Approximately 49 nautical miles north of Guadeloupe, Antigua, the main island in the territory of Antigua and Barbuda, captivates with its authentic charm and picture-postcard landscapes. Renowned for its white sandy beaches and blue waters, this Caribbean island attracts yachtsmen every year looking for peaceful anchorages. A true nautical crossroads, the island is also renowned for its maritime history, its regattas and its facilities for sailing enthusiasts. Focus on this sailor's paradise, where every stop promises wonder and adventure.
Renowned marinas
Antigua is a veritable nerve center for yachtsmen. The island is home to several renowned marinas offering top-of-the-range services and easy access to exceptional sailing areas. English Harbour Marina, surrounded by two deep-water anchorages (English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour), is rightly the ideal starting point for exploring the island's many bays, but it also acts as a haven for larger yachts. Its modern facilities, lively atmosphere and proximity to the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of Nelson's Dockyard make it the ideal choice for visiting sailors and maritime history buffs alike.
Nelson's Dockyard, the world's only remaining Georgian-era shipyard with over 200 years of Royal Navy heritage, is one of the finest and safest natural anchorages in the Caribbean. It offers a full range of services to meet your every need.
Another strategic departure point, Jolly Harbour Marina is the island's largest and provides easy access to less-frequented areas. With its modern facilities and spacious docks, including one for superyachts, it's an excellent choice for those who want full service while being close to local beaches and restaurants.
Must-see bays and anchorages
Sailing in Antigua means taking advantage of a multitude of protected anchorages, inviting you to relax and explore. The island abounds in exceptional sites, including the following:
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Deep Bay
Located in the northwest of the island, Deep Bay is a popular anchorage for yachtsmen. Its calm, clear waters make it the perfect destination for an extended stopover. The bay is also home to an underwater curiosity: the wreck of the Andes, a sailing ship that ran aground in the early 20th century. Galley Bay, just to the east, is also popular with visitors for its fine sand, perfectly balanced waves and ideal atmosphere for relaxing while admiring the beauty of the natural surroundings. During the nesting season, it becomes an ideal spot for turtle-watching.
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Green Island
East of Antigua, Green Island is a must for sailors looking for a wild anchorage. This small, uninhabited island, surrounded by coral reefs, offers shallow, protected waters perfect for snorkeling or paddle boarding. Accessible only by boat, its isolation and immaculate beaches make it a true paradise for nature lovers.
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Carlisle Bay
In the south of the island, Carlisle Bay combines natural beauty with comfort. Surrounded by lush vegetation, this sheltered bay offers a safe anchorage with an accessible beach for relaxing moments ashore.
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Rendezvous Bay
Rendezvous Bay, located on the southwest coast, is one of Antigua's most remote bays. Accessible only by boat or by long hike, it's the place to go for an off-the-beaten-track experience. Its white sand and crystal-clear waters make it a true haven of peace, perfect for those looking for a break from it all.
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Dickenson Bay
For a livelier stopover, Dickenson Bay, on the northwest coast, is a safe anchorage with services nearby. Ideal for combining sailing and land-based activities, this site is popular for its lively beaches, restaurants and water sports opportunities.
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North Sound
North Sound, northeast of Antigua, is a vast lagoon dotted with coral reefs and small islands. Its shallow waters are ideal for diving and underwater exploration. Pelican Island and Great Bird Island, two of the lagoon's islets, are recommended stops for their biodiversity and tranquillity.
The meeting place for racers
Antigua is also renowned for its regattas and sailing events. Started in 1967, Antigua Sailing Week, one of the oldest regattas in the Caribbean, has become a world-class event and now includes an Ocean Series for boats that prefer offshore racing. Every year, hundreds of yachts take to the courses around the island: most of the racing takes place off Antigua's south coast, while some of the fleet heads up the west coast to Jolly Harbour. The 2025 edition, to be held from April 26 to May 2, promises to set new records.
A commitment to responsible navigation
Antigua has not only welcomed visiting yachtsmen, it has also established itself as a model for environmentally-friendly sailing. In recent years, many of the island's marinas and sailing clubs have adopted sustainable practices. The initiative Clean Seas Antigua for example, has played a key role in raising boaters' awareness of responsible waste management and the use of products that respect marine ecosystems.
On December 12, 2022, the Arabian Ocean Rowing team from the United Arab Emirates completed an extraordinary challenge in support of this cause. After covering 5,000 kilometers unassisted aboard an 8m rowing boat across the Atlantic from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua, they drew attention to the urgent need to combat plastic pollution.
