas in the Caribbean, with the harbour buzzing with crews from every sailing nation. A day sail north to Barbuda reveals a different world entirely: a flat, sparsely inhabited island rimmed by 17 miles of unbroken pink-sand beach and home to the largest frigate bird colony in the Western Hemisphere. Back on Antigua, Green Island and the offshore reefs offer superb snorkelling, while the restaurants and rum bars of English Harbour and Jolly Harbour ensure your evenings are as lively as your days on the water.

Highlights

Explore the UNESCO-listed Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour
Sail to Barbuda's 17-mile pink-sand beach and frigate bird sanctuary
Snorkel the coral reefs around Green Island and Bird Island
Experience Antigua Sailing Week, one of the Caribbean's premier regattas
Anchor in a different beach cove every day across 365 beaches
Enjoy fresh-caught lobster and rum cocktails at Shirley Heights lookout

Sample Itineraries

Antigua & Barbuda Explorer

7 days

English Harbour - Embarkation

Board your charter yacht at Nelson's Dockyard Marina in English Harbour. After the briefing and provisioning, explore the beautifully restored Georgian dockyard buildings. In the late afternoon, hike or taxi up to Shirley Heights for the famous Sunday barbecue and panoramic views over the harbour and Montserrat in the distance.

English HarbourSundowner cocktails at Shirley Heights with steel band music

Green Island & Nonsuch Bay

Sail east around the southern tip of Antigua to Green Island, a small uninhabited islet surrounded by protected reef. Anchor in the calm waters of Nonsuch Bay and spend the day snorkelling the vibrant coral gardens. The reef here is among the best preserved in the Eastern Caribbean.

Green Island, Nonsuch BaySnorkel pristine coral reefs in the Green Island marine area

Passage to Barbuda

Set sail early for the 30-nautical-mile open-water crossing to Barbuda. The trade winds make this a fast and exhilarating beam reach. Arrive in the early afternoon and anchor in the sheltered lagoon off Codrington. Explore the mangrove-fringed lagoon by dinghy and observe the magnificent frigate bird colony.

Codrington Lagoon, BarbudaVisit the largest frigate bird colony in the Western Hemisphere

Barbuda Beach Day

Spend a full day exploring Barbuda's spectacular western shore. Walk along miles of deserted pink-sand beach, beachcomb for shells and sea glass, and swim in the warm, shallow waters. With fewer than 2,000 residents on the entire island, you may have the beach entirely to yourself.

Low Bay, BarbudaWalk the 17-mile unbroken pink-sand beach in near solitude

Barbuda to Bird Island

Depart Barbuda for the return sail to Antigua's northeast coast. Stop at Bird Island (also called Great Bird Island), a small nature reserve just offshore. Hike to the summit for views over the satellite islands, then snorkel the surrounding reef where hawksbill turtles are frequently spotted.

Bird Island (Great Bird Island)Spot hawksbill turtles and red-billed tropicbirds on a nature reserve

North Coast to Jolly Harbour

Sail along Antigua's north coast, passing Dickenson Bay and the colonial fortifications of Fort James. Round the island's northwestern point and duck into Jolly Harbour, a well-equipped marina with restaurants, shops, and a beach. Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Jolly Harbour MarinaExplore Jolly Harbour's lively waterfront dining scene

Return to English Harbour - Disembarkation

A final morning sail south along the leeward coast returns you to English Harbour. Pass the dramatic pillars of Hercules at the harbour entrance and tie up at the marina by midday. Disembark with time to enjoy a last lunch at the dockyard before heading to the airport.

English HarbourSail through the iconic Pillars of Hercules harbour entrance

Practical Information

Getting There

V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) receives direct flights from the US (Miami, New York, Atlanta), UK (London Gatwick), Canada (Toronto), and several Caribbean islands. English Harbour and Jolly Harbour are both within 30-45 minutes of the airport by taxi. Some charter companies offer transfers.

ANU - V.C. Bird International Airport

Marinas

Nelson's Dockyard Marina -- English Harbour
Antigua Yacht Club Marina -- Falmouth Harbour
Jolly Harbour Marina -- Jolly Harbour

Weather

The dry season from December to April offers the most reliable conditions with northeast trade winds of 15-20 knots and minimal rainfall. Temperatures are consistently warm at 25-31 degrees Celsius. The passage to Barbuda can be choppy in stronger trades, so plan for a comfortable beam reach. Hurricane season runs June to November; charter insurance and weather monitoring are essential if sailing during this period.

Provisioning

Jolly Harbour has a full-size supermarket (Epicurean) ideal for provisioning at the start of your charter. English Harbour has smaller shops and the excellent Antigua Yacht Club for dining. Fresh fish is available from fishermen at most anchorages. Local produce includes tropical fruits, fresh-caught lobster (in season), and Antiguan black pineapple, one of the sweetest varieties in the world.