By Gemma Harris
This season whether you happen to be based in Antigua, or just there for a quick stop off then it is a great hangout for yachties. A sun-drenched island fringed with white sandy beaches, hosted by friendly locals, it provides endless entertainment and adventure for any day off.
Antigua is the largest of the Leeward islands and if you are here you will find yourself docked on the southern coast of the island in English Harbour at one of the many marinas. Think, long lunches, scuba diving, hiking, beach lounging and free flowing espresso martinis – maybe not always in that order.
Grab some well earned downtime
Antigua knows how to host long lunching in the sun, just on your superyacht doorstop there are two perfect options for this. Get a table at Boom, the old gunpowder store overlooking Galleon beach, try their tasty dishes and chill out in the infinity pool. For live music, afternoon cocktails and gourmet food check out Catherine’s Cafe, located at Pigeon Point Beach. Aside from eating and drinking, the island also offers up a beach for every day of the year, with 365 beaches hugging Antigua’s coastline there is a beach for every day off to suit everyones needs. Hire a car and stop at any that catch your eye, a perfect beach hopping day.
Have an adventure at sea
If the usual, Antiguan yachtie activity of long lunching doesn’t appeal for a day off then there is plenty of adventure to be had. On your day off if you can’t keep away from the water then check out one of Antigua’s many scuba diving spots, located conveniently just outside of the Dockyard is the Pinnacles of Hercules dive site, a great spot for a dive complete with a resident turtle! Back on top of the water, for the adrenaline junkies is the popular kitesurfing spot at Green Island. At 40Knots, they offer beginner lessons for those that want to try their hand at something new on a day off.
Have an adventure on land
For the lovers of dry land on a day off then Antigua can also be of service. There are loads of scenic trails on the island, for a short hike follow the coast from Falmouth to Rendezvous Bay Beach or take the ‘Jones Trail’ up through the jungle onto The Pillars for a longer hike. Most trails start from either Falmouth of English Harbour, the popular ‘Goat Track‘ is the perfect place for a Saturday morning hike or run. If you fancy a horseback adventure then check out The Antigua Equestrian Centre and enjoy a weekend trail ride along the beach.
Soak up the sunsets & (rum)
What can be a better combination in the Caribbean than sunsets and rum? Nothing, I hear you say! Antigua offers up both in various ways, boasting an island party lifestyle, Falmouth town hosts a range of bars and restaurants to check out. Whether it be a beer at Cloggy’s or an espresso martini at Skullduggery’s you will be sure to scout out your favourites with just one day off. On a Sunday if you are free from guests then head up to the famous Shirley Heights lookout with epic views, their weekly BBQ, sundowners and live music its a great way to end the week. If rum isn’t your vibe, then you wont be far from a Wadadli beer, or two. Keep your eyes and ears open in your time in Antigua as many of the luxury resorts host parties throughout the season, in particular Sheer Rocks.
Get a dose of history
As well its colourful Caribbean vibes throughout the island, Antigua also has a hearty English accent. The island is steeped in colonial history and dotted with historic sights, take some time to appreciate these whilst on the island, explore the history which surrounds Nelson’s Dockyard. This area continues to maintain its long committed relationship with sailing, dating back to when Nelson was stationed here and now Antigua hosts modern day regattas and has become a key hub for superyachts. If you have time, hire a car and take a drive around the island, checking out St Johns, the capital and stopping at the first large sugar plantation on Antigua, Betty’s Hope is home to sugar mills which have been restored and are an important part of the islands history.
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