Sailing trip Antigua
Caribbean dream under white sails
White beaches, turquoise waters and the trade wind in your sails: Antigua & Barbuda are made for sailing in style. With Sailing-Classics, you will discover the Caribbean at its most beautiful – relaxed from the deck, with plenty of time to swim, enjoy and marvel. Around Antigua, you will discover one of the most diverse island worlds in the eastern Caribbean. Depending on the voyage and season, we not only sail to Barbuda with its endless beaches, but also call at selected neighboring islands – such as the sophisticated St. Barth, the original volcanic island of Saba, St. Kitts & Nevis with its former sugar cane plantations or the green landscapes around Guadeloupe.
Quick Facts about sailing trips in Antigua & Barbuda
Highlights
- Sailing in the “Sailing Capital of the Caribbean” with beautiful anchor bays
- Antigua with Nelson’s Dockyard & 365 beaches
- Barbuda with endless, secluded sandy beaches
- Caribbean lifestyle with sun, warm water and relaxed everyday life on board
Best time to visit
The ideal time for a sailing trip around Antigua is from December to May: dry season, lots of sunshine and constant trade winds – perfect for sailing. During this time, temperatures are usually between 26 and 30 °C and the water is pleasantly warm. In the summer months, it can get a little hotter and more humid, with occasional rain showers, but generally remains sailable.
Sailing conditions
Antigua & Barbuda are known for very stable easterly trade winds of around 15–20 knots – ideal for those who want to experience true Caribbean sailing without sacrificing comfort. The sea is usually moderate and the distances between the islands are easy to plan. The area is suitable for both beginners and experienced sailors who enjoy lively but predictable winds.
Getting there
The international airport V. C. Bird International (ANU) on Antigua is served by regular flights from Europe and North America. During the winter season, there are also non-stop flights from Frankfurt (FRA) directly to Antigua with Condor. From there, you can easily reach the respective embarkation port in approx. 20–40 minutes by taxi or organized transfer.
Top highlights & sights around Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua - 365 beaches & Nelson’s Dockyard
Antigua is considered the sailing capital of the Caribbean – with 365 beaches, a protected coastline and a rich maritime heritage. In English Harbour, you can experience the atmosphere of an old British naval base in the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many regattas and classic yachts set sail for the Caribbean from here. During the anchor stop, you can enjoy the mixture of colonial history, Caribbean flair and relaxed life on board – including a sundowner with a view of the bay.
Barbuda - endless beaches & frigate birds
Barbuda is the wild, pristine antithesis to Antigua: barely built on, with miles of almost deserted sandy beaches that shimmer in a soft pink. A particular highlight is the famous frigate bird reserve, where thousands of birds nest – a unique nature experience that can be ideally combined with a stopover at anchor. Here you can experience the Caribbean as you dream of it: crystal-clear water, silence, starry skies and the gentle rocking of the yacht.
St. Barth & Saba - sophisticated harbour meets wild volcanic island
St. Barth is considered an elegant meeting place for superyachts: French Caribbean flair, exclusive boutiques, fine restaurants and a lively marina where the international sailing scene meets island charm. A particular highlight is the St. Barths Bucket Regatta, where impressive superyachts race against the backdrop of the island – a spectacle that can be experienced particularly intensely from the water.
An exciting contrast to this is Saba – a small, steeply rising volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic. Here, untouched nature dominates with dramatic slopes, lush vegetation and spectacular views. Saba is also home to the highest mountain in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mount Scenery.
St. Kitts & Nevis - Caribbean history and green slopes
St. Kitts & Nevis combine colonial history, former sugar cane plantations and lush green mountainsides with typical Caribbean serenity. Anchoring off the coast, you will see old fortresses, rolling hills and long beaches that invite you to swim and stroll. On land, colonial buildings, ruins and small villages tell of life on the islands in the past. The two sister islands are an ideal destination for anyone who wants to experience Caribbean landscapes, history and relaxed island life in a quiet, authentic atmosphere.
Your sailing trip - optimally planned
Still not sure which sailing trip suits you best? Our experts will take time for you, answer your questions and find the perfect route together with you. Simply arrange your personal consultation – free of charge and without obligation.
Another Caribbean area in mind?
Antigua stands for classic Caribbean sailing: sheltered bays, short distances and a density of dream beaches that is hard to beat, rounded off with a side trip to Barbuda. If another area appeals to you:
Even more sheltered and with the shortest distances – ideal for beginners who prefer to sail within sight of land – are the British Virgin Islands. If you are looking for secluded anchorages and first-class snorkelling away from the classic routes, you will find them on a sailing trip through the Grenadines. French-influenced islands with Creole cuisine, lush rainforest and sportier legs are waiting on a sailing trip from Martinique.
You will find a comparison of all areas in our overview of the Caribbean sailing areas.
What our guests say about their time on board
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Every wish read from the eyes
5 stars +
The crew really read every wish from our eyes. The food was excellent... If I had to award stars for cuisine and service, it would be 5+. .. We had a lot of fun!!!
Read the full review
Isabella after the Christmas and New Year's Eve cruise on the CHRONOS in the GrenadinesIsabella -
Wonderful and full of experiences
A great pleasure
I would like to express my great pleasure at having taken part as a passenger in the wonderful, eventful and indeed exhilarating voyage with the RHEA on the occasion of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2025. Even a few days later, it was a trip that I will remember for a very, very long time.
Read the full reviewMatthias after the Antigua cruise on board the RHEA -
I have rarely eaten so well on board
A new, very enjoyable and luxurious sailing experience
As a long-time sailor and skipper on self-chartered yachts, I wanted to get to know a larger sailing yacht and not have to take care of everything myself.
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It was a wonderful trip of around 200 NM from Martinique via Domenica, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe to Antigua. A varied trip in all weathers with gusts and rain showers, a short night trip but also lots of sunshine and occasionally in the company of curious dolphins circling around the bow. In between, there were various shore excursions and an interesting bus trip across the island of Domenica, including a visit to a waterfall and getting to know the local cuisine. Of course, there was also enough time to swim in the wonderfully turquoise blue, clear but warm sea water before breakfast or to go to a bay to snorkel extensively and admire the still quite intact underwater world. In particular a giant tortoise and, among other things, a wonderfully turquoise-colored parrotfish.
The international crew of ten looked after the ship and us as guests in a relaxed and friendly manner. I have rarely eaten so well on board. The chef not only provided a delicious lunch every day, but also a varied 4-course menu for lunch. It was unbelievable what he conjured up in his kitchen.
The first officer offered to answer any questions we had. Occasionally, under his guidance, we were also able to operate the winch to hoist or lower the sails. Of course, we were also lucky that there were only 13 guests on the ship, so we had plenty of space above and below deck.
All in all, a new, very enjoyable and luxurious sailing experience.Kai after his journey from Martinique to Antigua -
Great
Full of positive impressions...
The sailing trip was fantastic, great in all respects and we are still delighted with the Chronos. The flights all went smoothly and the luggage always followed us through check-in without any problems. We will probably not have travelled to the Caribbean on a sailing trip for the last time - maybe to the British Virgin Islands in a few years, who knows...
Read the full reviewBarbara and Roger after their CHRONOS cruise in the Grenadines in January -
EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT!
It was an unforgettable and wonderful trip!
It was an unforgettable, wonderful trip. Everything was perfect! A super great ship and a great crew who spoilt us. We quickly grew together with the other guests and friendships developed. And all this in a fantastic sailing area, what more could you want?
Read the full reviewIna, Bernhard, Timo and Desi after their trip to the Grenadines -
We had wonderful days
Our heart has spoken...
We are now back in the office for a few days and are still so grateful and happy about the wonderful trips my husband and I were able to take in the Caribbean on your Chronos ship. We had wonderful days, I had 2 trips, 2 x different fellow travelers, 2 captains, different sailing areas and a crew that was simply wonderful, in the background, helpful, supportive, warm, perceptive, full of ideas and sometimes reading wishes from the eyes. ... The ease, individuality and professionalism of these trips was indescribable. ... For us, Sailing-Classics is a place to meet relaxed, like-minded fellow travelers, to explore the country and its people, and most importantly: to sail on wonderful seas. We'll be back... Next year we've arranged to book a Mediterranean trip to Greece with some nice people we met on the Chronos.
Read the full reviewGertrude and Herbert
Experience Caribbean joie de vivre under white sails
Discover our sailing trips around Antigua & Barbuda
stylish, authentic, unforgettable
We have the answers for you
Important information
Between December and May, there are constant trade winds, plenty of sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures – ideal for sailing. This is also when events such as Antigua Sailing Week take place, which have made the area famous worldwide.
Antigua & Barbuda are an area for guests who want to combine Caribbean flair with real, Atlantic-style sailing. Constant trade winds and Atlantic swell make for a lively feel on the helm – noticeably sportier than many Mediterranean areas, but with an experienced crew on board perfectly doable for interested guests without previous knowledge.
You fly to V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua. From there, continue by taxi or organized transfer to the port of embarkation. Many guests combine the journey with a stay on the island before or after the trip.
The start and end port of our sailing trips around Antigua & Barbuda is Falmouth Harbour in the south of Antigua. This is where your sailing trip through the Caribbean begins and ends. You will receive the exact embarkation times and details with your travel documents.
Yes – even in the Caribbean, the wind sets the course. The route can be adapted depending on the weather and conditions, so that you experience the most beautiful bays and the most pleasant days of sailing.
Yes, regular swimming stops, snorkelling opportunities and short shore excursions are part of the programme: from beach visits and small villages to natural highlights such as the frigate bird reserve on Barbuda.
A lot is already prepared for you on board – towels, shampoo and usually also sun protection products are available. For your summer sailing holiday we recommend light, comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes for shore excursions, swimwear, possibly a windbreaker and a sun hat. It is best to travel with soft bags, as they are easier to stow in the cabins and offer more space than suitcases.
Our cabins are comfortable and well-designed, with a wardrobe, shelves and storage space under the beds. There is enough room for the duration of the trip; foldable travel bags are better suited than hard-shell suitcases.
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