Nestled on the southeastern coast of Antigua, English Harbour is a picturesque natural harbour that offers an idyllic setting from which to start a catamaran charter.
With its azure waters, stunning landscapes and rich history, this Caribbean gem is high on the bucket list of sailors around the globe. This well-sheltered harbour offers mooring options for visiting yachts who can anchor outside of Nelsons Dockyard marina or within the marina itself, which has ample provisioning options and well-developed services.
English Harbour is part of Antigua's National Park, surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and lush green landscapes.
Antigua is renowned for its ideal sailing conditions, with consistent trade winds, calm waters, and plenty of offshore islands to discover.
The area hosts the annual Antigua Sailing Week, one of the world's premier sailing events, which draws a lively international crowd who are there to race and enjoy the party scene.
English Harbour is an excellent starting point for island hopping in the Caribbean. You can easily explore nearby islands such as Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, and more. Each island has its own unique charm, attractions, and cultural experiences.
English Harbour is known for its rich maritime history. It was once a British naval base and is home to Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is steeped in history and offers a unique backdrop for a catamaran charter.
Situated above English Harbour, Shirley Heights Lookout provides stunning panoramic views of the harbour and the coastline. It's also a great spot to enjoy the Sunday evening barbecue party with live steel pan music and freely flowing rum punch.
This small uninhabited island off the coast of Antigua is a serene and picturesque escape. With white sandy beaches and calm waters, it's perfect for going ashore with a picnic to sunbathe and swim.
Situated around four nautical miles northeast of English Harbour, Great Bird Island is a nature reserve teeming with wildlife. Visitors can hike through its lush trails, discover hidden coves, and enjoy snorkelling in the surrounding waters.
Located near Nelson's Dockyard, Fort Berkeley is another fascinating historical site. Built in the 17th century, it was initially used to defend the harbour against French invasions. Explore the partially restored fort and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Just above English Harbour, historic Clarence House was built in 1804 for the British Naval Commissioner and is now the official residence of the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. Guided tours provide insight into the area's colonial history and showcase the elegant architecture and beautiful gardens.
Take an extended trip to Barbuda, Antigua's sister island, known for its unspoiled pink sand beaches and abundant wildlife. Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, explore the caves and shipwrecks, or simply relax on one of the many pristine beaches.
Antigua has an incredible reef system, with sites like Cades Reef and the Pyramids offering vibrant coral and marine life.
Located within English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the island's naval heritage. Charming colonial-style buildings, museums, and beautiful gardens surround the dockyard.
The high season runs from December to April and is typically dry and sunny, so expect more visitors around this time.
May to June is the shoulder season, with fewer visitors but still warm temperatures. The low season is July to November when temperatures remain high but are typically wetter.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 26.9°C (81°F) | 24.1°C (75°F) | 1.7mm |  ENE |
| FEB | 26.9°C (80°F) | 23.6°C (75°F) | 0.5mm | ENE |
| MAR | 27.6°C (82°F) | 23.9°C (75°F) | 0.5mm | E |
| APR | 28.2°C (83°F) | 24.6°C (76°F) | 1.1mm | ESE |
| MAY | 29.4°C (85°F) | 26.2°C (79°F) | 1.5mm | ESE |
| JUN | 30.2°C (86°F) | 27.0°C (81°F) | 1.8mm | E |
| JUL | 30.3°C (86°F) | 27.2°C (81°F) | 2.5mm | E |
| AUG | 30.8°C (87°F) | 27.5°C (82°F) | 3.9mm | ESE |
| SEP | 31.3°C (88°F) | 27.8°C (82°F) | 1.9mm | ESE |
| OCT | 29.8°C (86°F) | 27.3°C (81°F) | 8.7mm | ESE |
| NOV | 29.2°C (84°F) | 26.5°C (80°F) | 1.3mm | E |
| DEC | 28.2°C (83°F) | 25.4°C (78°F) | 0.7mm | ENE |
English is the official language spoken in Antigua.
The official currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). However, the United States Dollar (USD) is widely accepted, and credit cards are commonly used in tourist areas.
It is common to give a tip of around 10% to 15% of the total bill if a service charge hasn't already been added
A catamaran charter from English Harbour is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A power catamaran combines the stability and spaciousness of a sailing catamaran with the speed and convenience of a motorised yacht. The twin-hull design ensures a smooth ride even in choppy waters, while the absence of sails allowing for more expansive, unobstructed deck spaces perfect for lounging and entertaining.
One of the key advantages of a power catamaran is its ability to cover greater distances in less time, allowing you to explore more destinations during your charter. These vessels also have shallower drafts than a traditional sailing yacht, granting easier access to tucked away coves and beaches that larger yachts can't reach.
Available as bareboat for experienced boaters or with a skipper or professional crew, power catamaran charters offer the ultimate blend of luxury, performance, and versatility.
Luxury Catamarans have state-of-the-art amenities, spacious master suites, gourmet galleys, and cutting-edge entertainment systems. The expansive flybridge provides panoramic views and alfresco dining areas, perfect for sunset cocktails. The high-performance engines and double hulls ensure power and stability for seriously smooth sailing.
You’ll have a professional crew to cater to your every need from superb meals to water sports or trips ashore. Whether exploring tucked away lagoons or hosting a lavish on-board party, a luxury catamaran charter delivers an unforgettable five-star experience for the discerning traveller.
Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.
The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.
Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.
With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.
Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.
Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.
Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore English Harbour and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our catamaran fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around English Harbour and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from English Harbour come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
English Harbour is a popular charter destination so booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream catamaran via the link below, or if you'd like one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
What truly sets English Harbour apart is its historical significance.
This idyllic harbour played a pivotal role in the British Navy's colonial strategy during the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as a base for the Caribbean fleet. The iconic Nelson's Dockyard, named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, is the centrepiece of this naval heritage.
Today, it is the world's only working Georgian-era dockyard, meticulously preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can step back in time as they explore the naval buildings, historic forts, and quaint stone houses that have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops.
English Harbour is also home to numerous prestigious sailing events, including the annual Antigua Sailing Week, held in late April or early May, which attracts sailors from around the globe to compete in the series. The atmosphere during this week is electric, with parties, live music, and a palpable sense of camaraderie among participants that's hard to beat
There's plenty of opportunity to explore the various restaurants, bars, and cafes around the harbour and try some of the excellent cuisine available while enjoying live music and the lively nightlife scene. Not to be missed is a trip to Shirley Heights Lookout, which has incredible views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot to watch the sunset, especially on Sunday evenings when there's live music and a lively party atmosphere.
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, this corner of Antigua offers an experience that will leave a lasting impression.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
When chartering a yacht from English Harbour, consider factors such as budget, size and catamaran type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in English Harbour, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.
The typical times for a yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.
Once you've found your perfect catamaran, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
You can sail all year in the Caribbean, but the high season is from December to May.