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“You Make the Memories, We’ll Make the Arrangements”

Antigua Yacht Charter offers an attractive destination with warm winds, safe harbors, and a protective coral reef. Admiral Horatio Nelson recognized these qualities in 1784. Thus, he established Great Britain’s Caribbean base. Today, Antigua remains a top tourist spot due to its unique characteristics.

Beautiful beach to relax on your Antigua Yacht Charter
Beautiful beach to relax on your Antigua Yacht Charter

Antigua and Barbuda, the main islands in this sovereign country, are located in the Leeward Islands. The country also includes the uninhabited Redonda, which is now a nature preserve.

Neighboring islands include Montserrat, Guadeloupe, St Kitts, St Barts, and St Martin. Antigua has a population of 97% of the country. St John serves as the capital and largest port. Mount Obama, formerly known as Boggy Peak, stands at 1319 ft, making it the highest point.

If you want to explore the island, here’s an Antigua itinerary to give you an idea.

Map of Antigua and Barbuda - Antigua Yacht Charter

Antigua History

Antigua was originally settled by native Amerindians dating back to 3100 BC, with the Arawak and Carib Indians settling later.

The Arawaks named Antigua “Wadadli,” which is still used locally. In 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered the islands and named them after a Spanish icon.

English settlers arrived in 1632, introducing sugar cane and a large enslaved West African population. Antigua became an associated state of the British Commonwealth in 1968 and gained full independence on November 1, 1981.

Experience luxury on "Just Enough" while cruising Antigua and Barbuda - Antigua Yacht Charter
Experience luxury on “Just Enough” while cruising Antigua and Barbuda

Weather | Antigua Yacht Charter

Antigua boasts warm and tropical weather year-round, with temperatures ranging from mid-seventies to mid-eighties. It has low humidity due to trade winds and is drier than other Caribbean islands, receiving an average of only 45 inches of annual rainfall.

The northeast trade winds are almost constant, and the busiest months are January to April, while May to November experience short bursts of rain and possible tropical storms.

Places to See on your Antigua Yacht Charter

Fort Berkeley

Fort Berkeley is located at the entrance to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour and is accessible via a rugged hiking trail. Visitors can see 20 cannons, a stone quarry, and a powder magazine at the fort.

Fort James

Fort James guards the St. John’s Harbour entrance against potential French invasions. Visitors can view the old cannons and enjoy a stunning view from the fort.

The Antigua and Barbuda Museum 

It shows everything from when Antigua was first discovered to the day of independence, such as Amerindian pottery and a life-size model of an Arawak house.

Ruins of Betty Hope

A nicely-restored sugar plantation dating back to 1651. It provides a wealth of information on Antiguan history.

Nelson’s Dockyard

A national park and a 2016 UNESCO World Heritage Site. It housed British naval ships and was ultimately used as a lookout for enemy ships. It includes a museum, restaurants, shops, cafes, and hotels.

Shirley Heights Lookout

You will find the best panoramic view of Antigua and its most photographed vista. It is a restored military lookout and gun battery.

Things to Do on Antigua Yacht Charter

Beaches

Antigua offers 365 delightful and magnificent beaches, one for every day of the year.

  • Ffryes Beach – the most popular
  • Dickenson Bay – the most developed
  • Darkwood Beach – an Instagram-able area

Surfing

Galley Bay Beach has some of the best surfing waves in Antigua.

Diving

Have the crew of your Antigua Yacht Charter arrange for diving equipment. Cades Reef, a protected area, is a favorite of divers. Enjoy wreck diving with over 100 shipwrecks, such as “The Andes.”

Snorkeling

The colorful fish, turtles, and coral are a sight to behold.

  • Long Bay – closer to the shore
  • Galleon Beach – offers scooter snorkeling

More Things to Do on Antigua Yacht Charter

Amazing Snorkeling in Antigua
Amazing Snorkeling in Antigua

Shopping

The best variety of stores is at Heritage Quay and Redcliff Quay. Support local art, particularly at Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery and Zemi Art Gallery.

Swim with Stingrays

At Stingray City Antigua, you can interact with southern rays.

Kayak

Enjoy kayaking through peaceful mangroves.

Watch Turtles

Turtle nesting season is from June to November. Sea turtles often leave their eggs to nest at Galley Bay Beach.

Ziplining

Zipline through the treetops of its fantastic rainforest. Contact Antigua Rainforest Zipline Adventure.

Antigua Events | Antigua Yacht Charter

Antigua Sailing Week

This annual sailing event occurs at Nelson’s Dockyard from the end of April to the first week in May. Events include formal races, social events, and a fun “Lay-Day” beach event.

Antigua Carnival

This celebration is held from July to August. It celebrates magnificent colorful costumes, parades, and steel drum bands.

Independence Day

Antigua gained independence on November 1, 1981. Enjoy this week-long celebration with the whole family.

Gastronomy Highlights | Antigua Yacht Charter

Check which places to explore for your food trips in Antigua. Here are some of them. Read on!

Native Foods and Drinks

Fungee and pepperpot

The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda. Fungee is made with cornmeal in addition to okra. Antiguan pepperpot is a stewed meat dish. Strongly seasoned, including hot peppers and meat or fish.

Ducana

Sweet potato dumplings or pudding that sometimes includes pumpkin. It is placed in a banana leaf and boiled in water.

Conch

The meat of an oversized sea snail, the conch. All parts of the conch meat are edible. It is eaten raw or cooked.

Antigua black pineapple

The signature fruit of Antigua. It is known as the sweetest and rarest pineapple variety.

Saltfish

Salted and dried cod.

Lobster

This Caribbean island is renowned for its succulent spiny lobsters caught in the pristine waters surrounding it. Once caught, these lobsters are expertly prepared by local chefs who know how to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

Sugar cake

Confections made with grated coconut and sugar. Food coloring is added.

Wadadli Beer

Rum is not the only alcohol made on the island. Taking the island’s original name, Wadadli is the national beer of Antigua.

Notable Restaurants

The Cove

At the Blue Waters Resort in Soldier’s Bay, St John, you’ll discover exquisite dining experiences at notable restaurants that serve French-Caribbean cuisine. The upscale ambiance is perfect for a romantic or special occasion dinner.

Miracle’s South Coast Restaurant

Jolly Harbour area. A local favorite best known for its curry goat, lobster roti, and jerk chicken. The seafood is outstanding. Served fresh from the fishing boats, prepared to your liking.

For hobbyists, there are some Antigua fishing charters offered on the island.

Papa Zouk, St John

A large sign reads “Fish ‘n’ Rum.” “Great fish, the largest collection of rums and zouk music.” It perfectly blends exceptional food, service, and knowledgeable bar staff. Of course, you have to add rum to your meal.

After all, Papa Zouk’s collection includes about 250 bottles. Very popular with locals and visitors alike.

Island Fusion

Dockyard Drive. Caribbean and seafood. Tranquil atmosphere by the harbor. Delicious food made with love. Amazing views and ambiance, very friendly staff. A restaurant the whole family will enjoy.

Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant and Bar

This bar is not just a popular lookout point. Besides breathtaking views and magnificent sunsets, you can be part of the best BBQ party in Antigua.

Between dancing, you can enjoy freshly grilled jerk chicken and plenty of rum punch every Sunday at 4 pm. Lastly, BBQ is offered on Thursdays as well.

Jacqui O’s Beachhouse, Jolly Harbour

You can enjoy local cuisine, the Caribbean, seafood, and international on the beach. This highly-rated restaurant in Antigua offers fantastic service and fabulous food.

Guests are served in an attractive beach garden. They can also watch the sunset. However, reservations are advised.

Marinas and Anchorages Antigua Yacht Charter

The incredible selection of marinas and anchorages sets Antigua apart from other places. This provides easy access to the world’s most stunning, pristine beaches. There are also Antigua shipyards for comprehensive services for yacht refit, repainting, repairs, woodwork, and more.

Antigua is ideal for sailing
Antigua is ideal for sailing.

Marinas | Antigua Yacht Charter

Antigua Slipway Boatyard and Marina, English Harbour

This centrally located and deep draught marina and boatyard have recently been re-conditioned. It has been providing yacht service since 1966. 

Antigua Yacht Club and Marina, Falmouth Harbour

This 125-slip full-service marina caters to the superyacht market. It can accommodate yachts up to 25 ft draft.

Falmouth Harbour Marina

This marina was built explicitly for superyachts. 30 berths. Large high docks can accommodate vessels up to 300 ft long and a maximum of 20 ft draft.

Nelson’s Dockyard Marina

Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also provides one of Antigua’s fines superyacht facilities. Using a new bow mooring system, it accommodates both sail and motor yachts up to 180 ft in length. In addition, it offers one of the safest and most delightful natural anchorages in the Caribbean.

Jolly Harbour Marina, West Coast

It welcomes yachts up to 200 ft. Customs and immigration clearance is on site—a full-service marina with 155 concrete marina berths.

Lastly, a 24-hour security patrol and CCTV provide a safe environment.

Catamaran Marina

North side of Falmouth Harbour. 60 slips can shelter yachts up to 200 ft in length. An extended dock can also fit six large yachts over 100 ft.

Anchorages | Antigua Yacht Charter

Yacht Types | Antigua Yacht Charter

CKIM can arrange crewed sailboats such as:

During winter, Antigua is one of the primary bases for Super Yachts and Mega Yachts, both motor and sail. However, it is a half-day sail to re-position a catamaran from St Martin to Antigua, should one not be available in Antigua.

If you enjoy sailing, a luxury yacht charter starting in Antigua and ending in St Martin is an excellent option. Time permitting, you will enjoy open water cruising with possible visits to Barbuda, St Kitts, Nevis, St Eustatia, St Barths, and Anguilla.

Also, check out Antigua’s Resorts.

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