Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda stands out as a top choice for an Antigua yacht charter with Motor Yacht Loon. With its smaller, uninhabited sibling, Barbuda, just a stone’s throw away, and neighbouring islands like St Barths, St Martin to the northwest, and Guadeloupe to the south, Antigua serves as the ideal launching pad for exploring the Eastern Caribbean.
Renowned for its claim of 365 beaches—one for every day of the year—Antigua is more than just powder-white sands and turquoise waters. It offers something for everyone: world-class watersports, underwater exploration, inland adventures, gourmet restaurants, and chic beach bars, making it the ultimate destination for an Antigua yacht charter.
Here’s what you can expect from an unforgettable Antigua yacht charter itinerary:
The Yachting Legacy
On the southern tip of the island sits the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nelson’s Dockyard in Falmouth Harbour. Here, centuries-old naval buildings still stand – a testament to the colonial past. Once a British colony, today, the warships have been replaced with a flock of superyachts. The Nelson’s Dockyard Marina can accommodate Yacht Loon and is the perfect base for your yacht charter exploring Antigua. This Eastern Caribbean island has remained a prime yachting hub, home to an array of prestigious events. The forthcoming Antigua Charter Yacht Show will return from 4-9 December this year. Next year, the Superyacht Challenge will be held from 4-11 March, and from 16-21 April, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta will return; chartering Motor Yacht Loon gives you front-row seats to watch these thrilling superyacht races. Toward the end of the 2025 Caribbean season, from 27 April to 2 May, the Antigua Sailing Week will also be back – another of the island’s notable yachting events.
A Water-based Playground
The crystal-clear waters surrounding Antigua and Barbuda are ideal for jumping into, and with plenty of suitable anchorages, it is an excellent destination for launching all the watersports. Scuba diving and snorkelling from Motor Yacht Loon in Antigua allows you to get close to the nurse sharks, turtles, dolphins, and various exotic fish that call these waters home. The Loon crew know the best spots here for launching the Cabrinha Kites; there are three main spots: Dutchman’s Bay Beach, Jabberwock Beach, and Green Island. The hidden coves and tranquil anchorages also present the perfect paddleboarding opportunities. No matter what toy you want to try on your Loon yacht charter, Antigua will have the best anchorage to do so.
Island Flavours
While onboard, you will have plenty of opportunities to sample the chef’s creations. No matter what your preferences are, there will always be a wide selection of freshly sourced ingredients and innovative menus presented to you. But if you are also looking to go ashore for lunch or dinner, Antigua has many options. Head to Pigeon Point Beach, where you can enjoy French-inspired menus complemented by a Caribbean beach vibe at the legendary Catherines Cafe. For more beachfront dining experiences, The Hut is one of Antigua’s newest and most talked about exclusive best beach club and restaurant – regularly compared to the Mediterranean’s St Tropez offerings. Another wine and dine hotspot with stunning ocean vistas is Sheer Rocks. It is located on the west coast and perched on a cliff face; it not only has the best views but combines the tastiest menus with an extensive wine list and live music. If you are looking for more live music experiences, then the iconic Shirley Heights Lookout hosts the island’s most talked about Sunday sessions – where there is a barbecue, steel drum bands, and plenty of rum punch to enjoy while overlooking the Caribbean Sea. While you are in Antigua, be sure to sample some of the local delicacies, whether it be the celebrated Susie’s Hot Sauce, goat curry, or the island’s Wadadli local beer.
Endless Beach Days
With over 365 beaches to explore, you will never run out of postcard-perfect scenes to enjoy. There are beaches in Antigua perfect for watersports, those with the best rum punch, those with waterfront dining, and those peaceful ones with the best sunsets to the livelier ones. The great thing about being aboard Motor Yacht Loon is that you can access all the beaches that you may not be able to on land and, therefore, tend to be less crowded. The Loon crew can set you up in the best way possible for a beach day; whether you are looking for games, relaxation, or a picnic or barbecue, each beach day can be tailored to your mood. Popular beaches in Antigua include Jolly Beach, Dickenson Bay, Pigeon Point, and Half Moon Bay. If you prefer fewer crowds, head to Carlisle Bay Beach, Rendezvous Bay Beach, or Galley Bay Beach, to name a few! Just a short cruise away is Barbuda, less developed than Antigua; this smaller island is largely untouched, with a 17-mile-long pink sand beach and an various exotic birds circling above.
Adrenaline-Fuelled Adventures
While the Caribbean is synonymous with beach days and relaxing vibes, there is plenty to do ashore. Antigua has a lush rainforest interior full of adventurous opportunities. The crew can guide you to the best hikes on the island. A particular favourite is a hike to Boggy Point; sunrise is the ultimate time to enjoy this one. For those seeking a thrill, aside from the watertoys, the rainforest canopy provides ziplining fun. Staying above the water, helicopter tours are also an incredible experience here; enjoy flying over the island for those birds-eye views.
Antigua is one of our favourite places to cruise onboard superyacht Loon. If you are looking for more inspiration on where to go on a Caribbean superyacht charter this winter, visit our destination guide or email us at info@motoryachtloon.com, and we will put together a bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences.