When is the cruising season in Antigua?

December through April. Antigua is the principal Caribbean winter base for the international fleet; English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are the two main embarkation points.

Where do charters depart from?

Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour Marina. Both accommodate superyachts; Falmouth carries the larger fleet at any given moment.

Can charters extend across the Leeward Islands?

Yes, St Barths, St Kitts, Nevis and the British Virgin Islands are within reach. Longer cruises south to the Grenadines are arranged on owner request.

What events shape Antigua’s calendar?

The Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December and the Antigua Sailing Week in late April. Both tighten yacht availability and berthing in their respective weeks.

Caribbean · yacht charter

Antigua.

English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour departures, the principal Caribbean winter base for the international fleet.

Speak to a yacht advisor

Overview

What to expect.

Antigua is the principal Caribbean winter base for the international charter fleet. English Harbour (Nelson’s Dockyard, the UNESCO-listed Georgian dockyard) and Falmouth Harbour Marina sit on adjacent inlets and between them accommodate the bulk of the regional fleet. Embarkation, provisioning and crew rotation move through these two ports.

The cruising window runs December through April. Two events tighten the calendar: the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December, where the regional fleet is showcased to brokers and charter clients, and the Antigua Sailing Week in late April, the closing event of the Caribbean racing season.

Fleet

Yachts currently open in Antigua.

Available on request

The current selection for Antigua is shared privately on request. Speak to a yacht advisor for a curated shortlist.

Request the selection

Season

When to cruise.

Best months: December to April
Prevailing winds: Trade winds 15–20 kts
Typical base ports: Nelson’s Dockyard · Falmouth Harbour Marina

December through April. The Antigua Charter Yacht Show opens the season in early December; Antigua Sailing Week closes it in late April. Both tighten yacht availability significantly.

Ports

Marinas and anchorages.

Nelson’s Dockyard
The Georgian English Harbour: UNESCO-listed, used for embarkation and the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.
Falmouth Harbour Marina
The principal charter base. The largest international fleet sits here during the winter season.

Frequently asked

Practical questions.

When is the cruising season in Antigua?: December through April. Antigua is the principal Caribbean winter base for the international fleet; English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are the two main embarkation points.
Where do charters depart from?: Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour Marina. Both accommodate superyachts; Falmouth carries the larger fleet at any given moment.
Can charters extend across the Leeward Islands?: Yes, St Barths, St Kitts, Nevis and the British Virgin Islands are within reach. Longer cruises south to the Grenadines are arranged on owner request.
What events shape Antigua’s calendar?: The Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December and the Antigua Sailing Week in late April. Both tighten yacht availability and berthing in their respective weeks.

Plan your charter

Send a brief.

Share your dates and party size. A private advisor will reply within the hour.

Direct