Antigua Travel Information & Planning Guide

The time zone in Antigua is  UTC/GMT -4 hours.

Here is the address for the Tourist Information Center:
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Third Floor, ACB Financial Centre
High Street
St John’s, Antigua
And if you need to contact them, here is the contact information:
Tel.  1.268.562.7600 | Fax 1.268.562.7602 
Email: info@visitaandb.com
Website: visitantiguabarbuda.com

Here is a general introduction to Antigua with facts you may wish to take note of:
Area: 108 sq. miles (279.719. km.) 

Population: 80,161  

Official Name: Antigua 

Capital City: St. John’s  

Official Languages: English 

Religion: Christian 

Government: British Dependent Territory  

Driving Side: Antiguans drive on the left 

Climate: Tropical with its rainy season from June through November.

V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is 45 minutes to an hour by car from our Antigua charter base.

Upon your arrival at the airport, please state your intended destination is Sunsail / The Moorings Base if you’ve hired a taxi service.

Due to the number of flights we organize, the Moorings can offer some great rates to many destinations. Please make sure you contact our in-house flight specialist at 866.649.2003 before you book your flights.

Through our partnership with a number of reputable airlines The Moorings can arrange private charter flights to Antigua and any other of our Caribbean destinations. Contact our in-house flight specialist at 866.649.2003 for more details.

We are unable to provide transfers at Antigua, however there are taxis available outside the airport. Please inform the driver that you are going to The Moorings base in English Harbour. The Moorings can arrange a taxi from the base back to the airport at the end of the charter. It is approximately $48.00usd for two pax, and $16.00usd per person thereafter.

Yes, car rentals are available. A local license compulsory of $50 ECD is required, plus the cost of the car rental.

Charter Boarding Time: 12:00 pm 
Sleep Aboard Time: 6:00 pm 
Briefing Times: Scheduled upon arrival.

All skippers must attend a Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more. A Boat Briefing will also be provided onboard your yacht. All skippers and first mates must watch the online chart briefing prior to departure. A more in depth briefing will be done with the boat briefing on site.

The Customer Service Desk is open until 5:00 pm. If arriving after hours, a message will be left on the front door indicating the location of your boat. The Chart Briefing and Boat Briefing will be held the following morning prior to departure.

Charter End Time: 11:00 am

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return, so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time.

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Only one cooler per boat.

Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation. 

There are supermarkets available nearby for all your other provisioning needs. The main super market within walking distance is Covent Garden.

Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region, as the answer will differ on a case-by-case basis.

While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with the equipment to play music. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

All yachts in this destination are equipped with 110V two-pin plugs. Don’t forget to bring a USB adapter to charge your phone as not all yachts are equipped with usb outlets.

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkelling masks or snorkels onboard.

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

A formal sailing license is not mandatory to charter here. A completed Sailing or Power resume is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.

Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. We have no facilities for holding luggage at the base. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-colored, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-antigua-and-barbuda/

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (ECD). We recommend carrying some of the local currency with you as not all restaurants and stores accept USD, debit, and/or credit cards. Note:This base cannot accept cash or personal cheques.

A 10 to 15% tip is standard at restaurants, taxis, etc. $1 per bag is standard for bellhops.

You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards.

A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

Antigua is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.

Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov.

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, life jackets and diver down flags are all available on board. 

Children:

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.

Scuba diving in Antigua offers clear, warm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. With over 30 accessible dive sites, including shipwrecks like the Andes, it’s perfect for all levels. The calm conditions and rich underwater scenery make for a relaxed yet exciting Caribbean dive experience.

For bareboat charters (where no staff from The Moorings are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. The Moorings does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk and The Moorings shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances whereby there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht which is provided by The Moorings.

Indigo Divers, Antigua
Soul Immersions Diving Centre
Dive Carib

When snorkeling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby.

Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkeling.

One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water.

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests and diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – if you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid, and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

The Moorings offers through our partner, comprehensive travel insurance, for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.

Sustainable practices help us protect our environment, sailing areas and surrounding communities. The Moorings actively implements eco-friendly initiatives to reduce our footprint across all our bases.

Through Our OCEAN Promise, we’re working to reduce our environmental footprint and support the communities that make each destination so special. From more responsible operations to cleaner cruising practices, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.

You can make a difference too. Before you depart, pack a reusable water bottle, choose to support local businesses, and anchor mindfully to help protect the waters we all enjoy. Small choices make a big impact.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise.

The Moorings Antigua Base is located here:

• National Parks Authority
• Nelson’s Dockyard
• English Harbour
• St. Paul’s Parish
• Antigua

Our Antigua base is open 8am-5pm, seven days a week during the high season.

Season: This destination is open from early November through the end of June.

In the marina, you will find:

• Customs & Immigration Office
• Supermarket, Post Office & Bank
• 24 Hour Security
• Cable TV & Internet (Wifi can be sourced from the local store, other than what’s provided while at the base)
• Laundry (for a fee)
• Restrooms & Showers (Showers available for a fee, and operates from 9am-5pm daily. Restrooms are free)

At the dock, you will find:

• Bow Moorings (Mooring buoys are from 25.00 USD to 30.00 USD per night)
• Three-Phase Electricity
• Waste & Oil Disposal
• Fuel Dock

Note: This base cannot accept cash or personal cheques.

In addition to captivating clear-blue waters and short passages between anchorages, an Antigua yacht charter vacation also delivers line-of-sight navigation. Roughly 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, Antigua is enrobed by 54 miles of superior Caribbean coastline blessed with 365 uncrowded and unspoiled beaches.

There are a number of premier marinas with all the modern amenities scattered throughout the cruising grounds, as well as a copious supply of uninhabited harbors and secluded bays just waiting to be explored. An Antigua charter vacation makes it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds – from onshore to on-the-water, from lively to leisurely.

In combination with the carefree vibes, stunning views, and diverse offering of activities, the desirable conditions that persist year-round set Antigua apart as one of the world’s top sailing destinations for charter guests and competitive sailors alike.

Throughout the year, enjoy steady trade winds, warm weather ranging between 77°F – 88°F from day to night, and an idyllic water temperature averaging 81°F. North-easterly winds of about 15 – 20 knots (17 – 23 mph) are the norm from November to May and tidal ranges are typically slight, between 12 to 18 inches. Read about the best time to sail in the Caribbean.

To get a sense of the weather you can expect during your Antigua yacht charter, take a look at the historical weather averages (by month):

A formal sailing license is not mandatory to charter here. A completed Sailing or Power resume is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.

Sailing lanes are generally open from Falmouth Harbour counterclockwise to St. John’s Harbour.

Martinique/Guadeloupe: Selected yachts in Antigua cannot go into Martinique/ Guadeloupe at any time

 Areas restricted due to reefs include: North Sound to Nonsuch Bay on the NE Coast, Barbuda to Spanish Point and the North Coast. It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset.

There are no taxes or clearance requirements for sailing between Antigua and Barbuda.

Mooring Balls: approx. 25-30 USD per night and are available in Falmouth Harbour and Jolly Harbour.
Dockage Fees: approx. 50 to 1 USD per foot, per night.

Admiral’s Inn (located at the marina) 
Antigua Yacht Club and Marina Resort (close to the marina) 
The Verandah Resort and Spa (Antigua) 
Galley Bay Resort and Spa (St. Johns) 
Trade Winds Hotel (St. Johns) 
Anchorage Inn (St. Johns)

There is a bank nearby – you can find it located in Nelson’s Dockyard. ATMs are also available 24/7 in St. John’s.

There is a post office located at the Marina.

There are many restaurants in English and Falmouth Harbours, near the base. We recommend Trappas (English Harbour) and Antigua Yacht Club Marina Restaurant in particular. Restaurants generally close at 11pm.

There are several souvenir shops close to the base. If you need provisions, meanwhile, you have these options: 

• Covent Garden, Dockyard Drive – 5-minute walk from the base 
• Epicurean in Jolly Harbour
• C.E. Baley Supermarket – approx. a 10-minute drive from the base 

Fishing gear rentals are not available locally. You can bring your own gear and are free to trawl off the stern.

There are several sport fishing charters that you can book locally. We are unable to pre-arrange these.

Stingray City 

Here you will be able to pet and feed Southern Stingrays in their natural environment. You will learn all about these amazing animals from your experienced guide. You can snorkel on coral reefs with colorful fish life. These calm, clear, shallow waters make it easy and fun for everybody.

Devils Bridge 

This is a remarkable example of sea-water erosion. Geologically, Devil’s Bridge is a natural arch carved by the sea from soft and hard limestone ledges of the Antigua formation, a geological division of the flat north-eastern point of Antigua. A bridge was created when a soft part of the limestone eroded away by action of Atlantic breakers over countless centuries.

Shirley Heights 

The view from Shirley Heights Lookout is without question the most famous view on the beautiful island of Antigua. Located within the national parks (overlooking English and Falmouth Harbours) this panoramic view, on clear days, takes in Guadeloupe to the south and Montserrat with its still active volcano to the southwest. Shirley Heights Lookout has been home to the ‘biggest and best’ party on the island every Sunday for the last 25 years.

Here are a couple of places that are perfect for a classic day out amidst the adventures of your yacht charter: 

• The Donkey Sanctuary: Operated by the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society, Bethesda Village, St. Pauls. Get up close and personal with rescued donkeys Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Antigua Zipline Canopy Adventure: Located in St John’s, this is a 2.5 hour adventure through rainforests along 10 ziplines.
• Jolly Harbour Golf Club: An 18-hole course on Jolly Harbour, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Explore our blogs for more things to do and see in Antigua.