Experience the best of Greek sailing; right here in Antigua.

Welcome to Akropolis Greek Taverna - right here in Antigua in the heart of the Caribbean.

When people arrive to charter from our base in Antigua, one of the first things they ask (after "Where's the nearest bar?"!) is "Where shall we eat this evening?".  There are quite a few places to choose from right here in Jolly Harbour Marina and just a walk from our docks; everything from 2 for 1 Pizza evening at Al Porto with live music, to seafood specials at Melini's and now, a new addition to the dining family - Akropolis Greek Taverna.

It's set in a quirky location without any sea view but that doesn't seem to deter people.  It's located literally just across from the Marina entrance on the first floor.  Note the Christmas lights (year round, of course!) as you walk along and you've found the restaurant on the balcony.  Quirky is probably the word I would use to sum up this dining experience.   You are greeted by Marcello who is actually a carpenter/wood expert by trade.  He can remember what most guests will drink even before you can utter "chilled Pinot Grigio".

If you are not hugged by owner/chef "Mama Greek" in the first 30 minutes of your arrival, then she is probably in the kitchen creating delicious dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shank or pork souvlaki.  But rest assured, she will be out to see you before you head back to the boat- possibly pressing a tub of home made hummus in your hand as a little something for the next day.

You can also just pre-order bits and pieces to take away and have on your cruise.  Imagine authentic taramasalata on pitta bread and olives at sunset, overlooking a stunning Antigua sunset!  Below is their very garlicky tzatziki dip; perfect accompaniment to rum cocktails, or any cocktails for that matter.

Pre-order delicious dips for a healthy sunset party!

Let us know if you want us to pre-order any dips for you and we'll have them on board for your arrival.  Better still, book in to Akropolis for dinner; enjoy two main courses and they will give Horizon Yacht Charters guests a complimentary bottle of sparkly Pinot Grigio.  How lovely is that?

A taste of the Greek islands - right here in Antigua!

For pre-orders, email us at info@antiguahorizon.com

www.horizonyachtcharters.com

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.
 

First time sailing charterers with Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua?

It's always exciting sailing from a new Caribbean island but there's also some apprehension about what will happen when you arrive. "Where will we eat?",  "What are the facilities like?", "Is it a good start point for my cruise".  Our base in Antigua is a brilliant place to start your cruise!

I thought I'd put together a mini-Guide that highlights what you can expect when you charter with Horizon Yacht Charters in Antigua.  Your first night!

Well firstly, we are located at Jolly Harbour Marina on the west coast of Antigua.  It's a 300 acre marina surrounded by waterfront Condos and small canals full of privately owned motor boats and sailing yachts.  Here's an aerial view of the entire development.  Just as an aside, if you stay in one of the 2 bedroom, waterfront condos through JoAnn of "Keeper of the Keys" do book a golf cart because you could be way around on the north side of the Marina and it's a long walk to get back to our office for your check-out.

Jolly Harbour Marina excluding the golf course and pool.

As you can see from the pic above, there are four distinct docks.  Horizon is located on Dock B; second dock from the left on the left hand side. Our fleet is located right there.  Our office is located behind Melini's waterfront restaurant.  As you depart the taxi, just turn along the covered walkway to the left and our office is just 1 minute walk along on the left.

Horizon Yacht Charters has two offices here in the Marina

There are some great places to eat in the Marina; so if you are here for your first night, there is lots of choice. Here's just a selection:

Melini's Restaurant - Italian and International Cuisine - Located at the head of your dock, this well-established restaurant has a wide selection of fish specials, pasta dishes and pizza.  Remember you can get everything to go, so if you want to eat on board under the stars, just get the order to go. While you are waiting, enjoy a cocktail at the bar with Barman Romeo; he can make anything!  If you buy a drink, you can get wi-fi too.

Melini's Restaurant and Bar

There are four other restaurants right here in the Marina; Peter's Steak and Seafood BBQ, The Dogwatch Tavern, The Crow's Nest and Al Porto.  Al Porto is a short walk around the dock and is located next to Customs office.  A great place to enjoy live music on Thursdays, 2 for 1 pizza on Tuesday and complementary desert served to Horizon guests!  The Crow's Nest is also open for breakfast from 7.30am and also lunch.  They are located alongside the pool.

If you are looking for something a little different; you can try the Greek restaurant just outside of the Marina gate. This is a family run restaurant where the mother cooks in the kitchen (lamb shank, souvlaki, home made hummus) and the son serves at your table.  The name is "Akropilis".

If you are want a vacation away from the stove and don't want to cook breakfast the following morning, say hi to Terry in Starfish Coffee Shop and, as an ex-chef in the Royal Airforce, he'll make sure you're full of all yummy things before you set sail.  Terry is also good for local knowledge (and gossip) so plan for a large coffee as he likes to chat!  Wife available too.

For Happy Hour, try Dogwatch Tavern, Crow's Nest and the West Point Bar in the heart of the Marina.  West Point is owned by Dutch George, you'll enjoy a great view of your boat and a cold beer.

West Point Bar

Speaking of beer, the local beer is called Carib and Wadadli.  I only say this because you can sometimes buy it in a bucket at Dogwatch for a great price.

For those guests with more energy, you can take a walk to Castaway's Bar and Restaurant right on the beach.  This bar has a loyal, happy hour crowd and is a great venue for watching the sun set.  We took these pics a few weeks ago:

Stunning sunsets from the beach that is 5 minutes away

The supermarket "Epicurean" is very large and is located 1 minute walk from our dock.  The staff help you with packing and will then bring your cart to the dock with you.  Give them EC$5 or US$2 per cart. Epicurean is open from 8am to 8pm every day; fresh baguettes made daily.  Ice available at check out.  Of course, we offer a full provisioning service so that you can just turn up, check your items, and get on with the business of having a great sailing vacation.  Remember that we include a Welcome Starter Kit including a nice bottle of Cavalier Rum... see more of what we include for you here.

There is also a well stocked pharmacy that pretty much sells everything from painkillers to tennis balls.  Miss Warner is the charming owner and will help you.  Onsite pharmacist most days.

Quin Farara's is the liquor store just behind our office.  They sell cigars and also a great selection of rums.  They also sell Saki if that tickles your tastebuds!

This should give you a taste of what to expect when you arrive for your charter.  For the best views of the Marina, take a look at this great website that has an interactive map of all the stores and places to eat:  www.jollyharbourantigua.comwww.jollyharbourantigua.com

If you are chartering with us out of Antigua, and have any questions, please just email us and we'll be delighted to help.  info@antiguahorizon.com