Antigua

There are multiple options for unforgettable experiences, no matter the time of year. Make your way to the marina in Falmouth Harbour and enjoy the fun bars and cafes, as well as those in neighbouring English Harbour. On a Sunday, head up to the Shirley Heights viewpoint to enjoy local music and a rum punch while looking out for the famous ‘green flash’ on the horizon at sunset. This spot provides panoramic views of the Leeward Islands and captures the natural beauty of Antigua’s coastline.

For those seeking sand, sun, and a slower pace, make the short walk over to Pigeon Point Beach from Falmouth Harbour. The relaxed atmosphere and beach shacks provide a mellow background with a reggae rhythm filling the air and a selection of refreshments. Dickenson Bay is another one with beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue waters, perfect for lounging or enjoying watersports.

During a luxury yacht charter in Antigua, make sure to visit Nonsuch Bay, perfect for a quiet evening with loved ones. Located in a pretty sheltered anchorage, Nonsuch Bay has a natural reef teeming with marine life. Nearby Cades Reef, one of the island’s most popular snorkelling spots, offers colourful coral formations and vibrant fish that make for incredible underwater exploration. Simply pull on a pair of fins and jump off the back of the yacht to discover the local reefs and wrecks from bygone days of trading and piracy.

For a touch of adventure, Montserrat, a volcanic island just 25 miles southwest of Antigua, is a fascinating stop. Having experienced a significant eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano in the 1990s, it’s earned a reputation as a “modern-day Pompeii.” Montserrat’s dramatic landscape offers black-sand beaches, coral reefs, and caves along the northern coast. For those interested in uninhabited islands and hidden coves, Montserrat and nearby spots provide a secluded escape from more frequented Caribbean locations.

The best time to rent a yacht in Antigua is between December and April, regarded as the island’s main charter season. Average temperatures are generally stable year-round, with highs of approximately 29°C (84°F) in December and 28°C (82°F) in April. The sea temperature in December and April is usually around 27°C (81°F), offering comfortable waters for swimming and snorkeling. Even during the rainy season, Antigua’s beauty remains, with lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour have been welcoming ships and yachts for centuries and are steeped in maritime history. Many luxury yacht charters in Antigua will base themselves here, giving guests easy access to the beautiful islands, coves, and bays which Antigua and its neighboring islands have to offer.

St John’s, the capital, is worth a visit for those interested in the island’s history. Take a day excursion by car across the island or head in by tender to visit the city’s Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, which takes you back in time to the days of plundering, plantations, and indigenous tribes. The 19th-century St John’s Cathedral looks down over the capital from its prominent hillside position near Government House, a reminder of the island’s colonial past.

Be sure to make the most of your yacht’s many tenders and toys. Head to nearby Green Island, an uninhabited gem surrounded by turquoise water, ideal for snorkelling and beach picnics. Another popular spot is Deep Bay, known for its calm blue waters and the wreck of the Andes, a ship resting in shallow waters that makes for a unique diving experience. For nature lovers, a day trip to Barbuda’s Codrington Lagoon offers a wide variety of bird species, including the famous frigate bird colony that attracts wildlife enthusiasts year-round.

Falmouth Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard on the south coast of Antigua are the most popular places for yachts to dock. Both are well-suited to sailing superyachts and are deep enough for vessels with a large draft. Falmouth Harbour Marina has a capacity for superyachts up to 100 metres (330 feet) in length and with a draft of 6 metres (20 feet). Nelson’s Dockyard Marina has the capacity for superyachts and is also the center of the action for many of the regattas taking place throughout the season. In nearby Jolly Harbour, you’ll find a more relaxed marina with all the essential amenities, perfect for exploring the west coast and some of Antigua’s stunning beaches.

Looking to sail the Caribbean’s turquoise waters on an unforgettable yacht charter? YACHTZOO prides itself on privacy and trust for our charter clients, and booking a yacht charter in Antigua is no different. With the help of YACHTZOO’s dedicated Antigua yacht charter broker specialists, you can choose between the highest quality superyachts, a choice of itineraries, and the best rates available.

If you would like to book an Antigua yacht charter, please get in touch with a YACHTZOO Antigua boat charter broker by filling in the form here. Whether you choose to explore on a classic sailing yacht, a modern catamaran, or other private yacht charters, our brokers can guide you to the best options for your dream Caribbean island adventure. A dedicated broker will be in touch with you by phone or email, offering a handpicked selection of luxury vessels for your Antigua yacht holiday.