Antigua

Navigation area Antigua

Known as the island of 365 beaches, one per day, Antigua is another Caribbean jewel, part of the Lesser Antilles and part of the independent state of Anguilla and Barbuda, together with the tiny Redonda. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, during his second voyage, and thus baptised in honour of the church of Santa Maria La Antigua in Seville. Our bareboat cruises allow you to explore every corner of the island choosing between absolute idleness, snorkelling along golden beaches and coral reefs, a trip inland in search of the colonial past.

Sailboat and catamaran chartering takes off in winter, when the warm and dry climate offers the best you can expect from a holiday in the tropics. In truth Antigua is a place to live all year round because it has a lot to offer. The British imprint is still dominant, due to the language and the legacy of a domination that lasted from 1600 to 1981. But it is still a land of many ethnic groups, with descendants generated by African slaves, Caribbean aborigines, and Europeans, especially English, Spanish and French. A melting pot of cultures that creates a special atmosphere and, if on the one hand cottages and yachts at anchor are typical of a VIP exoticism destination, on the other hand, when the carnival arrives in August there is a spectacular collective barbarism, an incredible off-season party to the rhythm of soca and calypso born to celebrate the end of slavery.

The navigation follows the jagged coast full of bays and small inlets to enjoy many memorable beaches. Among the most mentioned by sailors, Half Moon Bay, in the south-east, returned wild after a hurricane that destroyed the tourist facilities in 1995. Today it is very popular with surfers. On the western side another spectacular and unbeaten beach is Darkwood Beach, while the long strip of Jolly Beach is quite popular and touristy. The nature chapter pushes you to Stingray City to swim and thrill yourself face to face with the rays in a natural pool of clear water and, with a short sail, to Bird's Island, the island of birds, for snorkelling in a clear turquoise sea. And when you are looking for a bit of life there are plenty of opportunities, starting with the colourful and lively capital Saint Jhon's, where in the old town centre traditional wooden houses, narrow alleys, clubs and music bars immediately lead you into an easygoing Caribbean mood. If you want to try your luck, there is also a casino. Good luck!