A 7-day Antigua sailing itinerary, day by day — English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard, Green Island and a hop to Barbuda — with anchorages and check-in tips.
An Antigua sailing charter itinerary combines world-class sailing, rich maritime history, excellent snorkeling, and picturesque anchorages. Known as one of the Caribbean’s premier yachting destinations, Antigua offers a week of easy island hopping, historic sites, protected bays, and vibrant waterfront dining.
The dual-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda has proven a magnet to mariners for hundreds of years. First came the Amerindians in times BC paddling north from South America. Christopher Columbus spotted the islands in 1492 but didn’t stay. The English planted their flag on Antigua and Barbuda in the 1600’s and less than a century later famous British Admiral, Horatio Nelson, lived at the Royal Navy Dockyard. Fast forward, the dockyard is where the Nicholson family started the concept of yacht chartering aboard their schooner Mollyhawk in the late 1940s. Today, Antigua especially is a hub for yacht chartering with everything from a family-sized bareboat or crewed yacht to a superyacht big enough for the rich and famous and their friends. Charter companies include Nicholson Yacht Charter & Services and The Moorings, both in English Harbour, and Dream Yacht Charter and TradeWinds at the Jolly Harbour Marina.
“Antigua and Barbuda’s spectacular coastline makes it world-renowned for its sailing and yachting. The destination boasts some of the best sailing conditions and the finest first-class, landside yachting facilities in the region. Antigua and Barbuda’s scenic and quiet anchorages make the destination perfect for cruising and private charters,” says Maria Blackman, marketing communications manager for the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority.
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Here is a suggested 7-day itinerary around Antigua. If you have an extra day or two, sail 25 nm north from Dickinson Bay, Antigua, to Low Bay, Barbuda, east of the Codrington Lagoon. Wildlife, including birdlife, is spectacular here, plus the sand on the long strip of beach here is a beautiful pink. Coco Point, on Barbuda’s southern shores, is a great spot to swim and snorkel in the reef-protected bay before returning to Antigua.
After arriving at your yacht the afternoon before and spending the first night aboard, sail 7 to 8 miles north to Deep Bay, where the star attraction is a chance to dive on the 1905 wreck of the Andes. This old wood and iron carrier caught fire while on anchor here en route from Trinidad to Peru and sank in the middle of the bay. Its mast still sticks up and out of the water occasionally making the perfect X marks the spot. “In the afternoon, go ashore and hike up to historic Fort Barrington. Views from here span to St. Kitts & Nevis to the west and Montserrat to the southwest,” says Ricardo Flores, head of charter sales for TradeWinds.
Day 2:Deep Bay to Long Island.
Cruise about 9 miles along Antigua’s northern shores to Long Island. This 100-acre island, located off the tip of Parham Peninsula, is the fifth-largest island in this nation and home to the exclusive five-star Jumby Bay Resort. Swim, snorkel or sun or stroll the beach. Since the resort restaurants are for guests only, dine onboard or dinghy over to one of the restaurants on Antigua’s northeast shore.
Day 3:Long Island to Green Island.
It’s an island-hopping day. Start with a very short sail east to Great Bird Island. This 20-acre islet, reachable only by boat, is home to a small wildlife sanctuary. Look for red-billed tropicbirds, West Indian whistling ducks and the Antiguan racer snake, the latter of which the entire world population lives here. A short hike puts you atop this uninhabited islet with spectacular views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch, dinghy to Hells Gate Island. The caves are the main attraction. Seek out one of the guides for a tour. Next, head out through the reefs to the Atlantic Ocean and Antigua’s eastern coast to overnight off Green Island. “Green Island has a lovely bay to anchor in and is a good place to enjoy watersports,” says Sarah Sebastian, owner of Nicholson Yacht Charter & Services.
After breakfast, TradeWinds Flores recommends sailing to Indian Creek. “Pending on sea conditions, you may decide to dive the canyons of Sunken Rock.” This is the only known wall dive in Antigua, with a vertical drop from 6- to 80-feet. It’s recommended only for certified divers. Afterwards, cruise to Pigeon Beach in Falmouth Harbour. The beach is beautiful. Plus, for later, if you’d like to dine out, there are over a dozen restaurants ashore from a West Indian roti shack to white-tablecloth eateries. Spend the night in the bay. You’ll usually be in the company of several mega yachts.
Boats in Falmouth Harbour during the Antigua Charter Yacht Show. Photo: Ted Martin
Day 5:Falmouth Harbor to English Harbour.
It’s a fast, but fabulously beautiful 2 nm sail around to English Harbour. Along the way, stop to dive or snorkel at the Pillars of Hercules, natural rock formations carved with the sea, wind and rain. After that, go ashore to tour Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an ideal spot to learn the history of the British fleet stationed here in the 18th century. If there’s still time in the day, hike to either Fort Berkeley or Shirley Heights lookout, the latter of which is an ideal place for pre-dinner cocktails.
Sunset in English Harbour. Credit Caribbean Tourism Organisation UK
Day 6: English Harbour to Jolly Harbour.
After breakfast, “dive or snorkel in the open water aquarium of Lobster Point before taking a leisurely sail to the long stretch of sandy beaches all along the west shore of Antigua for a dip,” suggests TradeWinds Flores. Spend the last night of charter sampling from among the many restaurants in the Jolly Harbour area.
Day 7:Jolly Harbour.
On this last day, “breakfast aboard, gather belongings and depart for home, making plans for another charter again in the future,” invites Flores.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chartering in Antigua
Is Antigua a good sailing charter destination?
Yes. Antigua is widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s premier sailing destinations thanks to reliable trade winds, protected anchorages, modern marina facilities, and a rich maritime heritage.
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How many days do you need to charter around Antigua?
A seven-day charter provides enough time to explore Antigua’s major anchorages, beaches, snorkeling sites, and historic attractions. Adding a few extra days allows time to visit Barbuda as well.
Is Barbuda worth adding to an Antigua charter?
Absolutely. Barbuda offers pink-sand beaches, exceptional birdlife, quiet anchorages, and a very different atmosphere from Antigua. Many sailors consider it a worthwhile extension to their itinerary.
What is Nelson’s Dockyard?
Nelson’s Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Caribbean’s most important historic naval facilities. It served as a base for the British Navy in the 18th century and remains a centerpiece of Antigua’s maritime culture.
What is the best snorkeling in Antigua?
Popular snorkeling locations include:
Pillars of Hercules
Green Island reefs
Deep Bay
Lobster Point
The wreck of the Andes
Can you dive shipwrecks in Antigua?
Yes. One of the most popular wreck dives is the Andes, a cargo vessel that sank in Deep Bay in 1905 and now serves as an artificial reef.
Green Island offers protected anchorages, clear water, excellent snorkeling, and easy access to nearby wildlife sanctuaries and offshore reefs.
Why is English Harbour famous?
English Harbour is one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated yachting centers. It combines maritime history, modern yacht facilities, waterfront dining, and access to attractions such as Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard.
What is Shirley Heights?
Shirley Heights is a historic military lookout that offers panoramic views over English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. It is especially famous for its sunset gatherings and live music.
What makes Antigua different from other Caribbean charter destinations?
Antigua combines excellent sailing conditions, deep maritime history, extensive yacht infrastructure, and easy access to offshore islands and reefs, making it one of the Caribbean’s most complete charter destinations.
What This Means
Antigua is much more than a stop on the Caribbean sailing circuit.
Historic harbors tell the story of centuries of seafaring
Protected anchorages make cruising enjoyable
Snorkeling and diving opportunities are plentiful
The option to add Barbuda expands the adventure
For sailors seeking a destination with both sailing pedigree and natural beauty, Antigua consistently ranks among the Caribbean’s best.
