Take a Yacht Charter in Antigua to Get Away from it All

That Caribbean vibe, reggae music and crystal-clear waters are just some of the attractions of Antigua. This nation comprises two islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and is a wonderful place for a great escape.

Located in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and Barbuda have a number of inlets and bays. The country achieved independence from Great Britain in November 1981.

More than a million visitors arrive on the islands each year, mostly from the U.S. and Great Britain. That means that in terms of tourists per head of population, the country ranks 13th in the world.

Direct flights can be taken from some of the world’s major airports, including London Gatwick and JFK, New York. When you reach Antigua though, there’s no need to stay land-bound.

Borrow a Boat

One of the most exciting ways to see the beauty of the islands is on a yachting holiday. Check out Borrow a boat and there are options including skipper, so you can just relax on the water.

If you’d prefer to skipper your own yacht, there are options for that too. In fact, it’s a great place for novice sailors to try their hand at this sport.

Make a note of the different mooring points when planning your trip and don’t try to wing it. The larger spots, such as Jolly Harbour, usually have mooring spots available, but some have very few.

Palmetto Pint, Barbuda

There are just 10 moorings available here, but it’s a lovely place to explore the lesser-populated Barbuda from.

Nonsuch Bay

This is a popular spot for trips to the uninhabited Green Island, which lives up to its name.

Falmouth Harbour

One of the main hubs for the yachting community in Antigua. It is a horseshoe shaped bay with plenty of space for boats of all shapes and sizes.

Best Time to Visit

Antigua never gets too hot or too cold, so it can be a year-round destination. However, the trade winds blow down here, and it can get hurricanes, particularly in September.

Temperatures normally stay between 25 – 30 degrees throughout the year. From mid-June, there are heavy showers about once a day, and that lasts until November.

The ideal time to visit is any time from December to April. January is a popular month, but February can be quieter, while the heat reaches its peak in July and August.

Activities in Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda are home to so much natural beauty that you could stay on your yacht all day. Sailing around the many inlets lets you soak up the serenity and admire the view.

However, there are plenty of other activities to do, starting with discovering some of the most amazing beaches on earth.

365 Beaches

That’s right, there’s one for every day of the year, so you can never get bored. Drop anchor, take a dinghy to shore in some amazing coves that can’t be reached any other way.

Hermitage Bay

You can sometimes have this beach to yourself. The softest sands and great snorkelling, plus a secret cave make it a cool spot to stop for a day.

Pinching Bay

White sands that are perfect for a gentle stroll and small rock pools that appear when the tide goes out.

Darkwood Beach

Swim in to shore from the yacht, or get in by dinghy. Even though it’s quiet, there’s an authentic Antiguan restaurant here that is great for lunch.

Snorkelling and Diving

There are very few places in the world where the water is this aquamarine and clear. Antigua is surrounded by protected coral reef, which is thankfully in great condition.

There are shelfs on the southern and eastern coasts of Antigua, so it’s great for shallow diving. This is helped by very low currents and the selection of sea life is extraordinary.

The waters are famous for friendly stingrays, and it’s possible to swim alongside them too. Also keep an eye out for nurse sharks and giant lobsters!

Deep Bay

Even beginner divers can access the Wreck of the Andes, a merchant ship that sank here in 1905.

Sunken Rock

This ledge on the south coast is good for experienced divers. Trails and valleys of rock start just 1 meter down where parrot fish, barracuda and bushy black coral live.

Eating

It‘s likely that you will be tempted off your yacht by the enticing scents more than once during your trip. Dishes here are packed with flavor, and favorites include:

1. Jerk chicken
2. Goat water
3. Saltfish

And of course, the fresh seafood, which is abundant from the waters that surround it.

Cricket

No matter where you dock in Antigua, you’re likely to see a game of cricket, especially Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The country has produced an abundance of cricket talent, including Sir Viv Richards, one of the greatest batsmen ever.

The retired cricketer still lives on the island, where a street and the stadium are named after him!

Historic Expeditions

Antigua has a fascinating history, with some dark moments. The country is a former British colony that was happened upon by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

Wander around the well-preserved, and still working, Nelson’s Dockyard, where British warships once docked.

See the restored windmills and find out more about how the sugar trade affected the islands.

Sail Away for a Relaxing Holiday

With direct flights and easy booking options for yacht charter, Antigua is a fantastic option for a holiday. The slow pace of life and stunning scenery allow you to totally get away from it all.

With plenty of diversions on land and sea, you can do as much or as little as you like. It’s an ideal place to leave the rush of home life behind.