365 beaches, 365 sailing days!

Antigua is lucky enough to have year round sailing opportunities. Come and experience our best, most secretive months..

Chartering in Antigua in May and October is simply the best. The kids are in school, people are still at work and Antigua still has those 10-15 knot breezes inviting you to come for a sail. May and October tend to be our quieter months here in Antigua so why not steal yourselves away for a while and come and make the most of the tranquil bays, calm blue seas and gorgeous sunsets all to yourselves.

Our Bavaria 33 cruising along the coast.

Leave your hatches open and let the calm breeze cool you down or just take a dip in the deep blue. Perhaps put your snorkels on and explore the depths! Deep Bay is amazing place for snorkeling, so anchor off and swim towards the wreck at the entrance of the bay. You'll likely be the only people there at these times of the year so why not make the most of having some alone time with the fishes! Another great advantage about coming to Antigua in May and October is there is less ground swell. So head off in your kayaks and paddleboards to explore the coast line or simply just paddle around enjoying the peace and quiet of the bay.

Our Bavaria 33 gently sailing onto the next bay

One of Antigua's great advantages is that you are never far from another bay. Some bays are no more than an hour away from each other! After all, there are 365 beaches to discover! Slowly drift down with the breeze to the next bay to enjoy another of your very own sunsets, have a relaxed evening, light up the BBQ and enjoy a cool, refreshing drink. Perhaps you're not gourmet chefs, or you don't feel like lighting up the BBQ some evenings? Why not go ashore in the dinghy and have a front row seat at your favorite restaurant while there's fewer people around.

Our Lagoon 440 peacefully anchored for the night.

Not only does Antigua have 365 beaches to discover but she also has a beautiful sister island, Barbuda. May and October are the perfect months to visit and explore this little pink beach island. Due to the calmer swells here during these months it will allow you to pull your dinghy onto the shore to walk these beautiful beaches or, perhaps visit the Frigate Bird sanctuary, eat fresh lobster, or just enjoy the views from the comfort of your cockpit!

Charter with us in Antigua and discover places only accessible by boat. Experience Antigua at her most peaceful, secretive, relaxed time of year and witness the 365 sailing days all to yourselves.

Christmas in Antigua!

Christmas is slowly but surely creeping up on us! The supermarkets are playing Christmas songs, town is becoming a mad shopping frenzy and the marina is filling up with decorated boats! 

Morris Bay, Antigua

One of the best things about being in the Caribbean for Christmas is having the option to have your Christmas turkey on the beach! With sand in your toes, salt in your hair and an amazing view of the bright blue seas. Or if you're on one of Horizon Yacht Charters boat then what better way than to anchor off a secluded bay and enjoy the peace and tranquility on your Christmas vacation! There's nothing better than the Christmas atmosphere here in Antigua. The sun is always shining, everyone is happy, and the sweet smells of roast Turkey are coming from almost every kitchen! 

If you plan to be here over the Christmas Festivities then there are plenty of options for you! Perhaps you're on a boat you've chartered from us at Horizon!? You could head over to English and Falmouth Harbor. Nelsons Dockyard marina is a great place to stay as you are in a beautiful secluded lagoon marina which offers all of the facilities you may need over the holidays. There are bars and restaurants just a 5/10 minute walk away! Shops and a beach all within reach. I know this year I will be a 'champagne party' in Falmouth Harbor on Christmas Day around 12 o'clock! It's family day this year so this is a great excuse to go and drink champagne with friends before heading home to eat LOTS of turkey with the family! (Hopefully some apple pie too.. is that a festive desert!?).  

Photo taken by Andre Phillip at Darkwood Beach

Christmas is also a perfect excuse to relax on the beach on your Christmas vacation whilst the sun goes down with a cool, refreshing cocktail in hand! There's normally a 'lime' somewhere that one of our friends has organized. This normally means a lot of inflatables floating around in the sea, packed out coolers and lots of food and music! The most popular beach option for us is Darkwood. The water is always crystal clear and the beach is big enough for the ball games! It is also the perfect spot to sit and watch the sun go down - we've even seen the famous green flash there a couple of times! The sand is perfect for making sandmen.. much warmer than making snowmen.. no gloves needed! Another perfect place would be in Jolly Harbor on the mile long, white sand beach. Perfect if you're on a boat because you can grab a mooring buoy in the marina, dinghy to shore and walk down to South Beach which is where you will find Castaways, the beach bar and restaurant. They always have fantastic music and the bar man Keiron is always making amazing cocktails! 

Castaways - Jolly Harbor, Antigua

Everyone loves giving presents at Christmas as much as opening them! Well, I know I do! St. Johns is Antiguas city and the best place to pick up that silver bracelet for your mum or that standard, 'T-shirt' for your Dad! St. Johns has the shops where you can get both of these things. One of the best jewelry shops is owned by an English lady who makes her own jewelry out of shells. She sells the perfect charm bracelets, earrings and necklaces along with pictures and cute little collectables. You will find Silver Chelles in Heritage Quay behind C&C's wine bar and opposite the delectable home-made ice cream shop (give that a go too it's delicious!). In the main part of Heritage quay is a Sunseekers where you can get that t-shirt for your Dad! They also do board shorts, flip flops and bikinis too as well as anything else you might need for the beach! Right next door there is a jewelry shop where you can get your Pandora Charms and the like! You can't go wrong with those ;) I would also definitely recommend nipping up to Makai too which is a lovely little swimwear shop. The sell big name brands such as San Lorenzo and KC. My favorite shop and definitely worth a look at.

Lone dolphin in Five Island Harbor

If you're on a sailing vacation in the Caribbean then Antigua is the perfect place for sailing and Christmas is the best time for it too! We will have the 'Christmas winds' which normally blow from the East at around 15-20 knots. Turtle spotting is one of the best things to do whilst you're sailing! On the odd, lucky occasion you may even spot dolphins. The last time we saw one was when we were sailing through Five Islands. He was just a dolphin on his own but he stayed with us for a long time! I'm sure this is also the same dolphin who comes past our villa in the mornings to eat the fish in the marina!..

I'm sure that if you're in the Caribbean for Christmas then you will have an amazing time no matter what you do! Enjoy those mince pies with sandy feet, salty hair and wonderful ocean views! Happy Christmas!

Morris Bay - Antigua

A crewed charter with a difference in the Caribbean - fluffy towels optional

Think of a crewed Catamaran charter in the Caribbean and immediately your thoughts will likely turn to being waited on hand and foot, enjoying some fluffy towels at shower time and spending your days alternating between sunbathing on the sun platform and flopping into the turquoise blue water.... well, stop!  

News Flash

There is another way and it's available right now in the heart of the Caribbean.  

Meet AFTICA.  Aftica is a crewed Catamaran charter with a difference.  So what is the difference I hear you say "I like fluffy towels and flopping around!"

The difference is in the unique Caribbean experience you will have on board this Leopard 45 Catamaran, delivered through a hugely knowledgeable and fun crew.  

Let's start with your crew and yacht owners.  Meet Paul and Marguerite... 

Paul - Your Captain, Guide and Entertainer

Born in the UK, Paul was previously a Professional Engineer.  He has lived and worked on six Continents and has sailed since the tender age of 6 years old.  He is an RYA Yachtmaster and an Advanced diver.  

Together for 45 years and based in Antigua, Migs and Paul have sailed, dived, skied, mountaineered in Europe, USA, Canada, Asia and Australia. 

Marguerite (Migs) - Your First Mate, Guide and Story Teller

Born in Trinidad and raised in Antigua, Migs was previously a flight attendant with the local Caribbean airline before becoming a travel industry professional.  She has lived in Europe and Asia as well as the West Indies.  She is a BSAC and PADI Diving Instructor as well as a Royal Yachting Association qualified Skipper.

The experience

Paul and Migs offer a very special type of Caribbean experience; with their in depth knowledge of the islands and their superb adventurous spirit, you will be joining them aboard to fully experience the islands - above and below the water - in a unique and special way.

Migs at the helm of Aftica; off on another sailing adventure

Flexibility is key to both of them.  They can collect you from either Antigua, St Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Dominica and Grenada - whatever suits your flight schedule best.

To give you  a flavour of our sample itineraries, take a peek at just a few right here:
http://horizonyachtcharters.com/antigua-barbuda/itineraries/

You will meet over Marguerite's old-fashioned rum punch (carries a Government health warning but it does have its roots firmly in her Trinidadian/Antiguan heritage) before heading off to provision.  You won't have a chef on board this cruise who will be serving you vol-au-vents; instead you will all take a turn at the BBQ - delighting each other with your concoctions!  That said, Marguerite is a pretty mean fisher 'woman' and has been known to catch a large tuna off the back of the boat.  We can plan an itinerary with you or just see where the wind blows you - that's the kind of experience Paul and Migs want you to have; passionate about sharing the islands with you.  

Join them for a fun, casual and hugely rewarding vacation with a difference.  Read more here and then get in touch to check their availability.  
http://horizonyachtcharters.com/antigua-barbuda/crewedboats/leopard-45-aftica/

Paul and Migs aboard Aftica

You can contact us here and we look forward to planning your unique Caribbean sailing adventure. 

Email:  info@antiguahorizon.com
Telephone toll free:  +1 866 439 1089
Telephone:  +1 (268) 562 4725
Skype:  jackieashford1

www.horizonyactcharters.com

Meet Anette - a wonderful ASA Sailing Instructor in Antigua waiting for your call

Have you been watching the America's Cup action in San Francisco thinking "I wish I could sail"?  Well, now's your chance. Right here in Antigua we have the wonderful Anette, a talented sailor and sailing ASA instructor who can take you from just simply wishing, to actually sailing.

Anette is a qualified American Sailing Association certified Instructor, living year round in Antigua, and she can teach you ASA 101, 103, 104 (Bareboat), 105 and 114 (Catamaran Sailing).

Anette - ASA Sailing Instructor

If you are wondering what all these numbers mean, just click on this link and all will be revealed:
http://horizonyachtcharters.com/antigua-barbuda/learn-to-sail/

From the liveliest teenagers up to the most mature students, Anette will give you the complete confidence in your own ability to learn to sail.  On top of that, you will enjoy some of the most stunning scenery in the Caribbean as you cruise from bay by bay.  Anette is a strong believer in giving you the best Antigua sailing experience you can get, combining learning with fun along the way.  After all, we all learn best when we're happy.

This could be you on your very own deserted beach

Our courses are all liveaboard courses, which means that you stay onboard for the duration of your week - learning to prepare meals afloat, sleeping on board and very quickly making our yacht your home from home.  The purpose of the graduated American Sailing Association courses is to teach you the fundamentals of sailing so that one day, you can bareboat charter (chartering a yacht without an Instructor or Captain).

Your home away from home - liveaboard cruising

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start sailing, the first step is to pick up the phone to our Antigua charter base and ask us about your ideal dates to Learn to Sail.  What's stopping you?

Skype:  jackieashford1
Toll free:  1 866 439 1089
Tel:  +1 (268) 562 4725
Email:  info@antiguahorizon.com

Year round paradise here in Antigua and Barbuda

One of the many questions guests ask us when they arrive (when they quickly learn that I am not originally from Antigua!) is "where do you go in the summer?".  That's a curious question because people assume that we leave the island and live somewhere else.  That's not to say if someone offered me a penthouse in Manhattan or a condo in Colorado that I wouldn't jump at it, but we do actually charter right up to the first few days of August each year, and then open again October 1.

We love the summer here.  From a sailing perspective, the weather continues to be wonderful - right now we have 10 to 15 knots, bright sunshine, and if my temperature gauge did not deceive me yesterday, it reached a heady 100 degrees in the sun.  Perfect for swimming but don't forget your sunscreen!

It's certainly not a crowded time of year for sailors:

Uncrowded Antigua and Barbuda - summer sailing

For those looking for nightlife and action at every anchorage, you won't find casino's and nightclubs, but you will, in most anchorages, find a nice restaurant where the welcome is as warm as the sun and the beer suitably cold.  Whether you choose bareboat or a crewed charter, you can decide how many nights you want to dine onboard.

Summer is also a good time to Learn to Sail - the winds are typically lighter than our traditional high season and the marina's are uncrowded so you can practice your docking skills in peace.  Perhaps consider taking your ASA (American Sailing Association) certification next year with us.

Learn to sail in the summer and enjoy peaceful marinas in Antigua

Our seasons' pricing reflects the popularity of our sailing destination - we have four seasons here in Antigua so do take a look and see which feels right for you.  

West coast Antigua beach

South coast Antigua beach

West coast Antigua beach

There are so many beaches to choose from that you wont' be disappointed - each one more pretty than the last.  A yacht charter of up to 10 days in Antigua will have you visiting a different beach each day.  Who could resist these?

Our sample sailing itineraries will give you a flavour of what you can experience when you book a sailing holiday here in Antigua and Barbuda.  Take a look if you get a moment....

Capture Antiguan sunsets on charter

Different seasons bring different weather and cloud formations, which make for some great sunset shots.  We took these just two nights ago:

Stunning sunsets during your sailing holiday

As for us, we are counting down the days until we welcome our first guests for our new season, in just two weeks time.

Sailing... just for fun! Four days on the water... right here in Antigua.

We're now offering a four day sailing vacation for fun loving people who want to experience life aboard your very own yacht; giving you the freedom to enjoy the beauty of life afloat.  Why not tag this on to your hotel vacation and have the best of both worlds?  Open dates are May 1 - July 31 2013.

Your vacation, your way.  

Your yacht awaits!  Step on board.

Have you always wondered what it would be like to go sailing?  Have you looked at boats in Marinas and thought "I wish I could step on board".  We are now offering you the opportunity to get on the water in a relaxed and fun environment.

Who will be on board?

You can bring along three friends or family with you as you will have two double cabins and a bathroom for your group.  Remember they are double cabins so the maximum is four people sharing the two cabins.  Your Captain will take the third cabin.

A vacation afloat tailored to you.

What will I experience?

Step on board at 10am on your first day and you will have your boat orientation with the Captain.  All of your provisions will be stowed for you in the galley; leaving you more time on the water.  Following your orientation and safety briefing you will cast off the dock lines and set sail.  You will sail to a different bay and harbours each day.  This is a fun experience so your Captain will ensure you have plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and, of course beach time!

Depending on the time of year, look out for pods of dophins, turtles and even whales!

Whales, dolphins and turtles!

You can do as much or as little as you like.  You will be given the opportunity to take the wheel or act as one of the crew; assisting the Captain with various tasks around the boat and learning what it's like to be part of the team.  Sail back into Jolly Harbour at 4pm on your last day.

Glorious sunsets and sundowners!

For more information on Sailing for Fun with Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua, call us or email to the details below:

Jackie Ashford

Horizon Yacht Charters Antigua

Telephone toll free:  866 439 1089

Telephone +1 (268) 562 4725

Email:  info@antiguahorizon.com

Follow the herd; and then sail Antigua & Barbuda

There's something magical about being at an anchorage with just you, a good book and the lapping of the water on the side of the hull.  For many, the lure of the beach bars is a thing of the past as they are increasingly finding that a little bit of peace and quiet is good for the soul.

There are so many hidden gems like that when you sail Antigua & Barbuda that it's hard to know where to start.  For me, Great Bird Island in the North Sound is a special place.  I love watching the birds fishing and the wading birds standing like statues pretending to be invisible to their prey.

Where is everybody?  North Sound Antigua and a myriad of offshore island to explore.  

For the perfect sailing vacation, a trip around the south west and south east of Antigua should not be missed.  Many people are surprised how long it takes to sail along the interesting coastline of Antigua and enjoy the change of pace from cove to cove.  For some reason the perception is that Antigua is a much smaller island than it actually is!

A beautiful spot on the east coast of Antigua is Nonsuch Bay and Green Island.  Green Island is an uninhabited island that is perfect for a beach lunch. If you have any energy, you could try your hand at kite surfing as you will be on the Atlantic side of the island with great breeze but perfectly protected by the reef.

Nonsuch Bay, east coast of Antigua - home to Green Island

From Nonsuch Bay, you head out the way you went in and sail north up to Barbuda.  Call ahead to Uncle Roddy to make sure he has plenty of fresh lobster to serve you when you arrive.  That and a cold beer to stay hydrated!

Uncle Roddy preparing delicious lobster lunch

Low Bay, Barbuda - 11 miles of paradise awaits

When you sail Antigua & Barbuda you certainly feel like you are part of something special.  You'll be mixing with the locals and learning more about their culture and way of life.  I think that's what travel is all about; that and getting away from the herd.

Follow your own herd and sail Antigua & Barbuda.  We have a last minute yacht open for a Thanksgiving Week sailing charter so do get in touch.

Horizon Yacht Charters
Email: info@antiguahorizon.com
Tel:  +1 (268) 562 4725
Skype:  jackieashford1

Santa undertakes his summer sleigh maintenance for his arrival in Antigua this December!

There's something exciting about heading off to a beautiful, warm climate for the Holidays and, for cruising sailors, there's something very special about spending Christmas and New Year in Antigua.  There's such a festive atmosphere around the island at that time; lots of parties, events and, of course, some brilliant sailing!  It's the Caribbean island that many liveaboards and long term cruisers gravitate towards at this time as part of their cruising traditions.

Time your trip just right and you will discover Santa arriving by helicopter in Jolly Harbour much to the delight of the screaming kids down below who can barely keep still for the excitement.  It was a real pleasure to watch the spectacle last year and I was able to take some photographs as a nice memory.

Sailing and Santa in Antigua

You will find many events taking place around the island; often involving the local Antiguan school children who have heaps of talent and clearly enjoy performing in front of a crowd.

Great performances around Antigua for music lovers

But it's not just about the parties and the events.  It's also great sailing for many bareboat guests who choose to cruise Antigua & Barbuda at this time.  At this time of year, you would experience around 15 - 20 knots of breeze and seas of around 5 - 7 feet.  Perfect sailing conditions for our fleet of SAILING monohulls and Catamarans from 40 - 50 feet.  You will always find a deserted beach (there are 365 in Antigua & Barbuda!) to drop the hook, explore and relax.  Santa has chosen his favourite beach already!

Darkwood Beach, Antigua - where else for the Holidays?

For the party sailors, join in the fun at Nelson's Dockyard on Christmas Day.  This is where pretty much the whole island congregates in English Harbour to celebrate the festivities.  You will find dinghies full of champagne and cold local beer, traditional rum punch stalls and, of course, music and great BBQ.

Celebrate in style in Antigua

Party time at English Harbour

Christmas Day in the Dockyard

The New Year celebrations and fireworks are simply brilliant here on Antigua.  With all of the mega yachts and super yachts 'dressed' for the occasion, it's a special time to make those sailing resolutions for 2013.  Join us this Christmas for a Holiday charter experience like no other.  This is where we'll be!

Stay and Sail in Antigua with Horizon for your next charter experience; something for everyone.

Antigua offers the perfect Caribbean island destination for your next Stay & Sail bareboat charter.

We are based in the heart of Jolly Harbour Marina which is a 300-acre marina that boasts two of its own stunning, white-sand beaches and all the facilities you would need for a Stay & Sail vacation; large supermarket, swimming pool, bars and of course, some lovely waterfront restaurants.

Waterfront dining - choice of seven restaurants close by

 

There are around 160 waterfront condominiums here in the Marina and most of them have their own finger pier or dock; just perfect for taking a yacht up to around 45 feet.

Bavaria 42 on a finger pier in Antigua, Jolly Harbour

You can combine  some island exploring inland with some of the most perfect Caribbean sailing and cruising.  The west coast of Antigua is full of wonderful anchorages that are either great for a lunch or snorkeling stop or even an abundance of overnight anchorages for those nights when staying under the stars aboard your boat is just too tempting.

The perfect sailing area - west coast of Antigua

The waterfront condominiums offer waterfront living with typically 2 doubled bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.  What better place to watch the sunset and the pelicans fishing for dinner, right there on your own patio.

Watch an Antiguan sunset from your patio

Next time you're considering a Stay & Sail package, drop us an email (info@antiguahorizon.com) and we will work with you to plan your whole vacation for you here in Antigua.