Antigua Travel Information
Before You Travel | How to Get There | Boarding Time/Check Out | What's On Board | What to Bring | Health & Safety
This page provides useful planning, pre-departure, and travel information. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your vacation smooth and carefree.
We suggest you read the following information carefully several weeks prior to departure and also print a copy to take with you.
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
It is important that you refer to our main COVID-19 page for Antigua to see detailed guidelines and information sources before you go on vacation.
Before You Travel
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.
Time Zone
UTC/GMT -4 hours
Tourist Information Center
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Third Floor, ACB Financial Centre
High Street
St John’s, Antigua
Tel. 1.268.562.7600 | Fax 1.268.562.7602
Email: [email protected]
Website: visitantiguabarbuda.com
General Information
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. For more information, view this destination's Cruising Conditions.
How to Get There
Airport
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is 35 to 45-minutes by car to our base.
Flights
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.
Private Charter 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.
Transfers
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 $32 USD per taxi for up to four people (one way).
Car Rentals
A local license compulsory of $50 ECD is required, plus the cost of the car rental.
Boarding Time/Check Out
Boarding Time Procedures
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.
Late Arrivals
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.
Check Out Procedures
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.
What's on Board
Coolers
Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Only one cooler per boat.
Provisioning
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. Please visit our Base Guide page for details.
Mobile phones
Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region. A mobile phone is available free of charge if you wish to have one. A security deposit of $200 USD is required.
Music/iPods
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.
Electricity
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.
For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.
What to Bring
Customs & Immigration
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.
Cruising Licenses
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.
Luggage & Packing List
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.
Drone
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/
Currency
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.
Gratuity
A 10 to 15% tip is standard at restaurants, taxis, etc. $1 per bag is standard for bellhops.
Taxes & Fees
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. Please see our Base Notes for additional information.
Security Deposit
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.
Health & Safety
Vaccination and Immunization Information
Antigua is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.
Travel Advice
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
Standard Swim Safe
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
- Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
- Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use 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.
Travel Insurance
The Moorings offers 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.
Protecting our Oceans
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.
Call Our Experts
Book Online Today