Antigua
About antigua
Antigua, one of the two principal islands in the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, is celebrated for its coral reefs, exceptional snorkeling, and plentiful sandy beaches. Starting in late November, the island’s twin harbors, English and Falmouth, begin to fill with boats. Shiny modern megayachts and traditional square-rigged schooners line-up, side by side at Nelson’s Dockyard, the oldest dockyard in the Western Hemisphere.
Famous for its consistent year-round winds, Antigua is a premier sailing destination, hosting notable events such as the Super Yacht Challenge Antigua, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and Antigua Sailing Week. Antigua is also the starting and finishing point for the challenging RORC Caribbean 600, a nonstop 600nm race around 11 Caribbean islands.
Getting There
The airport in Antigua is called VC Bird International Airport (ANU). They have flights from the US, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.
Approximate Travel Times
Local Tips
Sailing tips
The most common sailing conditions are a steady and stable easterly seabreeze. Typical ocean conditions are 6’ to 8’ waves and a 15 to 20 knot breeze.
If you are sailing inside of the harbor, it is very shifty in that area.
Currency Tips
Check currency exchange rates – Antigua uses Eastern Caribbean Dollars. It is common for different services use different exchange rates, so it is a good idea to shop around and use a bank if possible.
In addition, banks are plentiful, but it is not uncommon for ATMs to be out of order.
Sailing tips
One rule of thumb that locals practice, is to get a visual from land and look for the geographic shift.
Look for any strong currents and note if the wind is shifting from a northwesterly to southwesterly
Island life
It is the Caribbean Islands, so do not expect to find chain stores. If you need to make large or specialty purchases, you will likely need to travel to St. John.
Panoramic Views
For a breathtaking panorama of the island and its surroundings, hike to Shirley Heights, a historic military lookout with stunning views.
weather links
SAILING CLUBS
MARINAS/BOAT RAMPS
Marine Stores
SAILS/RIGGING
Boat SERVICES
Yacht SERVICES
Fuel
Boat Storage
RESTAURANTS
Located in English Harbour, this local and yachtie favorite offers a wide-range prix-fixe menu that alternates daily. Order from Trappa’s extensive chalkboard menu, separated into starters and mains, and then grab a drink to enjoy the restaurant’s fun and upbeat atmosphere, indoors or out. Known for both exceptional seafood and service, Trappa’s offers a wide assortment of Caribbean flavors, along with a nice variety of favorites from around the globe.
Address: Dockyard Drive, Antigua
Phone: +1 (268)562-3534
Prices: $$
This Italian casual gourmet restaurant boasts a menu where everything from the homemade focaccia to the delicious pasta, to the phenomenal banana bread is cooked fresh and from scratch every day. Featuring traditional Italian antipasto, seafood, and whole lobsters, La Mia Cucina invites you to enjoy a spectacular meal while taking in a gorgeous sunset. They offer an extremely popular Sunday Prix FIx menu weekly, an excellent way to meet up with friends and enjoy Antigua’s Italian specialties!
*Delivery service to boats is available*
Address: Falmouth Harbour, St. Paul, Antigua
Phone: +1 (268)562-8773 or +1 (268)764-4639
Prices: $$
Located in front of the Gunpowder House, The Boom is the perfect place to enjoy a great meal poolside, at a spectacular table on their outdoor covered dining terrace. The restaurant and bar are adjacent to an infinity pool overlooking Nelson’s Dockyard, creating a beautiful upscale setting with picturesque views in which to enjoy a delicious lunch. The Boom menu highlights fresh and locally sourced produce with local seafood favorites such as Caribbean Fish Cakes and Lobster Salad, but fear not meat lovers- the Truffle Aioli Steak Sandwich and Peppered Tournedos are favorites too- and the menu offers many vegetarian options as well.
Please note that if you would like to spend the day there and enjoy the pool and sunbeds, depending upon the season, a Day Pass is required.
Address: Powder House Drive, Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua
Phone: +1 (268)460-1027
Prices: $$$
Nestled into Pigeon Point Beach, Catherine’s Cafe is an upscale French-inspired restaurant surrounded by lush greenery and luxurious daybeds and chairs sprawled across the sand. Catherine’s provides an idyllic backdrop for a luxurious lunch on the patio overlooking the beach, or a fine dining experience on the beach itself. Catherine’s is the perfect spot to sit back and relax in a refined chic setting with some of the best views imaginable. The menus are inspired by French cuisine and feature local ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and artisan food producers.
Catherine’s responsibly sources and handpicks their ingredients to reflect and inspire a modern, stylish, and healthy menu- the Lobster Baguette is a local favorite! They offer a full bar with craft cocktails and an extensive mocktail list, as well as a serious wine and champagne list. For those who like to celebrate, please note that Saturdays often have live music and dancing!
*Reservations are highly recommended*
Address: Pigeon Point Beach, English Harbour, Antigua
Phone: +1 (268)463-6161 or WhatsApp (268)464-5283
Prices: $$$$
Located in the heart of historic Nelson’s Dockyard, and directly on the waterfront, this friendly and casual cafe offers breakfast and lunch daily. Take in the excellent view of the entrance to English Harbour while enjoying an early morning coffee and omelet, or perhaps a freshly fried fish and chips with an ice cold beer for lunch.
Address: Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, St. Paul’s Antigua
Phone: +1 (268)460-1246
Prices: $$
Located on the top floor of the Antigua Yacht Club and overlooking the Marina, Club Sushi and Steak House offers fresh Seafood, Sushi, Steaks, Salads, and Burgers. The Club offers Happy Hour specials every night, trivia on Wednesday nights, an all you can eat Sushi night with a live DJ on Saturday nights, and a Steak night every Sunday, with live jazz. The Club is a great place to meet up with the team for dinner and drinks while overlooking the boats and Marina below.
Address: Dockyard Drive, Antigua
Phone: +1 (268)562-8512
Prices: $$
This casual outdoor spot is located right on the deck at the Antigua Yacht Club- it is the perfect place to enjoy a casual meal while taking in the spectacular view of the boats and marina. Located right on the water, Bar-B’s offers an assortment of fresh homemade dishes with strong Caribbean influences, with an emphasis on seafood. They offer daily Happy Hour specials, as well as a fresh Catch of the Day everyday. A full breakfast menu is available as well- two favorites are the Local Breakfast and the Salmon Omelette. Every Sunday Bar-B’s offers a special Roast lunch, from 12pm – 4pm- a great day to gather with teammates and friends over an excellent home cooked meal.
*Gets very busy during peak hours- reservations recommended for large groups.
Address: Dockyard Drive, Antigua
Phone: +1 (268)562-7698
Prices: $$
Located on the second floor of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina Building, Cloggy’s Cafe offers fresh local seafood alongside stunning views of Falmouth Harbour and the beautiful yachts that sail in and out of it every day. Cloggy’s offers excellent fresh seafood, appetizers, and daily specials, as well as a full bar, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The hands-down local seafood favorite is the Garlic and Chili Prawns, enjoyed with a frosty glass of Minuty rosé. Cloggy’s offers indoor table seating with tables as well as sofas and lounge seats, giving more of a bar atmosphere, while outdoors offers dining with a spectacular view of Falmouth Harbour. Please note that Sunday brunch is served starting at 11:30am to 4:30pm, and that drinks are available at Cloggy’s ALL day, and late into the evening. Cloggy’s specializes in excellent wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as fresh juices and 100% fruit smoothies.
Address: Antigua Yacht Club Marina Building, 2nd Floor English Harbour
Phone: +1 (268)460-6910
Prices: $$
SIGHTS
Shirley Heights is a historic military complex and viewpoint located in Antigua and Barbuda, in the eastern Caribbean. It’s situated on a high point of the island, offering stunning panoramic views of English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour, and the surrounding islands. The site was originally a military complex built by the British in the 18th century to defend the island from potential invasions. Today, Shirley Heights has been restored and transformed into a popular tourist attraction and venue for various events and gatherings. Visitors can enjoy not only the historical aspect of the site but also a vibrant nightlife scene, especially on Sundays when Shirley Heights hosts a renowned gathering called the Shirley Heights Lookout Party. This event is famous for its lively atmosphere, live music, barbecues, and unforgettable views of the sunset.
A prominent historical site located in English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda, Nelson’s Dockyard is one of the most significant and well-preserved historical naval sites in the Caribbean. The dockyard is named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, a British naval hero, who served in Antigua and played a crucial role in the development of the dockyard during the late 18th century. The dockyard was established as a British naval base in the 18th century and played a vital role in the Royal Navy’s operations in the Caribbean during the era of wooden sailing ships. It provided a safe haven for ships to be repaired, resupplied, and protected.Today, Nelson’s Dockyard is a designated national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been beautifully restored and features a unique blend of historical buildings, maritime artifacts, museums, shops, restaurants, and hotels. Visitors can explore the dockyard’s history, architecture, and maritime heritage, gaining insights into the island’s role in naval operations and the colonial past.
Galleon beach is a well known beach located on the southwest coast of Antigua. Galleon Beach is renowned for its stunning white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and picturesque views. One of the notable features of Galleon Beach is the presence of historic ruins, including those of a fort and gun emplacements dating back to the 18th century. These remnants add a sense of history and intrigue to the beach, attracting both beachgoers and history enthusiasts. The beach is often visited by tourists and locals for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water sports. The calm and serene waters make it an ideal spot for various activities, including sailing and yachting.
Pigeon Point Beach is a renowned and popular beach located on the southern coast of Antigua. This beach is celebrated for its pure white sand, clear turquoise waters, and lush surrounding vegetation. The area is known for its water sports, ranging from swimming, snorkeling, exploring the reefs, to jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding and kitesurfing. The beach is well-equipped with amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, and showers, providing comfort and convenience to visitors.
The Pillars of Hercules are the modern name given to the promontories (rocky cliffs) that flank the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. In ancient times, these promontories were significant landmarks and served as a symbolic and navigational boundary for sailors and explorers. This is a great spot for an easy hike or just to relax on the beach after an amazing snorkeling adventure.