
Antigua Charter Itinerary
15 days
•120 nautical miles
Antigua Yacht Charter
Antigua is a perfect location for a chartered yacht sailing holiday. Its warm, steady winds and protective wall of coral reef make for easy sailing and a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and water sports, while the buzzy harbours and ports offer some of the most glamorous places in the Caribbean to dine and party.
Here is a sample 14 day itinerary to give you a taste of what you can see and do during a weeks sailing in Antigua. As with all our destination guides, it can be adapted to your preferences.
There is a great range of bareboat, skippered and crewed yachts available to choose from.
Sailing Antigua
DAY

Day 1: Arrive at Jolly Harbour Marina
Arrive at Jolly Harbour Marina (embarkation time 5pm). On your first day, fly to Antigua airport and make your way to our base in Jolly Harbour Marina. This well-equipped marina is a perfect start point for your cruise and where you will spend your first night in the Caribbean. Things to do before you set sail: The marina is home several bars, restaurants, a large supermarket, liquor store, customs, a fresh water swimming pool, a fuel dock and even an 18 hole golf course!
DAY

Day 2: Hermitage Bay (5nm)
After your boat briefing and one-to-one chart briefing, leave the dock and sail north to Hermitage Bay, a beautiful and secluded anchorage where Queen Elizabeth II once went swimming! Things to do: This is a great spot for some tropical bird watching at sunset. Dine ashore at the waterfront Hermitage Bay resort built into the side of the hill or enjoy a BBQ and dine under the stars.
DAY

Day 3: Deep Bay (5nm)
From Hermitage Bay, sail north to Deep Bay. Just west of St. John’s Harbour, Deep Bay offers one of the most secure anchorages on the west coast. Things to do: The bay is home to the wreck of the Andes, a merchant ship that caught fire and sank in 1908. Take your dingy to the wreck and snorkel. You are usually able to catch a glimpse of the tip of one of the masts on most days. Go ashore and hike up to the top of the surrounding hills where you will find the ruins of Fort Barrington.
DAY

Day 4: Dickenson Bay (5nm)
From Deep Bay, it is a short sail to another stunning gem, Dickenson Bay. The beach is dotted with hotels and restaurants, and there’s a buzzing nightlife here too. Things to do: There’s a wealth of activities to try out. A number of watersports are available including water-skiing, windsurfing and jet skiing. Among the many bars and restaurants, we recommend Sneaky Petes Beach Bar, Pepperz n Lime and Coconut Grove. All perfect for sundowners and enjoying some stunning sunsets.
DAY

Day 5: Barbuda (Low Bay) (30nm)
This morning you will set sail in a northerly direction for Barbuda. This idyllic tropical island is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary which is located in the Codrington Lagoon. This evening you will anchor at Low Bay, where you will be able to enjoy a stunning sunset. Traveller’s tip: Pre-book your bird sanctuary tour with Goldilocks and pre-order fresh lobster or dish to be delivered to you
DAY

Day 6: Barbuda (Codrington)
Today will be a chance to explore inland and visit the small city of Codrington, which was founded by the family of the same name in 1685. The family built a castle which dominated the town, but it was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1843 and little trace of it exists now. The town is still the main residential centre on the islands and you will find plenty of opportunity to buy souvenirs and locally-made gifts from the street vendors and markets.
DAY

Day 7: Barbuda (Coco Point) (10nm)
After the relative bustle of Codrington, this is a day for total escapism. Sail round from Low Bay to Coco Point where you will discover a long white sandy beach and clear turquoise waters. The perfect spot to snorkel, kayak or simply relax on board with a good book.
DAY

Day 8: Jumby Bay (25nm)
A mornings sailing along Barbuda’s lush coastline, with bring you to the delightfully named Jumby Bay on Long Island. A tropical paradise, the bay boasts a picture postcard stretch of glorious white beach dotted with swaying palm trees. Things to do: Hope in the dinghy and dine at the restaurant of the exclusive Jumby Bay resort.
DAY

Day 9: Great Bird Island (5nm)
Sail back to Antigua to Great Bird Island and a myriad of uninhabited offshore islands. Things to do: Hike up to the top of the island along the trail and enjoy the views of all the reefs which surround it. The reefs are home to some wonderful marine life and ideal for snorkelling. We particularly recommend you try the reef surrounding Galley Island. Hop in the dinghy and head south west to Hell’s Gate, an eerie island of decaying rock. One of the offshore islands offers you the opportunity to walk through a cave and stand on top of the island viewing both the Atlantic and Caribbean!
DAY

Day 10: Nonsuch Bay (10nm)
Sail from Great Bird Island to Green Island and Nonsuch Bay. Green Island is a beautiful, completely uninhabited island which is perfect for that getaway anchorage. Things to do: Nonsuch Bay is home to Harmony Hall, an art gallery and Italian restaurant set high overlooking the bay. Enjoy cocktails in a converted sugar mill. Try your hand at kite surfing or windsurfing.
DAY

Day 11: English Harbour (10nm)
From Nonsuch Bay, sail south to English Harbour. The harbour is home to Nelsons Dockyard which is a fully restored 18th century working dockyard. Nelson kept his fleet here and there is a museum dedicated to his memory which is worth checking out. There are many restaurants in this area and the dockyard itself has some pretty places to have coffee and dinner. Things to do: If you enjoy diving, why not join a group departing from English Harbour and visit some of the many dive sites off the south and south west coast.
DAY

Day 12: Falmouth Harbour (3nm)
Take a short sail to Falmouth Harbour – home to Antigua Yacht Club. A good place to marvel at the mega yachts and super yachts! Things to do: Enjoy a stroll on Pigeon Beach and a refreshing drink at Bumpkins Beach Bar Try a chocolate martini at Skulduggery Café Dine out at Cloggys Restaurant – famous for delicious rose wines and a party atmosphere!
DAY

Day 13: Carlisle Bay (5nm)
Sail over to Carlisle Bay, a beautiful palm-lined anchorage set off by lush vegetation on the surrounding hills. Things to do: A great spot for snorkelling or diving as the beaches tend to be less crowded and the water is crystal clear. The beach is home to the 5 star Carlisle Bay resort, which has two great restaurants, East and Indigo, on the beach. It’s a wonderful venue for a special dinner and an ideal overnight anchorage. They also have a great spa you are welcome to use – reservations are required.
DAY

Day 14: Jolly Harbour Marina (7nm)
Sail along the west coast and stop for a beach lunch at one of four restaurants and then relax on board or swim during the afternoon Dining tips: Jacqui Os Beach Bar and Restaurant and Denis are our favourites places to eat here. Denis house special is home-made goat curry and jonny cakes and has some of the best views of the surrounding islands, including Redonda, Montserrat and occasionally Nevis. For dinner, try Al Porto, where Angie
DAY

Day 15: Jolly Harbour Marina
Return to Jolly Harbour to disembark
14 Day Itinerary Antigua

Arrive at Jolly Harbour Marina (embarkation time 5pm). On your first day, fly to Antigua airport and make your way to our base in Jolly Harbour Marina. This well-equipped marina is a perfect start point for your cruise and where you will spend your first night in the Caribbean.

After your boat briefing and one-to-one chart briefing, leave the dock and sail north to Hermitage Bay, a beautiful and secluded anchorage where Queen Elizabeth II once went swimming!
This is a great spot for some tropical bird watching at sunset.
Dine ashore at the waterfront Hermitage Bay resort built into the side of the hill or enjoy a BBQ and dine under the stars.


From Hermitage Bay, sail north to Deep Bay. Just west of St. John’s Harbour, Deep Bay offers one of the most secure anchorages on the west coast.
The bay is home to the wreck of the Andes, a merchant ship that caught fire and sank in 1908. Take your dingy to the wreck and snorkel. You are usually able to catch a glimpse of the tip of one of the masts on most days.
Go ashore and hike up to the top of the surrounding hills where you will find the ruins of Fort Barrington.

From Deep Bay, it is a short sail to another stunning gem, Dickenson Bay. The beach is dotted with hotels and restaurants, and there’s a buzzing nightlife here too.
There’s a wealth of activities to try out. A number of watersports are available including water-skiing, windsurfing and jet skiing.
Among the many bars and restaurants, we recommend Sneaky Petes Beach Bar, Pepperz n Lime and Coconut Grove. All perfect for sundowners and enjoying some stunning sunsets.

This morning you will set sail in a northerly direction for Barbuda. This idyllic tropical island is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary which is located in the Codrington Lagoon. This evening you will anchor at Low Bay, where you will be able to enjoy a stunning sunset.
Pre-book your bird sanctuary tour with Goldilocks and pre-order fresh lobster or dish to be delivered to you.

Today will be a chance to explore inland and visit the small city of Codrington, which was founded by the family of the same name in 1685. The family built a castle which dominated the town, but it was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1843 and little trace of it exists now. The town is still the main residential centre on the islands and you will find plenty of opportunity to buy souvenirs and locally-made gifts from the street vendors and markets.

After the relative bustle of Codrington, this is a day for total escapism. Sail round from Low Bay to Coco Point where you will discover a long white sandy beach and clear turquoise waters. The perfect spot to snorkel, kayak or simply relax on board with a good book.

A mornings sailing along Barbuda’s lush coastline, with bring you to the delightfully named Jumby Bay on Long Island. A tropical paradise, the bay boasts a picture postcard stretch of glorious white beach dotted with swaying palm trees.
- Hope in the dinghy and dine at the restaurant of the exclusive Jumby Bay resort.

Sail back to Antigua to Great Bird Island and a myriad of uninhabited offshore islands.
Hike up to the top of the island along the trail and enjoy the views of all the reefs which surround it.
The reefs are home to some wonderful marine life and ideal for snorkelling. We particularly recommend you try the reef surrounding Galley Island.
Hop in the dinghy and head south west to Hell’s Gate, an eerie island of decaying rock. One of the offshore islands offers you the opportunity to walk through a cave and stand on top of the island viewing both the Atlantic and Caribbean!

Sail from Great Bird Island to Green Island and Nonsuch Bay. Green Island is a beautiful, completely uninhabited island which is perfect for that getaway anchorage.
Nonsuch Bay is home to Harmony Hall, an art gallery and Italian restaurant set high overlooking the bay.
Enjoy cocktails in a converted sugar mill.
Try your hand at kite surfing or windsurfing.
From Nonsuch Bay, sail south to English Harbour. The harbour is home to Nelsons Dockyard which is a fully restored 18th century working dockyard. Nelson kept his fleet here and there is a museum dedicated to his memory which is worth checking out. There are many restaurants in this area and the dockyard itself has some pretty places to have coffee and dinner.
- If you enjoy diving, why not join a group departing from English Harbour and visit some of the many dive sites off the south and south west coast.

Take a short sail to Falmouth Harbour – home to Antigua Yacht Club. A good place to marvel at the mega yachts and super yachts!
Enjoy a stroll on Pigeon Beach and a refreshing drink at Bumpkins Beach Bar
Try a chocolate martini at Skulduggery Café
Dine out at Cloggys Restaurant – famous for delicious rose wines and a party atmosphere!

Sail over to Carlisle Bay, a beautiful palm-lined anchorage set off by lush vegetation on the surrounding hills.
A great spot for snorkelling or diving as the beaches tend to be less crowded and the water is crystal clear.
The beach is home to the 5 star Carlisle Bay resort, which has two great restaurants, East and Indigo, on the beach. It’s a wonderful venue for a special dinner and an ideal overnight anchorage. They also have a great spa you are welcome to use – reservations are required.

Sail along the west coast and stop for a beach lunch at one of four restaurants and then relax on board or swim during the afternoon.
Jacqui Os Beach Bar and Restaurant and Denis are our favourites places to eat here. Denis house special is home-made goat curry and jonny cakes and has some of the best views of the surrounding islands, including Redonda, Montserrat and occasionally Nevis. For dinner, try Al Porto!

Make your way back to base and disembark at 10am.
Begin your Antiguan Adventure
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