Nestled along Antigua's west coast, Jolly Harbour provides the perfect launching point for an unforgettable Caribbean catamaran charter.
This luxury marina and resort community offers a scenic home base from which to discover the island's famed 365 beaches, pristine coral reefs, and rich colonial history. Sail to secluded anchorages like Green Island, Barbuda and beyond.
On Antigua itself, don't miss Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour's storied seafaring sites. Or simply unwind aboard your catamaran, cocktail in hand, as you bask in Antigua's signature warm hospitality.
Jolly Harbour boasts a modern marina with excellent facilities for catamaran and its crew. It provides a secure base for chartering and is equipped with fuel stations, provisioning services, repair facilities, restaurants, bars, shops, and more.
Though it would be closely contested, any Antiguan will tell you their island is known as the sailing capital of the Caribbean.
Jolly Harbour is home to a community that preserves and celebrates traditional Caribbean culture. Exploring the nearby towns and villages allows you to experience authentic cuisine, lively music, colourful festivals, and warm hospitality.
Jolly Harbour is an excellent starting point for island hopping in the Caribbean. You can easily explore nearby islands such as Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Barbuda and more. Each island offers its own unique charm, attractions, and cultural experiences.
Jolly Harbour, located on the western coast of Antigua, offers easy access to some of the most beautiful areas of the Caribbean and is surrounded by pristine turquoise waters.
Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it's well worth a visit to this historic dockyard, which served as a key British naval base in the 18th century. Visit art galleries, museums, and old military buildings that capture the naval history of Antigua.
Perched high above English and Falmouth harbours, Shirley Heights offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is also home to an old military fortification, adding to its historical significance, and hosts a regular Sunday night reggae party and barbecue that is not to be missed.
This 18th century fort is located on the outskirts of St. John's and is one of the island's best-preserved historical sites. It offers stunning panoramic coastline views and provides an insight into Antigua's colonial history.
Antigua has an incredible reef system, with sites like Cades Reef and the Pyramids offering vibrant coral and marine life. Snorkel from your boat, or if diving's on your wish list, book in with one of the local dive operators.
Take a more 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.
This tiny uninhabited island has gorgeous beaches with excellent snorkelling and diving right off its shores.
With 365 beaches, you can beach-hop around Antigua to find your perfect stretch of sand, like Half Moon or Rendezvous Bay.
Betty's Hope is a significant historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island's colonial past and sugar plantation era, which shaped Antigua's economy and society for centuries.
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 Jolly Harbour Marina 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 Jolly Harbour Marina 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 fleet of yachts 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 catamaran 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 Jolly Harbour Marina 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 Jolly Harbour Marina 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.
Jolly Harbour Marina 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.
The Marina, located 15 miles from VC Bird Airport, has 155 berths spread over four docks in the main area.
There are dedicated docks for vessels up to 62 metres (200 feet). Ashore, there is additional storage for 200 boats, and Jolly Harbour is also a port of entry, so clearing in and out is easier.
As you set sail from Jolly Harbour, one of the first highlights you'll encounter is Antigua's stunning coastline. The island nation boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. The most common route is to navigate clockwise, exploring the secluded bays, hidden coves, and remote beaches that can only be accessed by boat.
As you cruise around the island, look for some favourite destinations, such as Green Island to the east of Antigua and Deep Bay on the west. In this sheltered anchorage, you can see the picturesque ruins of Fort Barrington overlooking the bay. Carlisle Bay, located on the south coast, provides good protection and has a beautiful beach.
Great Bird Island in the north is a protected nature reserve and provides a serene setting for exploration, as does Nonsuch Bay, which is situated on the east coast and is known for its tranquil waters and beautiful beaches. Hermitage Bay, located on the west, also offers a peaceful and picturesque anchorage.
Another must-see destination is English Harbour, located on the southeastern coast of Antigua. This historic site was once a bustling naval base and is now home to Nelson's Dockyard, a restored 18th-century site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Antigua's maritime history. Explore the attractive colonial buildings, visit the maritime museum, and indulge in delicious cuisine at the various restaurants and bars dotted around the harbour. Adjacent to English Harbour is Falmouth Harbour, another popular yachting destination with marinas, restaurants and vibrant nightlife, and both harbours often host international sailing regattas and events.
No catamaran charter in Antigua would be complete without a visit to the neighbouring island of Barbuda. Because of its westerly location, Jolly Harbour is a convenient starting point to make the trip. A few hours sail from Antigua, Barbuda is home to the famous pink sands of Low Bay beach and unspoilt wildlife locations such as the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and the Codrington Lagoon National Park.
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 Jolly Harbour Marina, 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 Jolly Harbour Marina, 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.