Quick Answer
An Antigua yacht charter usually starts in English Harbour or Falmouth Harbour, about 30 minutes from V.C. Bird Airport, with marinas for yachts of 90 metres and more. Highlights include Nelson’s Dockyard, the reef-protected east coast and the pink-sand beaches of Barbuda. Antigua Sailing Week takes place at the end of April.
Antigua is one of the superyacht capitals of the Caribbean. Its deep natural harbours, historic dockyard and famous regattas attract some of the finest yachts in the world every winter, and the island is said to have a beach for every day of the year. Just to the north, its sister island Barbuda offers miles of empty, pink-tinged sand. An Antigua yacht charter combines yachting heritage, beautiful beaches and easy flights from London and the US.
Why Charter a Yacht in Antigua?
- Superyacht infrastructure: the marinas of English and Falmouth Harbours welcome yachts of 90 metres and more.
- Yachting history: Nelson’s Dockyard is the only working Georgian dockyard in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Beaches and bays: broad, sheltered bays are perfect anchorages and ideal for trying the yacht’s water toys.
- A great starting point: from Antigua you can cruise on to Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis or St Barths.
Highlights of an Antigua & Barbuda Charter
English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard
The heart of yachting in Antigua. Walk among the restored 18th-century buildings of the dockyard, where the Royal Navy once based its Caribbean fleet, then drive up to Shirley Heights at sunset for the most famous view on the island, over English and Falmouth Harbours.
The West Coast: Jolly Harbour, Cades Reef and Deep Bay
Antigua’s sheltered west coast is lined with sandy bays. Snorkel Cades Reef, a long barrier reef protected as a marine park, and the wreck of the Andes in the middle of Deep Bay, which lies close to the surface. Walk up to the ruins of Fort Barrington for wide views.
Green Island and Nonsuch Bay
On the east coast, an outer reef protects Nonsuch Bay and Green Island, creating flat turquoise water while Atlantic waves break further out. It is one of the best places in the Caribbean for kitesurfing and paddleboarding.
Barbuda
About thirty nautical miles north of Antigua, Barbuda is flat, quiet and almost untouched. Its beaches, such as Low Bay and Cocoa Point, stretch for miles with soft, pale pink sand. Take a boat into Codrington Lagoon to visit the Frigatebird Sanctuary, one of the largest colonies of these birds in the world.
Antigua’s Yachting Calendar
| When | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| December | Antigua Charter Yacht Show | The season opens and many charter yachts gather in English and Falmouth Harbours |
| Christmas & New Year | Festive weeks | High demand; book early |
| Late April | Antigua Sailing Week | One of the Caribbean’s best-known regattas, with lively evenings ashore |
A Sample Week
| Day | Where | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Harbour | Embarkation, Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights |
| 2 | Carlisle Bay & Cades Reef | Swimming and snorkelling |
| 3 | Deep Bay & Five Islands | Andes wreck, Fort Barrington |
| 4 | Barbuda – Low Bay | Pink sand, Frigatebird Sanctuary |
| 5 | Barbuda – Cocoa Point | Long beach day, reef snorkelling |
| 6 | Great Bird Island | North Sound reefs and islets |
| 7 | Green Island & Nonsuch Bay | Water toys, farewell dinner |
| 8 | English Harbour | Breakfast and disembarkation |
Getting There
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) has direct flights from London and several US cities. Remember to complete the free online arrival form first – see our Caribbean entry requirements guide. English and Falmouth Harbours are about thirty minutes away by car. Antigua is also a good start for a one-way charter north to Nevis, St Kitts, St Barths and St Martin.
The main season runs from December to April, with Antigua Sailing Week extending it to the end of April. See our month-by-month guide.
Yachts for an Antigua charter
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Antigua yacht charters start?
Most start at Nelson’s Dockyard Marina in English Harbour or at Falmouth Harbour next door, both about thirty minutes from the airport.
Is Barbuda worth visiting?
Absolutely. Its empty beaches and frigatebird colony are a highlight. The crossing takes a few hours and depends on sea conditions.
When is Antigua Sailing Week?
It usually takes place at the end of April and is one of the liveliest weeks of the Caribbean season.
Can we combine Antigua with other islands?
Yes. A one-way charter from Antigua to St Martin can include Nevis, St Kitts and St Barths.
How large are the yachts that can berth in Antigua?
The marinas of English and Falmouth Harbours can accommodate superyachts of around 90 to 100 metres.
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