Antigua Sailing Itinerary
Beautiful bays and beaches
A bareboat charter vacation is your chance to explore the sparkling waters and deserted coves of Antigua and Barbuda.
Cruise through the clear Caribbean Sea in the company of turtles, dolphins and frigate birds, discovering the many bays and beaches of Antigua or sailing further afield to the islands of Barbuda, Nevis and St. Kitts. Use our suggested itinerary to make the most of your Antigua bareboat sailing holiday or forge out independently and discover your own adventure.
Antigua one-week sailing itinerary
Day 1
English Harbour
Our base at English Harbour is your introduction to the stunning scenery and engrossing island culture of beautiful Antigua. Explore English Harbour before you set sail, visiting Nelson’s dockyard and the Admiral’s House Museum, or walking to Windward Bay or Pigeon Beach for a relaxing dip in the ocean.
The day’s sailing
- 0 Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Mooring
Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Facilities
Water, WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
Discover English Harbour
The Dockyard Bakery
Visit the excellent Dockyard Bakery behind the Nelson Museum for some of the best baked goods in the Caribbean.
Day 2
English Harbour to Freeman Bay
Make the short journey to Freeman Bay, where you can moor in the millpond-still waters and step ashore at the magnificent Galleon Beach. The bright white sands of Galleon Beach are crowned with palms and teased by the gentle waters of the Caribbean Sea, making for a truly idyllic spot. Alternatively, you can cruise west around the headland to tranquil Pigeon Beach at the mouth of Falmouth Harbour.
The day’s sailing
- 0.5 Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.
Mooring
Mooring buoy
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Facilities
WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bars, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
Day 3
Freeman Bay to Green Island
Cruise east from the embrace of English Harbour and past the openings of Indian Creek and St. James Bay, mindful of the reefs that lie close to shore. Trace a curve northwards past Half Moon Bay towards Green Island, where you’ll find a peaceful island paradise waiting for your arrival. Head to the west of the island where the mooring is safest, and step ashore to discover Green Island’s many magnificent beaches and bays. The snorkeling here is excellent, so grab your mask and fins and keep an eye out for turtles cruising gracefully above the corals.
The day’s sailing
- 1.5 Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.
Mooring
Anchoring option
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Facilities
None
Discover Green Island
Suggested lunch spots
Anchor at the picturesque Half Moon Bay Beach for a picnic lunch on the unspoilt sand.
Day 4
Green Island to Jolly Harbour
Head for Antigua’s western coast and the ample moorings of Jolly Harbour. You’ll sail the length of Antigua’s stunning south coast, passing wide Willoughby Bay, the open mouth of Falmouth Harbour, and the misty mountains of the island’s southwest coastline. When you arrive at Jolly Harbour you’ll have the chance to explore the numerous onshore amenities of this bustling island community. Check out the town or head for the ribbon of bright sand that is Jolly Beach.
The day’s sailing
- 3Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.
Mooring
Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Facilities
Water, WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
Discover Jolly Harbour
Scuba excursions
Take your dinghy to the marina and start exploring. There’s even a dive shop where you can organise courses or charter trips to explore beneath the waves of the Caribbean.
Suggested lunch spots
Skirt the breakers crashing over the coral reef as you enter Mamora Bay. Inside you’ll find a sheltered cove and palm-strewn beach ideal for a peaceful lunch on shore.
Day 5
Jolly Harbour to Dickenson Bay
Continue north along Antigua’s west coast, past Five Island Harbour and the bustling capital city of St. John’s. Head for the northwest extremity of the island, where you’ll moor at Dickenson Bay. Here you’ll find a pretty beach with a number of bars and restaurants where you can spend a pleasant afternoon revelling in Antigua’s irresistible island culture. Go west around Little Sister Islet on your way in to save your keel from the corals.
The day’s sailing
- 1 Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.
Mooring
Anchoring optionSunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Facilities
WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bars, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
Discover Dickenson Bay
Suggested lunch spots
Lying at right angles to the headland, Deep Bay beach is an arresting sight. It’s also a beautiful bar of palm-fringed sand where you can enjoy fantastic swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing over your lunch break.
Day 6
Dickenson Bay to Carlisle Bay or Morris Bay
Skirt the Antiguan coastline south in the direction of our base at English Harbour. You’ll make one final overnight stop at either Carlisle Bay or Morris Bay before you return to English Harbour. Of the two, Morris Bay is the most exposed, but both have fine beaches ideal for lounging in the sun. To the north and east of Carlisle Bay, Antigua’s forested hills and mountains offer excellent hiking and stunning views over the Caribbean Sea.
The day’s sailing
- 2 Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.
Mooring
Anchoring optionSunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Facilities
WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bars, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
Discover Carlisle Bay
Suggested lunch spots
The little village of Crab Hill, bordered by the azure waters of Picarts Bay, is a great place to stop for lunch in a beachside restaurant.
Day 7
Carlisle Bay or Morris Bay to English Harbour
The journey from Morris and Carlisle Bay to English Harbour is not a long one, giving you the chance to return to base at your own pace. Head back early to explore more of English Harbour or stop off at any bay or beach that catches your eye along the way.
The day’s sailing
- 1 Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.
Mooring
Anchoring option
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Hiking, Exploring
Facilities
WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bars, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop, ATM
Discover English Harbour
Suggested lunch spots
The beach at Rendezvous Bay is wonderfully isolated and quiet, all but guaranteeing you a private, secluded lunch spot on your way back to English Harbour.
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