Discover the Delights of Antigua on a Yacht Charter Holiday

The Perfect Destination for a Yachting Holiday.

Published August 4, 2020

Updated January 6, 2025

The Very Best of Antigua

One of two major isles that make up the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua is surrounded by coral reefs, with consistent breeze, sheltered waters and over 365 pink coral bays to explore, making it the perfect destination for a yachting holiday.

Conditions are ideal, with balmy temperatures, near-constant winds of 10 to 25 knots and some of the best sailing in the world all year round. There’s so much to enjoy, from exploring secluded coves and beaches, to a wide variety of water sports, delicious local cuisine and the historical site of Nelson’s Dockyard.

See our top picks below for some of the best activities Antigua has to offer.

Antigua at its Best

Watersports

Thrill seekers will be spoilt for choice with the amount of water activities available across the island; including diving, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing.

There are plenty of boat tour and watersport companies who can organise activities for you, or if you’ve chosen to charter a yacht then some boats even have the equipment on board.

Adrenaline junkies can try their hand at jet skiing or kitesurfing, or for something more laid back try swimming with stingrays or exploring the many stunning coral reefs.

Local Cuisine

Like many Caribbean destinations, Antigua is famed for its seafood, with conch being one of the most popular dishes.

Conch (pronounced ‘conk’) is the meat found inside the spiral shells that wash up on the majority of beaches, and its versatility means it is cooked in curries, fritters and chowders, or eaten raw as a ceviche.

Another must-try is Antigua’s national dish, saltfish and fungi; a flaky, salt cured white fish paired with the Antiguan version of polenta.

And that's not to mention the Caribbean's famous Painkiller cocktails...

nelsons dockyard sailing holidays antigua

Visit Nelson's Dockyard

Nelson’s Dockyard is the highlight of English Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the south coast of the island. A former British Navy base, the dockyard is full of restored 18th and 19th century buildings and many historical artefacts.

The buildings house modern conveniences such as shops, hotels and restaurants, as well as a museum charting the history of the harbour.

The dockyard is still fully functioning today, making it the only working Georgian dockyard in the world, and is a popular spot for some of the most glamorous yachts in the region.

Shirley Heights Lookout

Shirley Heights Lookout is another remnant of Antigua’s rich colonial past, and the restored lookout and gun battery is now a favourite for locals and tourists alike.

Well worth the trek (or short taxi ride!) uphill through lush forest, the view from the top of Shirley Heights is simply sensational.

Every Sunday and Wednesday evening, they host a huge ‘jump up’ party, with a superb BBQ cook off featuring all sorts of local delicacies, a well-stocked bar, and some brilliant live music.

An absolute must for the start or end of your charter!

Discover Local Wildlife

Antigua’s most famous natural attraction is surely its coral reefs, but there’s plenty of dazzling flora and fauna to admire above the water, too.

If you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of sea turtles as they nest on the beaches, or take a tour through some of the stunning mangrove tree tunnels.

You don’t have to be a dedicated bird spotter either to appreciate the island’s many sea birds, with species including pelicans, man o’ war birds and ospreys, to name just a few.

See it for Yourself

There’s no better way to explore Antigua than by boat, and what could be more luxurious than sailing aboard your own chartered yacht?

Helm provides a range of sailing holidays tailored to your requirements, with a collection of luxury yachts of all sizes and the option to sail bareboat, skippered or with a full crew.

Browse yachts in Antigua and start planning your dream holiday to the Caribbean.

Need some help?

If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.

We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.

Similar articles

Show all articles