Antigua - English Harbour - Freemans Bay and Yachts Anchored By Beach

Sailing Holiday
Antigua

Discover the unspoiled beauty of these enticing Caribbean Islands on a sailing holiday charter.

Antigua and Barbuda is famous for its 365 picture-perfect beaches, vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and quintessential laid-back island culture. Sail from secluded cove to secluded cove, snorkel or dive into the region's world-class sites, or simply bask in the warmth of the Caribbean sun.

One of the reasons Antigua is so special for a sailing holiday charter is the abundance of secluded anchorages and hidden bays. The island boast numerous white sandy beaches providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and private getaway. Whether you seek an action-packed adventure or serene relaxation, we will help you create an unforgettable experience around Antigua's breathtaking natural scenery and renowned hospitality.

What Makes Antigua and Barbuda Special?

Sailing Capital of the Caribbean

Antigua is often called the "Sailing Capital of the Caribbean" due to its ideal sailing conditions, consistent trade winds, and numerous regattas. It is a prime destination for sailing holiday charters, whether you are an experienced sailor or a novice looking to enjoy the sailing experience.

Caribbean Island Hopping

Antigua is strategically located in the heart of the Caribbean, making it an excellent starting point for island-hopping adventures. You can easily sail from Antigua to neighbouring islands such as Barbuda, Monseratt, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Barts and beyond. Each island offers unique experiences, landscapes, and cultural highlights.

Exclusive Beaches and Anchorages

With over 365 beaches, Antigua offers a plethora of options for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling, or hanging out at one of the many excellent beach bars and restaurants.

Marine Life and Diving Opportunities

Antigua boasts vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and excellent diving and snorkelling spots.

Stunning Surroundings

Antigua is renowned for its incredible natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, idyllic white sand beaches and lush green landscapes. Visiting on a sailing holiday allows you to explore and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings at your own pace.

Warm and Welcoming Locals

Antiguans are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, making guests feel right at home and enhancing the overall experience of exploring the island.

antigua-barbuda-beautiful-places-to-photograph-nelsons-dockyard-antigua-historic-building

Rich Cultural Heritage

Beyond its natural beauty, Antigua is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks like Nelson's Dockyard and historic forts offering a glimpse into the island's past.

Not To Be Missed

Snorkelling and Diving

Antigua has an incredible reef system, with sites like Cades Reef and the Pyramids offering vibrant coral and marine life.

Sailing to Green Island

This tiny, uninhabited island has gorgeous beaches with excellent snorkelling and diving right off its shores.

Beach Hopping

With 365 beaches, you can beach-hop around Antigua to find your perfect stretch of sand, like Half Moon or Rendezvous Bay.

Nelson's Dockyard

This beautifully restored 18th-century British naval dockyard offers a glimpse into Antigua's maritime and colonial history.

Stingray City

Located off the northeast coast, this shallow sandbar allows you to swim and interact with wild stingrays.

Shirley Heights

The perfect venue for sunset drinks with stunning views overlooking English and Falmouth Harbours. Don't miss the famous Sunday evening barbecue and steel band parties.

Visit Neighbouring Islands

Although there's plenty to keep you occupied in Antigua, it's also well-placed for visiting stunning islands like Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis and beyond.

Great Bird Island

Accessible only by boat, this uninhabited island sanctuary offers excellent snorkelling and the chance to encounter native bird species.

Explore Barbuda

Visit the beautiful island of Barbuda, relatively untouched by tourism and offering a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle with untouched beauty and a tranquil atmosphere.

Half Moon Bay Antigua

Exploring Antigua's Bays

Sail into picturesque bays like Falmouth Harbour, Nonsuch Bay and Half Moon Bay.

Best Time To Visit Antigua and Barbuda

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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 26.9°C (80°F) 24.1°C (75°F) wind direction 77degENE
FEB 26.9°C (80°F) 23.6°C (75°F) wind direction 72degENE
MAR 27.6°C (82°F) 23.9°C (75°F) wind direction 100degE
APR 28.2°C (83°F) 24.6°C (76°F) wind direction 105degESE
MAY 29.4°C (85°F) 26.1°C (79°F) wind direction 102degESE
JUN 30.2°C (86°F) 27.0°C (81°F) wind direction 97degE
JUL 30.3°C (86°F) 27.2°C (81°F) wind direction 82degE
AUG 30.8°C (87°F) 27.5°C (82°F) wind direction 104degESE
SEP 31.3°C (88°F) 27.8°C (82°F) wind direction 102degESE
OCT 29.8°C (86°F) 27.3°C (81°F) wind direction 120degESE
NOV 29.1°C (84°F) 26.5°C (80°F) wind direction 93degE
DEC 28.2°C (83°F) 25.4°C (78°F) wind direction 63degENE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

English is the official language spoken in Antigua.

Currency

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.

Tipping

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

Boat Types In Antigua and Barbuda

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Wellbeing

Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Unique Accommodation

Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.

Skill Development

Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Charter Types In Antigua and Barbuda

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Antigua and Barbuda 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 sailing holiday 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 on a sailing holiday 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.

Skippered Sailing Holiday

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Antigua and Barbuda 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 sailing holiday, 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 Sailing Holiday

A crewed sailing holiday from Antigua and Barbuda comes 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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Sailing Holiday Charter From Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda 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 sailing holiday 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.

Pure Thoughts

For those seeking adventure, Antigua's offshore islands offer endless opportunities for exploration.

The uninhabited Great Bird Island and Green Island are perfect for day trips, where you can encounter exotic bird species, along with some excellent snorkelling. A visit to the unspoiled island of Barbuda is also a must, with its famous pink sand beaches and colony of frigate birds.

In addition to its natural beauty, Antigua has a rich cultural heritage reflected in its historic landmarks and charming towns. Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living testament to the island's colonial past and is a must-visit for history buffs. English Harbour, located nearby, offers a vibrant atmosphere with lively bars, restaurants, and boutique shops.

Ultimately, its warm, friendly people set Antigua apart as a sailing holiday charter destination. Antiguans are known for their hospitality and warm welcome and will go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable stay on their island.

In conclusion, Antigua's stunning scenery, secluded anchorages and welcoming atmosphere make it an extraordinary place for a sailing holiday
charter. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure or a mix of both, a sailing holiday charter in Antigua will not disappoint. It truly is a Caribbean paradise waiting to be explored.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Sailing Holiday?

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.