Join us and unwind as we set sail for the stunning heart of the Caribbean, the alluring island of Antigua. For those looking for a taste of the Caribbean, this charming island is the perfect destination for a low key, relaxing vacation. "Liming in Da Caribbean" is very much the motto of the day, every day. With over 54 miles of expansive coastline, there is something for everyone, whether at sea or onshore.
Antigua offers diving enthusiasts the perfect underwater haven to explore its coral reefs and marine life, including the endangered Hawksbill sea turtle. Whilst the seductive, white sandy beaches are perfect for a romantic stroll at dusk.
Famed as a playground to the rich and famous and steeped in naval history, you can experience everything Antigua has to offer and more. This Caribbean haven is thought to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year! For those wanting to unwind, enjoy a relaxing stroll along with one of the many white, sandy beaches, read a book under a swaying palm, or take a leisurely hike to historic Fort Barrington.
If you're looking for thrills, then ziplining through a rainforest is an experience never to be forgotten. For underwater thrill-seekers, there is an abundance of wrecks and reefs to discover, including the chance to explore the Pillars of Hercules. Antiguans are friendly and "the life and soul of the party" and the familiar sound of steel drums and calypso music will get you up on your feet dancing in no time. Whilst the delicately scented Antigua Black Pineapple - the sweetest pineapple in the world, has to be tasted to be believed. Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, the island is known by Antiguans as "Wadadli" which is roughly translated as "Our Own" (and you'll find the local beer enjoys the same name!). Nestled in the middle of the Leeward Islands, this tropical paradise is approximately 17 degrees north of the equator, making for warm, steady winds and a perfect tropical climate.
It’s often said that there are 365 beaches on Antigua - one for every day of the year! We’re not quite sure if this number is correct, but you’re welcome to count and prove it wrong. There’s no argument, however, that we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. During our week we will experience three completely different faces for the island: Turquoise water and sandy beaches on the west side of Antigua (Sunday and Friday); Shallow reefs full of sea life and island fauna in the North Sound (Monday & Tuesday); Deep dark blue/purple water on the east and south sides with great fishing, lots of sea turtles and flying fish, dramatic cliffs hanging over the water, and whales and dolphins (mostly seen during spring months).
Here is sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a sailing vacation in Antigua. Whether or other outside factors may mean that your Captain sets an alternative course.
Arrival Day
Your catamaran is located at Jolly Harbour Marina, on the west coast of the island. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our Base Managers, who will take you through the check-in procedure. At 5 pm you will be introduced to your fellow sailors. A refreshing welcome cocktail awaits you on board before you are shown to your cabin and helped to settle into your new home for the week. Just before dusk, your yacht will move out of the harbour to her overnight anchorage - where you can watch the sunset and enjoy a delicious dinner aboard.
Cruising Day 1
Following breakfast and a short briefing on all safety aspects, we set sail for Deep Bay. If you wish to participate in the handling of the yacht and sails then you can do so, but, if you prefer, just lie back and relax. It’s all up to you. In Deep Bay, you will have the opportunity to snorkel on the 1905 wreck of the “Andes”- old wood and iron carrier that caught fire after anchoring en route from Trinidad to Peru. A sumptuous lunch is served on board before we will move the boat closer to the beach where you can relax on the boat, take a stroll on a beautiful beach or explore with the kayak or SUP. Late afternoon we will take a short hike up to historic Fort Barrington with views of Antigua, Redonda, Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis. We will spend the night at anchor in this idyllic bay and will have dinner onboard.
Cruising Day 2
After breakfast, we set sail along the northern shores of Antigua and stop at Long Island – the home of the exclusive Jumby Bay Resort, where lunch will be served on board. After lunch, you can snorkel, swim, kayak or just do some plain old-fashioned relaxing! We will spend the rest of the afternoon in this secluded spot surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters. Later, after we've enjoyed sipping our sundowners, the barbecue is lit and we will serve another wonderful dinner at this stunning location. You can take a romantic starlit stroll along the shore after dinner, before falling asleep back in your cabin under another beautiful Caribbean moon.
Cruising Day 3
In the morning we move position over to Great Bird Island, a tiny wildlife sanctuary. Put on your sturdy shoes for a short hike to the top of this uninhabited island that offers splendid views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch, we’ll visit Hells Gate Island, which can only be reached by dinghy, and then It's time to gently make our passage through the narrow reefs leading out to the Atlantic Ocean and eastern side of Antigua to the beautiful Green Island - where we’ll anchor for the night. Cocktails will be had on the beach with lovely bonfire and marshmallows. Here, the light pollution from the islands is virtually nonexistent. Your captain may invite all guests up on deck for a nightcap and a late evening of some amazing stargazing.
Cruising Day 4
After breakfast we will set sail to Indian Creek and pending on the sea conditions will decide between diving in the deep canyons of Sunken Rock or the statues garden of Indian Gardens. After lunch is served, we will sail to Pigeon Beach in Falmouth Harbour. This is a lovely beach in a great anchorage, and those are hard to find on the south side of the island. There’s usually lots to see around Falmouth Harbour, as this is where all the mega-yachts can be found and it’s also the departure point for the world-famous Antigua regattas. We will dine ashore tonight.
Cruising Day 5
In the morning, it’s a lovely sail to English Harbour. We will dive and snorkel at the Pillars of Hercules, and after lunch, we will have an opportunity to tour Nelson's Dockyard, where much of the naval history of the British fleet will be revealed. You can hike to either Fort Berkeley or Shirley Heights lookout where we all meet for sunset cocktails to the sound of steel drums before heading back to the boat to our last lavish dinner over the water.
Cruising Day 6
After breakfast, we will dive and snorkel in the open water aquarium of Lobster Point before we take a leisurely morning sail to the long stretch of sandy beaches all along the west shore of Antigua for the last dip and another wonderful lunch, before returning to our base at Jolly Harbour Marina. As it’s the last evening of the cruise, guests will dine ashore at one of the many restaurants in or around the Jolly Harbour area.
Departure Day After a last tasty breakfast on board, it is time to gather your belongings, as well as your wonderful memories of a week in this most beautiful environment. Before exchanging fond farewells, your crew will arrange transport to the airport. You will already be planning your next cruise.
