Looking to plan a memorable sailing holiday in Antigua? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive yacht charter guide covers all the essentials—from top anchorages and island highlights, to itineraries and travel tips—for an unforgettable Caribbean adventure. Ready to set sail? Read on and discover why Antigua is one of the most sought-after sailing destinations in the world.
With 365 beaches to choose from, you’ll want to stay on island time forever. Use our cruising guide to plan an Antigua sailing holiday. Originally called Wadadli, Antigua is a former British colony turned holiday hotspot. In the 1740s, construction of Nelson’s dockyard began - marking Antigua as a boat and yacht haven from that point on. Today Nelson’s Boat Yard is the only working Georgian dockyard in the world and is part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For yacht lovers, there is nothing better than an Antigua Yacht Charter.
Antigua’s prime sailing months typically run from December through April, when the region’s dry season coincides with consistent 15–20 knot trade winds. Warm daily temperatures and minimal rainfall characterize this period, making it optimal for events like Antigua Sailing Week and for exploring the island’s famed 365 beaches. While hurricane season extends from June to November, severe weather is most likely from August onward. If you prefer quieter anchorages and don’t mind occasional rain, May through mid-June can also offer a pleasant, slightly less crowded sailing experience.
What are the sailing qualification and license requirements to charter a yacht or catamaran in Antigua? Antigua does not generally impose a government-issued sailing license requirement for bareboat charters, but local charter companies will expect proof of prior sailing proficiency. Submitting an ASA 104, ICC, or RYA Day Skipper certificate can help secure a yacht quickly. If you do not hold one of these qualifications, a robust resume that details your coastal navigation experience, maneuvering in different wind strengths, and anchoring best practices might suffice. The famed “Land of 365 Beaches” offers everything from calm coves to more challenging coastal passages, so chart competence and reef awareness are essential for a seamless, enjoyable sailing trip.
Antigua’s storied British colonial past and Creole influences shape its culinary and cultural identity. Moor near English Harbour to explore Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site buzzing with yachting history and waterfront eateries. Sample hearty pepper pot stew, ducana (sweet potato dumplings), and fresh lobster. The island’s carnival season in late July features steel pan competitions, flamboyant costume parades, and calypso music, offering a vibrant insight into Afro-Caribbean traditions. Between scenic beaches and historical harbors, Antigua’s local flavors and festive spirit heighten the charm of any yacht charter.
Visiting yachts entering Antigua generally clear customs and immigration at facilities like St. John’s Harbour or English Harbour, where a cruising permit is issued based on your boat’s length. Environmentally sensitive reef zones may require mooring usage over anchoring to prevent coral damage. Keep your documentation—vessel registration, insurance, and crew lists—available for inspection at any time. By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a laid-back charter experience along Antigua’s famed beaches and historic harbors.
When planning Antigua excursions, the most important thing is timing.
You’ll find the best sailing weather between December and May, which is Antigua’s dry season. Because of this, it’s also Antigua’s high season. If you’re looking to get better rates, consider booking in the off-season between June and November. Antigua’s temperatures are steady year-round, around 80°F or 27°C. During high season, you can expect east or northeast trade winds of approximately 20 knots.
Most Antigua yacht charters start from Jolly Harbour Marina.
In order to get to Antigua, we recommend flying into the VC Bird International Airport. It is not far outside of St. John, about 5 miles. From North America, you will find many direct flights via Delta, US Airways, United Airlines, WestJet, JetBlue, CanJet and Air Canada. From the UK, British Airways and Virgin offer direct flights.
Yacht4Less can arrange your transfer from VC Bird to the marina, for the utmost ease and comfort while traveling!
If you are not in a rush, there are other options. You could fly into larger airports in Puerto Rico, or Sint Maarten, or the Dominican Republic and connect from there. LIAT is a regional airline that offers many connecting flights into St. John. This could be a cost-effective option for some.
Transfer Time Antigua Airport to Marina: 30 mins
Ready to set sail to Antigua and can't wait to look at boat options? Skip to: Request a Tailor-made Quote
To stock up on food for the trip, we recommend Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy, or Baileys. For a larger selection, choose Epicurean as is it much larger than Baileys. If you’re willing and able to go a little farther out, Bailey’s might be a more authentic experience, with a wonderful local product section.
For your first night, sail to Dickenson Bay - the perfect overnight stop. With a beautiful, calm anchorage you’ll be able to start your restful holiday off right. Go ashore the next day and explore the town and shops. You can also enjoy an amazing white sand beach, littered with beach bars, and the perfect place to catch the sunset. Stop by Sneaky Pete’s Beach Bar, Pepperz n’ Lime Restaurant and Coconut Grove Bar and Restaurant. We also recommend Low Bay, Coco Point, English Harbour and Carlisle Bay which are the highlights of the Antigua sailing itinerary.
Looking for more cushy extras? Yacht4Less can arrange wifi, SUP, and kayaks. If you want the ultimate yachting experience, choose a luxury Antigua yacht charter and we can offer an all-inclusive option with a skipper, hostess and cook and half or full board.
Day 1. Jolly Harbour Marina (check-in)
Time to check in, organise the boat's provisions and get ready to set sail the next morning after your briefing!
Day 2. Jolly Harbour Marina - Dickenson Bay 10 NM
For your first night, sail to Dickenson Bay - the perfect overnight stop. With a beautiful, calm anchorage you’ll be able to start your restful holiday off right. Go ashore the next day and explore the town and shops.
You can also enjoy an amazing white sand beach, littered with beach bars, and the perfect place to catch the sunset. Stop by Sneaky Pete’s Beach Bar, Pepperz n’ Lime Restaurant and Coconut Grove Bar and Restaurant.
Day 3. Dickenson Bay - Low Bay, Barbuda 30NM
Moving on to Barbuda, you’ll spend your second night at Low Bay. With just 10 mooring spots at Palmetto Pint, these anchorages go fast. Nearby, at Coco Point, you’ll find another 16 moorings for your use.
Day 4. Low Bay, Barbuda - Coco Point, Barbuda 10 NM
Another Barbuda stop, on the south coast, Coco Point is a calm, safe and quiet retreat. This is another favorite anchorage, especially if there is any northerly swell.
During Hurricane Irma, Coco Point Lodge was destroyed and is currently awaiting restorations. However, you can still enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and the crystal blue waters, from the deck of your yacht!
Day 5. Coco Point, Barbuda - Nonsuch Bay 30 NM
For your fourth day, head to Nonsuch Bay - home to a great anchorage, one of Antigua’s top spots. Nonsuch Bay offers plenty of space for anchoring and plenty of protection from the sea from a windward reef.
Take a trip to Green Island, an uninhabited paradise, where you can be one with nature.
Day 6. Nonsuch Bay - English Harbour 10 NM
If you’re in English Harbour, you must visit Nelson Dockyard, a critical point in Antigua’s yachting culture. It is the only 18th-century working dockyard and full-service marina. It’s rich with history, as Admiral Nelson would keep his fleet here.
Day 7. English Harbour - Jolly Harbour Marina 10 NM
On your final day, you’ll have time for one quick stopover at Darkwood Beach, on your way back to Jolly Harbour. Looking to get off the yacht and stretch your legs? Hike up Greencastle Hill, and catch some amazing views.
It depends. For example, the most important ones are the type of boat you will choose and whether you require a professional crew on board (e.g. skipper, hostess or cook). So, as you can see, there are many factors that can shape a price for a boat rental.
Check our full guide about yacht charter cost and how you can save much money in your next sailing holidays or request a tailor-made quote from one of our yacht charter consultants!
Antigua’s “365 beaches” and vibrant harbors make it a top sailing holiday choice for bareboat, skippered, and fully crewed yacht charters. Seasoned sailors often choose bareboat charters to navigate between English Harbour’s historic docks and Barbuda’s pink-sand shores on their own, enjoying the freedom to set the pace. If you’d rather relax, skippered charters place a local Antigua captain at the helm—expertly guiding you to the best snorkeling reefs and beach bars. For the ultimate in luxury, fully crewed yacht charters deliver a private yacht cruise with professional crew handling all details, from on-deck sunbathing setups to gourmet West Indies meals as you explore the island’s stunning coastline.
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