Renting a boat in Antigua
Antigua, along with Barbuda, forms an independent state in the Caribbean Sea and one of the best places to plan your yacht charter, whether as a beginner or more advanced sails man. The natural coves and bays make sailing one of the key features of this island, while its proximity to other islands such as Guadeloupe, St. Kitts and Montserrat make it a great place to visit during a yacht charter.
While a small island, there is no lack of remarkable scenery and places to visit, including over 365 beaches, as well as a rich history which can be explored at English Harbour with their two fortresses and museum.
Pricing and Info on hiring a boat in Antigua
Prices average at about £350-£500 a day for a day boat rental, depending on whether you hire a captain. For a week charter, prices start at £2129 but average from £4000 to £7000 during the peak season of December to April, while during the off-season of July to November, prices start at £1589 but average from £2000 to £3000. However, these prices for a yacht charter can vary due to season and the type of yacht.
Boat availability in Antigua
Due to Antigua’s reliance on sailing holidays as a large part of their tourism industry, the island has multiple ports and harbours to dock in, including Jolly Harbour for the bigger boats, which is a large, full-service marina, the natural harbour that is Falmouth Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, which doubles as a cultural heritage site.
As Antigua is known for its sailing, it is very popular amongst both tourists and locals and so it is important to book your yacht charter fast. We recommend a month in advance.
Currently Samboat offers multiple types of boats for your trip to Antigua, including Sailboats with or without captains, and catamarans, with Sailboats being the most popular form of boating in Antigua due to its winds of about 15 to 20 knots during the peak season.
Do you need a licence to charter a yacht in Antigua?
To charter a yacht in Antigua a formal sailing licence is not required, however a formal sailing CV or resume is necessary to ensure you have the experience to charter yourself.
Overview of Antigua
Antigua is a small island which means it is made up of mainly coastline, being known for its beautiful beaches and watersports, making it the perfect destination for your nautical adventure.
Antigua is a great place to visit for beginner travellers, as while it has its own culture, the official language is English, and it is also a very safe area to visit. For the beginner sailors, you may like to visit the South of the island, which consists of calm waters and access to popular beaches and bays, including the harbours such as Falmouth Harbour which has a host of waterside restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can watch the comings of goings of the small sailboats and the large luxury yachts.
Alternatively, for the more advanced sailor, it may be better to look at the North coast, which is known to be more challenging to sail, with slightly rougher waters and a rugged coastline, however, offers more privacy and beautiful scenery. On this side of the island there are several deep coves and reefs to explore by snorkelling and diving, where it is not uncommon to see endangered sea turtles and other marine life, as well as being the ideal conditions for windsurfing and other popular watersports.
One of the most unique features of the island is the blend of British culture with the Caribbean region, as can be shown through the traditional dishes of Antigua which are a must try, from the black pudding and saltfish and chop up, to the goat water and seasoned rice.
Popular sailing destinations in Antigua include:
