Antigua Base Guide
About the Marina | Cruising Grounds | Around the Base | Provisioning | Things to Do | Water Toys & Sports
Whether this is your fifth trip or the first of many, we want you to feel at home when you're at a Moorings base. At Nelson's Dockyard, we welcome you to stock up on essential items, grab a bite to eat and explore historic sites before boarding and setting sail from English Harbour.
About the Marina
Address
The Moorings Antigua Base
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
English Harbour
Antigua, West Indies
Base Hours
8am - 5pm, seven days a week
Season: This destination is open from early November through the end of July.
Marina Facilities
Customs & Immigration Office
Supermarket, Post Office & Bank
24 Hour Security
Cable TV & Internet
Laundry (for a fee)
Restrooms & Showers
Dock Facilities
Bow Moorings
Three-Phase Electricity
Waste & Oil Disposal
Fuel Dock
Note:This base cannot accept cash or personal cheques.
Cruising Grounds
Experience Level
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.
Cruising Area
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
Cruising Area Restrictions
North Sound to Nonsuch Bay on the NE Coast, restricted due to reefs. Barbuda- Spanish Point and North Coast due to reef and depth.
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.
Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.
Nighttime Sailing
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.
Cruising Permits & Taxes
There are no taxes or clearance requirements for sailing between Antigua and Barbuda.
Moorings Fees & Taxes
Mooring Balls: approx. 15-20 USD per night and are available in Falmouth Harbour and Jolly Harbour.
Dockage Fees: approx. .50 to 1 USD per foot, per night.
Around the Base
Accommodations
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)
Banks
Located in Nelson's Dockyard, ATMs available 24/7 in St. John's
Post Office
Located at the Marina
Dining
Restaurants generally close at 11pm. There are many restaurants in English and Falmouth Harbours, near the base.
Trappas (English Harbour)
Antigua Yacht Club Marina Restaurant
Shopping
There are several souvenir shops close to the base.
Things to Do
Tours
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
Is a remarkable example of sea-water erosion. Geological, 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 south west. Shirley Heights Lookout has been home to the 'biggest and best' party on the island every Sunday for the last 25 years.
Zoo
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.
Zipline
Antigua Zipline Canopy Adventure from St John’s - a 2.5 hour adventure through rainforests along 10 ziplines
Golf
18-hole course on Jolly Harbour
Water Toys & Sports
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.
Scuba Diving
A tank and weight belt for one person costs approximately USD 10 per day. A full set of diving equipment costs approx. USD 20-30 per person per day.
Dive Companies –
Aquanaut: 268-770-0729
Jolly Dive: 268 462 8305
Indigo Divers Antigua: 268 562-3483
Snorkeling
The Moorings will provide snorkeling flippers but at this time will not be providing a snorkels or snorkeling masks, please plan to bring your own. Children's sizes are very limited; you may wish to pack your own snorkeling gear.
Fishing
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.
For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.
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