Antigua
Antigua - Essential Holiday Information
Sunsail Antigua
Nelson’s Dockyard
English Harbour
Antigua
Base Manager: Sylvain Caburet
Tel: 001 268 460 2615
Fax: 001 268 460 2616
Please note this number is NOT staffed full time.
TIME
• Time difference between the UK and Antigua is - 4 hours
PASSPORT & VISAS
• Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.
• Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
• If your child is not already included on a valid British Passport they are required to hold their own passport.
• EU Passport holders do not require a visa unless wishing to visit the US Virgin Islands.
• Non-British passport holders should check with their local Consulate direct. Useful Telephone Numbers for visa enquiries:
US Embassy 09055-444-546
24 Grosvenor Square
London. W1A 1AE
Antigua Tourist Board 0207 486 7073 www.antigua-barbuda.com
VACCINATIONS
• There are currently no compulsory vaccinations for the Caribbean.
• Please refer to the Department of Health's 'EHIC and health advice for travellers' web page at www.dh.gov.uk or consult your family GP for further details.
FLIGHTS
• Gatwick Information 0870 000 2468
• Heathrow Information 0870 000 0123
• Manchester Information 0161 489 3000
• Luton Information 0158 240 5100
• Glasgow Information 0141 887 1111
• Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.
• Lost or damaged luggage whilst flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance, however First Choice Airways has no liability for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold baggage however caused. You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.
• If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials and ensure Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) are completed. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.
• If you are taking our First Choice Charter flights and wish to enquire about pre booking seats please call the airline direct on 0870 757 2757. Group seats are available for pre booking through Sunsail. Call the team for more details.
• SAVE UPTO 30% when you book your airport parking with BCP through Sunsail. Call the team for more details quoting Sunsail reference BN545
AIRPORTS
• VC Bird International Airport has a good selection of shops, restaurants, bars and a bureau de change.
TAXIS & TRANSPORT
• If you are flying in on First Choice’s Friday flight you will be met at the airport by a Sunsail representative and shown to your taxi. Please inform the driver that you are going to the Sunsail base in English Harbour, otherwise you may be taken to Club Colonna on the opposite side of the island!
• If you have booked a flight inclusive charter with Sunsail and arrive in Antigua on any other day or by another airline, Sunsail will not be at the airport so you will need to head directly to the taxi rank outside the airport and catch a taxi to the base. Sunsail will settle the fare on arrival at the base. If you have arranged your flight independently, transfer to the base will be at your own expense. Remember to tell the driver you are going to English Harbour!
• Please note: First Choice are unable to provide a Priority check-in service for your inbound flight. This service operates at London Gatwick only.
• It is approximately US$31 per taxi for up to four people (one way) plus US$8 for each extra person plus excess bags (Taxi drivers should be paid direct).
• PLEASE NOTE: Guests arriving separately should bring a copy of the charter contract.
CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
• Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.
• A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. It is not possible to take fresh food into most Caribbean islands and airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles which may be confiscated by Customs.
• There is a Departure Tax of US$20 per person for adults and children over 12 years old.
• PLEASE NOTE–It is illegal in Antigua to wear camouflage or combat gear, even on children. We do not recommend you bring any with you as it will be confiscated.
CURRENCY
• Antigua runs a dual currency system: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the local currency and primarily used throughout Antigua. The US Dollar (US$) and US Dollar Travellers Cheques are widely accepted throughout the island, although change will normally be given in EC$.
• Shops usually price smaller items in EC$ and expensive goods (value over £50) in US$.
• There is one bank in Nelson’s Dockyard and one at Falmouth Harbour; cash-point machines are available in St Johns. Banks in St. Johns are open on weekday mornings: 0800 hrs – 1400 hrs. Cash-point machines are available 24 hours a day. Credit cards can be used for payment in larger establishments and in most restaurants (a surcharge may be applied).
• Currency can be exchanged commission free at any high street First Choice Retail travel agent on production of your Sunsail invoice. You can pre-order your currency from a First Choice travel agent by telephoning them in advance on 0870 9005154 to find your nearest branch.
BRIEFINGS
• The personalised chart briefing given on your arrival describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.
• The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, it’s systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.
SAFETY
• All yachts are equipped with life jackets and a harness for everyone on board aged 4 yrs+. We leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
• We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.
• Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine.
Illness or injury
• Contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either a lead boat or at Sunsail base or Club.
• If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
• Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
• Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.
PROVISIONING
• You can provision online before you depart. The provisioning pages will confirm the latest order date for your chosen destination.
• A small provisioning store is 10 minutes’ walk from the base as well as larger supermarkets in St Johns, 30 minutes taxi ride from the base. Most shops open from 0800 hrs – 1700 hrs (weekdays) and a few are open on Saturdays or Sundays.
• Baby items such as nappies/food/milk can be purchased at most shops. Most alcoholic drinks are cheaper in Antigua than at Gatwick.
BOARDING/DEPARTURE
• Your yacht will be ready at 1800 hrs for boarding. Please be aware that the yacht and chart briefings will be arranged on your arrival. At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 0900 hrs so we recommend that you return to the base the day before.
THE MARINA
Facilities adjacent to the base include:
• Overnight accommodation
• Restaurants
• Bars
• Bakery
• Beverage store
• Internet cafe
• Chandlers
• Museum
• Dive shop
• Gift shops
• Customs and Immigration
• Post Office
• Laundry
• Showers
• Toilets
• Water
• Electricity - Both 120V and 220V (60 & 50Hz) are used in Antigua. 12V is standard on all yachts.
EQUIPMENT ON THE YACHTS
Sunsail yachts are equipped with just about everything you will need for a safe and enjoyable holiday.
• A deposit is required for dinghy, outboard engine, windsurfer, ocean kayak, cruising chute and GP.
• A refundable security deposit of £300 (regardless of number of items booked) is payable by credit card or Travellers Cheques at the Sunsail base against the loss or damage of these items, whether included in the basic holiday price or as an extra.
• You will be given a checklist on arrival to make sure you have all the items listed on the inventory.
• Please inform the base manager before you leave the base if anything is missing as it is not always possible to replace or exchange items once you have departed on your cruise. Stolen items must be immediately reported to Sunsail management and the local police. An incident report will be completed for insurance purposes
• Any problems with, or damage to, your yacht must be reported to the local staff immediately. If not we cannot be held responsible.
• Each yacht is equipped with two pairs of snorkelling equipment, linen and bath towels and navigation equipment. Please bring beach towels with you. We advise you not to bring self-inflating life jackets or buoyancy aids fitted with gas-cylinders as they may not be allowed on the aircraft.
• Clothing – In Sunsail locations dress is informal, but we ask you to respect local etiquette. Wet weather gear and fleeces are advisable for early and late season.
MOORING FEES AND TAXES
• Cruising tax / Month permit:
21- 40 feet US$8.00
41- 80 feet US$10.00
• Entry charge:
Per person US$2.60
21-40 feet US$4.00
41-80 feet US$6.00
Dockage varies from 50 cents to US$1 per foot, per night.
CHARTS AND PILOT BOOK
• All the charts and pilot books you will need for teh sailing area are on board the yacht. Charts and pilot books can be purchased in advance from www.imray.com or www.kelvinhughes.com
• If you wish to purchase personal copies before your departure, the relevant chart is Antigua - Imray A27 & A271.
CAR AND JEEP HIRE
• Costs vary from US$50 - US$65 dependent on type plus US$20 for a local temporary licence.
• You will require a current valid driving licence and you must be between 25 and 65 years old.
EATING OUT
• Restaurants generally close at 2300 hrs. During the off-peak season, some bars and restaurants may be closed.
• A three course meal including ½ bottle of wine is US$50. A bottle of beer approximately US$3. A bottle of wine costs minimum US$9. A snack is around US$7.
• Jars of baby food cost US$1.50 each, powdered milk is about US$5 per tin and nappies range from US$10-$21 depending on amount, brand and size.
WEATHER
• Hurricane season June to November can involve quick but heavy downpours of rain, tropical storms and very occasionally, a hurricane.
• The base will contact you on board with details of any predicted storms and which marina to head for - in the event of a hurricane we will book you into shore-based accommodation.
• Daily weather updates are available on the radio.
• Temperature fairly standard throughout the year, varying between 79°F - 91°F (26°C - 33°C).
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day - 1st January
Good Friday - March/April
Easter Monday - March/April
Labour Day - May
Whit Monday - May
Queen’s Birthday - June
Caricom Day - July
Carnival Monday - August
Carnival Tuesday - August
Independence Day - November
Christmas Day - 25th December
Boxing Day - 26th December
LOST PROPERTY
• If any valuables are left behind in your base, please contact the relevant base as soon as possible after the loss.
• Our base staff will endeavour to locate your property and will contact you with the result of their search.
• Return of property to you will normally be by DHL. The cost of the courier service plus a £15 charge will have to be taken by credit/debit card.
• If goods are left on the plane you will need to contact the airline direct. For First Choice Airways this number is 01293 507160. The office is open between 10am and 4pm. If there is no reply leave and message and they will return your call.
PLEASE NOTE SUNSAIL DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY GOODS THAT SUBSEQUENTLY GO MISSING DURING TRANSIT TO THE UK
PLEASE NOTE
• If you feel that a problem may adversely affect your holiday, you must give our staff the opportunity to resolve it for you. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, please ensure that you inform the base manager and it is essential that you complete a holiday report form.
• Unfortunately, claims made for problems not reported first to the base staff and then to the manager locally, cannot be considered.
TO REITERATE THE HOLIDAY BOOKING CONDITIONS, ANY COMPLAINTS OR CLAIMS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE END OF YOUR HOLIDAY.
SUNSAIL – RESPECTING DESTINATIONS
Sunsail remain committed to looking after the environment and supporting the cultures where we operate and over many years you have helped us to ensure that our presence does not negatively impact these areas. Please continue to assist us to leave these areas ‘As good or better than we found them’
PLEASE NOTE: Times and prices are correct at the time of publication, but are subject to change without prior notice.
Antigua Information Sheet last updated 02.07.07
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Email us at sunsailusa@sunsail.com
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