If you’re looking to enjoy spectacular beaches, elegant anchorages, the steady warm trade winds and everything in between… a sailing vacation in Antigua might just be what you’re looking for.
Whether it’s the stunning beauty of the island’s scenic spots or the delectable Caribbean cuisine, a trip here will truly transform you inside and out. If you’re planning to visit any time soon and are considering a sailing vacation in Antigua, you will have a choice of experiences to make your vacation dreams a reality.
Interestingly, as part of its history, Antigua was one of the rare (and probably only) Leeward Islands that were a part of the Caribbean and was also ruled by the British. It served as the primary dockyard for the British West Indies, as well as the British Army’s base for their iconic royal Navy.
Owing to its location, it was interchangeably called the English dockyard. No other dockyard provided such an excellent and safe port located at the deep-water level.
In 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered the island and named it Santa Maria De la Antigua. Before this, Europeans had attempted to conquer it several times, but in vain. It was finally colonized by the English during the early 1600s.
At this time, Thomas Warner served as the governor. Finally, by 1667 Antigua was declared an independent island of the British colony and was governed until 1860 by the Codrington family after which it was finally renamed Antigua from the old name Santa Maria De la Antigua.
Popular Anchorages
As you would probably guess, one of the key attractions of Antigua is its anchorages. Some of the most popular anchorages include:
– Dickenson Bay
This is perhaps one of the most popular destinations on the isle with some of the most beautiful powder white sand beaches and perfect sunsets that fall to the coastline. You can start from the Weatherill Point and steadily move across the bay for the best kinds of day and nighttime water sports.
Other events will keep you hooked as well. There are unlimited amounts of action available out on the water, and you will find plenty of restaurants and bars on the shoreline to grab and sustain your attention.
– Nonsuch Bay
You will also find some of the best anchorages in the iconic Nonsuch Bay located at the North-Eastern corner of the isle and is a fantastic place to wind-surf, scuba dive, snorkel and just hang out.
Top anchorages here are Browns Bay and the popular Rickett Harbour and they are located in proximity to enable easy access to travelers.
Thanks to this convenient location, you can now enjoy the beauty of the anchorages all while enjoying your food and drinks at the top restaurants. A number of great restaurants are also hidden in some of the coves deeper into the bay that deserve a visit as well.
– Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay is a calm anchorage with easy access to both English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour.
A beautiful palm-lined shoreline forms part of a rainforest-backed luxury resort, where yacht-vacationers can swim, sunbathe, make use of the spa facilities, or shop the chic resorts and enjoy fine upscale dining.
This well-protected spot is also just a short gentle ride away from the spectacular dive sites of Cades Reef, a protected marine area and the island’s largest reef formation.
Popular Beaches
It is said that there are 365 beaches on Antigua or a new one to visit for each day of the year. Here’s a quick list of a few popular ones to get you started:
– Fort James Beach
This is an excellent beach located less than 2 miles away from the main isle. The relative absence of tourists makes this an ideal beach to explore on horseback. The sand is white and beautiful, and the iconic ruins of the 18th-century Fort James with its full complement of cannons make this spot even more historically relevant.
– Darkwood Beach
This beach is ideal for anyone who is into idyllic scenic views. Even though it may not have as massive developments as some others on the Northern Coast, it is still just as beautiful with its indelible, rustic charm. The shoreline gradually slopes towards the sea and the surrounding rocks protect it throughout the day.
– Hawksbill
Made up of four grey-sand beaches and named for protruding rocks that resemble a Hawksbill turtle, this area is great for snorkeling, but the real attraction is the serenity and spectacular views of the offshore grass-covered rocks. You’ll want to visit Hawksbill if you’re looking for more peace and quiet than Dickenson Bay can offer and calmer waves.
– Pigeon Point Beach
Pigeon Point Beach is located on the south-east coast and is the primary local beach of the island. This is a popular mooring place for boats and yachts, and also offers brilliant views of distant rolling hills of the surrounding isles.
Unlike most coastlines on the island, you will find this one uncrowded and tranquil in comparison. Take a relaxing walk along the shore with the powdery sand between your toes and the waves softly lapping over your feet, enjoy a relaxing swim in the turquoise blue water, or experience some excellent snorkeling.
This is also a nice choice for families with a small play area for the kids, clean bathrooms and plenty of showers.
Diving and Snorkeling
Antigua is also becoming known for its abundant range of snorkeling and diving opportunities. The island is virtually encompassed by well-preserved coral reefs and shipwrecks which makes it a terrific destination for both beginner and more advanced divers. Here are a few of the many popular sites:
– Cades Reef
Cades Reef is a 7 mile stretch of reef partially contained in the Cades Bay Marine Reserve, which is an underwater park and home to hundreds of colorful corals, such as sea fans, and a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, lobsters, moray eels, barracuda and reef sharks. Visibility is up to 100 feet deep when the conditions are calm.
– Pillars of Hercules
Another popular snorkel and dive site for yacht charters is the Pillars of Hercules with a depth ranging from 26 to 49 feet and visibility of 16 to 32 feet. Multicolored corals and sponge covered boulders produce beautiful and incredible swimming pathways. Explore around an old anchor and observe a multitude of ocean life such as, eagle rays, sea turtles, snappers, lobsters, barracuda, reef sharks, and the occasional dolphin.
– Long Bay
Best known for its beautiful scenery, this snorkeling and diving spot is located only 1.1 miles away from the Northeastern parts of the Willikies. This charming white sand beach is a sensational snorkeling site for beginners and families with children. There are even shallow reefs that you can effortlessly walk out to, making this spot ideal for beginners. The waters are clear and calm, and rich with sea life including: parrotfish, French grunts, blue head wrasse, and pale purple surgeonfish.
Other Popular Activities
If you are not quite up to snorkeling and diving there are plenty of other “less-adventurous” options on the island for you to add to your itinerary:
- Try a powerboat tour covering the entire isle
- Take a food tour across the isle
- Check out the iconic Antigua Segway tour
- Ride off the coast on a self-drive cruising boat
- Check out local art galleries and enjoy the host of artistic delights
Popular Island Excursions
You will also find many opportunities to join in on some exciting island excursions to further explore the local culture and history of Antigua. Here are some of the more popular excursion trips to choose from:
– South Coast Tour
This is a historic tour that will offer you a customized visit to the top local attractions, including Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard. Depending on the tour provider, you might even have a trip to the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Center.
– Panoramic Tour
Antigua has some of the prettiest sights. Take part in a Panoramic tour to enjoy these sights even more! Begin at St. John’s and head toward two enchanting towns: Liberta and Freeman’s, both of which will have you instantly lunging for your camera to start taking pictures of all of the beautiful surroundings.
– Beach Day Tour
There are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for each day of the year. The lion’s share is situated along the calm and protected waters of the island’s Caribbean side. This tour involves excursions to some of the top beaches and includes food and drink and will last about 5 to 6 hours.
Delicious Local Cuisine
Antigua is known for its exceptional local cuisine and the indigenous foods, drinks and treats are without a doubt something to delight in.
Here are a few must-haves to try on your visit:
- Fungee,
- Pepperpot,
- Ducana (very popular around the holidays),
- Grilled Barbudan Lobster,
- Fish Cakes
- Raisin Bun and Cheese,
- Coconut/Cake Tart,
- and a little (or a lot) of Ginger Beer.
Try one or more of these exotic delights during your visit to give your taste-buds the experience of a lifetime.
Well, now that you know everything about sailing vacations in Antigua, it’s time to start planning your next yacht charter vacation and Virgin Island Sailing®‘s expert charter brokers are here to help you. We offer a substantial selection of popular private bareboat and crewed yacht charters to choose from. Contact us today and let’s get started putting together your dream Antigua yacht charter!
