Suggested Cruising Program Departure from Jolly Harbour, Antigua - 10 day program
Day One
Having completed your last minute shopping in the mall adjacent to the charter office, now is the time to try out your yacht. As it is your first day on board, venture out into the calm, protected water on the leeward side of the island, hoist the sails and enjoy a leisurely cruise. Just to the North of Jolly Harbour (a mere half-hour's sail if you go direct) you will find Deep Bay. Drop anchor and dive or snorkel on the wreck of the 'Andes', a three-masted barque that lies in 20 feet of water. In the evening go ashore for a traditional island meal and dine on the beach to the accompaniment of a calypso band.
Day Two
Set sail to North Sound, and sample all this area has to offer. Choose from Jumby Bay on exclusive Long Island, nearby Maiden Island or Great Bird Island on the inner edge of the protective reef. The many beautiful, sheltered bays are not accessible by yacht so explore them by dinghy.
Day Three
Continue to explore this magical area, and in the late afternoon drop anchor in Dickenson Bay. This long beach fronts several hotels, with all the nightlife you could wish for. The place for watersports, nightlife on the beach, casinos and restaurants. Overnight off the beautiful beach just to the Northwest of Cocoa Point and enjoy dining on your yacht under the stars.
Day Four
An early start is necessary for an invigorating sail to Barbuda. Barbuda is only visible from within a few miles so approaching with the sun high in the sky gives you plenty of time to pick your anchorage on this timeless island.
Day Five
Explore, swim and snorkel. Barbuda has an abundance of colorful coral reefs and amazing beaches. For bird lovers, a visit to one of the world's largest Frigate Bird sanctuaries is a must. Take a stroll along Eleven Mile Beach and admire the soft, pink powder sand. In the village of Codrington, you can enjoy a very reasonably priced lobster dinner at a local restaurant.
Day Six
Setting sail from Barbuda, an early start is once again suggested for your sail back to Antigua. Enjoy a 'power reach' southwards to Nonsuch Bay on the East Coast of Antigua, dropping anchor at West Bay on uninhabited Green Island. Time for a swim and fire up the BBQ while sipping a sundowner. Jump in the dinghy and explore Nonsuch Bay. Inside its protective reef, you will find some of the best snorkelling in the area - a place most folks find hard to leave. Visit Harmony Hall, a converted Sugar Mill, which houses an excellent, Italian-owned bar and restaurant, together with an art gallery.
Day Seven
A brisk two to three hour sail along the rugged Southeast coastline, past the unusual rock formation of the Pillars of Hercules, and into English Harbour. Moor stern-to at the famous Nelson's Dockyard, the only remaining working Georgian Dockyard in the world. Wander around the beautifully restored buildings dating back to the early 18th Century and soak up the historical atmosphere. Include a visit to the museum. Take a short taxi ride up to Shirley Heights for a magnificent view of the Southeast corner of the island and enjoy a sundowner as the skies turn from blue to crimson. Head back down to the Dockyard to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day Eight
Out of English Harbour and sail downwind to picturesque Carlisle Bay with its calm, clear, palm-fringed waters for a truly "away from it all" night. A great little beach bar on the beach serves West Indian food and provides an ideal spot to hang out with the locals.
Day Nine
Continue the downwind sail inside Cades Reef, enjoying the calm, turquoise waters. Drop the hook behind the reef for a snorkel and then lunch. Carry on North along the beach-studded West Coast, past Jolly Harbour and anchor off Hermitage Beach in the beautiful, protected bay of Five Islands Harbour.
Day Ten
Enjoy a leisurely start on your final morning before a short sail back to Jolly Harbour with time to spare for your debrief and a last chance to buy some mementos after your memorable cruise.
* Please note: You can also do this tour the other way around or leave from English Harbour (see: Day 8).
Antigua & Barbuda Suggested Cruising Program Departure from Jolly Harbour, - 10 day program
