When the yachting season in the Mediterranean eases up for winter, superyachts start to prepare for after-summer vacation among the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean Islands. The Caribbean has become a super-popular destination for yachting around Christmas, thanks to its warm climate, mesmerising views, on and off-water activities and friendly locals. With over 7,000 islands to explore, sea fishing, diving, kite-surfing, jet skies, parties, delicious food and white sandy beaches, yachters find it to be a perfect sailing destination. The peak season for visiting the islands is from November through to April, however, apart from a few rainy days tropical climate of the Caribbean attracts a large number of visitors all year around. 

The Caribbean Islands Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-Byew’dj) are located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The award-winning destination of  2015 and 2016 Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, located half-way down the Leeward Islands, Antigua and Barbuda are the hub of the yacht charter activity catering to different vacation preferences. Not only honeymooners adore the islands for their panoramic views, luxury resorts and relaxing lifestyle, but also celebrities, photographers and travellers.

Caribbean Islands

The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Antigua is a perfect choice if you prefer a mix of Caribbean parties, great sailing, stunning white sand beaches and sightseeing. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.

Here are five reasons why Antigua and Barmuda are a perfect destination for your next yacht charter.

1. Yacht charter Oasis

With the end of the wettest season and low humidity, a large amount of yachts start to cruise around the islands in November. The average temperature in the area is approximately 27°C  (81°F) during the day, while nightly low temperature is 22°C (72°F).  In addition to that, warm trade winds attract visitors from all over the world to enjoy the sunny-islands lifestyle.

Lighthouse Bay, Barbuda. Photo by ConciergeAuctions.

2. 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches — one for every day of the year

So many glistening beaches of various sizes provide an enormous selection for such a small island. Dickinson Bay, Darkwood Beach with great views of Monserrat, and Half-Moon Bay are great places to visit for mouth-watering food, swimming, snorkelling and walking.

Antigua by Mirjam Bleeker

3. “Mix and Match” type of vacation

Antigua and Barbuda are a perfect choice if you prefer a mix of Caribbean parties, great sailing and stunning white sand beaches and sightseeing. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. The Islands also offers amazing museums and galleries for whose who are fond of arts and history.

Superyachts in Antigua by Jason Jordaan

4. The centre of Luxury yachting events

Antigua’s events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week in April, where hudrends of yachts participate in yacht racing.  The Megayacht challenge, Antigua Yacht Charter Show and the Superyacht Cup are also on the must-visit list of events for boat enthusiasts.

Antigua Carnival. Photo by Luca Gargano

Apart from that, it is highly recommended to attend the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival, which is, indeed, provides a spectacular island experience.

5. Shopping and Dining 

If you are keen on some shopping, the islands have a wide variety of stores from local items to polished diamonds. Famous straw hats, batik, pottery and Caribbean rum are found in tiny little stores around the island. The amount of art galleries will not leave you indifferent to the local art. Jacqui O’s Love Beach and Pillars Restaurant & Bar are the two great eclectic restaurants specialising in fine dining. Le Bistro and Le Cap Horn are ideal choices for gourmands. There is a wide variety of other types of restaurants and bars with delicious food and beverages, and outstanding service.

Caribbean craft. Photo by Richard Smith

The twin-island paradise offers visitors ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches.

As one of the most well known yacht charter grounds in the Caribbean,  Antigua has all the main types of yacht charters such as motor, sailing, bareboat charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, luxury yachts and off-course the ever increasing super yacht charter.

CharterWorld offers a great selection of yachts available for charter in Antigua and Barbuda. To secure your charter in the Caribbean Islands or to find out more please contact our team at CharterWorld.