Antigua

English & Falmouth Harbour

English & Falmouth Harbour

While chartering out of Antigua, as far as the itinerary is concerned, the crew is very flexible.  When you get on board it is likely that you will sit down, have a drink and talk through what you are interested in seeing.   You can visit Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Barts & St. Martin.

Antigua has 365 beaches – one for each day of the year.  Nonsuch Bay, with several superb and uncrowded anchorages, is just a short sail away from Nelson’s Dockyard which is like

Palm on Beach

Palm on Beach

stepping into years gone by.  At Bird Island, you’ll lie safely at anchor, while the Atlantic breaks harmlessly on the encircling reef.  At Green Island you’ll find mangroves, hermit crabs, pelicans, and lovely coves and beaches, one of which is so beautiful it’s called  “The Garden of Eden”.  There’s excellent snorkeling along the outer reef and on smaller reefs scattered here and there throughout the bay.

And of course there’s Barbuda, remote and incredibly beautiful, with just one little village and three hotels. Along the leeward side of the island you’ll see turtles basking in the shallow’s, while you swim in water that’s crystal clear, yet deliciously warm.  This is a very secluded spot, anchored off the beach in the evening with no other sounds but the gentle lapping of the water on the beach.  The stars shine like pinpoints of fire in a sky unspoiled by any other light.  Many charters spend at least two days enjoying this unforgettable place.

Nevis is a 3,000 foot high volcanic cone rising out of the sea.  Alexander Hamilton was born here; museums in the port of Charleston commemorate both events.  The esteemed Four Seasons Hotel and Resort is here and offers one of the best golf courses and spas in the world.  It is 18 holes, par 72 and boasts a 630 yard par 5 hole situated on the side of the volcano.  Cost for green fees and carts are $110.  Reservations would need to be made in advance to ensure a tee time.

Just next door to Nevis is St. Kitts.  Set aside time to tour this quiet mountainous island.  See Arawak and Carib rock carvings, grand plantation homes from the French and English Colonial eras, the imposing fort on Brimstone Hill, and the lush rain forest.  You can take a taxi from the port town of Basseterre to Brimstone Hill.  Hike to the fort at the top for dazzling views of the neighboring islands.  Then off to lunch at a plantation-turned guest house.

Port of Gustavia

Port of Gustavia

Arrive in St. Barts, dingy ashore and hire a Mini Moke to explore the island.  Stop for some French cheese and bagets, a bottle of water and some French wine and set out for some of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean.  After lunch, sail to Ile Fourche and anchor in this lovely setting – the remnants of its volcanic cone.  Sail around to the harbor in Gustavia – the St. Tropez of the Caribbean.  Gustavia has some fantastic shopping and some interesting sights.  Dinner ashore here is a consideration as there are many world-renowned restaurants on this very island.   To name one, Jimmy Buffet’s Le Select.  You could easily spend two days here.

Sail to the leeward coast of Anguilla – Road Bay.   Watch the sun set over Prickly Pear Cays while enjoying a cocktail on deck.  If you would like to visit Anguilla you will need to know that the government charge charter yachts $125 per day for the pleasure of visiting this quaint island.  This cost will be for the Charterer’s account.  Sail to the Prickly Pear Cays for some of the most spectacular snorkeling.  Anchor in Crocus Bay, Anguilla for the evening.  Explore the wonders of Little Bay by dinghy.  Then set sail for Grande Case, French St. Martin.  Anchor in the harbor and stroll through this historic fishing village, where lovely West Indian buildings house art galleries and gourmet restaurants.

Orient Bay

Orient Bay St Martin

St. Martin is shared by the French and the Dutch, making this a unique island.  On the Dutch side the shopping is exciting in a bazaar type setting.  Phillipsburg is a bustling port with great bargains to be had on jewellery, clothing and electronics.  Casinos are dotted here and there for a quick ‘try your luck’ as you shop.  A short taxi ride and you enter the French side, which is tasteful, quaint and very cosmopolitan with a Mediterranean flair.  Little Bistros, cafés and great little boutiques makes your shopping experience a fun contrast.

All good things come to and end and your crew will wish you Adieu and see you to the airport for your departure, with magical memories, well rested and hopefully a plan to return.

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