Antigua Chartering Information

Few holiday experiences rival the freedom of a crewed charter yacht in the waters around Antigua and Barbuda. The choice of destination is yours each morning — whether that means anchoring off a deserted beach on Barbuda's north coast, sailing across to St Maarten, or spending another day in one of Antigua's beautiful natural harbours. Tranquillity, exhilaration, or a mixture of both: the itinerary is entirely in your hands.

The charter experience

Life aboard a crewed yacht is often compared to staying in a private floating villa. The crew is dedicated entirely to you and your guests, handling everything from navigating between anchorages to preparing gourmet meals and keeping drinks flowing throughout the day. Their purpose is to ensure a relaxed and carefree holiday from the moment you step aboard to the moment you disembark.

Antigua's twin harbours — English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour — are among the finest yachting bases in the Eastern Caribbean, and most charters depart from or return to one of them. The island's position makes it an ideal starting point for exploring neighbouring islands, with St Maarten, Guadeloupe, and Montserrat all within comfortable sailing range.

Flexibility and itinerary planning

One of the most appealing aspects of chartering is flexibility. You may choose a round trip returning to your original port, a one-way passage ending at a different island entirely, or simply anchor in the same beautiful spot for an extra day if the mood takes you. The captain — who will know these waters intimately — is always happy to suggest an itinerary, while remaining ready to adapt to your wishes.

Vessel types

Charter vessels in the region fall into three main categories:

Monohull sailing yachts — the classic choice, ideal for those who want an authentic sailing experience

Catamarans — offering greater deck space, stability, and shallow-draught access to more secluded anchorages

Motor yachts — suited to guests who prefer speed and range over sail

Group size is rarely a limiting factor; charter vessels are available for couples, small families, and larger parties alike. It is also possible to join an existing charter as a couple or as an individual.

Water sports and sailing tuition

Many charter vessels carry snorkelling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards as standard, with diving and other water sports available to arrange in advance. For those new to sailing, many captains and crew are happy to offer informal tuition during the voyage — a wonderful introduction to the sport in some of the finest sailing waters in the world.

Understanding charter costs

Charter pricing varies considerably between operators, so it is important to clarify the full scope of costs before committing to a booking. The base charter fee typically covers the vessel and crew, but the following items may or may not be included depending on the operator:

Meals and drinks

Local cruising permits and immigration fees

Fuel and motoring costs

Dockage and marina fees

Establishing a clear total trip budget before approaching charter companies will allow operators to tailor a proposal to your requirements.

How to book

Using a reputable charter broker is strongly advisable. Brokers who work regularly in the Eastern Caribbean will have first-hand knowledge of vessels, captains, and crews — and many conduct regular inspections of the yachts on their books. This knowledge is invaluable in matching the right vessel to the needs of your party and ensuring there are no surprises on arrival.

Bookings can be made by phone or email, and early reservation is recommended, particularly during Antigua Sailing Week and the peak winter charter season.