Antigua Travel Information & Planning Guide

UTC/GMT -4 hours

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

Third Floor, ACB Financial Centre

High Street

St John’s, Antigua

Tel. 1.268.562.7600 | Fax 1.268.562.7602 

Email: info@visitaandb.com

Website: visitantiguabarbuda.com

Local currency – Eastern Caribbean dollar (ECD)

The United States dollar (USD) is sometimes accepted as well, but we highly recommend carrying the local currency with you, as not all restaurants and stores accept USD, debit, and/or credit cards.

A 10 to 15% tip is standard at restaurants, taxis, etc. $1 per bag is standard for bellhops.

Airport  

V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)

Upon your arrival at the airport, please mention that your intended destination is Sunsail and The Moorings.

We are unable to provide transfers at Antigua; however, there are taxis available outside the airport. Please inform the driver that you are going to the Sunsail base in English Harbour.

It is approximately $50 USD per taxi for up to four people (one way) and a 30 to 45-minute drive.

Boarding time at our Antigua base is 6:00 pm. You will not be able to leave the dock until the next day.

If you arrive after our office closes, a letter will be left on the office door, and a sign with your name will be placed on your designated boat.

11:00 am

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return, so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter’s end time.

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first-come, first-served basis at no additional charge. Only one per boat.

Mobile phones

Check with your service provider for information about mobile coverage in this region.

We offer a free mobile phone to rent with a security deposit of $200 USD.

Music + iPods

While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX line so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity

All yachts in this destination are equipped with 110V two-pin plugs. Don’t forget to bring a USB adapter to charge your phone, as not all yachts are equipped with USB outlets.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here.

Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and travelling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents, so make sure to check with the embassy of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest information.

Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht. The base has no facilities for holding luggage. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list below for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and a change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-coloured, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover-up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Bug spray and OTC pain relievers/creams, such as motion sickness relief
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do. 

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-antigua-and-barbuda/

Mooring Balls: approx. 15-20 USD per night and are available in Falmouth Harbour and Jolly Harbour. 

Dockage Fees: approx. .50 to 1 USD per foot, per night.

A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter, subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. However, local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.

Children:

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a holiday, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them; it is easier to keep an eye on them, as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children, but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents; these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to, e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty, raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests, & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your holiday. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding. If you have any questions, feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base, so we highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

Antigua is generally free of contagious diseases. Current travel, health, and safety information can be obtained by visiting gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

Sunsail offers comprehensive travel insurance for your complete peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, please make sure that it covers all of the destinations and activities of your Sunsail holiday. Visit here for more details.

*Please note that country entry/exit and vaccination/immunisation requirements can and do change. Sunsail is not accountable for these requirement changes, and we advise visiting the destination’s authority website to receive the latest updates.

Sunsail Antigua

Nelson’s Dockyard

English Harbour

Antigua, West Indies

Mon-Sun: 8:30am – 5:00pm

Season: This destination is open from early November through the end of June.

Please Note: base is unable to accept cash or personal cheques, and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.

Customs + immigration office 

Supermarket, post office + bank 

Cable TV + internet 

Laundry (for a fee) 

Restrooms + showers

Nice range of restaurants within close walking distance

Bow moorings 

Three-phase electricity 

Waste + oil disposal 

Fuel dock

To sail in this destination, a formal sailing license is not mandatory, but you will need to complete our online sailing resume and achieve a Level 2 rating to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself. If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Sunsail skipper to travel with you – at your own expense.

Level 2 sailing experience is required to sail in Antigua.

Our intermediate sailing destinations, Level 2 sailing areas, offer a greater challenge for sailors more comfortable on the open water. Enjoy strong winds and longer spells of open water sailing, suitable for more experienced skippers.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. View here for more information.

Sailing lanes are generally open from Falmouth Harbour counterclockwise to St. John’s Harbour.

Martinique/Guadeloupe: Selected yachts in Antigua cannot go into Martinique/ Guadeloupe at any time.

North Sound to Nonsuch Bay on the NE Coast, restricted due to reefs. Barbuda- Spanish Point and North Coast due to the reef and depth.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone; we require a minimum of two persons on board.

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset.

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

There are no taxes or clearance requirements for sailing between Antigua and Barbuda.

Sunsail Provisioning

This destination does NOT offer online provisioning. Please see alternative provisioning options below.

Supermarkets

Covent Garden, Dockyard Drive – 5-minute walk from the base 

C.E. Baley Supermarket – approx. a 10-minute drive from the base

Restaurants

Restaurants generally close at 11 pm. There are many restaurants in English and Falmouth Harbours, near the base at Nelson’s Dockyard.

• Falmouth Harbour – Sweet T’s Ice Cream Parlour
• Jolly Harbour – Melini’s (Italian/Pizza), Al Porto (Italian/Vegetarian/Vegan options), Miracles of the Caribbean (Seafood)
• Great Bird Island, St. John’s – deserted beaches, no restaurants
• Dickenson Bay – Coconut Grove Restaurant and Bar, Warri Pier Restaurant, Ana’s on the Beach
• Green Island – deserted beaches, no restaurants

English Harbour – Trappas, Antigua Yacht Club Marina Restaurant, Abracadabra Restaurant

• Admiral’s Inn  (located at the marina)  
• Antigua Yacht Club and Marina Resort (close to the marina)  
• The Verandah Resort and Spa (Antigua)  
• Galley Bay Resort and Spa (St. Johns)  
• Trade Winds Hotel (St. Johns)  
• Anchorage Inn (St. Johns)

Located in Nelson’s Dockyard, ATMs are available 24/7 in St. John’s

Located at the marina

There are several souvenir shops close to the base.

Tours

Stingray City – Here you will be able to pet and feed Southern Stingrays in their natural environment. You will learn all about these amazing animals from your experienced guide. You can snorkel on coral reefs with colourful fish life. These calm, clear, shallow waters make it easy and fun for everybody.

Devils Bridge Is a remarkable example of sea-water erosion. Geologically, Devil’s Bridge is a natural arch carved by the sea from soft and hard limestone ledges of the Antigua formation, a geological division of the flat north-eastern point of Antigua. A bridge was created when a soft part of the limestone eroded away by the action of Atlantic breakers over countless centuries.

Shirley Heights – The view from Shirley Heights Lookout is, without question, the most famous view on the beautiful island of Antigua. Located within the national parks, overlooking English and Falmouth Harbours, this panoramic view, on clear days, takes in Guadeloupe to the south and Montserrat with its still active volcano to the southwest. Shirley Heights Lookout has been home to the ‘biggest and best’ party on the island every Sunday for the last 25 years.”

Zoo

Donkey sanctuary operated by the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society, Bethesda Village, St. Pauls. Get up close and personal with rescued donkeys Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Zipline

Antigua Zipline Canopy Adventure from St John’s – a 2.5-hour adventure through rainforests along 10 ziplines

Golf

18-hole course on Jolly Harbour

Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter before arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base but please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our water sports options here.

Diving and Snorkelling

Scuba diving in Antigua offers clear, warm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. With over 30 accessible dive sites, including shipwrecks like the Andes, it’s perfect for all levels. The calm conditions and rich underwater scenery make for a relaxed yet exciting Caribbean dive experience.

For bareboat charters (where no staff from Sunsail are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. Sunsail does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk, and Sunsail shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances where there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht, which is provided by Sunsail.

Please contact some diving centres in advance:

• Indigo Divers, Antigua
• Soul Immersions Diving Centre
• Dive Carib

We have a range of fins available in various sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes; we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkelling masks or snorkels on board.

When snorkelling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby.

Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling.

One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water.

Fishing

Fishing gear rentals are not available locally. You can bring your own gear and are free to trawl off the stern.

There are several sport fishing charters that you can book locally. Overdraft & H2O is located next to the base on the main marina deck. To contact, email nunesb@candw.ag or call 268.725.6169 or 268.463.3112.

For more information on what’s included on your Antigua yacht, please view the full list here.

At Sunsail, we’re committed to protecting the oceans we love through our OCEAN Promise – a sustainability initiative focused on reducing our impact and supporting coastal communities. Across all our destinations, we take steps to tread lightly: from minimising waste and emissions to promoting responsible travel practices.

You can help too. Before you set sail, consider packing a reusable water bottle, choosing to support local businesses, and raising the sails whenever possible to reduce engine use. Together, we can make every voyage a little kinder to the planet.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise