Why Go Sailing in Antigua and Barbuda?
Charter a yacht and set sail in the island of Antigua and its smaller sister Barbuda, well-known yacht charter destinations. These islands are together known as the "Land of 365 Beaches" due to their stunning 365 beaches to choose from, one for each day in a year. The two islands are 35 nm away from each other, so we recommend sailing only around Antigua for a relaxed sailing vacation.
Antigua and Barbuda offer ideal sailing conditions: warm climate, steady trade winds, indented coastline, and safe natural harbours. Opt for an Antigua yacht charter, as it's an amazing place for diving where you'll be surrounded by marine life and might even spot the endangered Hawksbill Sea turtle. If you're seeking an adrenaline rush, you may want to try zip lining through a rainforest or swimming with stingrays.
Yacht charter in Antigua and Barbuda will offer you luxurious resorts with wild nightlife. Enjoy untouched pink beaches and waters full of coral reefs. Hop aboard your charter sailing boat and cruise around these mesmerizing islands.
Choose Your Perfect Boat in Antigua and Barbuda
Sailing Conditions in Antigua and Barbuda
The climate of Antigua and Barbuda is tropical. Warm, sunny weather with little rainfall is to be expected during the whole year, but the best time for sailing Antigua and Barbuda is from December to May. This is due to the hurricane season that starts in June and ends in November. Hurricanes and storms are the exception and not the rule in Caribbean weather.
The prevailing winds are warm trade winds that blow consistently from the east and northeast. The average air temperature ranges from 25 to 33 °C, while the sea temperature ranges from 26 to 30 °C, both year-round.
Important Info for Sailing in Antigua and Barbuda
Best Time to Sail
December - April
Weater/Climate
Tropical
Sailing License
Not required, only adequate sailing resume (experience is recommended)
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Spoken Language
English, Antiguan Creole
Top Attractions
Antigua: Half Moon Bay, Stingray City, Dickenson Bay, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, The capital of Saint John’s, Devil’s Bridge National Park; Barbuda: 17 Mile Beach, Frigate Bird Sanctuary, Darby Cave
Top Reasons to Visit Antigua and Barbuda
Whether you opt for skippered or bareboat charter in Antigua, make sure to visit Nelson’s Dockyard in the eponymous national park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is also a place where the Antigua Sailing Week takes place, an annual event that attracts many sailors and spectators. The capital and port of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John's, is a candy-coloured kaleidoscope of colonial houses and market stalls crammed with tropical fruits and flowers.
For an overview of the island's history, visit the little Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and the island's largest sugar plantation, Betty's Hope, which dates to the 17th century. The natural limestone Devil's Bridge, formed over millennia by the pounding sea, is a prominent landmark of the spectacular scenery of Indian Town National Park along the untamed northeast coast. Water geysers are forced through blowholes in the adjacent granite by waves during high tide. The park also provides pleasant walks and exceptional birding opportunities. The park's acacia trees are home to more than 36 different bird species, and it is thought that an Arawak encampment formerly stood at its easternmost point.
When sailing Barbuda, stop by the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers. The bird sanctuary, which is only reachable by sailing boat or a catamaran, and is located in Barbuda's northwest lagoon, is home to one of the largest frigate bird breeding colonies in the Caribbean. Another one of Barbuda's most fascinating natural features is the Darby Cave, which was created when the limestone dissolved. The location, which is frequently referred to be a cave, is actually a sinkhole with a diameter of more than 100 meters.
