Antigua TO Tortola Itinerary

While chartering out of Antigua, as far as the itinerary is concerned, the crew is very open. When you get on board it is likely that you will sit down, have a drink and talk through what you are interested in seeing. You can visit Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Barts & St. Martin.

Antigua has 365 beaches - one for each day of the year. Nonsuch Bay, with several superb and uncrowded anchorages, is just a short sail away from Nelson’s Dockyard which is like stepping into years gone by. At Bird Island, you’ll lie safely at anchor, while the Atlantic breaks harmlessly on the encircling reef. At Green Island you’ll find mangroves, hermit crabs, pelicans, and lovely coves and beaches, one of which is so beautiful it’s called “The Garden of Eden”. There’s excellent snorkeling along the outer reef and on smaller reefs scattered here and there throughout the bay.

And of course there’s Barbuda, remote and incredibly beautiful, with just one village and three hotels. Along the leeward side of the island you’ll see turtles basking in the shallow’s, while you swim in water that’s crystal clear, yet deliciously warm. This is a very secluded spot, anchored off the beach in the evening when darkness comes and there’s no sound but the gentle lapping of the water on the beach. The stars shine like pinpoints of fire in a sky unspoiled by any other light. Many charters spend at least two days enjoying this unforgettable place.

Nevis is a 3,000 foot high volcanic cone rising out of the sea. Alexander Hamilton was born here; museums in the port of Charleston commemorate both events. The esteemed Four Seasons Hotel and Resort is here and offers one of the best golf courses and spas in the world.

Just next door to Nevis is St. Kitts. Set aside time to tour this quiet mountainous island. See Arawak and Carib rock carvings, grand plantation homes from the French and English Colonial eras, the imposing fort on Brimstone Hill, and the lush rain forest. You can take a taxi from the port town of Basseterre to Brimstone Hill. Hike to the fort at the top for dazzling views of the neighboring islands. Then off to lunch at a plantation-turned guest house.

Arriving in St. Barts, dinghy ashore and hire a Mini Moke to explore the island. Stop for some French cheese and bagets, a bottle of water and some French wine and set out for some of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean. After lunch, sail to Ile Fourche and anchor in this lovely setting - the remnants of its volcanic cone. Sail around to the harbor in Gustavia - the St. Tropez of the Caribbean. Gustavia has some fantastic shopping and some interesting sights. Dinner ashore here is a consideration as there are many world renown restaurants on this very island. To name one, Jimmy Buffet’s Le Select. You could easily spend two days here.

Sail over to Dutch St. Martin, on the leeward coast and across to Road Bay, Anguilla. Watch the sun set over Prickly Pear Cays while enjoying a cocktail on deck. If you would like to visit Anguilla you will need to know that the government charge charter yachts $125 per day for the pleasure of visiting this island. This cost will be for the Charterer’s account. Sail to the Prickly Pear Cays for some of the most spectacular snorkeling. Anchor in Crocus Bay, Anguilla for the evening. Explore the wonders of Little Bay by dinghy. Then set sail for Grande Case, French St. Martin. Anchor in the harbor and stroll through this historic fishing village, where lovely West Indian buildings house art galleries and gourmet restaurants.

You could either leave from Anguilla or St. Martin to cruise north to the Virgin Islands which are about 80 miles away. This would be a full day’s trip and an early start would be the way to go. Arrive in Tortola, and after arriving at your yacht, set sail for Marina Cay for the evening. The setting is idyllic and the tiny island is covered with tropical flora.

After breakfast, sail up to the northern end of Virgin Gorda to the North Sound. This is the home of the Bitter End Yacht Club and ideal to brush up on your water sports. A short dingy ride and you are on Eustatia Reef which is an excellent snorkeling spot - the sea bed is littered with old cannons and anchors from galleons wrecked on the reef in years gone by. This is a perfect area for windsurfing, water-skiing and any other water sport which might take anyone’s fancy.

Sail up to the perfect island of Anegada, this sunken island lies 12 miles north of Virgin Gorda. It is a superb sail across shallow water and a good time to look out for whales and dolphins. Either relax, swim and snorkel all alone in Loblolly Bay or take a walk to Flamingo Pond and hopefully see some wild flamingoes. I have never tasted lobster like the Anegada Lobster anywhere else in the world - delicious! Visit

the natural soap factory (one small room) and smell the wonderful aromas of frangipani, coconut and lavender.

After another swim in the turquoise waters, set sail for Great Camanoe Island. Take a short walk through the huge aloe plants to Cam Bay and see the lizards and hermit crabs scurrying through the undergrowth. The snorkeling here is excellent, with schools of different kinds of colorful tropical fish and a variety of wonderful coral. Take the tender to Monkey Point on Guana Island for another snorkel or just to relax on one of the two fine white sandy beaches and watch the pelicans diving for fish from the cliffs that back onto the beach. As the sun begins to fall you head for your evening anchorage at Cane Garden Bay on the northern side of Tortola. The beach has an abundance of bars, with live bands in most of them.

After breakfast motor over to Green Cay for snorkeling off Sandy Spit. This is a tiny, sandy island - a must to see! In the afternoon sail to Jost van Dyke and anchor in Great Harbor. Visiting Foxy’s Bar is something you will never forget! Foxy himself is world famous and plays beautiful Calypso music on his guitar. You can join in and sing along - dance until the sun comes up.

Yet another wonderful breakfast surrounded by beautiful azure water, set sail on a glorious reach for the home of the famous Pussers Rum at West End, Tortola. Ashore is a cluster of fanciful pastel West Indian buildings, known as Sopers Hole Wharf. This houses some terrific boutiques and craft shops including Pussers landing restaurant and a company store. Around the anchorage is a mix of old classic brigantines, square riggers and modern sailing boats.

Norman Island is the next destination, across the Frances Drake channel from Tortola. Anchor off Treasure Point, this magical and mysterious island is where Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island was based. Snorkeling here is a must with the sun low in the sky, the friendly fish at The Caves swarm around you and the colors from the coral and rocks below sparkle from the sunlight above. The anchorage for the evening is minutes around the corner at the Bight. Pirates of years gone by used to hide before going out to raid another innocent galleon laden with riches of the Spanish new world. Close your eyes and imagine the sight of pirates and hear the cries from the rigging in this calm and comfortable anchorage which is now the home of sea turtles and of course, The William Thornton. This is a 1915 black Danish Baltic trader Brigantine converted into a floating restaurant/bar, where you can discuss where the buried treasure really is over a drink.

After breakfast set sail for St. John. If you do enter the United States Virgin Islands, you would need to all go into the main town of Cruz Bay to clear through customs and immigration. During the summer it should not take too long unless a ferry has just entered carrying passengers from the BVI. There are many beautiful coves and harbors to visit. This would be a great chance to get in some shopping for unique island crafts, batik and silk screened fabric, clothing, also ceramic and jewelry. There is also the Elaine Ion Sprauve Library and Museum located just a bit out of town. The museum is housed in the restored Enighed estate manor house, built in the mid-1700’s. Indian artifacts from the island’s earliest settlements are on display in the museum. If you are interested in museums, there are a couple more to see further out of town.

If you prefer not to go over to St. John, set sail to the east to Peter Island. The anchorages are excellent for water skiing if calm enough and the island resort is a pleasure to visit. If there are any tennis players in your group, the Captain would need to book courts in advance for you. The courts are set right off the beach under huge palm trees. Stop over at Salt Island on the way up to Cooper Island for the evening.

Awake in Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island with a beautiful white sandy beach, fringed with palm trees which make a perfect backdrop. One of the most famous dives in the British Virgin Islands is the Wreck of the Rhone - a sunken mail ship - just off the point at Cooper Island. This is also a must. You can either snorkel or SCUBA dive here as the bow of the boat is in about 20 feet of water and the stern in 100 feet. Spend a relaxing day, soaking in the sun and enjoying the Caribbean breeze. The crew will ensure that you are ready in enough time to get to the airport for your departure flight.

There are a number of variances to this itinerary and St. Croix is also an option. This would be discussed with your Captain and when you are on board, you can set each day as it comes!