Month: December 2022

USVI Sailing Itinerary: An Epic Week in the US Virgin Islands

USVI Sailing Itinerary, an epic week sailing the US Virgin Islands

I recently spent some time in the US Virgin Islands on my November USVI yacht charter and I was blown away!

Spectacular beaches, pristine scenery (thanks to the National Park), and fun eating/drinking/shopping in quirky towns such as Cruz Bay await you on a USVI sailing itinerary. These are also ways that make the USVIs unique from other nearby charter destinations.

Did I mention logistics are super easy? You can be on your catamaran within 30 minutes of landing. Seriously.

If you are a British Virgin Islands yacht charter regular, you are missing out if you haven’t yet visited the next door neighbor.

Consider adding the US Virgin Islands to your list of charter destinations. Check out my week-long USVI sailing itinerary as a starting point to inspire your next trip.

USVI Sailing Itinerary around St. John and St. Thomas — Try my figure 8 plan for a week-long yacht charter sailing the US Virgin Islands

Planning for prevailing USVI cruising conditions

For my plan, we’ll start in the Charlotte Amalie area for your USVI yacht charter and head to the north shore of St. John. From there we’ll continue clockwise and then make a figure 8 around St. Thomas.

As far as resources, all you need is the Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands, which many of you might already have since it also covers the British Virgin Islands.

Why does this USVI sailing itinerary plan work?

With prevailing easterly trade winds, we get our upwind leg out of the way on the first day by motoring (or sailing) around the south side of St. Thomas, and then NE to St. John. You’ll have some protection in the lee of St. John to avoid a bumpy ride
Further upwind passages on the north shore of St. John are short and protected as you hop between the fantastic beaches and bays of the Virgin Islands National Park
It gives you a chance, mid-trip, to make a pitstop in Cruz Bay for re-provisioning, if needed
Cruising around the north shore of St. Thomas should be a beautiful, downwind sail under normal conditions
It leaves you for your last night at Water Island, a short motor back to the charter bases on St. Thomas

Hawksnest Bay USVI — Your first night in the USVIs: Hawksnest Bay

A week sailing the US Virgin Islands

Day 1: Set sail for beautiful St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park

Even if you don’t sleepaboard and have a noon start for your charter, you should still have time to motor to the north shore of St. John where you’ll find the jewel of the USVIs: the Virgin Islands National Park.

The trip should take you about an hour and a half if you take the cut between Great St. James. Confirm this is not off limits, but we were permitted as long as we passed to the south of Current Rock.

You can pick from any of the many bays where overnight moorings are provided by the National Park Service. These bays are close enough together than you easily backtrack if needed.

Mooring fees in the National Park are $26. If you use them only during the day, they are free. Pay for them ashore or at one of the self-service floating fee stations.

My choice? I’d go for Hawknest Beach on the first night. A Hawknest sea turtle sighting is almost guaranteed. Stroll the beach, snorkel the many reefs, or go in search of the Mermaid’s Chair.

Pour yourself a sundowner and get ready for an epic Virgin Islands sunset. You’ve arrived in paradise!!

Beautiful fall day at the Maho Bay mooring field on our US Virgin Islands bareboat charter trip — The mooring field at Maho Bay where you'll spend your second night

Day 2: Beaches, snorkeling, repeat

Beaches, snorkeling, repeat. That’s the plan for the next couple days as you make your way east. I like Maho Bay as a 2nd night overnight, but don’t get there until the afternoon.

Take your time. You have plenty of special bays to explore along the way. You may even consider doing this by dinghy in settled conditions.

Next door is Trunk Bay, one of the most photographed beaches, anywhere. The main attraction here is the Underwater Trail around Trunk Cay, just 30 yards off the beach. Follow along and read the submerged plaques to learn about the area marine life.

Trunk bay on a USVI sailing itinerary — The often photographed Trunk Bay | Try the underwater snorkeling trail around the cay just offshore

At Cinnamon Bay, we enjoyed gazing at some of the most luxurious villas in the Caribbean that seem to hang from the cliffs. It’s quite a scene! Aside from this, the beach is great and there is a protected swimming area.

Onwards to Maho Bay. Spend the afternoon lounging on the beach. We loved it so much we spent two days here on our trip. The dinghy channel is on the left as you approach – go slow and watch our for snorkelers!

Check out Maho Crossroads, a fun local establishment that offers cocktails and some classic beach bar fare. Better yet? Bring along a cooler of your own cold Caribs.

Back on your yacht, get ready for an unobstructed sunset over the cays to the west.

St John sunset on our USVI bareboat charter trip — Great sunsets from the mooring field at Maho Bay

Ram Head and Salt Pond Bay — Salt Pond Bay and a view of Ram Head in the distance

Day 3: Enjoying solitude at Salt Pond Bay

In the morning, you have plenty of time for more snorkeling and exploring of the area, if you wish.

The beach at Francis Bay is right next door, or you could dinghy over to the point at Whistling Cay.

Around the corner is Leinster Bay and Waterlemon Cay. Many people claim this is where you can find the best snorkeling in all of St. John. You can also check out the Annaberg ruins ashore.

Get ready to raise those sails as you come around to the south side of St. John. For a day-stop head into Coral Bay. Many charter crews enjoy the floating taco bar, Lime Out, or you can head ashore elsewhere for some shopping, lunch, or drinks.

If you want to explore Coral Bay a bit more, check out the Coral Bay Yacht Club’s Cruising Guide – it has lots of great info about area attractions.

Make your way to Salt Pond Bay and pick up an overnight mooring ball. With just a handful of NPS mooring balls here, enjoy the beautiful scenery in (relative) solitude. If it’s crowded, other options are Great and Little Lameshur Bays, just to the west.

Cruz Bay, St. John, base camp for the Virgin Islands National Park

Day 4: Cruz Bay for a night out

Before you leave, a great excursion is the short hike to Ram Head. On a clear day, you might be able to see all the way to St. Croix.

Sail around the south side of St. John to the moorings at Caneel Bay. We’re headed for Cruz Bay, but it’s off limits by some charter companies. From Caneel Bay, it’s a short(ish) dinghy ride into town.

If you’re into fishing, today is a great day to make a detour to the south drop for some chances at wahoo, mahi, or tuna. Check out my fishing guide for some tips!

Head ashore to Cruz Bay for an afternoon or evening of shopping, bar hopping, or dining. You can also find several grocery stores here where you can stalk up on provisions (it’s not cheap, so plan accordingly!).

If you’d like, the Visitor Center for the Virgin Islands National Park is located here.

Note: Caneel Bay can be exposed to northerly winds and swell, so if those conditions are present, you might want to consider this a day stop only. Continue on to Magens Bay or add another stop at a more protected St. John mooring field. Learn more about prevailing weather conditions in my weather and marine forecasting post.

Epic sunset at Magen's Bay, St Thomas, USVI — Fantastic sunset while anchored at Magens Bay

Day 5: Onwards to St. Thomas US Virgin Islands

Raise your sails for an easy downwind passage around the north shore of St. Thomas. Consider checking out the uninhabited Hans Lollik Islands for a day stop on the way.

There are two possible anchorages, one inside the reef at Coconut Bay. Or head around the west side and enter the bay between the two Lolliks. Enjoy a beautiful beach at the former and some interesting snorkeling at the latter.

Exploring the bay between Great Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik Island on a USVI sailing itinerary — Exploring the bay between the Hans Lollik Islands

Enter Magens Bay at marvel at the spectacular setting. It really is special with a large crescent shaped beach and long peninsula which forms the bight. Drop the hook (no mooring balls here) in the areas marked on charts. We chose a deeper spot in about ~30 feet towards the NE corner.

The bay is huge, and you should have no trouble finding some room to spread out.

On weekends, there can be a party scene – expect some louder music from the beach bar ashore and the occasional jet ski 😖 .

Magen's Bay USVI bareboat charter anchorage during a USVI sailing itinerary — Beach day at Magens Bay

Day 6: Beach day yacht charter optionality

I always like to plan a day where we don’t move the boat. Today’s that day!

Dinghy ashore to enjoy a relaxing day on this wonderful beach. Magen’s Point Beach Bar and Grill whips up some good pizza and serves up drinks from the bar.

Other options? You can rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards, or put on your shoes for a short hike up the hills in the area.

Magens Bay could also be a good jumping off point for excursions ashore (just make sure there are no cruise ships in town!). Phantasea Botanical Garden or Mountain Top are popular attractions, nearby. It’s easy to coordinate a taxi from Magens Bay. Grab a bite at Sib’s on your way back.

Day 7: Wrap up the USVI sailing itinerary at Water Island

Continue your downwind sail along the north shore of St. Thomas and enjoy the coastal scenery. Head for Honeymoon Bay at Water Island.

This anchorage can be crowded, and the mooring balls are private, so try and arrive early if you can.

You can’t go wrong just relaxing on Honeymoon Beach while liming away the afternoon. Dinghy’s Beach Bar is a popular spot, or you can walk up the road for a drink at Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill.

Unobstructed epic sunsets are almost guaranteed here – not a bad way to end your USVI sailing itinerary! You’re just a short 15 minute motor to return your charter yacht the next morning.

If you’d rather grab a mooring ball on your last night, continue on to Christmas Cove at Great St. James Island. The snorkeling is pretty good here (it’s a protected area) and Pizza Pi Vi is located here seasonally. Dinghy right up for a hot pie! Sunsets over Red Hook also won’t disappoint.

You will have to back track the next morning to Charlotte Amalie, but it’s only about an hour.

Thanks for reading about my USVI sailing itinerary. If you’d like to mix it up, consider adding a couple days in the Spanish Virgin Islands next door. The US Virgin Islands are a great jumping off point to this lesser-visited area. Learn more about how to do it at my Spanish Virgin Islands page.

USVI

What is Boatyball in the BVIs?

Photo credit: Cooper Island Beach Club

If you haven’t sailed in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) recently, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Boatyball.

As some of you may know, in peak season especially, the BVIs can be very crowded with boaters. Many of the mooring balls at the most prime locations, such as Cooper Island or Anegada, fill up before noon!

So, if you want to get a ball, you had to wake up, throw up those sails, and race to your next anchorage.

But, what if you wanted to spend most of the day out on the water: sailing, snorkeling, fishing, etc.

Enter boatyball.com.

So, what is Boatyball?

Boatyball was started a few years ago to offer a web-based reservation system for mooring balls in some of the BVI anchorages.

The balls are easily identifiable by their orange mooring color, blue markings and Boatyball logo.

In addition to balls that can be reserved, you can also pick up a First Come First Serve (FCFS) in the Boatyball program. Once secured, you can pay for it using the Boatyball application.

Boatyball partners with the ball owners to simplify payment collection using the web application. Payments for other mooring balls are either collected by someone who dinghies around a mooring field. Or, they are paid in person ashore by the boaters.

Boatyball also claims the balls are potentially safer than others you may find throughout the BVI. They are installed and regularly maintained by Moor Seacure – a trusted company that services mooring balls throughout the Virgin Islands.

How it works

You can find the full details on Boatyball’s website, but below are the key points. They also recently announced a price increase.

Reserved balls

Sign up for an account on the website
At 7:00am everyday, reservations open up
Currently, the balls cost $55/night
If you are successful, your reservation begins at 12:00pm and ends the next day at 11:59am

First come first serve (FCFS) balls

These balls are white with a Boatyball sticker on them. They also have a 3 letter identifier.
Grab any one that is available
Once you have secured to the ball, login to Boatyball and pay the $40 mooring fee

Advanced reservations

Recently, they also began offering a way to reserve balls >24 hours in advance
This is limited to only a small number of people (8 boats in a week last time I checked)
Ensures you can reserve a ball where you want to, without fighting for one at 7:00am
You’ll pay for it: this privilege will cost you $479 for a week. This fee does not include the nightly $55 mooring ball fee

Sunset at Setting Point in Anegada on a BVI yacht charter — Setting Point anchorage at Anegada, where there are 18 reserved balls

Where are the Boatyball moorings?

Currently (as of December 2022), the Boatyball moorings are located in 11 bays and anchorages. Note: these numbers do not include other non-Boatyball moorings.

Anchorage	Reserved Balls	FCFS Balls

Cooper Island	20	20
Marina Cay	0	29
Leverick Bay	15	15
Saba Rock	10	3
Anegada	18	0
Cane Garden Bay	10	0
Soper’s Hole	10	0
Diamond Cay	14	4
Little Jost	5	5
Great Harbour	20	0
Little Harbour	10	10

The great Boatyball debate

Some people love the Boatyball system, whereas others have some reservations about it (excuse my pun!). Here are some of the arguments on both sides.

Why some people like Boatyball

The reservation system allows you to spend more time out on the water.
The knowledge that there is a reserved ball with your name on it gives you peace of mind and allows you to follow a planned itinerary.
The balls are safer: they are professionally installed and regularly maintained/inspected by Moor Secure.
Makes it easier to pay for your mooring ball.

Why others do not like Boatyball

It is difficult to make a reservation – by 7:01 in peak season, all reservations can be taken. This makes it a game of chance. Spotty internet connections can also make it hard to “win” a ball.
Reservations can result in unused mooring balls that otherwise could be used for lunch stops. Some visitors are avoiding some of their favorite spots as a result.
There is no easy way to enforce the system if another catamaran squats on your reserved mooring ball.
Waking up to participate in the reservation competition at 7:00am takes away from the vacation experience.
The system didn’t help solve the root of the problem – a shortage of well-maintained mooring balls throughout the BVIs at present. There are even recent reports of poorly maintained National Park System balls.

Virgin Gorda Sound sunset with Saba Rock in the background (Pre-Irma) on a bvi catamaran charter — Virgin Gorda sunset with Saba Rock in the background (pre-Irma) | Now with Boatyballs available

What’s next – my Boatyball predictions

I’ll start by saying that I’ve only been back to the BVIs once since Boatyball was started. I always visit in shoulder season (May or November) and I had no need to use Boatyball. We didn’t have any trouble picking up a FCFS ball in the Boatyball anchorages we visited (Anegada, North Sound, and Cane Garden Bay).

If we were in peak season, that could have been another story.

Our crew also prefers dropping the hook at more secluded anchorages, so we would probably just plan to avoid Boatyball crowded bays.

While there are some frustrated sailors, it doesn’t seem like Boatyball is going anywhere. They also have the support and partnership of many BVI establishments and charter companies.

Will they continue to grow and expand in the BVIs or elsewhere in the Virgin Islands? I have no idea!

But, if I were a betting man, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them pop up in more BVI bays and potentially elsewhere in the Virgin Islands.

Updates:

In 2022, there were 59 Boatyballs added, both FCFS and Reserved representing a 37% increase)
In September 2023, Boatyball-powered moorings were installed in the US Virgin Islands

Interested in other articles about the British Virgin Islands? Check out our BVI page.

BVI

Antigua Yacht Charter: Beaches, History & Adventure

I’ve been searching for my next Caribbean bareboat destination, and I’ve found it…a yacht charter in Antigua and Barbuda. Update: here’s the trip report.

Our crew has spent a lot of time recently in the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands, so it’s time to mix things up for an upcoming 40th birthday party trip.

Read on to find out why I’m excited about Antigua and Barbuda as a charter destination including my plan for a 7-day sailing itinerary.

Antigua and Barbuda yacht charter overview
Highlights of sailing in Antigua & Barbuda
Week-long Antigua yacht charter sailing itinerary

pink beach in Barbuda — Miles of pink beaches await in Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda yacht charter overview

Antigua and Barbuda is a single country, located in the southern Leeward Islands near Montserrat and Guadeloupe (potential offshore destinations for a longer yacht charter trip).

This destination has something for every type of crew. Gorgeous beaches (they attest to having 365 of them), offshore fishing, plenty of bars and restaurants, British naval history, reef snorkeling, and some adventure at offshore Barbuda.

Antigua & Barbuda location — Source: Navionics

What else do I like about it for a sailing vacation?

The sailing yacht charter fleet is deep enough, with competitive pricing
There are multiple non-stop flights per day from the US including New York and Miami
It’s one country, so customs check in to other islands is not necessary (which might be needed in other Windward or Leeward Islands yacht charters, such as St. Martin or the Grenadines)
There are some larger, busier anchorages, but also a number of smaller, well-protected anchorages to find some seclusion
Many excursion and hiking opportunities, accessible by dinghy
Barbuda, home to less than 2,000 residents, offers an escape from it all, and the longest beach in the Caribbean

Falmouth Harbour in Antigua on a Antigua yacht charter — Falmouth Harbour and the mega yachts

Resources for an Antigua yacht charter

Doyle’s Cruising Guide to the Southern Leeward Islands is likely all you need to plan your trip to Antigua yacht charter.

The guide is updated every couple years and contains key country info, navigational sketches, and important insights for what to do, where. Historical insights, pictures, and personal experiences in these destinations make the Doyle guides so valuable to charterers and cruisers.

When to visit Antigua and Barbuda for a yacht charter

As with my other recommendations for the Caribbean, I enjoy visiting in April to May due to lower prices, settled weather, and longer days. The Christmas winds should be over and it’s usually too early for disruptive tropical disturbances.

You can read my post about when to visit BVI, most of which applies here.

Make sure you are aware of when the Antigua Sailing Week regatta occurs, one of the most popular sailing events in the Caribbean. It usually happens between April and May. It can be a fun time to visit, but with it, crowds!

Carlisle Bay on a Antigua yacht charter — A beach for every day, this one at Carlisle Bay

Highlights of sailing in Antigua and Barbuda

Sail offshore to Barbuda, one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems; anchor in solitude anywhere along the Caribbean’s longest pink sand beach (11 miles)
Relax amongst the reefs at peaceful Green Island
Drag some fishing lines and catch mahi, wahoo, or tuna in the deeper water offshore
Hike to Shirley Heights for commanding views and some nightlife at their famous Sunday evening bbq parties
Gaze at 200 foot mega yachts in Falmouth Harbour or rub elbows with the rich and famous at the establishments ashore near historic Nelson’s Dockyard
Arrange for a tour of frigate bird sanctuary at Codrington Lagoon

Antigua yacht charter sailing itinerary including Barbuda — Week-long sailing itinerary | Source: Navionics

Week-long Antigua yacht charter sailing itinerary

Here’s my plan for our upcoming, 7 night, 8 day Antigua yacht charter. Why does this route work?

I use the north/south offshore passage to and from Barbuda to traverse the easterly trades and get us east. As we head west, clockwise around southern Antigua, you should have downwind passages, under normal cruising conditions.

Jolly Harbour Antigua sunset — Jolly Harbour where you are likely to start your charter

Day 1: Arrive and sleepaboard at Jolly Harbour

Most of the charter yachts are at Jolly Harbour, but it’s possible your marina might be elsewhere such as English Harbour.

If at Jolly Harbour, Epicurean Fine Foods, is a short walk from the marina and comes highly recommended for your provisioning needs. They’ll even let you borrow a cart with a small deposit.

Otherwise, get settled into your charter yacht, stow away your provisions, and crack a beer! Let’s get this vacation started!

Day 2: Cruise the north shore to ritzy Long Island

After you complete your boat and charter briefing, set your sails and head north, clockwise around Antigua. Enjoy the views of the coast as you cruise for 2-3 hours before you drop the hook at Long Island.

Long Island has a nice anchorage on the west side, and this will be a convenient stop before crossing to Barbuda the next morning.

Don’t expect to be welcomed ashore as this is home to the very high-end resort of Jumby Bay where rooms can go for many multiple thousands a night. If you wish to try and use their restaurant for dinner, contact them by phone or Channel 16.

You’ll have to be content with swimming off the back of the boat, snorkeling the nearby reef, and enjoying your first epic Caribbean sunset over the mainland of Antigua to the west. Plan for a meal aboard on this night.

Miles of endless beach at Shack-A-Kai on Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda — You go to Barbuda for the beaches and solitude

Day 3: Sail offshore to the hidden gem of Barbuda

Some say the beaches on the western coast of Barbuda are unparalleled in the Caribbean and perhaps the rest of the world. So you better believe that even if conditions are not perfect, I’m sailing north to go find out.

Try and plan your visit around conditions that would support a passage to and from Barbuda. It would be unwise to attempt a sail north when a northerly swell is running. Northerly winds would also make for an uncomfortable ride to windward.

And while staying in Barbuda, be aware of any potential trade wind shifts into the west that could expose the anchorages.

Make it an early start so you can maximize your time in Barbuda. Pass carefully through the Horse Shoe Reef channel or backtrack to the west around the reef. Get those sails out and hopefully enjoy a beam reach on the ~30 nautical mile passage. This is also a great day to put out your fishing lines. Check out my sailboat fishing guide for tips and lure suggestions.

Sail for Low Bay and take your pick of an anchoring spot along the 11 mile long beach. Consult the Cruising Guide for areas to avoid and practice visual navigation techniques. There are reports of unmarked hazards.

frigate bird sanctuary Barbuda — Frigate bird sanctuary at the Codrington Lagoon National Park

So what to do?

Consider dropping the hook near one of the reefs visible on charts, to the west of the beach, for some snorkeling
Simply enjoy strolling and swimming at the picture perfect, idllyic beach
Get in touch with one of the island guides listed at Barbudaful and arrange for a tour of the Codrington Lagoon National Park frigate bird sanctuary (you must do this with a local)

Barbuda is home to less than 2,000 residents, many who were very much impacted by devasting Hurricane Irma. You can still expect to see a lot of evidence of the storm’s damage to Barbuda. The locals are very welcoming to yacht visitors.

Best sunset of the trip in Barbuda — Expect epic, unobstructed sunsets at Barbuda

Day 4: More beaching at Cocoa Point, Barbuda

Before leisurely making your way south to Cocoa Point, you can consider visiting the town of Codrington or exploring other parts of the island with a guide, such as the Darby Cave Sinkhole.

Set your sights for Cocoa Point and anchor anywhere off the beach. Behind the coral reef will offer the best protection.

My plan for the day here? To dinghy (or swim) ashore at a local watering hole such as Shack-A-Kai and enjoying a relaxing beach day. I’m planning to get in touch with a local to arrange for a beach bbq dinner and bonfire.

Uncle Roddy’s is another recommended place to hang on the beach and grab a bite. They close in the evening. You can anchor out front, but to do so requires careful navigation into Coral Group Bay. Check the Cruising Guide chart sketch.

If it’s more your style, check out the Nobu Beach Club just along the shore to the north (if it’s open for the season). I was surprised to learn it existed! Apparently it’s the brain child of Robert de Niro and additional development of the project is expected in the future. The locals are apparently not happy about this project.

Day 5: Cross back to Antigua and relax at picturesque Green Island

Get another earlyish start for your crossing south to the east side of Antigua. If you are really enjoying yourself, stay another day!

Green Cay is another peaceful spot on the east coast of Antigua, although you won’t have it all to yourself. By the time you arrive, the day-boat catamaran tours should be all but gone. The west bay or farther into Nonsuch Bay are good options.

Head ashore to walk the beach or relax on a float after a long day on the water. If you are a windsurfer, this is one of the more popular areas in Antigua behind the reef. Check the Cruising Guide for the areas that are private and off-limits.

No services ashore here, but we’ll fix that tomorrow!

Shirley Heights Overlook at the Sunday barbeque during our Antigua bareboat charter — We had a great sunset for the party at Shirley Heights

Day 6: Historic Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights

Next, we are going to go and visit the World Heritage site, Nelson’s Dockyard. Named after the most famous admiral in British naval history, the site was restored in the 1950s.

Today, it consists of parks, trails, museums, and is surrounded by shopping, bars, and restaurants. You are back to civilization and have plenty of exploring to do.

You can grab a slip or anchor in either English Harbour or Falmouth Harbour next door. Either works to enjoy this area. English Harbour is much tighter, however. If you really want the full experience, consider tying off to the dock at Nelson’s Dockyard, stern to.

For one of the best views on Antigua, hike the mile or so up to Shirley Heights for commanding views of the harbours. Try and time it for the famous Shirley Heights bbqs and live music held on Thursdays and Sundays.

Nelson's dockyard on an Antigua yacht charter — Nelson's Dockyard with yachts moored stern to

Day 7: Relax at scenic Carlisle Bay

Take your time as there is not much of an agenda for today. Before you leave the area, check out the Pillars of Hercules at the entrance to English Harbour. You can snorkel them, or hike over. It’s a fascinating geologic formation carved into the cliff face from years of wave action.

Galleon Beach is another one of those beautiful 365 beaches, also nearby.

Lazily proceed west down the coast to Carlisle Bay, home to an upscale resort by the same name. Think about getting those fishing lines out again and troll across the waters south of Antigua where the depth contours start dropping off.

The resort is friendly to yachties, so consider going ashore for a cocktail or visiting their restaurant. Enjoy the scenery, snorkeling, swimming, and beach in this beautiful bay. There are several other restaurants nearby, or use this as a jumping off place for an inland excursion on Antigua.

Deep bay antigua on a Antigua yacht charter — Fort Barrington at Deep Bay

Day 8: Deep Bay on your last day of the yacht charter

Make your way a short way past Jolly Harbour to Deep Bay. This is a beautiful spot, and won’t let you down for your last night’s stop.

Ashore you can take a short hike to Fort Barrington for excellent views of the western coast. The Andes shipwreck, at the mouth of the harbor also makes for interesting snorkeling. A mast sometimes sticks out of the shallow water.

If beach bar hopping sounds more your style for a final day, continue north to Dickenson Bay. The Sandals resort is located here (you’ve been warned – think jet skis!), but there are several bars and restaurants as well, such as Ana’s on the Beach. It has a floating dock/bar you can access by dinghy. Avoid this one if a northerly swell is running.

The next morning, give yourself enough time to sail or motor the short trip back to Jolly Harbour to refuel and complete checkout with the charter company and finish off your Antigua yacht charter.

antigua