WINTER 2026/27 | LEEWARD ISLANDS

Yacht Charter Antigua: A Superyacht Winter in the Leewards

Board in the historic working harbour of English Harbour, then set a private course for Barbuda’s long beaches, protected bays and the wider Leeward Islands.

Answer in brief

Yacht Charter Antigua is a crewed superyacht holiday based from English or Falmouth Harbour, normally sailed December–April and centred on Antigua, Green Island and Barbuda. Winter 2026/27 yachts typically run from USD 85,000 to USD 1 million-plus per week, plus a 25–35% APA and applicable local charges; Antigua has no single Caribbean-wide VAT formula, so tax is confirmed per vessel and route.

Quick facts

Prime charter season: December–April
Preferred embarkation: English or Falmouth Harbour
International airport: V.C. Bird International (ANU)
Signature overnight: Barbuda’s Low Bay
Winter charter rates: From USD 85,000 per week, plus expenses
Cruising permit: One month after clearance

Yacht Charter Antigua: the Leeward Islands’ working winter base

Antigua is a practical superyacht embarkation point, not merely a beach stop. English Harbour and neighbouring Falmouth Harbour form a compact yachting district, with Nelson’s Dockyard at its centre. The dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and working Georgian-era dockyard; Falmouth adds deep-water superyacht infrastructure. This pairing gives a civilised first or final night ashore without sacrificing a week of open-water cruising, and is particularly useful for Winter 2026/27.

A Yacht Charter Antigua itinerary has two moods. Antigua rewards a close-in circuit: Green Island and Nonsuch Bay, the reef and wreck off Deep Bay, and sheltered south-coast harbours. Barbuda changes the scale. Coco Point and Low Bay give a motor yacht room to anchor off the sand, while the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the north-western lagoon is reached by local boat. The captain selects positions for draft, swell, wind and current notices.

Antigua is also a gateway to the Leeward chain. A longer one-way programme can continue south to Montserrat and Guadeloupe, or north through St Kitts and St Martin towards St Barths; every international leg needs clearance, weather planning and suitable range. A seven-night charter is best kept to Antigua and Barbuda. For ten nights or more, Bluecharter can structure clearances, delivery legs and yacht selection before a MYBA agreement is issued.

Six places to shape an Antigua and Barbuda charter

These are routing ideas, not fixed anchor instructions: the captain, local agent and port notices determine the safe final plan.

English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard

Begin in the enclosed south-coast harbour where the Georgian naval complex now coexists with a working marina and yacht services. Nelson’s Dockyard is the only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard, according to the National Parks Authority. It is an effective embarkation setting for a first dinner aboard and a Dockyard walk, with tender transfers to Falmouth. Book berths early around December shows and March–April regatta weeks.

Yachts cruising in Antigua

TOP FIVE II — 61 m · Other · 12 guests · Home port: Bahamas | Nassau · Weekly charter rate from €240,810/week
OKTO — 68 m · ISA Yachts · 12 guests · Home port: France | Port de Saint-Tropez · Weekly charter rate from €240,000/week
YCM FIFTY — 50 m · Custom · 22 guests · Home port: Mallorca | Marina Port de Mallorca · Weekly charter rate from €141,167/week
BG CHARADE — 47 m · Feadship · 12 guests · Home port: Bahamas | Nassau · Weekly charter rate from €108,728/week
AMICA MEA — 46 m · Custom · 12 guests · Home port: USVIs | Crown Bay Marina · Weekly charter rate from €87,567/week
G3 — 44 m · Heesen · 12 guests · Home port: USVIs | Crown Bay Marina · Weekly charter rate from €80,501/week
JUST ENOUGH — 43 m · Custom · 12 guests · Home port: USVIs | Crown Bay Marina · Weekly charter rate from €60,859/week
CUPCAKE — 40 m · Westport · 12 guests · Home port: USVIs | Crown Bay Marina · Weekly charter rate from €57,794/week
ACCIDENTAL SUCCESS II — 29 m · Sunseeker · 12 guests · Home port: St. Barths | Gustavia Yacht Club · Weekly charter rate from €41,594/week
RISK & REWARD — 37 m · Crescent · 12 guests · Home port: Bahamas | Nassau · Weekly charter rate from €35,027/week
SHADES OF GREY — 24 m · Sunreef · 12 guests · Home port: Mallorca | Marina Port de Mallorca · Weekly charter rate from €35,000/week
DENISE ROSE — 34 m · Broward · 10 guests · Home port: BVIs | Nanny Cay Marina & Resort · Weekly charter rate from €22,767/week
BLUE DEVIL — 43 m · Other · 12 guests · Home port: USVIs | Crown Bay Marina · Weekly charter rate from €18,972/week
SEA AXIS — 38 m · Heesen · 12 guests · Home port: Bahamas | Nassau · Weekly charter rate from €16,638/week
BLACK SHEEP — 38 m · Palmer Johnson · 12 guests · Home port: Bahamas | Nassau · Weekly charter rate from €15,762/week
YCM120 — 37 m · ISA Yachts · 12 guests · Home port: St. Barths | Gustavia Yacht Club · Weekly charter rate from €12,405/week
SYNERGY — 26 m · Sunseeker · 12 guests · Home port: BVIs | Nanny Cay Marina & Resort · Weekly charter rate from €10,508/week
DESTINY — 24 m · Ferretti · 12 guests · Home port: Miami | Miami Beach Marina · Weekly charter rate from €5,911/week

View all yachts

Falmouth Harbour

Falmouth is the operational counterpart to English Harbour: a broad natural harbour beside the Dockyard and a large-yacht base. Falmouth Harbour Marina states it can accommodate yachts to 535 feet with drafts to 20 feet, alongside or stern-to, with bunkering and storage. For guests, the benefit is efficiency: board, provision, receive luggage and clear the harbour before turning east or west.

Green Island and Nonsuch Bay

On Antigua’s east coast, Green Island and Nonsuch Bay exchange marina life for clear water and small bays explored by tender, kayak or snorkel equipment. The route from Falmouth is about 12 nautical miles at 12 knots. Mooring balls are used around Green Island and into Nonsuch Bay during Antigua Sailing Week; at other times, choices remain subject to the captain’s assessment and local rules.

Deep Bay and Fort Barrington

Deep Bay, on Antigua’s north-west coast, is a useful daylight stop when conditions favour it. The wreck of the Andes lies in less than 30 feet of water and is a recognised snorkelling point; Fort Barrington provides the landward contrast. A tender-led snorkel, beach lunch and short walk fit into a coastal day. It is not a protected berth in adverse swell, so the captain makes the overnight call.

Jolly Harbour and Five Islands Bay

Jolly Harbour is a practical west-coast alternative port and provisioning or guest-transfer point; Customs lists it as a legal port of entry. Five Islands Bay and the coast toward Fort Barrington create a relaxed west-side sequence before a northbound passage. Use the area for lunch, watersports and sunset rather than a compulsory marina night. Fix berthing, anchorage and clearance through the local agent.

Barbuda: Coco Point, Low Bay and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary

Barbuda merits two nights. Coco Point gives the arrival setting; Low Bay, also Luis Beach, follows calm lagoon water and pink sand. Princess Diana Beach, formerly Coco Point Beach, is open to visitors. Arrange a local boat into the north-western lagoon for the boat-access-only Frigate Bird Sanctuary, which has more than 170 bird species and over 5,000 frigate birds. Follow the guide’s wildlife protocol and clearance requirements.

A 7-Day Superyacht Itinerary from English Harbour

This round itinerary pairs Antigua’s service base with Barbuda’s space. Distances are planning figures at roughly 12 knots; actual passages, tender activity and overnight positions change with weather, sea state and the captain’s navigational judgement.

Day 1: English Harbour – Embarkation and Dockyard
Board in English Harbour or adjacent Falmouth Harbour, complete the guest briefing and settle into the yacht before lunch. The first harbour day leaves time to walk Nelson’s Dockyard and review the route with the captain. Dinner aboard suits post-flight arrivals, while the local agent confirms clearance, permits and special provisioning for the week.
Day 2: English Harbour to Green Island
Run approximately 12 nautical miles along Antigua’s south and east coast to Green Island and Nonsuch Bay. The short passage allows an arrival before lunch, followed by tender exploration, paddleboards or a quiet afternoon on deck. A beach barbecue is possible only where access and conditions allow; otherwise the chef can create the same informal service aboard at the selected overnight position.
Day 3: Green Island to North Sound and Great Bird Island
Continue north on a coastal planning passage of about 13 nautical miles into the North Sound area. Great Bird Island is reached by tender and suits a low-impact visit, wildlife viewing and a short hill walk. The crew can stage snorkelling and towables in a suitable location, then return guests to the yacht for sundowners before the Barbuda crossing.
Day 4: North Sound to Coco Point, Barbuda
Make the approximately 27-nautical-mile crossing to Barbuda in the morning, allowing the captain to select the most comfortable course for the trade wind and sea. Coco Point gives the first Barbuda landfall, with wide sand and room for a private beach set-up where permitted. Keep the afternoon free for fishing, a tender run along the coast or a long lunch aboard.
Day 5: Coco Point to Low Bay and Princess Diana Beach
A short passage of about 10 nautical miles brings the yacht from Coco Point toward Low Bay. Swim from the stern, arrange a quiet walk on the pink sand and use the tender for a considered visit to Princess Diana Beach. The crew can coordinate a locally guided excursion rather than taking a large group into sensitive areas. Sunset dinner on deck suits Barbuda’s low light pollution.
Day 6: Low Bay to Green Island – the return passage
The return from Low Bay to Green Island is the week’s longer planning run: about 48 nautical miles, roughly four hours at 12 knots before sea conditions. Depart after breakfast so the passage remains part of the day. On arrival, use Green Island for an afternoon swim and final watersports session. This buffer gives the captain flexibility if the Barbuda crossing needs adjustment.
Day 7: Green Island to Falmouth Harbour – Farewell Antigua
Cruise about 12 nautical miles back to Falmouth Harbour for a final night and next-morning disembarkation, or arrange an afternoon departure through ANU. Guests can choose a last tender session before the approach, then visit the Dockyard, Shirley Heights or dine near the marina. The yacht’s agent settles local port matters and confirms the guest-transfer schedule.

When to charter Antigua and Barbuda

The Caribbean’s core yacht season runs through the northern winter. Antigua also has a dense spring regatta calendar, so the right week depends as much on the desired atmosphere and berth availability as it does on temperature.

Period	Conditions	Demand	Notes
December–mid January	Dry-season sailing patterns, warm water and the first full concentration of Caribbean charter yachts.	Peak	Christmas and New Year inventory, berths and private-air support should be secured well ahead.
Late January–March	Established winter weather and trade-wind sailing; open-water legs should still be planned around the daily forecast.	High	A strong window for Barbuda and Leeward Island routing; reserve early around the Caribbean 600 and Superyacht Challenge.
April–May	Warm conditions with spring regatta activity concentrated around English and Falmouth Harbours.	High	Antigua Sailing Week, 21–25 April 2027, changes harbour demand; select a berth and yacht programme before committing flights.
June–November	Lower charter concentration and the Atlantic tropical-storm and hurricane period; local weather monitoring is essential.	Low	Consider only with flexible dates, a weather-led route and suitable cancellation and insurance provisions.

Antigua superyacht charter prices for Winter 2026/27

Planning bands for a seven-night crewed winter charter, not an availability promise. Final rate depends on yacht, dates, guest capacity, cruising area and owner-approved terms.

Indicative weekly rates	Guests	Budget per week	Notes
30–39 m	Up to 10	USD 85,000–USD 150,000, plus expenses	Usually five cabins, professional crew and tender-toys programme.
40–49 m	Up to 10–12	USD 150,000–USD 250,000, plus expenses	More deck separation, toy capacity and group space.
50–69 m	Up to 12	USD 250,000–USD 450,000, plus expenses	Commonly adds beach club, larger tenders and crew.
70 m+	Up to 12–14, subject to yacht certification	USD 500,000–USD 1,000,000+, plus expenses	Large-yacht service, multiple tenders and berth planning.

Under MYBA terms, the fee covers yacht, crew wages and yacht insurance. APA is normally 25–35% for variable operating expenses, reconciled against receipts. Antigua and Barbuda Customs states that a passenger departing by pleasure craft after more than 24 hours pays XCD 75 (USD 30) Embarkation Sea Port Tax. Port Authority, National Parks, anchorage, dockage and cruising-permit fees are separate; confirm the commercial permission and route-specific tax treatment for the particular yacht. MYBA payment practice is typically 50% on signing, with balance and APA due 4–6 weeks before embarkation.

Winter 2026/27 Antigua yachting calendar

Antigua Charter Yacht Show
4–9 December 2026 (confirmed)
The 2026 Antigua Charter Yacht Show is confirmed at Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour. It is an industry event for captains, brokers, vendors, media and yachting professionals, rather than a general guest festival. Expect a concentrated fleet and high demand for berths, services and dining in the harbour area immediately before and during the show.
RORC Caribbean 600
Starts Monday 22 February 2027 (confirmed)
The 18th RORC Caribbean 600 starts and finishes in Antigua, with the first warning signal at Fort Charlotte. The non-stop 600-nautical-mile race circles 11 Caribbean islands and brings offshore race activity to the island. A charter that week should protect berth arrangements, tender movements and restaurant plans around the race programme.
Superyacht Challenge Antigua
10–14 March 2027 (published race dates)
The 16th Superyacht Challenge Antigua is scheduled in English Harbour from 10 to 14 March 2027. It is a small-fleet superyacht regatta with racing off Antigua’s south coast, making it relevant for sailing-yacht guests and observers based in the harbour. Confirm final race documents, spectator arrangements and berthing directly with organisers before travel.
Antigua Sailing Week
21–25 April 2027 (confirmed)
Antigua Sailing Week has published 21–25 April 2027 for its next edition. The event’s destination-sailing format uses the English Harbour–Falmouth Harbour area at the beginning and end, with routes through Green Island, Little Jumby and the west coast. It creates a lively shore scene but makes early marina planning important for non-racing superyachts.

Antigua charter logistics, clearances and berths

Airport and transfer: V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) has direct or connecting service from the US, UK, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. A pre-arranged road transfer to Falmouth or English Harbour is generally 25–35 minutes; allow for traffic and arrivals.
Primary embarkation: English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are the preferred bases. Falmouth Harbour Marina lists superyacht berthing to 535 feet and 20-foot draft; berth requests should include LOA, beam, draft and shore-power needs.
Alternative ports and services: Customs lists Deep Water Harbour, English Harbour, Jolly Harbour, Heritage Quay, Crabbs Peninsula and Barbuda as legal ports of entry. Fuel and water are available in English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour and Jolly Harbour.
Arrival clearance: File eSeaClear before arrival, then proceed to a legal port. Only the master, or a designated person where permitted, goes ashore for Customs and Immigration; guests and crew remain aboard until clearance is complete.
Cruising permit and Barbuda: A permit is issued on clearance and is valid for one month, with renewal required for longer stays. Yachts must clear into Antigua before visiting Barbuda, and every vessel in Antigua and Barbuda waters needs a valid permit.
National Parks and local charges: Port Authority fees cover entrance, rubbish disposal, anchorage or dockage and cruising permits. National Parks fees also apply in the English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour area; retain receipts when clearing out elsewhere.
Marine conduct: Nelson’s Dockyard National Park guidance asks yachts to use moorings rather than anchors, avoid sewage discharge, observe speed and swim zones, and not use motorised watersports. Confirm measures for each stop with the captain and local agent.

Why charter through Bluecharter

Full charter-fleet access

Bluecharter by Bluebnc Yachting has broker access to the full central-agency charter fleet, including Yachtfolio-listed fleet access. That matters in Antigua because the right yacht must match guest numbers, draft, beach-club use, tender capability and the intended Barbuda or Leeward Islands routing, rather than simply a headline rate.

MYBA E-Contract process

Charters can be documented with MYBA E-Contract agreements. The MYBA framework sets out the yacht, dates, payment terms, cancellation provisions, APA and responsibilities in a recognised charter form, giving the principal details a clear contractual structure before funds are released and operational planning starts.

Insured, professional representation

Bluecharter is Lloyd’s-insured and holds IYBA membership. These are practical credentials for a broker arranging a high-value, multi-party programme involving an owner’s representative, captain, crew, marina, shoreside agent and specialist providers across islands and clearance jurisdictions. They support a properly documented process from shortlist through embarkation.

Maritime experience since 1963

Bluecharter draws on three generations of maritime heritage since 1963. For an Antigua programme, that experience is applied to the details that affect the week: selecting a suitable central-agency yacht, setting a workable routing brief, preparing a preference list and coordinating the operational handover to the captain and local partners.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time for a Yacht Charter Antigua holiday?

December to April is the principal superyacht season in Antigua, with settled trade winds, warm sea temperatures and the busiest calendar. Late February to April adds the RORC Caribbean 600, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua and Antigua Sailing Week, so book those weeks early. May is quieter and good value; June to November is hurricane season.

How much does a superyacht charter in Antigua cost?

For Winter 2026/27, a crewed 30-metre yacht starts at USD 85,000 per week, plus expenses. Larger 50–69 metre yachts run USD 250,000–USD 450,000; 70-metre-plus yachts can exceed USD 1 million.

What is APA on an Antigua yacht charter?

APA is a pre-funded working allowance for fuel, food, drink, berths, local fees and experiences. In the Caribbean it is 25–35% of the base fee, reconciled against receipts after the charter.

Is VAT charged on an Antigua yacht charter?

No Caribbean-wide VAT formula applies to every Antigua charter. Antigua Customs publishes a USD 30 equivalent Embarkation Sea Port Tax after 24 hours; quotes should specify permits, port and National Parks charges.

Where do superyacht charters start in Antigua?

Most charters embark in English Harbour or Falmouth Harbour on Antigua’s south coast. English Harbour gives guests Nelson’s Dockyard, while Falmouth offers large-yacht berthing and services.

How far is V.C. Bird International Airport from English Harbour?

ANU is the international gateway, with direct and connecting services. A private transfer to English or Falmouth Harbour generally takes 25–35 minutes, subject to traffic and arrival formalities.

Do I need a cruising permit to visit Barbuda by yacht?

Yes. The yacht needs a valid Antigua and Barbuda cruising permit, issued for one month after clearance. It must clear into Antigua before visiting Barbuda; captain and agent manage the process.

Can a one-week Antigua charter include Barbuda?

Yes. A seven-night round programme can allow two nights at Coco Point and Low Bay, with time for English Harbour and Green Island. Conditions can alter the 27-nautical-mile outward and 48-nautical-mile return passages.

Can I charter from Antigua to Guadeloupe, Montserrat or St Barths?

Yes, Antigua is a gateway for Barbuda, Montserrat and Guadeloupe, and northbound programmes can continue toward St Barths. International passages need clearance, weather and owner approval; allow ten nights or more.

Which Antigua yachting events affect Winter 2026/27 charters?

The Charter Yacht Show runs 4–9 December 2026; the Caribbean 600 starts 22 February 2027; and the Superyacht Challenge is 10–14 March. Sailing Week follows 21–25 April, tightening berth and service availability.

Plan Antigua for Winter 2026/27

Tell Bluecharter your dates, guest count, preferred yacht style and whether Barbuda or a wider Leeward Islands route is essential. We will return a considered shortlist with current rate guidance before winter.

Request a Yacht Shortlist · Talk on WhatsApp · View available yachts