Leeward Islands · Antigua and Barbuda
- Position
- 17.1°N · 61.8°W
- Region
- Antigua and Barbuda
Overview
A sailor's island since the 18th century
Antigua is the larger island of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Its 87 km of coastline is scalloped with bays and natural harbors, which made it a Royal Navy base in Nelson's day and makes it a favorite of sailors now.
The south coast is the heart of Antigua's yachting world. English Harbour and its neighbor, Falmouth Harbour, sit side by side beneath the old military lookout of Shirley Heights; Nelson's Dockyard, where a young Horatio Nelson was stationed in the 1780s, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites," inscribed in 2016. On the southwest coast, Jolly Harbour is a marina community close to Cades Reef. To the east, Nonsuch Bay and its islets are sheltered from the Atlantic swell by an offshore reef.
Our Antigua charters focus on Antigua itself. Barbuda, about 30 miles to the north, is a separate island and is not part of this offering, though you will often see it mentioned as part of the country's name.
Charter options range from day-sailing catamarans to motor yachts and larger crewed vessels, especially in the winter season. We check what is available on your dates and confirm the departure harbor, capacity and inclusions for the vessel you choose.
Harbors
Where Antigua charters depart
Each harbor suits a different part of the coast. We confirm the departure point for the vessel you choose.
English Harbour
Nelson's Dockyard Marina, inside Nelson's Dockyard National Park, operated by the National Parks Authority. A park entrance fee applies to visitors.
South coastFalmouth Harbour
Antigua's superyacht hub, home to Falmouth Harbour Marina and Antigua Superyacht Marina & Resort, formerly known as the Antigua Yacht Club Marina.
South coastJolly Harbour
A marina community and port of entry on the southwest coast, a natural base for day sails to Cades Reef.
Southwest coastSt. John's, the capital, has a busy cruise pier at Heritage Quay. It is a shopping and cruise-ship complex rather than a charter marina.
Where you'll cruise
From the dockyard to the reefs
English & Falmouth Harbours
Cruise past the restored Georgian buildings of Nelson's Dockyard and the yachts of Falmouth Harbour, with Shirley Heights above. The lookout and its famous Sunday evening party are reached by road, not by boat.
Cades Reef
A long, boat-access reef within the Cades Bay Marine Reserve, popular for snorkeling on trips from Jolly Harbour. It is an open-water site, so conditions on the day decide whether it suits beginners and children.
Nonsuch Bay & Green Island
A wide bay protected by reef, with Green Island at its southern entrance. Green Island has been privately owned by the Mill Reef Club since 1947; visitors may use only the areas the club permits.
Great Bird Island
A tiny protected islet in the North East Marine Management Area and the only place in the wild to see the critically endangered Antiguan racer snake, alongside nesting tropicbirds.
Stingray City Antigua
A commercial stingray encounter near Seaton's Village, run as its own tour. We can advise on combining it with your trip, but it is not a drop-in stop for private charters.
Seasons & events
Antigua's sailing calendar
Winter season. The yachting season traditionally gets under way in early December, when the trade-only Antigua Charter Yacht Show is held. December to February are the coolest months.
Regatta season. April brings the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week, based in English and Falmouth Harbours; in 2026, Sailing Week ran from April 22 to 26. Harbors are busy, so book early if your dates overlap.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. September to November are usually the wettest months.
For your Antigua quote
- Dates, group size and charter length
- Where you are staying on the island
- Sailing, snorkeling, a sunset sail or a celebration
- Interest in regatta week or multi-day sailing
Current fleet & availability
Ask about yachts in Antigua
Tell us your dates, group size and the kind of day you have in mind, from a Cades Reef snorkel to a sunset sail out of English Harbour. We will check the vessels available.
Related destinations
More of the Leeward Islands
Antigua FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Antigua
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Antigua. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Where do Antigua yacht charters depart?
Typically from English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour or Jolly Harbour, depending on the vessel and the part of the coast you want to explore. We confirm the departure point when you book.
Can we visit Barbuda?
Barbuda is a separate island about 30 miles north of Antigua and is not part of our Antigua offering. Our charters focus on Antigua's own coast.
Is Nelson's Dockyard a UNESCO site?
Yes. It is part of the Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2016. The surrounding national park charges an entrance fee.
Can we snorkel at Cades Reef?
Yes, Cades Reef off the southwest coast is a popular snorkel stop, inside the Cades Bay Marine Reserve. It is an open-water site, so conditions decide whether it suits everyone in your group.
Can we land on Green Island?
Green Island is privately owned by the Mill Reef Club. Visitors may use only the areas the club permits, and your captain will know the current arrangements.
Can a charter include Stingray City?
Stingray City Antigua is a separately operated attraction near Seaton's Village. Ask us and we will explain how it can fit around your trip.
When is Antigua Sailing Week?
It is held in late April; in 2026 it ran from April 22 to 26.
Can we see Shirley Heights from the water?
You can see the headland and its buildings from the harbor approaches. The lookout and its Sunday party are reached by road.
When is hurricane season in Antigua?
June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October.
When is the yachting season in Antigua?
The yachting season traditionally gets under way in early December, and December to February are the coolest months. April is busy with regattas, so book early if your dates overlap, while September to November are usually the wettest months.
What can we see at Great Bird Island?
Great Bird Island, a tiny protected islet off the northeast coast, is the only place in the wild to see the critically endangered Antiguan racer snake, and red-billed tropicbirds nest there. It lies within the North East Marine Management Area, so its wildlife should be left undisturbed.