A Yachties Guide to Antigua
- Compass Rose Crew
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
Hello fellow yachties! I hope everyone is making the most of their Caribbean season. Personally, I’m team Caribbean over the Med—white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush greenery, and a much more laid-back atmosphere. Today, I’m diving into one of my favourite yachting destinations, Antigua, with an essential guide for crew looking to make the most of their time here.
Antigua is a major yachting hub in the Caribbean, with many boats stopping before, after, or even during charters. If you've done a Caribbean season, chances are you've spent some time in Antigua. The island has decent suppliers for yacht work—carpenters, varnish experts, sailmakers, and chandlers—while its marinas, including Falmouth Harbour, English Harbour, Antigua Yacht Club, and Jolly Harbour, cater to yachts of all sizes. More importantly, for crew with downtime, Antigua offers everything from social hotspots to outdoor adventures.
Crew Hangouts and Social Life in Antigua
Antigua has a great selection of bars, beach clubs, and restaurants for crew looking to unwind. If you’re docked in English Harbour or nearby, all the best spots are right at your doorstep.
Skullduggery (Skullies): A favourite for after-work drinks, Skullies has a relaxed atmosphere and is right among the yachts.
Colibri: Just a five-minute walk from Skullies, this Caribbean-French fusion spot offers classy cocktails, a cozy garden setting, and often live music.
Lobster Shack & Abracadabra: If you’re going out out, these are the places to be. Expect DJs spinning Caribbean beats and dancing until the early hours.
If you're looking for more of a daytime atmosphere:
Catherine’s Café (Pigeon Beach): A laid-back but chic beachfront restaurant that feels like a slice of the South of France.
The Hut, Jumby Bay: A stunning beach club slightly further from English Harbour, but well worth the trip. Expect yacht crew standing on chairs, waving napkins, and attempting to dance in rhythm.
Shirley Heights: An absolute must, especially if it’s your first time in Antigua. On Sunday afternoons, it’s the place to be for breathtaking sunset views, live steel drum bands, and a delicious BBQ that reminds me of home.
Loose Cannon: A perfect sundowner spot, right on the beach with palm trees, a restaurant, and live DJs spinning as you dance in the sand. Watch out for their Rum Punch, an afternoon at Loose Cannons can easily turn into a big night out.
One of the things I love about yachting in the Caribbean is how much more social and friendly the crew are compared to the Med. Maybe it's because the pace is less hectic, or maybe it's the dockside BBQs and the fact that everyone hangs out at the same spots. Either way, it's a great place to meet people from other boats and make lasting friendships.
A Guide For the More Active
If partying isn’t your scene (or you just need a break), Antigua has plenty of outdoor adventures to offer. Antigua is famous for having 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. Some of the best include:
Beaches: A short walk from English Harbour in Pigeon Beach, perfect for an after-work swim, sunset session, or a Banana Colada from Bumpkins (a must-try!). Half Moon Bay – A stunning, less crowded beach worth the trip.
Hiking & Running: If you're up for a scenic trail run or hike, The Goats Trail above Nelson’s Dockyard is a great option. It offers fantastic views, some baby goats along the way, and depending on where you start ,can end at Pigeon Beach for a well-earned swim.
Waters ports: For the water sports enthusiasts, Antigua has excellent conditions for kitesurfing, sailing, and even some surfing (if you’re lucky with the swell).
If you're looking to go Kiting – Head to Jabberwock Beach on the north side of the island. The Kelsick Kiting School is a great place to learn.
Antigua’s northeast corner sometimes catches Atlantic swells. Check Magic Seaweed or your preferred surf app before heading out. Some of the best surf spots include Fort Barrington, Galley Bay, and Turtle Bay. That being said, I recently went surfing at Galley Bay. It was way too big for me, I caught about ¾ of a wave (whatever that means), and nearly drowned—but hey, the turquoise water and palm trees made it all worthwhile.
A word of caution
While Antigua is an incredible place, it's important to stay aware, especially at night. Over the past few years, there have been increasing reports of yacht crew being targeted for muggings or drink spiking. Stick together, look out for your crew, and never leave someone alone at the end of the night. A little caution goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.
Conclusion
Antigua is one of the best yachting destinations in the Caribbean. Whether you're into socializing, exploring nature, or making the most of the water sports scene, there’s something for everyone. Just be mindful of safety, soak in the island vibes, and enjoy all that Antigua has to offer!