Antigua Sailing Itinerary

Falmouth Harbour

Just around the corner from The Moorings base at Nelson’s Dockyard is Falmouth Harbour, where you’ll drop anchor and spend your first evening at sea in the middle of a secluded horseshoe-shaped bay that is every bit as stunning as it is spacious. With three large marinas and an expansive boat yard lined with eye-catching vessels of all kinds, Falmouth Harbour has become a thriving hub for the yachting community. Go ashore to soak up the unique history and culture of Antigua’s original British settlement, where you’ll also want to enjoy a tempting treat at Sweet T’s Ice Cream Parlour.

Mooring

Marina

Facilities

Restaurants, Bars, Provisioning

Pillars of Hercules

Spend the day snorkeling and diving the magnificent bay to explore the underwater wonders of the Pillars of Hercules. 

Jolly Harbour

Another premier marina on the island of Antigua, Jolly Harbour offers an array of amenities and onshore activities to visitors of all kinds. From the 18-hole golf course to the stunning white-sand beach encircling the lovely port, Jolly Harbour takes leisure and enjoyment to the next level. Spend the day exploring the land by bicycle or soaking up some rays at the pool then delight your appetite with a seaside dining experience at one of the village’s fine restaurants, which includes everything from authentic Greek to classic French cuisine, and of course, serves up some of the freshest seafood dishes you’ve ever tasted. 

Mooring

Marina, Moorings balls

Things to do

Shopping, Scuba diving, Play tennis or squash, Rent bicycles or golf carts

Facilities

Restaurants, Bars, Supermarket, ATM, Swimming pool, Golf, Tennis, Squash, Gym, Scuba tours, Fuel dock, Wi-fi, Bicycle/golf cart rental, Pharmacy

Carlisle Bay

On your way to Jolly Harbour, stop off at Carlisle Bay, where the succulent aroma of Antigua’s very own rare species of pineapple fills the air and awakens your senses. The locally-cultivated Antigua Black Pineapples are said to be the sweetest in the world, featuring a distinctive golden color and lower acidity levels. Visit the Cades Bay Pineapple Farm to learn more about this delectable fruit’s Antiguan roots and of course, to taste the crisp and juicy sweetness for yourself.

Great Bird Island

Often regarded as a “desert island” dream, Great Bird Island captures the true essence of a do not disturb vacation. The snorkeling is remarkable and the views from the hike that leads to the top of the island are unreal. From the most peaceful of settings to the picture perfect scenery, Great Bird Island is an offshore sanctuary for charterers, as well as a natural safehaven for a variety of endangered wildlife species, including red-billed tropic birds and West Indian whistling ducks.

Great Bird Island is actually part of the group of small islands known as the North Sound National Park. Adjacent Rabbit Island is home to the exotic brown pelican, and the largest of the group, Long Island, has been the site of a successful Hawksbill sea turtle monitoring project.

Mooring

Anchor

Things to do

• Explore the bird sanctuary
• Spot exotic wildlife
• Snorkel pristine reefs
• Hike to the top of the island

Facilities

No facilities for yachts available

Dickenson Bay

Sitting pretty on the far north end of Antigua, Dickenson Bay is one of the most popular areas on the island, boasting many top-tier hotels and resorts. The vast sugar-sand beach that extends across the bay offers idyllic conditions for swimming, sunbathing and is lined with laid-back establishments perfect for bar-hopping. Plus, as the hub for Antigua’s windsurfing scene, Dickenson Bay is a prime location for all sorts of water sports and activities. Just off the coast of the busy bay, discover a few uninhabited islands that are home to a one-mile long coral reef, which makes for a superb snorkeling site. 

Mooring

Anchor

Things to do

Windsurfing, Beach bar-hopping, Rent sunfish and jet skis, Snorkel the coral reef, Water skiing, Horseback riding

Facilities

Restaurants, Bars, Beach kiosks, Tennis courts, Casino

Fort Barrington

For a scenic and historically-signficant excursion on land, venture on the 10-minute hike to Fort Barrington at Deep Bay, which is just a short southbound sail from Dickenson Bay. Sitting atop Goat Hill, the over 230-year old ruins of Fort Barrington will transport you back in time and reveal spectacular views of Antigua’s second to none sailing paradise.

Green Island

Uninhabited and unspoiled Green Island is a delightful little hideaway located just off the eastern coast of Antigua. This popular Caribbean snorkeling destination comes with plenty of anchorages, exotic bird sightings, and unrivaled relaxation in the middle of uncrowded serene paradise. Green Island’s neighbor to the left – Nonsuch Bay – is worth exploring too with its tranquil waters, pleasant sea breezes, and barrier reef protection. 

Mooring

Anchor

Things to do

• Reef snorkeling
• Tropical bird watching

Facilities

No facilities for yachts available

English Harbour

English Harbour is a Caribbean sanctuary rich in maritime significance and naval history. The main entrance to the protected harbor features two fortresses standing tall on both sides, transporting you back in time to the 18th century when the Royal Navy’s Caribbean fleet was first established there.

Not far from Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbor has plenty to offer travelers of all kinds including an array of bars and restaurants, and an English pub that serves up British fare with a Caribbean twist. There is also duty-free shopping, a museum highlighting the local history of the land, and “jump up” steel band sessions that are too fun not to join in.

Mooring

Marina

Things to do

• Dine at one of the local restaurants
• Learn some history at the museum
• Have a picnic at Rendezvous Bay
• Enjoy Wadadli beer while watching the sun set.
• Hike the historical trails

Facilities

Restaurants, Bars, Laundry, Showers, Post Office, Bakery, Internet Café, Toilets, Dive Center, Water, Ice

English Harbour Highlights

Spend the day snorkeling and diving at Falmouth Harbour to explore the underwater wonders of the Pillars of Hercules. 

Diepp Freeman Bay

Home to top-rated Galleon Beach, Freeman’s Bay is an uncrowded sanctuary and the perfect place to spend your last day of uninterrupted bliss aboard your private yacht. A breathtaking haven lush in tropical foliage and splendid snorkeling conditions, Freeman’s Bay is a hidden gem that is just a short distance away from The Moorings base at Nelson’s Dockyard.