A complete yacht charter guide that has everything you need to know about your next sailing holidays in Antigua.
Want to know more? Keep reading…
If you are familiar with a Antigua sailing holiday and want to look at boat options for your next yacht charter, then skip to: Request a Tailor-made Quote
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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.
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.
Time to check in, organise the boat's provisions and get ready to set sail the next morning after your briefing!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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