“The Windward Islands”

Lat and Long– 17.0228° N, 61.7814° W

One of the world's most famous and largest yachting hubs lies in the deep and large horseshoe bay of Falmouth Harbour, in the realms of Monte Carlo, Antibes, Palma and Fort Lauderdale. Together with Nelsons Dockyard, the harbour area hosts many renowned sailing regattas and events, such as the RORC 600 Round The Islands Race, Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Sailing Week and more. Suppose you visit at the time of any of these spectacular events. In that case, it's a mesmerizing time to explore the waterfront and awe at the beauty, craftsmanship, and history of these elegant ocean-faring vessels. Indeed, from any of the viewpoints (such as Shirley Heights), you can watch as the many yachts jostle for position to begin the race, waiting for the firing cannon to happen just outside the harbour.

Falmouth Harbour lies in the island's south which, together with English Harbour, just around the headland and within walking distance, represents Antigua's biggest centre of activity aside from the capital, St. John's, in the north. Once a base for the fleets of Admiral Nelson, today these deep natural harbours are seasonal playgrounds for pleasure sailors, watching the comings and goings of craft, both small and of the luxury yacht type, from any number of waterside cafes, bars and restaurants in the area are both a popular and lovely way to spend some Antiguan hours.

It's also here in Falmouth Harbour that is some to both Antigua Yacht Club, Falmouth Harbour Marina and the Catamaran Club, all destinations hosted by chartered and private yachts, and some of the places you could depart from on your very own perfect yacht charter.

“The Windward Islands”

Lat and Long – 17.0704° N, 61.6691° W

On the eastern corner of Antigua, on the often exposed side of the island facing the prevailing easterly trade winds and the open Ocean of the Atlantic, is a popular and breathtaking island called Green Island. Here, you will find a wild selection of secluded, pristine white sand beaches to discover and explore, great marine life, and offers so many great opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive.

On a day with light to moderate conditions, the isolated bays of Green Island are protected on the leeward side of the island, and because of its otherwise exposed nature to the windy elements, it is an enormously popular destination of adrenaline-fuelled adventurers to go Kite Boarding, and other wind assisted watersports. You will see many yachts and superyachts anchored in this area, searching for an escape from the busier and more popular beaches and bays on Antigua's south and western sides.

“The Windward Islands”

Lat and Long – 17.1451° N, 61.7258°

Off the North Coast of Antigua lies the island's biggest marine park, which holds several islets and the picturesque Great Bird Island. Featuring two beaches and coral formations bursting with life, only accessible from the sea, Great Bird Island also has so much more past the shores, so get your cameras out and get ready to take some incredible pictures. For activities ashore, you can pay to go up to the viewpoint and How Hole, with stunning views - all proceeds fund its upkeep and maintenance.

“The Windward Islands”

Lat and Long – 17.1606° N, 61.8500° W

Dickenson Bay is arguably one of the most renowned beaches on the island of Antigua. Situated on the island's northwest coast and host to a selection of established hotels, this stunning, long, white sand beach, reaching out to its pristine and clean, emerald blue waters, is a perfect destination you do not want to forget on your Antiguan yacht charter. Explore breathtaking coral, marine life and tropical fish, and enjoy beautiful scenic views.

There's no marina or dock here, so with favourable conditions, you can anchor in front of the beach in shallow waters and swim or take the dingy ashore. On the beachfront, you'll find hotel access where you can engage in all kinds of watersports activities and excursions, relax on sun loungers, dine in their fine restaurants and sip cocktails at their beach bars or by the poolside. Call ahead and arrange your visit with the hotel or restaurant first!

Finally, Dickenson Bay also marks a great halfway house for your trip north to Barbuda or on your return.

“The Windward Islands”

Lat and Long – 17.1606° N, 61.8500° W

On the southern coast of Antigua, you will find Carlisle Bay and the luxury Carlisle Bay Resort. The bay is a perfect Caribbean hideaway, with a stunning, beautifully maintained, powdery-white, elegant beach and breathtaking views out to sea, including the towering neighbouring volcanic island of Montserrat. Visiting by yacht, you can anchor anywhere in the bay and prepare yourself for curious visitors, such as Turtles, Eagle Rays and many tropical fish. There is ample space here, and it makes a great overnight stay travelling between English Harbour and Jolly Harbour, particularly on the first or last night, with a perfect combination of relaxation and a more luxurious experience ashore, if you like. You will not be disappointed.

Carlisle Bay Resort does take reservations from visiting yachts, and there is a dock for your dingy. Make sure to give them a call well ahead of time if you plan to visit and want to dine in one of their exquisite resorts or explore the resort itself.

“Windward Islands, Antigua”

Seaton’s Village, Barge Reef

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You can visit and enjoy the unique experience of interacting and feeding wild Southern Stingrays, together with snorkelling amongst coral reefs and tropical fish. The Southern Rays are friendly and gentle, which could make your time with your hosts at Stingray City Snorkel Adventure one of the highlights of your vacation.

You'll arrive at the tour base at Seaton's Village on the North-Eastern side of Antigua, where experienced guides will brief you about the Southern Rays, how to interact safely and what to expect. A scenic 5-minute speedboat ride between Antigua's offshore islands will whisk you off to a shallow stingray pool with a white sand bottom surrounded by a coral reef. The Stingrays are not enclosed, and as your boat arrives, so will the Stingrays. Once your boat has been moored, you'll enter the water from the floating platform, where the friendliest southern stingrays will greet you with the relaxed familiarity of old friends. Whether you choose to stand or swim, you'll have the unique opportunity to hold, feed and interact with stingrays during your encounter, all the while learning about these amazing and captivating animals.

After interacting with the Rays, there will be time for you to snorkel among the coral reefs and tropical fish, returning to the land base where you can rinse under a coconut tree. You will also find a merchandise store and the opportunity to purchase the pictures taken by their resident photographer, who is there all day to capture this magical experience.

“Windward Islands, Antigua”

Lat & Long –17.0083° N, 61.7644° W

Nestled deep within English Harbour is the magnificent Nelsons Dockyard, a famous and historic settlement used by the British Royal Navy as its established base of operations through the eighteenth century. In this beautifully maintained harbour, littered with historical monuments, barracks, forts and gun emplacements, you will find an array of majestic yachts, ranging from performance sailing yachts, pocket superyachts, classical historic vessels and the impressive superyachts themselves.

This is a peaceful and serene place to visit at night, with a selection of fine restaurants and bars. During the day, this is a popular place for tourists to visit from around Antigua, exploring the dockyard and the waterfront, gazing at the splendour of the many breathtaking ocean-faring yachts that choose to stay at this legendary, international yachting hub. During the festive season, there are large celebrations here on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, and the exceptional harbour often hosts the arrival of many trans-Altantic crossings, from sailing yachts down to the daring and brave Ocean crossing rowers and paddleboards.

Enjoy Galleon Beach, a dingy or taxi ride away and across the harbour, or hike up to Shirley Heights, the former colonial lookout post atop the hill, for a breathtaking panoramic view.

“Wndward Islands, north of Antigua”

Lat & Long – 17.6266° N, 61.7713° W

As you approach the 160 square kilometres sand-bar island of Barbuda, you may only see something once you are within 10 or 12 nautical miles. Then, across the horizon, you will see first the trees and then maybe a hotel before finally settling your eyes on the vast, white sand beaches, surrounded by coral reefs and a largely uninhabited landmass of fewer than 1,700 inhabitants.

Barbuda is best known for its isolation, the secluded pink and white sand beaches, the reef-lined Spanish Point, and the beautiful North Beach. If you feel like an adventurous trip ashore, take a guided tour or visit Cordington Lagoon and the habitat of the Frigate Bird Sanctuary - home to large frigate birds and over 150 other bird species. There is one village on the island, and that is Codrington itself.

You can only reach Barbuda by small aircraft or sea, roughly thirty nautical miles from the northern point of Antigua to the southern point of Barbuda. In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the island on its path through the Caribbean and laid waste to much of its infrastructure and wildlife. Although you can still visit the island's shores and landscape, it's still an island in recovery, and there are still uncharted wreckages beneath the surface.

“Windward Islands, Antigua”

Lat & Long - 17.0405° N, 61.8939° W

Darkwood Beach is an idyllic paradise on the southwestern coast of the beautiful island of Antigua and just fifteen kilometres from the capital of St John. Here you will find natural glamour with panoramic views, crystal-clear waters, and a stunning backdrop of hilltops and tropical landscapes, with ample space for visiting by yacht and dropping the anchor close to shore. Darkwood Beach is one of the most beloved beaches by locals and visitors. On a clear day, you can even see the neighbouring and actively volcanic island of Montserrat. What's more, it has one of the longest stretches of beach on the island, giving you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean, and the great reef formation close to the shore on one side of the beach makes Darkwood Beach the perfect destination to snorkel without venturing too far out in the water.

“Windward Islands, Antigua”

Lat & Long - 17.0461° N, 61.6814° W

Half Moon Bay is a stunning beach on the southeastern Atlantic coast of Antigua, a great stop close to English and Falmouth Harbour and on the way to Green Island. This unique beach is surrounded by a classical beautiful tropical landscape that you would find in the Caribbean, making it an unmissable destination for visiting the anchorage by yacht when the weather is light. Half Moon Bay is also a national park, renowned for its lush beauty and tranquil atmosphere, and is conveniently located only 5.5 kilometres from Mamora Bay and a five-minute drive from Freetown village. Plenty of activities keep visitors entertained, such as swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and other water sports. With its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views, Half Moon Bay is an unforgettable beach experience.

“Windward Islands, Antigua”

Lat & Long - 17.0669° N, 61.8885° W

To the west side of the island of Antigua, you'll find Jolly Beach, the luxurious Jolly Harbour resort village and one of the main departure points for your sailing yacht charter. The Jolly Harbour marina is home to an array of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and boat services, with the beautiful, sandy Caribbean beaches of Jolly Beach, Ffryes Beach and Valley Church Beach close by. The Jolly Harbour Golf Club also hosts an 18-hole championship course within reach and inland hiking trails at Greencastle Hill National Park with volcanic rock formations and sweeping island views.

Jolly Beach is a large and gorgeous white sand, powdery beach open to the public, with many eateries, bars, tourist spots, sun loungers and watersports activities. With a shallow keel, you can anchor close to the beach, and if you want to explore the island from there, there are taxis and rentals available nearby. Off of the beach itself is the Jolly Beach Resort, with swimming pools and fine dining, a spa and beauty salon, and opportunities for tennis, volleyball, Pink Panther Island Safaris, Eco-Tours, Catamaran Cruises, Sport Fishing, Scuba Diving and more!

The sheltered, deep-water bay of English Harbour is best known for Nelsons Dockyard and the settlement where the British Royal Navy established its base of operations for the region during the Eighteenth Century. English Harbour and the neighbouring deep-water bay of Falmouth Harbour are considered centres and capitals of sailing and yachting, home to many small boats, elegant classical yachts and internationally renowned, grandiose superyachts.

Address: Nelsons Dockyard. Dockyard Drive, English Harbour, Antigua
Phone: +1 (268) 481 5035/5033 | 8AM – 5PM daily
+ 1 (268) 774 4095 (after hours)
Email: info@nationalparksantigua.com Website: https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/
VHF Channels: 10/16
Open: All year

Marina Services:

Berthing slips
Bow moorings
Three-phase electricity
Water
Waste oil disposal
24-hour security
Immigration and Customs
High-speed internet
Restrooms
Showers and laundry
Hotel accommodation
Supermarket
Restaurants and bars in easy reach Chandlery, sail making, yacht carpentry and refit services close by
Historical tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Site are available
Vibrant nightlife around the corner Stunning beaches

To the west side of the island of Antigua, you’ll find the luxurious Jolly Harbour resort village and one of the main departure points for your sailing yacht charter. The Jolly Harbour marina itself is home to an array of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and boat services, with the beautiful, sandy Caribbean beaches of Jolly Beach, Ffryes Beach and Valley Church Beach close by. There is also the Jolly Harbour Golf Club hosting an 18-hole championship course within reach and inland hiking trails at Greencastle Hill National Park with volcanic rock formations and sweeping island views.

Address: P.O. Box 1793 Jolly Harbour, St. Mary’s , Antigua And Barbuda
Phone: +1 268 462 3085
Email: info@jhmarina.com
Website: https://www.jollyharbourantigua.com/
VHF Channels: 68
Open: All year

Marina Services:

Boats and docks
Haul out and storage
Fuel Dock
Mooring Buoys
Security
WiFi
Pump Out
Dock Team
Supermarkets
Chandlery
Laundry
Shipping and Deliveries
Transport
Leisure
Marines Services
Yacht Sales