Antigua Sailing Itinerary
There are No Bad Days in Antigua, the Sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands
Antigua Sailing Itinerary
Sail through the Caribbean Islands of Antigua & Barbuda
On an Antigua Sailing Itinerary, there is never a dull moment. While Antigua is famous for its gorgeous beaches, there’s so much more to this Caribbean island.
Enjoy the best of both worlds. Explore Antigua’s 365 soft white sand beaches, or it’s capital, St. John, which has a great shopping scene. Play a game of cricket or tour sugar plantation ruins. Whatever your dream vacation is, Antigua is sure to deliver and our Antigua sailing itinerary is the perfect way to do explore the island.
Our Guide to an Antigua Sailing Itinerary
Each of the Caribbean islands is renown for their own distinctly unique cultures, and Antigua and Barbuda do not disappoint! We’ve carefully designed the Antigua Sailing Itinerary to show you the best of Antigua.
Initially one of Great Britain’s sugar colonies, Antigua flourished. Over the years the island’s landscape, rule, and industries have changed, however – it’s beauty, charm and character have remained.
With an intricate coastline, made up of bays and inlets, scattered with coral reefs and shoals, Antigua is the perfect spot for a sailing holiday. The beaches are gorgeous, the weather is some of the best in the world, and it’s blended creole heritage adds an interesting twist. In Antigua, you will find African influences and European influences, combined to give Antigua its own personality. These influences have had huge impacts on Antigua’s language, food, and music. During your time on this lovely island, take some time to uncover it’s deep and rich history to fully immerse yourself in its present-day culture on an Antigua sailing itinerary.
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Getting There
Good news, travel to and from Antigua is relatively easy. The best way to get to Antigua is by flying to the VC Bird International Airport (ANU), which is about 5 miles outside Antigua’s capital – St. John.
Direct flights from many North American cities are available via Delta, US Airways, United Airlines, WestJet, JetBlue, CanJet and Air Canada. If you are coming from the UK you can fly direct with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. For other European countries, Alitalia has direct flights from Milan and Condor flies direct from Frankfurt.
If you can’t get a direct flight, you could choose to fly into Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, or the Dominican Republic and use LIAT, a regional airline, to get a connecting flight. Find more information on air travel to Antigua, here
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Weather
The best sailing weather for the Antigua Sailing Itinerary is between December and May. This is the period where there is the least rain, however, it is also peak travel time. But still, Antigua is a Caribbean island! Even in the off-season, June to November, the weather is normally around 80°F. You should be wary of hurricanes in the offseason, but the odds remain low.
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Mooring
For mooring on the Antigua Sailing Itinerary, you will find many options, varying from simple anchorages to full resorts and marinas. Dickenson Bay is perfect for overnight stays. It’s got a protected anchorage and with plenty of stores and shops ashore, you will find the amenities you need. When you get to Barbuda we recommend you anchor at Low Bay, where there are ten moorings at Palmetto Pint. Nearby, during your stay in Coco Point, you will find sixteen moorings, perfect for your Antigua sailing itinerary.
Moving on to Nonsuch Bay, you will find a beautiful anchorage. It’s tough to navigate the narrow passes and reefs into the bay, but Nonsuch Bay is safe, sheltered and ranked among Antigua’s top Anchorage. For your stay in English Harbor, we recommend Nelson’s Dockyard, which in addition to its historical significance, is a full-service marina. However, if you’d prefer to free-swing, you can also anchor off of Galleon Beach in a protected bay. Lastly in Carlisle Bay you can anchor off the shore in a beautiful palm-lined anchorage. On an Antigua sailing itinerary you’ll find calm and clear waters.
Antigua Sailing Itinerary
Antigua is Frequently Visited by Celebrities. Some of its Most Famous Guests Include Oprah, Giorgio Armani, Richard Branson, and Eric Clapton
Day 1
Jolly Harbour → Dickenson Bay
Dickenson Bay
Dickenson Bay, located in the north of Antigua, is a beautiful stretch of white sand. Here you will find one of Antigua’s premier beaches to start your journey. As it is about a mile long, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the water’s edge. Aside from gorgeous coast, there are a number of bars and restaurants where you get a nice dinner and watch the sunset.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
- Glass-bottom Boat Tours, Dickenson Bay, Antigua
- Ana’s on the Beach, Dickenson Bay, Antigua & Barbuda.
Day 2
Dickenson Bay → Low Bay
Low Bay
On Day 2, our Antigua sailing itinarary will head to Barbuda. Visiting Low Bay, the most famous beach on Barbuda, to lay out on the soft pink sand. While you’re here you should visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, which is home to about 100,000 birds. You must arrange tours in advance. This can be done through many local hotels and marinas.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
- Barbuda Museum, Codrington, Barbuda
- Uncle Roddy Beach Bar & Grill, next to Barbuda Cottages, Coral Group Bay, Antigua & Barbuda
Day 3
Low Bay → Coco Point
Coco Point
Next stop, is the famous Coco Point. Here, on the southernmost tip of Barbuda, you will find a 2.5 mile stretch of white sand. The beach is a great length and width. The waters of Coco Point offer safe, reef-protected swimming and snorkeling.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
- Swimming & Kayaking, Coco Point, Barbuda
- Coco Point Lodge Restaurant, Barbuda
Day 4
Coco Point → Green Island → Nonsuch Bay
Green Island
For day 4 of the Antigua sailing itinerary, you will split your time between Green Island and Nonsuch Bay. Green Island is completely uninhabited. Here is the perfect place to find peace and harmony under the sun. Rest, relax, and enjoy your Antigua sailing itinerary.
Nonsuch Bay
After spending some time on Green Island – it is onward to Nonsuch Bay. This stop will be more populated and you will find plenty to do. Visit 40Knots for kitesurfing lessons, and then grab dinner and drinks on the island.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
- Snorkeling, Green Island, Antigua & Barbuda
- The Bay @ Nonsuch Restaurant, Nonsuch Bay Resort, Hughes Point, Free Town, Antigua
Antigua Sailing Itinerary
Antigua’s Highest Point, Boggy Peak, was Renamed Mount Obama in 2009, Paying Tribute to the United States President Barack Obama
Day 5
Nonsuch Bay → English Harbour
English Harbour
Day 5 will be spent at English Harbour, which is a major part of Antigua’s colonial history. There are a number of forts that can be toured. These give a great insight into Antigua’s past military defenses. You will dock at Nelson’s Dockyard, which is the only surviving 18th-century naval dockyard in the world. There is a museum, as well as many old buildings to be explored on an Antigua sailing itinerary.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
Day 6
English Harbour → Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay
Heading south, to Carlisle Bay. Home to Carlisle Bay Resort, here you will find plenty of activities and amenities. They are very welcoming to charter guests, and their facilities give you everything you need for a relaxing day, and maybe a special evening. Snorkeling is a great way to spend the day, and then you can head to the resort for a delicious dinner on an Antigua sailing itinerary.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
- BLUE Spa, Carlisle Bay Resort, Old Road, Antigua and Barbuda
- Indigo Restaurant, Carlisle Bay Resort, Old Road, Antigua and Barbuda
Day 7
Carlisle Bay → Darkwood Beach → Jolly Harbour
Darkwood Beach
For day 7 of the Antigua Sailing Itinerary, you’ve got two stops. First stopping at Darkwood Beach, you’ll find another unpopulated space. Take the time to soak up the natural beauty, as Darkwood feels like a wonderful escape. Removed from all tourist centers, you will love the sound of tranquility.
Jolly Harbour
Sadly, as it is your last day on our Antigua sailing itinerary, it’s time to return your yacht. Head back to Jolly Harbour by the end of the day. Once you’ve checked out, make sure to see the sights in Jolly Harbour. Home to several bars, restaurants, and duty-free stores, it’s a great place to rest and refuel before concluding your Antigua sailing itinerary and begin heading home.
Recommended Restaurants and Activities:
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