As the largest Enlish speaking Leeward Island, Antiqua falls midway through the Leeward Island Chain. North and west are the other popular Caribbean destinations of St. Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Maarten. Having a major airport with direct flights from both Europe and the U.S., Antiqua is a convenient location to start or end your Antigua charter.
Falmouth Harbor, an attractive, contemporary marina, makes a nice place to start your charter. From here there are many opportunities, such as an outing to Nonesuch Bay for watersports, a trip to Green Island for a long walk along natural, sparkling white sand beaches, or relax in the peaceful surrounding of Harmony Hall! On a yachting vacation you can beach hop all week long, and enjoy some of the 365 white and pink sand beaches that Antigua and Barbuda have to offer. Use our destination blog about Antigua as a guide to beach fun!
On your Antigua charter, there are two special places you might want to take in. Once Great Britain’s most important Caribbean military base, English Harbor is now 18th century fort ruins and museums. The legendary Horatio Nelson once sailed here, and with the number of safe harbors in the area, it has become a popular yachting destination, so you can too! One of the most popular destinations, Nelson’s Dock Yard, dates back to 1743. It is home to a variety of restaurants, galleries, shops, and even a nautical museum. In the museum, you will find Lord Nelson’s telescope!
The reasons for visiting are varied. Northeast trade winds are nearly constant around Antigua and Barbuda, both relatively small islands, 108 square miles and 68 square miles, respectively. These winds make for excellent sailing and cool the streets of the capital of Antigua, St. John, making for a pleasant walking tour of the city.
Nature and tranquility are surround you in the rain forest, or places such as the Frigate Sanctuary on Barbuda. There is an amazing list of activities, including carnival celebrations, concerts, food, and parades, or for the more adventurous, there is snorkeling, zip line eco tours, or exploring Indian Cave with its Arawak Petroglyphs. In short, there is something for everyone on an Antigua charter.
Perhaps reflective of the size discrepancy between them, the number of attractions and accommodations is also weighted in Antigua's favor. Barbuda should not be dismissed, though! Antigua may be home to hundreds of beaches, but Barbuda being the smaller, quieter sister boasts 17 miles of beach - and fewer people. Barbuda is a charming, unpaved island with only a couple hotels and tranquil waters (due to the surrounding barrier reefs).
The culture and habitat of these islands leaves visitors feeling wistful about historic charm and invigorated about natural wonders. The colonial atmosphere coupled with a colorful ecosystem practically upstage Antigua's infamous yachting scene. This two-island nation is able to easily provide people with social activities as well as quiet reprieves.
These two islands boasts a wonderfully inviting West Indian character replete with calypso music, Carnival celebrations, and generously spiced dishes. Historically speaking, Antigua retains ties to its naval significance by way of Nelson's Dockyard, which is a renovated base that now serves as a popular meeting spot.
From Nelson's Dockyard you can walk to Falmouth Harbour's horseshoe-shaped bay where you'll find a nice offering of restaurants on the east side. The island's tourist center is actually located in St. John's, which is also the capital. Restored stone buildings and some wooden huts have been repurposed as shops and galleries at Redcliffe Quay.
English Harbour is home to Nelson's Dockyard, Fort Berkeley, and the ruins at Sandy Heights. This is also the island's yacht haven and a good base for your charter yacht as you continue to explore the scenic offerings. Take in the abundant mangrove system, marshes, and salt ponds while you attempt to spot a seemingly endless variety of birds.
Guiana Island (just off Antigua) has the country's remaining parcel of forest and the distinction of being the only habitat for tropical mockingbirds. There is a large colony of nesting seabirds here, and you'll definitely want to head over to Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon to check out the equally impressive Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is accessible only by boat so you'll know you're approaching something special before you even get there. In spite of 170 bird species on island, you'll still be able to pick out the show-stopping Fregata Magnificens on account of its impressively large wingspan. While on Barbuda, take advantage of the calm and enjoy peaceful pink sand beachcombing or solitary shipwreck diving.
Back on your Antigua charter, luxuriate in the easy waters of Runaway Bay or bask on the active shoreline of Dickenson Bay. Deep Bay is another option if you like swimming, and a trip out to the coral covered wreck of the ship Andes in the middle of Deep Bay is always an adventure. While pelicans sort out their dinner plans in your presence, you realize it's time for you to eat too! Climb aboard your private charter in Antigua and feast on the meal your chef has prepared. Take time each evening to reflect on the range of culture and habitat that surround you in Antigua & Barbuda and realize you're on more than just vacation.
BLISS. The 58’ catamaran Bliss was built in 2003. She offers five cabins and is able to accommodate up to ten guests.
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SWEET ESCAPE. Launched in 1993 and having had a refit in 2011. She accommodates ten guests in five well-appointed staterooms.
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NANA. Launched in 2012, Nana is a 51’ catamaran that is able to accommodate six guests in three cabins.
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STARFIRE. Complete proven performer with many repeat clients, one of the best crews around. She is able to accommodate up to twelve guests in six cabins.
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GO. Built in 2011, the 95’ motor yacht GO is able to accommodate up to six guests in up to three cabins.
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BLUE PASSION. Blue Passion is a 60’ luxury sailing yacht that was launched in 2010. She has four cabins.
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Select a yacht type and your budget below to see yachts that we have in our online database. We do not have every available yacht online, many more are available by contacting one of our specialists.
Whether you've already chosen a yacht of interest or are just drowned with questions about Antigua, we can help!. Free unbiased advice about Antigua yacht charters and itinerary ideas around Antiqua.
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Have general questions about yacht charter in Antigua? We have answers for you.
Some websites on the web that may be useful for additional information about the Leewards.
Visit the local Antigua and Barbuda home page
Visit a page about accommodations on Antigua