Antigua luxury yacht charter

Experience treasure island territory in the heart of the Leeward Islands in Antigua. Swaying palms, silky coves, powder-soft sandy beaches and centuries-old pirate legends; a luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean country of Antigua is the epitome of a tropical cruising adventure. The bucolic isle boasts 54 miles of exquisite coastline, a beach for every day of the year and fish-packed reefs and scuba dive sites ideal for nature and sports lovers.

Credit: Unsplash

Antigua yacht season and weather

Year-round temperatures range from 24 to 29°C, with peak charter months from December to April when daily highs average around 27°C. July and August are humid and slightly hotter with average temperatures around 30°C. Hurricane season runs from July to the end of November.

Antigua yacht charter itineraries

Most yachts are based in the buzzing main port area of English Harbour. Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour has just over 50 berths and can accommodate yachts up to 91 metres. Falmouth Harbour Marina has 60 berths and can accommodate yachts up to 100 metres. Luxury resorts such as Carlisle Bay and Jumby Bay Island hotel also offer good anchorages for visiting superyachts.

Anchor off Green Island for picture-perfect beaches and sublime snorkelling, take a tender to Nonsuch Bay for lunch, trace the sweeping crescent of Half Moon Bay, snorkel in the glassy waters of Freeman Bay and relax on the powder-soft sands of Galleon Beach. In Antigua, charterers can discover the waters once sailed by Admiral Nelson, kayak through winding mangroves and head for colonial history, beach bars and distilleries or zip line through the lush canopies.

While Antigua has many highlights of its own, the proximity to neighbouring island idylls makes it a fabulous part of any Caribbean itinerary. On a sensational seven-day charter from Antigua to St Martin, guests can visit the rose-hued beaches of Barbuda, the exclusive spas and golf courses of St Nevis, venture into the rainforests of St Kitts and dive into the spectacular waters of Statia, known for its many wreck dives and national marine park. Disembark at the chic, chilled out isle of St Martin where 40 mesmerising beaches await.

Antigua by superyacht

Getting to Antigua

Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport is the only airport on the island and handles commercial and private jets in and out of Antigua. Many charters include Antigua on extended Caribbean and Leeward Islands itineraries.

Legal requirements

Most travellers do not need a Visa to travel to Antigua and Barbuda, but some exceptions apply. 

In Antigua there are four legal seaports of entry: Deep Water Harbour, Heritage Quay, Jolly Harbour and English Harbour. 

Yachts should fly a Q flag from a conspicuous point on board when arriving. Arriving yachts must clear customs within 24 hours of arrival and departing yachts must leave within 24 hours of completing clearance procedures– there are severe penalties for failing to do so. Crew and guests must stay on board until clearing procedures are complete when arriving.

A valid cruising permit entitles a vessel to cruise anywhere in permitted waters around Antigua and Barbuda. Vessels anchored in certain harbours are subject to National Parks Authority fees in addition to Port Authority Fees.