Superyacht Guide to Antigua

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This practical guide is separate from the local commercial hub. Linked hub: Antigua Superyacht Business Hub.

Overview

Antigua is one of the Caribbean’s key superyacht and charter-season bases, centred on Falmouth Harbour, English Harbour and the surrounding yachting service network.

This guide focuses on practical arrival, marina, clearance, provisioning, crew and emergency notes. Captains should verify all clearance, VHF, marina and emergency details directly before use.

Captain notes

Antigua is most useful as a Caribbean charter base, winter-season operating location, crew and provisioning stop, and regatta/event destination. Early berth planning is important during the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, Caribbean season and major sailing events.

Falmouth Harbour Marina publishes VHF Ch: 10 and states that its custom-built superyacht dock is suitable for yachts up to 330 feet in length and 20 feet draft.

Marinas and berthing

Falmouth Harbour Marina publishes contact details including phone +1 268 460 6054, email reservations@antigua-marina.com and VHF Ch: 10. The marina describes its superyacht dock as suitable for yachts up to 330 feet in length and 20 feet draft.

Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, Jolly Harbour and other local facilities may also be relevant depending on yacht size, clearance needs and itinerary. Each marina should be checked directly before arrival.

Port authority

Port, marina and clearance formalities should be verified before arrival. Antigua Customs states that pleasure craft, including motor superyachts and sailing yachts, must prepare an eSeaclear notification prior to arrival.

Customs and immigration

Antigua Customs states that each pleasure vessel must prepare an eSeaclear notification prior to arrival in Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua and Barbuda Yacht & Marine Association also publishes yacht entry and clearance guidance.

Captains should verify the current eSeaClear process, ports of entry, crew/passenger documentation and clearance office requirements before arrival.

Emergency contacts

Antigua and Barbuda emergency number: official Antigua Barbuda Emergency Medical Services states that the emergency number is 911. Local yachting emergency lists also reference 999 and 777, but 911 should be verified as the primary emergency route before use.

Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue is commonly referenced for medical and rescue at sea, but captains should confirm current ABSAR, Coast Guard and marina emergency contacts before relying on them operationally.

Doctors, hospitals and medical support

Hospital and medical-support details for Antigua have not yet been fully verified in this guide. Use 911 in an emergency, and confirm non-emergency medical facilities with the marina, yacht agent or crew medical provider.

VHF and radio notes

Falmouth Harbour Marina publishes VHF Ch: 10. Antigua yacht-entry guidance also says to call the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 from 6 hours out to request entry to Antigua and Barbuda waters.

Captains should confirm the correct working channel with the marina, Coast Guard or yacht agent before arrival.

Bunkering

Bunkering should be arranged through the marina, yacht agent or approved fuel supplier. Current fuel availability, berth access, customs implications and delivery restrictions should be verified before operational use.

Provisioning

Antigua is strong for Caribbean-season provisioning, yacht services and charter logistics. Specific suppliers should be selected from verified Superyacht Guide companies, local agents and current marina recommendations.

Crew notes

Antigua is a practical Caribbean crew and charter-season base, particularly around Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour. Crew logistics should account for seasonal accommodation pressure, events, immigration status and marina access.

Refit and repair

Antigua has yacht-service and light repair support around the main yachting harbours. Larger refit or haul-out requirements should be verified with specific yards and contractors before planning work.

Security and safety

Security, harbour access, tender movement, event restrictions and delivery rules should be checked with the marina and agent. Hurricane-season planning should be considered separately from winter-charter operations.

Seasonal and weather notes

Antigua is especially relevant during the Caribbean winter season, charter show period and regatta calendar. Hurricane-season risk, insurance limits and storm plans should be reviewed using official forecasts and marina guidance.

Local rules

Entry, clearance, marina, anchoring and harbour rules should be verified with Antigua Customs, Immigration, Port Authority, marina or yacht agent before operational use.

Sources and verification

Batch 3 source notes. Initial operational research updated from Falmouth Harbour Marina, Antigua Customs, Antigua and Barbuda Yacht & Marine Association and official emergency/medical sources.

• Falmouth Harbour Marina: Contact
• Falmouth Harbour Marina: Superyacht dock information
• Antigua Customs: Yachting industry / clearance procedure
• Antigua and Barbuda Yacht & Marine Association: Yacht entry and clearance procedures
• Antigua Barbuda Emergency Medical Services
• ABYMA: Emergency and useful numbers

• Official port information
• Official marina information
• Official tourism information