Although Antigua is best known for its extensive offering of beaches – 365 to be exact, one for each day of the year – but did you know that this small island is also famous for another key reason? Surrounded by clear, sparkling seas, a calm but consistent breeze and a warm climate, the beaches are just the beginning of what this stunning tropical island has to offer. Located in the centre of the Caribbean’s beautiful Leeward Islands, Antigua provides some of the best sailing in the area, with soft trade winds, gorgeous turquoise waters, safe anchorages, white-sand beaches, and not to mention a full regatta calendar. And what better way to explore this magnificent island than via a sailing yacht charter?
Begin your beautiful sailing adventure by one of the world’s most desirable sailing destinations. Its mixed coastline and nearly continuous coral reef surrounding the island offers plenty of protective harbours to drop anchor. The ideal place for those new to sailing and seasoned sailors, there is plenty to do and see during a luxury sailing yacht charter around Antigua. There is Nelson’s Dockyard, a former British military base and now a UNESCO World Heritage site in the stunning English Harbour. Located within Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, be sure to stop by Clarence House and Shirley Heights. The area is also known for its thriving nightlife, filled with lively bars, making it an ideal place to start or end your sailing charter. From here, you can sail along Antigua’s coastline and stop by one of its several beaches before anchoring by Deep Bay. Home to the iconic shipwreck, The Andes, which is over a hundred years old, the bay is renowned for great snorkelling. The water in this area is so still and clear, you will be able to see many of the finer details of the wreck. If you still have some energy left, then take the tender ashore and hike up the coast to explore Fort Barrington, built in 1780.
With plenty of beaches in the area, you can also head ashore for a few hours of relaxation under the warm tropical sun.
Continue sailing along the coastline before anchoring near Antigua’s capital of St.John’s, where you will encounter a lively hub of activity, ideal for dining, sightseeing and shopping. Take in the view of the baroque towers of the cathedral that looms across the skyline and explore the 18th-century ruins of Fort James as you admire the spectacular view. Afterwards, sail around the island, stopping at some of the island’s beautiful bays to enjoy some more sun tanning, snorkelling and swimming. Anchor near the small islet of Prickly Pear Island and try out some of the water toys aboard your sailing yacht, as this uninhabited slice of paradise is perfect for all recreational excursions on the water. If time allows during your sailing yacht charter, you can also head north and visit Antigua’s little sister island of Barbuda. Tranquil, idyllic and romantic, you can expect to find stretches of magnificent pink coral sand beaches and more vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life. With more wildlife on the islands than inhabitants living on the island, it is the perfect place to relax and soak up the quiet atmosphere.