Antigua is ideal for the start of your yacht charter, with constant trade-winds, historic harbors and 365 beaches easily a week could be spent cruising around this picturesque island of the north Caribbean. The sister island of Barbuda has amazing shell laden beaches stretching so far they dip below the horizon. Whether you’re looking for tranquility, great nightlife or a combination of both, Antigua is the perfect place to find it. Antigua is a good starting point for sailing either north or south, a ten day cruise from Antigua to St Martin offers deserted islands, many dive and snorkel sites, endless beaches, tours of plantations, a batik factory, hike a crater, dive deep sea pinnacles, promenade with the jet set, shop in colorful Caribbean markets and sample international gourmet and West Indian cuisine.

Day 1and 2 Antigua
Nelson’s Old Naval Dockyard, located in English Harbor is a spot of historic beauty and interest. It is the only working Georgian dockyard in the world and has a museum dedicated to Admiral Nelson who hid his fleet from the French fleet in English Harbor. Nelsons Dockyard is an active yachting centre.  Board your yacht in English Harbor and after lunch set sail for northeastern shore of Antigua, swim off the yacht or stroll along the white sandy beach before sundowners onboard your yacht followed by a gourmet dinner under the stars.

Day 3 and 4 Nevis
Sail to Nevis then drop anchor and explore all the wonders of the island that touches the sky. Christopher Columbus named this island "Nuestra Senora del las Nieves" which translates to "Our Lady of the Snows" due to the way the white cumulous clouds constantly kiss the top the island. Nevis is a lush tropical paradise one usually associates with islands in the South Pacific. The atmosphere here is luxuriant, an intoxicating blend of sunlight, sea air and abundant vegetation. Take some time to explore the old plantation estates, they are now charming inns dotted with sugar mill ruins whispering tales of times past. Nevis is also home to many artists so don’t miss the delightful pottery shops and art galleries in town for memorable souvenirs. Whether you are looking to wander through rainforests full of playful vervet (green) monkeys, relax and unwind on powder white sandy beaches, or snorkel the surrounding coral reefs, Nevis is a hidden gem with plenty to offer.  A beautiful beach is the famous Pinney's, which is miles long and picture perfect or check out Oualie beach where calm waters are excellent for windsurfing. 

Day 4 and 5 St Kitts
Sail to St Kitts and explore……
At the center of St. Kitts stands the spectacular, cloud-fringed peak of Mount Liamuiga (pronounced Lee-a-mweega), a dormant volcano covered by dense tropical forest. Take a hike through the rainforest to the very top and swim in Crater Lake.  It is the volcanic soil that made this island rich. In the 1700’s sugar was the most important crop in the world and St. Kitts was a major producer with 68 plantations growing sugar cane. Production has nearly stopped today, but the remnants of the industry are everywhere to be seen. Old smokestacks rise high into the sky, windmill ruins dot the landscape, and narrow tracks for the tiny train cars traverse the island. Brimstone Hill Fortress, which is situated 800 feet above sea level, is a beautiful historic site with one of the best views in the Caribbean.  Romney Manor where Tegereman, a Carib Indian chief, once had his village is now a lush tropical garden setting that is home to Caribelle Batik, where artists use ancient techniques to create beautifully distinctive and colorful fabrics.

Day 6 Barbuda
This flat coral island with seemingly endless pristine beaches lies approximately 30 miles north of Antigua.  It is home to Codrington Lagoon which houses an amazing site, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.  These birds, which can neither walk nor swim, are remarkable to watch as they soar high into the clouds and swoop down to steal fresh fish from other birds.  History is plentiful on Barbuda and ranges from ancient Amerindian petroglyphs in the Indian Cave, to the 18th-century Highland House, once home to the colonial Codrington family.  Because the island is surrounded by reefs, there are also a number of shipwrecks full of colorful marine life to explore while diving or snorkeling.

Day 7 return to Antigua
For 10 - 12 day trips explore St Eustatius, Saba, St Barths and St Martin

Day 6 St. Eustatius
It is hard for visitors to imagine that this quiet Caribbean island was once a major hub for transatlantic trade.  Now, Statia is most known for its remarkable snorkeling and diving sites. Underwater volcanic fissures, canyons, living walls, and tangled shipwrecks create an extremely diverse diving environment.  Hiking is also a must for visitors as the north end boasts the hilly remnants of an old volcano while the south end is home to a younger, perfectly formed volcano known as The Quill.  The Quill soars 2000 feet into the air and is covered in lush vegetation.  Visitors making it to the top are in store for views that are otherwise unimaginable.

Day 7 and 8 Saba
What drew the Dutch to a rock like Saba may seem baffling, but when visitors hike through the clouds and come to the summit of Mt. Scenery, they completely understand.  This island is the highest point in the Netherland Antilles, and its picturesque villages seem to cling to clefts in the rock. A taxi ride up the mountain will bring visitors to Saba's main town called "The Bottom".  An artistic glass bead studio, the gubernatorial mansion, and Wilhelmina Park are worth exploring.  Ambitious visitors can join the locals as they walk down the 400 steps to Ladder Bay to enjoy a nice swim and relaxing picnic.  Visitors interested in diving should also take the time out to dive as Saba offers some of the most remarkable diving in the Caribbean.  Diving at Saba must be done with a local operator, diving in Saba offers spectacular seamount and pinnacle dives.  Dive at shark shoal 120ft and see pinnacles rich in invertebrate species, giant brain corals and if you are luck shoaling hammerhead sharks.  Dive with black tip sharks, snapper, jacks, groupers, trigger fish, barracudas and turtles the dives offer a variation of depths from 120ft to 40ft.  Visiting Saba is weather permitting as it does not offer a protected anchorage.

Day 9 and 10 St Barths
You'd be forgiven for thinking you're in the French Riviera when you arrive in Gustavia on St. Barths.  Visitors will enjoy the quaint architecture, chic boutiques, rich French culture, and amazing cuisine.  Rental jeeps can be hired to explore the island's narrow, winding roads, pristine beaches, and stunning overlooks.  A stop at Airport Beach will be quite unforgettable as planes fly low overhead and land right behind you in a beautiful white sandy spot.

Day 11 IIs Fourche
The goats are long gone and with them went the landscape on this tiny little deserted island.  So why stop here?  Ile Fourche is situated between St Barth’s and St. Martin making it a convenient anchorage.  Visitors can enjoy a swim or snorkel in the warm surrounding waters or hike high up the barren terrain to experience one of the most beautiful Caribbean sunsets before heading down to St. Barth’s.  Ills Fourche offers a much protected anchorage, good snorkeling and some quiet time before heading on to St Martin.

Day 12 St Martin
The last day starts off with breakfast and an early sail back to St Martin for your homeward flight.