A dreamlike destination for sailor and explorer alike, your Antigua & Barbuda yacht charter provides for mesmerising bright-blue water and stunning wildlife (gems of which include the majestic frigate bird, and dolphins, sea turtles, and whales throughout the waters).
The wonders of Antigua are rivalled only by the marvels of its sister island: Barbuda, where underdevelopment and a distinct lack of a tourist touch offering stunning seascapes and lands completely cut off from modern life.
The islands of Antigua & Barbuda are destinations of contrasting cultures – from the distinctive English twangs of the accents heard throughout the capital of St John’s (an exclusive English Harbour), to the colourful, iconic Caribbean villages, with cuisine that includes French, Italian and Asian.
Antigua provides consistently warm winds that guide yachts around an intricate coastline of secluded harbours, with protection from sea swells provided by an almost untouched coral reef. When exploring Antigua, it quickly becomes clear why this location was so favoured as a place to stow away fleets – just as Nelson did in 1784 – a feat that would ultimately lead to the establishment of a pivotally important British colonial Caribbean base.
Key anchorages in Antigua
Mercer’s Creek (Belfast Bay) and Guiana Bay make for an exhilarating sail – though this is only one for the skilled, experienced sailor, as, despite their shelter, they are potentially risky during times where the trade winds blow full force.
Curtain Bluff sets an idyllic scene – one of the many palm-lined beaches, featuring the cuisine destination that is Curtain Bluff Hotel (just be sure to book ahead and dress formally should you wish to dine here).
Dickinson Bay is ideal for those who love water sports as well as seafaring, a relatively busy region where hotels, restaurants, a casino and nightlife is rich and varied.
North Sound Marina is a well-developed marine facility (formerly known as Crabbs Marina). It was originally constructed to be a private yacht yard, covering a vast area with tie downs to shelter yachts from hurricanes.
Further anchorages to explore include Cades Reef, Morris Bay & Jolly Beach, Picarts (Darkwood Beach) & Ffryes Bay, Dickinson Bay, Parham Harbour Deep Bay, Shell Beach Marina and Jumby Bay).
Antigua and Barbuda present 365 opulent beaches thus one could well use this as an excuse for a year’s sabbatical, dedicating a day to each beach is a task we all wish we could look forward to.
Antigua ashore
Visit Fort James, a central piece of history of Antigua – a British 17th-century fort created to protect St. John’s harbour, with views over the harbour in one direction, and views across the sea in the other.Surround yourself with culture by visiting Gilly Gobinet Art, an art gallery in Fitches Creek. Take a hike up the Shirley Hills and climb to magnificent heights with sights over the dockyard.
Yacht charters in Antigua simply delightful and a must for any level of sailing enthusiast; explore Antigua or for the more intrepid charterer, head south to Guadeloupe or north west to St Kitts and Nevis, yacht charters in Antigua is a unique sailing escape awaiting you.