Welcome to Antigua CONTENTS
Entry Procedures 2 Marinas 3-9 English Harbour & Falmouth Map 12 Marine Services 11 - 24 Anchorages 26 - 31 Restaurants, Bars & Hotels 32 - 38 Insurance, Property & Banking 39 - 47 Medical & Emergency 48 - 50
Transport, Communications & Weather 51 - 54 St John’s Map 55 Antigua Map 56 Barbuda 57 Island Activities 58 - 61 List of Advertisers 62 Trades & Services 63 - 72
Antigua Events
All dates are 2019 unless otherwise specified Jolly Harbour Regatta 24th/25th Nov 2018 Antigua Laser Championship 24th/25th March Charter Yacht Show 4th - 10th Dec 2018 Classic Yacht Regatta 17th - 23rd April High Tide Series 22nd & 29th Dec 2018 Guadeloupe to Antigua Race 26th April Nelson’s Pursuit Race 31st Dec 2018 Round Antigua Race 27th April Round the Island Race 19th January Antigua Sailing Week 27th Apr - 3rd May Superyacht Challenge 31st Jan - 3rd Feb Antigua to Bermuda Race 8th May Wobbly Boat Race 1stFebruary Mikie Piggott Memorial Fish T’ment 31st May Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta 8th - 10th Feb Sport Fishing Tournament 1st/2nd June Antigua 360 15th February Optimist World Championships 6th - 12th July RORC Caribbean 600 18th - 23rd February Francis Nunes Fish Tournament 27th September Photographs courtesy of Alexis Andrews, Lindsay Duffy & Richard Watson Lightwave Publications Ltd. +1 268 562 6611 mobile 736 6611 marine-guide@lightwave.ag www.antiguamarineguide.com
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E n t r y Pro c e d u re s
Yacht entry to Antigua & Barbuda is persons other than those who originally very similar to the procedures at most purchased the ticket. It is an offence to ports throughout the world. remain in Antigua & Barbuda without the consent of the Immigration authorities. Yachts and vessels arriving from an Extensions to time must be applied for overseas port and requesting entry before expiry of existing visa. must, on arrival either at anchor or alongside the dock at any of the Carrying out any paid work in Antigua harbours, marinas or ports in Antigua & without a valid Work Permit is an Barbuda, fly a ‘Q’ flag from a high point offence subject to fines, imprisonment of the rigging in a sailing yacht or from and deportation. In the case of crew the bridge of a motor yacht. members arriving by air or joining a vessel that is leaving for a foreign Antigua & Barbuda has an on-line destination, a signed letter from the pre-arrival notification system which is yacht’s captain or from a local agent will a system widely used in the Caribbean, be accepted in lieu of a return ticket. SailClear.com. Vessels can enter their This documentation must be presented information before arrival or at the time in advance of or at the time of the of arrival. Once a vessel’s information individual’s arrival at the airport. is entered into SailClear it remains in the system for all the islands operating Every vessel in Antigua & Barbuda’s SailClear. If vessels do not have computer waters must carry a valid cruising access, forms or computer terminals permit and be aware of the Small Craft are available at the Ports of Entry. Control Act 2015. Imposed to protect tourists from unlicenced water craft Please remember that you must operators, the Act also has an impact clear in within 24 hours of arrival. There on visiting yachts. are severe penalties for failing to do so. Any crew or guests should remain on Vessels anchored in English Harbour the vessel until clearing in procedures or Falmouth Harbour or berthed at any are complete. If your stop is brief, you of the marinas in English Harbour or may clear in and out at the same time. Falmouth are subject to National Park fees in addition to Port Authority Fees. It Masters wishing to exchange crew is illegal to clear out of another port, members must, in the presence of an such as Jolly Harbour, without first Immigration Officer, sign the said crew paying the English Harbour and member(s) off one vessel and onto the Falmouth National Park fees. other with both masters taking full responsibility. Failure to do so will Vessels clearing out of Antigua & result in legal action. Any crew member Barbuda must depart within 24 hours of leaving a vessel in Antigua or Barbuda completing clearance procedures. All must have a valid airline ticket departing vessels will be obliged to pay departing from Antigua to a foreign harbour dues before departing. destination. It is illegal to sell or Receipts for all Port and National Parks otherwise dispose of an airline ticket to fees must be shown to the Port Authority.
Antigua Marinas
FACILITIES
Twenty one (21) alongside berths and Forty (40) stern-to berths with Electricity and Water Supply. Fully stocked Chandlery, Storage Rooms, Ice, Wi-Fi Zone, Diesel, Security and Garbage Disposal Nearby shopping at Bailey’s Supermarket. Apartments and Hotel Rooms - 2 Bars, 2 Restaurants on site. Ample car parking. Max Length - 200’ Max Draft - 14’
Proprietor: Capt. Sir Hugh R. M. Bailey M.B.E. PO Box W2088, Falmouth, Antigua Tel: + (268) 460-1503/1505 Fax: + (268) 480-1506 E-mail: catamaranmarina@candw.ag
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Ca tam aran M ar i na MARINA RATES (STERN-TO) Minimum Length - 35’
Winter rate November 1 - May 31
DAILY MONTHLY
$1.00 per/ft per/day $0.70 per/ft per/day
Summer rate June 1 - October 31
DAILY $0.60 per/ft per/day MONTHLY $0.40 per/ft per/day ALL RATES ARE IN US$ ALONGSIDE RATES ARE DOUBLE MULTI-HULLS 50% SURCHARGE DOCKING FEES MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE ALL PRICES ARE IN U.S. CURRENCY CHECK OUT TIME IS 12 NOON Electricity is $0.55 per kwh Water is $0.15 per gallon/$0.04 per litre VISA/Mastercard
Bailey’s Boatyard 70 ton travel hoist hurricane storage cradles
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Antigua Marinas
N e l s o n’s D o c k y a rd
First Class Marine Services for world class yachts in the heart of the Caribbean
The Nelson’s Dockyard Marina is probably the prettiest piece of living History in the Caribbean today. Once the base for Admiral Horatio Nelson’s fleet in the 18th century and now a busy destination for Super-yachts and Cruisers alike.
Enjoy easy access to health spas, restaurants, art galleries, gift shops and night clubs; beaches are also minutes away. Ideally located at the centre of the Leeward and Windward Island, Antigua is a perfect pick-up and drop off point for guests. Home to world renowned events Antigua Charter Yacht Show Antigua Sailing Week Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Oyster Regatta
FACILITIES
Bow Moorings 110v & 220v and Three-Phase Electricity Waste Oil Disposal Water & Telephone Marine repair & servicing Bank & Post Office 24 Hr Security Immigration & Customs Showers & Laundry Grocery & Liquor Store Restaurants & Bars Concierge service Beauty and Health Spa Tel: (268) 481 5021/22
info@nelsonsdockyardmarina.com www.nationalparksantigua.com Nelson’s Dockyard National Parks, PO Box 1283, St. John’s, Antigua
Antigua Marinas
Situated in Falmouth Harbour the Antigua Yacht Club Marina is a full service marina ideally located for all the facilities in the English & Falmouth Harbours and historic Nelson's Dockyard. There are several shops & services at the marina including a duty-free chandlery, restaurants, supermarket, coffee shops, gym, internet, boutiques & cafes. Nearby bank and more... Boats drawing up to 18 feet are able to be accommodated stern to and all berths have water, cable T.V. and electricity. Ice is available and rental cars and taxis can be arranged. Checkout time is 12 noon. Slips occupied after noon will be charged for the day. Long Term Dockage Long term dockage is available by arrangement If the yacht stays beyond the prepaid period daily rates will apply. Discount on long term dockage available on request. Electricity 220380, 3-Phase up to 200 Amps DutyÂť Free Diesel access by mobile pump. Telephone direct to each berth. All major credit cards are accepted (please add 5%)
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A n t i g u a Ya c h t C l u b M a r i n a MARINA RATES Available on request Stern-to berths, catamarans and alongside subject to availability. The AYC Marina sponsors and hosts the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta held annually in April followed by Antigua Sailing Week. The marina is also one of the main centres for the annual Antigua Charter Yacht show held in December.
An hotel and resort forms part of the marina complex. DOCKING FEES MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE ALL PRICES ARE IN US. CURRENCY CHECK OUT TIME IS 12 NOON Tel: (268) 460-154415 Fax: (268) 460-1444 www.aycmarinaresort.com/marina E-mail:aycmarina@candw.ag
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Antigua Marinas
No r th Sound M ari na
150 TON TRAVEL LIFT OPEN STORAGE UNDER COVER STORAGE WORKSHOPS
The most modern marine facility in Antigua with a large capacity for storage ashore on a concrete base with welded stands and tie downs. Undercover storage also available. Pressure washing, hull scraping, water supply and repair services. Dockage, slipway launching facilities, tender storage. Workshops and store rooms available short term leases. 150 tonne travel lift, 30 ft beam. 50% advance deposit. All charges in US$. Rates available on request. All vessels must have 3rd party insurance. Some short term berthing may be available.
Situated on the north of Antigua,
North Sound Marina
is close to the international airport and the city of St. John's where shopping, supermarkets, banks and all the normal services usually available in a capital city can be found. There are some local shopping facilities and a fish market in nearby Parham, formerly Antigua’s primary port.
For Further Information Bookings and Rates Contact Tom Hellier +1 268 562 3499 northsoundmarina@candw.ag
www.northsoundmarine.com
Antigua Marinas
Jolly Harbour Marina
is situated on the sheltered South West side of Antigua. It is a popular destination for yachtsmen cruising in the Eastern Caribbean. Yachts can be left ashore or afloat with every confidence as the entire complex is well protected and part of a large residential community that has 24 hour security. The harbour is within walking distance of a glorious sandy beach, golf course, gym, tennis/squash courts and a large pool. We are a short distance from the International Airport with direct flights daily to USA, Europe and Canada. Current marina and boatyard rates can be found on our website:
w w w. j h m a r i n a . c o m
info@jhmarina.com Location N17.04.57°W61.53.74°
Jolly Harbour Marina
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MARINA 155 slips on fully serviced concrete docks includes free on-board Wi-fi. HARBOUR DOCK Alongside and stern-to slips to 200ft Power supply: 30-50A/60-100A, 60hz Channel depth 14ft BOATYARD Secure concrete storage areas accommodating 200+ boats. Cradles available for boats to 70 feet. Storage on stands with excellent storm safety measures. 75 ton Travelift. Concrete pits for race boat preparation and summer storage. Dinghy/outboard storage. Storage lockers. Do-it yourself yard with trades on-site engineering, mechanics, electrician, painting, carpentry, fibre glassing, laundry and café. Boat brokerage and shipping. 24 hr patrolling security /CCTV system Fuel dock – 7 days a week Duty free fuel. Port of Entry. Jolly Harbour hosts a chandlery, large well stocked supermarket, banks, car rental, bars/restaurants and various other retail outlets and transportation. VHF CH 68 - Tel: (268) 462-6042 Fax: (268) 462-7703 -
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Antigua Marinas
S a m m y ’s B o a t y a r d
Shell Beach Marina
Sammy’s Boatyard & Marina is Antigua’s newest marine facility and is conveniently located in Falmouth Harbour, the centre of Antigua’s yachting industry, and close to all the main engineering workshops, woodworking and boat building yards, sail lofts and chandleries. Future plans include marina docks. For Information on Space Availability Bookings and Rates +1 268 464 9494 alsammy@msn.com dukealsammy@gmail.com
Shell Beach Marina is located on the north side of the island almost adjacent to the airport. It is best suited to motor boats and has lifts attached to the pontoons. Small sailing craft can also be accommodated. Fuel, water, chandlery, 25 ton travel hoist, storage facilities and repairs are available. This quiet, small marina, set in classic Caribbean scenery, has a lot to offer boat users with it’s easy access to the Atlantic and especially convenient for those who enjoy fishing.
Falmouth HarbourMarina
S t . J o h n ’s D o c k
Located on the English Harbour main road
St. John’s Dock is situated at end of Redcliffe Quay and has a board walk facing the sea with a variety of shops fronting onto it. Convenient for lunch in town or that shopping trip. Short term berthing is free although longer term contracts are available. The location is quite picturesque but can become crowded when cruise liners are in harbour.
30 stern-to berths and 30 alongside berths, 20' Maximum Draft, Electricity (110v, 208, 220, 380-3 phase) Fuel, Water, Security & Parking. MARINA RATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON ENQUIRY AT THE MARINA OFFICES OR BY E-MAIL
PO BOX W792, ANTIGUA Tel: (268) 460-6054 Fax: (268) 460 6055 VHF Ch 68 - Working Ch 10 e-mail: antiguafalmar@gmail.com www.antigua-marina.com
Tel: +1 (268) 562 0185
For further information telephone Key Properties
Tel: +1 (268) 562 1960
Antigua Marinas
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Antigua Sli pway
UP TO 200 TONS FUEL DOCK & CHANDLERY SECURE YACHT STORAGE HAUL & LAUNCH 3 RESTAURANTS THE INN AT ENGLISH HARBOUR (special rates for crew) www.theinn.ag e-mail: theinn@candw.ag
ANTIGUA SLIPWAY LTD
TEL: +1 (268) 460 1056 FAX: +1 (268) 460 1566 E-mail: antslipway@candw.ag www.antiguaslipway.com
Marine Ser vices
The business of yachting tourism in the Caribbean started in Antigua a few years after the end of World War 2 with the arrival of Cmdr. Desmond Nicholson RN and his family of the sailing yacht, Mollyhawk. Cmdr. Nicholson began giving cruising trips to the then very few visiting tourists, embarking them from a derelict former Royal Navy dockyard now known as Nelson’s Dockyard. As often said, the rest is history and yachting tourism is now the second biggest revenue generator in Antigua, coming after hotels and representing around 25% of GDP. Over the past 60+ years, Antigua has developed a worldwide reputation both for its magnificent harbours and for its supply, service, refit and repair industry and is known as ‘the centre of the Caribbean’ because of its geographical
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location and being the prime Caribbean destination for yachts, particularly for super yachts. Many of Antigua’s craftsmen head north to the US east coast to work the yachts based there in summer.
For many years the marine industry quietly operated on the southern end of the island, largely unnoticed by the rest of the country but with the growth of wealth internationally and the increase in yacht ownership, recognition and an awareness of the value of yachting tourism began to be realised and efforts were made by the industry in conjunction with the Government to facilitate the use of Antigua’s harbours by the yachting industry. The biggest single advance was the introduction of DUTY FREE for all goods, services and fuel supplied to yachts in transit regardless of where they are registered.
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English Harbour & Falmouth Map
Marine Ser vices
Two organisations exist in Antigua to represent the workers and businesses in the yachting industry and both were set up to improve the service being given to visiting yachts. The Antigua & Barbuda Marine Association was set up in the late 1980s and, more recently, in 2009, the Antigua & Barbuda Yacht Workers Association was formed to regulate and improve the standards of the marine industry self-employed workforce and to improve security by issuing passes to those permitted on the docks.
Many of the Royal Navy’s buildings constructed in English Harbour as stores and workshops are now hotels and bars. Perhaps most famous is the recently restored Clarence House, named after the Duke of Clarence, who, unexpectedly, after his two elder brothers died, became King William IV. Friend of and subordinate to Nelson, he was made Duke of Clarence 1789, the year he left Antigua, some fifteen years before the first stone of Clarence House was laid so, contrary to popular myth, he never lived there. The property was actually built to house the Dockyard Commissioner and subsequently, the Governor General’s country residence but now in the ownership of the National Park.
The old Copper & Lumber store is a beautifully finished hotel very much in the style of 18th century ships’ cabins and the pitch and tar store has become the Admiral’s Inn and the Naval Clerk’s house, a classic colonial style, weatherboarded building, is the Dockyard Museum. Nelson’s Dockyard is now the world’s only working Georgian dockyard and recently received UNESCO World Heritage status.
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Sailmakers were amongst the earliest skills in the old naval dockyard and are still present today but using the more modern materials of Dacron, Kevlar and carbon fibre. Companies such as A & F Sails based in the Dockyard with North Sails and Antigua Sails, just north of the Dockyard providing new sails and repairs, particularly essential during the regatta season. They will also make and repair canopies and awnings. Nelson’s Dockyard is split in two parts, the original naval yard which is now Antigua Slipway, a repair and yacht storage yard which also houses a chandlery, a fuel dock and restaurants. On the other side of the water, the main part of the the Dockyard only contains a few marine related businesses, Caribbean Brokerage, Antigua’s main yacht sales broker, Signal Locker, an electronics supply and maintenance company and the aforementioned A & F Sails.
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Marine Ser vices
Budget Marine, which has branches in Jolly Harbour, English Harbour and North Sound Marina, provides the usual chandlery supplies & maintenance parts as well as outboard motors, marine electronics and snorkelling gear and is the Caribbean’s largest chandlery, operating in Antigua for over 25 years, with a 5,000 sq ft facility in Jolly Harbour which services the 1,600 sq ft chandlery in Falmouth and the branch at North Sound Marina just under 1000 sq. ft. Sophisticated inventory and forecasting software will ensure stock levels are maintained. A branch in Antigua Yacht Club Marina of the Antigua Slipway Chandlery is located in Antigua Yacht Club Marina and is open during the yachting season. Just outside of Nelson’s Dockyard, A & A Rigging is one of Antigua’s two main rigging companies, the other being
Antigua Rigging based at the Catamaran Marina and agent to many of the world’s best know rig manufacturers. Also adjacent to the Catamaran Marina is Antigua’s top marine electronics company, Marionics who will both supply and repair all modern yacht electronics.
As the Caribbean’s main yacht service and repair centre, specialities include woodworking, painting and varnishing and top amongst those are Woodstock Boatbuilders, Ultra Refit and Chippy. Antigua Boats & Carpentry are now more general carpenters than boat restorers. A young business, Anything Wood is based in Jolly Harbour. There are several companies which specialise only in varnishing and painting and their skills are renowned the world over with many spending Antigua’s low season, the summer, on the east coast of the US and in the Mediterranean. Top amongst Antigua’s painters and varnishers are Techniques Yacht Painter and Precision Yacht Painters. Also well recommended are Bolie Yacht Painter, Antigua Yacht Painter and Exclusive Fine Finishers. Stainless steel and aluminium fabricators such as Marine Power Services, Mofab and H & W Welding offer a quality service and underwater welding can be provided by Maurice Underwater Services based in Antigua Yacht Club Marina along with anything else which requires a diver.
Many yachts these days have air conditioning and almost all have refrigeration and both need servicing and repair. Both Ultra Refit and Signal Locker maintain, repair and service refrigeration and HVAC systems.
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Marine Ser vices
Situated in an industrial complex on the Falmouth Main Road are Seagull Inflatables, suppliers and maintainers of RIB’s, liferafts and ancillary equipment, Carpet Care, industrial cleaners of yacht carpets and upholstery and Antigua Boats & Carpentry, Also based there are Dutchman Marine, yacht surveyor. Other yacht surveyors are Small Ships Consultants at Cobbs Cross, Richard Watson in Nelson’s Dockyard, Ken Stuart at Jolly Harbour and Nautical International Services in St. John’s.
Apart from a few Carriacou sloops, almost everything which enters the harbours of Antigua from overseas has an engine which will vary in size from 2hp to over 1,000hp and whilst many of the larger vessels now carry their own engineers they frequently need the services of the land based marine engineers as do most of the smaller yachts. Marine Power Services, agents for Caterpillar and other manufacturers, have the largest workshops in the area but a whole variety of other companies, large and small, employ competent engineers including Woodstock Boatbuilder, Mofab, Seagull Services and Ultra Refit, now located on the corner at Cobbs Cross. Fuel supply is a big part of Antigua’s marine industry and with some large motor yachts with capacities of 250,000 gallons or more, there is a lot of money in fuel. There are two supply companies in Antigua, West Indies Oil and Rubis, West Indies Oil being the larger of the two having been established as an oil refinery in Antigua since 1965 and now supplying not only Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel but also the complete range of petroleum based products from jet fuel
Marine Ser vices
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to heavy fuel oil and RON 95 petrol to LPG cooking gas. West Indies Oil’s onsite laboratory ensures all its products meets international standards. As well as supplying the marine industry and roadside service stations, the company is the supplier to the country’s power generators and a regional fuel storage hub.
Antigua Slipway or at the public dock in Falmouth. Fuel is also available in Jolly Harbour and Catamaran Marina in Falmouth Harbour. Visiting yachts are entitled to duty free fuel but only after a warrant has been obtained from Customs. Talk to the fuel company, marina or agent when ordering fuel. Special oils developed for use in the Large deliveries of fuel can be arranged marine environment are also available with either West Indies Oil or Rubis. from the oil supply companies. Marine Smaller vessels can tie up alongside at engineering and supply businesses will keep specialised oils and hydraulic fluid, some of which can be difficult to ship by air. It is advisable to order any unusual fluids well in advance to ensure there are no shipping problems.
Yacht storage, particularly during the summer, has become a large part of Antigua’s marine industry and Jolly Harbour has one of the island’s biggest storage areas as well as having repair and maintenance yards. The summer storage of yachts enables companies to continue servicing vessels outside of the traditional season assisting many of the small marine business including woodworking, engine shops, electronics, yacht painting and varnishing to trade year round. Marine trades from Jolly Harbour will also service yachts in English and Falmouth Harbours, North Sound Marina and vice-versa.
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Marine Ser vices
Other storage facilities include the family run business, Bailey’s Boatyard at Catamaran Marina which has a number of keel holes for added security in the event of a hurricane, Antigua Slipway in Nelson’s Dockyard is a popular location and an improving new additionin Falmouth is Sammy’s Boatyard. Now a main storage and marine repair facility, North Sound Marina at Parham has the largest travel hoist and the largest storage shed in Antigua. The number of marine trades on the site is growing and most trades will also travel from the other marinas to service yachts ashore in this location.
With improved cradles, tie downs, some keel holes and greater acceptance from insurance companies, storage ashore is now available year round and it has become necessary to book early for the summer season.
Although less bureaucratic than in the past, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Antigua & Barbuda Marine Association, Antigua still does have several administrative layers and assistance around and through the various systems can be useful to visiting yachts particularly when time is of the essence.
Most yacht service agencies can act as an agent for yacht skippers and handle entry and exit procedures, meeting the skipper at the chosen marina, collecting passports and ships papers, processing them at the Port of Entry and returning the documents to the vessel. This service can save a substantial amount of time particularly if there are a large number of charter guests on board. Also, when charter guests are leaving the yacht and need to catch a flight, the agent can facilitate a swift clearance off yachts.
Marine Ser vices
Suppliers to the marine industry are not restricted to the marine areas. There are a whole variety of services and workshops around the island. Gasses, gas fittings and hoses can be obtained from Lics in the middle of the island and if you need any length of drive belt, Three Enterprises in Ottos, St John’s, will probably supply it from the thousands they stock. Nearby is Fitzroy Engineering’s workshop which can rewind almost any motor and repair a lot more besides. In the same location is the island's biggest battery supplier, Battery Engineering, who will deliver and fit every type and size of battery which will be needed by a yacht and its ancillaries.
In Old Parham Road on the east side of St. John’s and located behind Antigua’s Honda dealer, is Paradise Boat Sales, specialists in motor and fishing boats. Further down the road is Outdoor
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World, supplier of RIBs, outboards yacht 'toys' like jet skis. Car parts are available from Automotive Art next door.
Many yachts carry a variety of goods on board for use by charter guests or have goods shipped in by container. Although these goods are imported free of all duties, items must be declared to Customs requiring the services of a Broker. Most yacht service agencies are either Customs Brokers in their own right or employ the services of a Customs Broker. It is quite difficult to import goods without using a broker.
For yachts without a permanent crew guardianage and management services including during refit, repair, regularchecksand preventive maintenance. and storage are available. Guardianage is an investment where both the sun and the occasional severe storm can be quite damaging.
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Marine Ser vices
General yacht management is available with full chartering services or chartering assistance for individuals or companies organising their own guests. For those with less deep pockets, asking around the harbours will generally find a ‘live-aboard’ who will keep an eye on a boat for a few dollars a month.
The hiring of private aircraft and helicopters is available through most agencies. Short range aircraft and helicopters are are available from Antiguan based companies with jets to be had from the US. A returning jet can sometimes be relatively cheap to charter. Bizjet-to-Yacht is a full concierge service that offers VIP ‘Meet & Greet’ assistance at the Airport, tours and ‘What’s Happening in Antigua’. Signature Flight Support is also an FBO based in Antigua.
Marine Ser vices
Being adjacent to the airport, Shell Beach Marina makes transfers to yachts easy and simple and the nearby Runway 10 bar and restaurant is a convenient place to relax.
For over 50 years Antigua has been a major yachting destination for those transiting the Caribbean. Antigua is often the first port of call for yachts crossing the Atlantic and many yachts from the US eastern seaboard find Antigua to be the pivotal point for exploring the Caribbean. By far the biggest user of Antigua's marine services are the charter yachts, many these days extending to around 300 feet in length but the island is also popular with small cruising vessels either berthing in Jolly Harbour or anchoring in the National Park’s Flamouth and English Harbours where there are also some private buoys to rent.
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Having developed as the premier marine and yachting centre in the Caribbean, Antigua has a very capable service supplying and provisioning yachts. For many years Antigua has received, annually, hundreds of large, up market charter yachts as well as numerous family cruisers. As a result, all levels of provisioning are catered for by a variety of small and large provisioning companies together with supermarkets, liquor stores, shops and a selection of specialist stores.
Most provisioning companies and major supermarkets stock or have access to both local and imported foods similar to those found in supermarkets worldwide. Many first time visitors often enquire as to what they might need to bring as they presume certain items will not be available in Antigua. On arrival, they are surprised to discover that goods
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Marine Ser vices
available in supermarkets in the US, U.K. and Europe are also available in Antigua, often in greater variety, as supplies come from both continents. Suppliers have access to the provisions to cater for both charter guests and crew throughout a stay in Antigua or for a long cruise including Atlantic
crossings. Although only necessary in rare circumstances, if your special brand of caviar is not available on the island, it can be flown in to order.
Provisioning suppliers range from the substantial companies to individuals who have developed a reputation for providing a specialised service. Some yachts will source an entire order abroad and have it flown in complete but, with the service provided by Antigua’s specialist shops, supermarkets and provisioning companies, this is much more of a luxury than a necessity and, despite duty free, is an expensive option with the added danger that delays can cause products to spoil.
Take a walk around Antigua’s leading supermarket, Epicurean, based in St. John’s, and you will, in season, encounter numerous yacht crew with trolleys piled high with provisions. With its on-site bakery, fresh bread and cakes have become a popular addition. An international aisle with items from numerous countries adds to the variety of products and a ‘Big Sizes’ aisle is particularly useful to provisioning yachts. For major self-provisioning, it is worth the trip to Epicurean. In Falmouth Harbour there is a small supermarket literally on the dock. A few minutes drive from English and Falmouth Harbours is the area’s main local
Marine Ser vices
supermarket, Bailey’s, popular with yachts and locals. It is also within walking distance of the Catamaran Marina. For the budget conscious, Bargain Centre is about three miles north along the main road to St. John’s.
In English Harbour is Cork & Basket, a quality wines, spirits and gourmet foods emporium. Also in English Harbour is Covent Garden, a supplier of more specialised general provisions which incorporates Lobster Runner, a seafood supplier with an emphasis on lobster freshly packed in Antigua and delivered to yachts. Chef’s World, a store in St. John’s stocking an extensive product range of utensils and equipment for the galley can supply a replacement for the occasional breakage or a complete galley refit. Flowers are a popular line on board and quite a number of florists supply the visiting yachts.
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A quick look in the Trades & Services Directory at the back of this magazine under Supermarkets & Food Stores, Provisioning & Supplies and under Liquors, Beer & Wine will provide a few contacts. There is always at least one supplier within walking distance of all marinas and provisioning companies will deliver direct to the yacht. Whether placing an order with a provisioning company or shopping for yourself, it couldn't be easier however you prefer to order by telephone, email or fax, all provisioning suppliers are happy to use the method which is most suited to you. For visiting yachts all goods and services purchased in Antigua & Barbuda including fuel, repairs, imported chandlery items (items purchased over the counter do not qualify), victuals and other provisions are free of all duties but you must
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Marine Ser vices
comply with Customs regulations to qualify for duty free status. A Customs Warrant must be produced when purchasing goods duty free. Failing to follow the rules prejudices the duty free status for others.
Marina staff or Customs will always help you with advice on duty free goods and services or contact a representative of Antigua & Barbuda Marine Association on +1 268 734 6366 or to info@abma.ag. Their website www.abma.ag also contains useful information on marine related subjects, provisioning suppliers are happy to use the method which is most suited to you.
For visiting yachts all goods and services purchased in Antigua & Barbuda including fuel, repairs, imported chandlery items (items purchased over the counter do not qualify), victuals and other provisions are free of all duties but you must comply with Customs regulations to qualify for duty free status. A Customs Warrant must be produced when purchasing goods duty free. Failing to follow the rules prejudices the duty free status for others. Marina staff or Customs will always help you with advice on duty free goods and services or contact a representative of Antigua & Barbuda Marine Association on +1 268 734 6366 or to info@abma.ag. Their website www.abma.ag contains useful information on marine related subjects. 12,500 copies of this magazine are distributed, 10,000 in Antigua mainly through Customs & Immigration posts, marinas and chandleries but also from many other locations. 2,500 copies are distibuted in the USA, Canada and the U.K..
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Anchorages
This section will take you on a tour around the island starting with English Harbour and finishing up with one of the island's best 'hurricane holes', Indian Creek. In addition to what is listed here there are numerous beaches and coves which make ideal and often quiet anchorages. Studying a detailed chart is advised before entering some of these anchorages.
English Harbour is the home of Nelson’s Dockyard as well as Galleon Beach in Freeman’s Bay. The holding in Freeman’s Bay is good but can be a bit uncomfortable when the wind shifts to the south. Tuck in behind the reef if there is space. There is good snorkelling off the reef and several nearby small beaches provide good barbecue sites. Be careful not to anchor in the fairway which is marked with channel buoys although, in high winds, these have a habit of breaking free. Also worth a visit is Fort Berkeley, at the entrance to English Harbour, and the numerous trails through the National Park many of which enjoy superb views. The trails are maintained by the Royal Naval Tot Club of Antigua & Barbuda and well walked by tourists.
Falmouth Harbour is Antigua’s largest yachting harbour but also contains one of Antigua’s most popular beaches, Pigeon Beach, a favourite with locals and yacht crews alike. Good snorkelling is also available on the reef just to the south of Pigeon Beach. The holding off Pigeon Beach is only suitable for shallow draft yachts and the holding is not good for long term anchoring. Holding in most of Falmouth Harbour is good but keep clear of the channels of which there are several, all of them buoyed. The north west side of the harbour, near the shore, is shallow and not suitable for yachts of any size but is good south of Blake’s Island and in Turtle Bay. The bay shoals close inshore and the beach is not ideal for swimming but the location is peaceful.
Carlisle Bay, just up the coast from Falmouth, is a beautiful palm-lined anchorage. The shore is lined with coral but the centre has a clear bottom and is calm if the wind is not out of the east. It is a lovely lunch spot but if a swell gets up it can make an uncomfortable overnight anchorage. Curtain Bluff is another palm-lined beach with an elegant hotel on shore. If the wind is south of east, this will be a swell affected anchorage and the weedy bottom means that holding is poor. Reservations are required for dining in the Curtain Bluff Hotel and gentlemen should wear a tie with jacket if preferred.
Cades Reef When sailing the southern coast of Antigua, the water is calmer inside Cades and Middle Reef. For a clear run inside the reefs line up Goat Head Channel with Johnson’s Point and Old Road Bluff. The sand bank between Goat Head Channel and Cades Reef is constantly changing and sometimes difficult to see, so it is important to be sailing under a high sun and watching the colour of the water. Keep clear of light coloured patches of water. If approaching Antigua from the SW at night, do not confuse the lights of Curtain Bluff for the leading lights of English Harbour.
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Picarts (Darkwood Beach) & Ffryes Bay Two lovely beaches make this a good spot for an afternoon lunch. Ten feet can be carried close to shore, but there is a tendency to shoal. There is a rocky patch marked on the charts but not visible on the surface. It is about 1,600 yards off shore from Picarts due west of the sugar mill. It covers an area of approximately 350 square feet and should be given a wide berth.
Morris Bay & Jolly Beach A great place to stop when craving an active social life. Morris Bay offers a secure anchorage for large yachts but as is typical of the west coast, shoaling prevents yachts lying close to the shore. A direct line between Reed and Ffryes Points has five feet of water. A calm anchorage can still be found beyond this line and a quiet anchorage can be had between Pearns and Reeds Point at the entrance marker to Jolly Harbour Marina. Dinghy into Jolly Harbour Resort and spend a day wandering amongst the large variety of shops or enjoy lunch at one of the cafes. For a lively night life there are a number of restaurants and bars. Villas and apartments are available to rent in Jolly Harbour.
Five Islands Bay can be spotted by five rocky islets off the southern part of the bay. It is a secluded anchorage with five beaches. At the head of the bay is a secluded beach but with only six feet of water. The eastern part of the bay is shoal with plenty of mosquitoes. There are two anchorages at the entrance which are favoured by larger yachts however, a ground swell can occasionally make this an uncomfortable spot.
Deep Bay Just west of St. John’s Harbour, Deep Bay offers one of the most secure anchorages on the west coast. Certain weather conditions can generate a swell. There is eight feet of water almost to the beach. Several hotel complexes have been built on this once secluded anchorage. Visitors can take advantage of their facilities including restaurants. When entering Deep Bay, notice the wreck due south of Shipstern Point. It is a great snorkelling area.
Dickenson Bay The beach is dotted with hotels and restaurants, a casino and discos. During the day water sports businesses rent sunfish, windsurfers and jet skis. Water skiing is also available. Horseback riding and tennis courts are on offer. Approach from outside Sister’s Rock if you draw more than seven feet. The bay is open and in certain weather conditions the sea can become a bit uneven. Although it is shallow close to shore, the bottom shelves gently and a controlled approach under Weatherill’s Point is perfectly safe.
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North Coast Between Dickinson Bay and Parham Harbour it is flat water sailing and easier than it looks on the charts. Follow the coast at about a third of a mile off shore. To enter Parham Harbour head for the middle of the channel between Prickly Pear and Beggar’s Point, favouring Prickly Pear. Once past the island, head straight for the red buoy marking the north end of Maiden Island. If approaching from the north or northwest vessels should take care to stay clear of Salt Tail and Diamond Banks. A yacht should stay at least 4 miles offshore. Never attempt to enter Parham Harbour from the eastern side of the island except through Horse Shoe Channel. Anchorages between Dickenson Bay and Parham are non-existent.
COPIES OF THE MARINE GUIDE ARE AVAILABLE FROM CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION POSTS, MARINAS, CHANDLERIES AND AROUND 100 OTHER LOCATIONS IN ANTIGUA ALSO IN MIAMI, FT. LAUDERDALE, WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, NEWPORT (RHODE ISLAND) TORONTO AND LONDON. Shell Beach Marina Shell Beach can be found on the southern edge of Parham Sound just before Barnacle Point and almost directly at the end of Antigua’s international airport runway. Arrangements can be made for transfers of passengers arriving by private aircraft direct from the airport to yachts anchoring off Shell Beach. The marina is only capable of handling small vessels.
Parham Harbour & North Sound Parham Harbour, located on the north coast, has a channel leading into the harbour. The channel on each side was marked by two red balls just off Maiden Island. The channel is easy to spot but do not attempt to enter or leave except under daylight conditions. Parham Harbour is a well-protected anchorage. There is a small hurricane hole in the mangroves on the southeast side with a dredged entrance of six feet. The jetty end to the east of Myers Cove has five feet of water. North Sound Marina No expense was spared when developing the marine facility at Crabbs Marina now known as North Sound Marine Services. Originally built as a private boat yard the vast area of concrete with tie downs for hurricane storage ashore and the large enclosed shed offers one of the best hurricane storage facilities in the Caribbean. North Sound Marine Services has a 150 ton travel hoist, the largest in Antigua, which can lift yachts with a beam of up to 30 foot. In addition to lift out and storage there are a variety of small businesses servicing yachts and a chandlery is planned. Some berthing is also available. Nearby Parham has small shops for staples. It is worth a stroll through the town to view the church architecture. A bus runs between Parham and the St. John’s East Bus Station from the morning until late afternoon. It could take a week to explore the largely uninhabited islands in Parham and North Sound. Midway through the channel is Maiden Island, a shell collector’s dream. A pleasant anchorage can be had under the arm of the island but stay clear of the channel.
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Long Island is just to the northwest of North Sound with its exclusive Jumby Bay Resort. The hotel facilities are for guests only but the restaurant is open to the public and there is a ferry from the pier at Dutchman’s Bay. The island’s only anchorages are at Jumby Bay which offers a sandy bottom, shoaling towards the shore, Up to 100 feet from shore there is room for a boat drawing eight feet.
Across North Sound is a group of uninhabited islands, each differing in rock formation, plant and animal life. The reefs surrounding the islands makes approaching them in even a small boat impossible, however, their proximity to each other makes exploring in a dinghy possible. Great Bird Island offers two anchorages to use as a base.
Windy Cove The entrance to Windy Cove from North Sound has three of its many reefs marked by red posts. These may drift in bad weather so be certain to keep a good look out. A boat drawing no more than six feet can manoeuvre in this entrance. There is more room off the leeside of the island and larger boats can drop back into the sound.
Great Bird Island's nooks and crannies offer surprises for the adventurous. It’s worth a hike up 150 feet on a rocky path for the panoramic view of the coast of Antigua to Indian Town Point. To the west is most of Parham Harbour and North Sound. Notice all the reefs! The reef surrounding Galley Island offers excellent snorkelling. Take a dinghy ride 400 yards to the southwest to visit Hell’s Gate, an eerie island of decaying rock. Tie up your dinghy in the small cove and underwater to the right is a passage through the island, a very competent swimmer can swim the 25 feet, then it’s a hands and knees climb through a rocky hole to the top of the island.
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Guiana Island with its 600 acres lies just to the south. Grape Bay is a short dinghy ride from North Sound. Approach the bay from the south to avoid the rim of coral dotted with black sea urchins that edge the shore. The shore, lined with palm trees, is a superb picnic spot. The beach, as are all beaches in Antigua, is public land to the high water mark. It is a lovely spot. Little Bird Island Channel is a tricky exit to the open sea. Attempt it only in calm weather, under a high sun and with a dependable engine. It has 20 feet of water but is only 60 feet wide in some areas. Keep a person on the bow to watch for the reef. When leaving Great Bird Island’s west end head for the southeast of Long Island’s Cistern Point. When Little Bird Island is abeam, turn towards the channel, keeping Little Bird to port and North and South Whelk to starboard. The channel can be spotted stretching northeast. Proceed with caution and never use this as an entrance into the harbour. Mercer’s Creek (Belfast Bay) and Guiana Bay are completely sheltered bays but entry is potentially dangerous and inadvisable without the aid of a local pilot. At times when trades are blowing, the eastern coast of Antigua from Nonsuch Bay to Bird Islet Channel is difficult if not impossible to approach. The seas can be immense as they reach the rocky coast, somewhere to stay clear from in a small boat.
Nonsuch Bay is a large protected bay where is plenty of room for anchoring and the windward reef offers protection from the sea. The restaurant, The Bay at Nonsuch, offers high quality cuisine in a perfect Caribbean setting. Plans are well advanced for a new, major marina development which will cater for superyachts as well as cruisers. There are many nooks and crannies for exploration around Nonsuch Bay and the reefs leading to Fanny Cove offer excellent snorkelling. The safest exit from Green Island is to return by way of Submarine Rock. The northern exit through Spithead Channel should only be attempted under power and clear visibility. There is not as much water to manoeuvre as the charts show. Keep to the western or leeward side of the channel until there is no discoloured water to windward. It is then safe to head for the deep water. We strongly advise you not to enter Nonsuch Bay from the northern channel unless you have some local experience, as it is very difficult to locate the channel entrance from seaward. Only use the channel in good light. Devil’s Bridge, a well know tourist spot, can be seen on the approach to Nonsuch Bay from the north but it is not an area which can be approached by boat. Composed of
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limestone rock, the rugged terrain of Devil’s Bridge is the result of millions of years of ancient reef formation. For hundreds of thousands of years, the Atlantic’s waves have crashed into the east coast of Antigua creating a natural arch, or bridge. Numerous geysers and blowholes surround the arch as waves continually break against the coastal rocks. Popular belief suggests that in the time of slavery in Antigua, slaves leapt to their deaths off of the natural arch although there is no historical evidence to support this. Ledcoff Cove on the north side of Nonsuch Bay, is one of Antigua’s best hurricane holes. A small and well protected anchorage is only suitable for 2 or 3 yachts and of 7 foot draft or less. Green Island is a favourite spot to “get away from it all.” Don’t be surprised if you find others seeking the solitude of Green Island which is owned by the Mill Reef Club whose private property borders your anchorage on all sides. The mainland is off limits to non-members but the north and northwest side of the island are available for yachtsmen’s use and of course, the beaches, as with every beach in Antigua, are open to the public. Mooring buoys are now available at Green Island but you may find them occupied by kite surfers who tie their boards to the buoys. West of Green Island is Hughes Bay where you will find a dinghy dock to enable you to go ashore.
Indian Creek is a small harbour one mile east of English Harbour and surrounded by land on three sides, offering an excellent hurricane hole for early arrivals. At the entrance watch for Sunken Rock standing in six feet of water less than 100 yards off Indian Point, spotted by breaking water and a favourite dive spot. Stay in the middle of the channel. There are two fathoms of water in the inner harbour. Always anchor to give plenty of swing in the occasional fluke winds. At night the lights from the St. James’s Club can confuse some into thinking they are approaching English Harbour. Do not be fooled as there is a dangerous reef near the entrance and more than one boat has come to grief by making this mistake. The Indian Creek site is important as it represents the entire Ceramic Age (Arawak) cultural sequence of the pre-Columbian period on Antigua. The early ceramic (Saladoid) style on Antigua is called the “Indian Creek” style.
Cruising around Antigua is easy in the fairly constant winds particularly during the season (November to May) when the Trade Winds are blowing. The west, Caribbean, side of the island is more sheltered and has more beaches but fewer islands to explore. For the more adventurous the unihabited island of Redonda lies to the west and offers quite a climb to its summit. To the north lies Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda which was devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and is still recovering. If you are planning a visit, please check with the Port Authority.
ALWAYS USE AN UP TO DATE CHART WHEN SAILING INTO ANCHORAGES. WHILST MOST YACHTS NOW USE GPS AND CHART PLOTTERS, PAPER CHARTS CAN STILL BE USEFUL WHEN NAVIGATING UNKNOWN WATERS. CHARTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE MAP SHOP IN ST. JOHN’S AND MOST CHANDLERIES WHO WILL ORDER ONE IF THEY DO NOT HAVE IT.
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R e s t a u r a n t s & B a rs
There are specialist magazines and ‘phone apps which will give you a comprehensive guide to the island restaurants and eateries including a new table booking service app, TripService.me available from the App Store, Google Play and on-line.
restaurant located across the water at the Gunpowder suites and part of the Admiral’s Inn complex, is situated alongside a spectacular infinity-edged pool which overlooks the Dockyard. Open daily during the season from 11am until 6pm for lunch and cocktails, it is accessed both by road and by It is easy to eat and drink well and water taxi. it need not be costly. Most bars have a Happy Hour (or two) where prices are Also in the Dockyard is the Galley cheaper. In line with anywhere in the Bar, open for breakfast and lunch world, drinks with meals are more during the season and occasionally expensive but cheaper when standing during the summer. On the other side at the bar without the service charge. of the Dockyard is the Hot Hot Hot Spot We try to provide a few pointers where Cafe which serves breakfasts, snacks, to find a variety of different foods lunches and occasional evening although one problem with printing a dinners sometimes accompanied by few months before the season starts is guitar players and crooners. Takethe number of new venture restaurants away pies, cakes, pasteries and snacks which pop up and some of last year’s can be purchased from the Dockyard new ventures which have disappeared. Bakery in the early morning and up until lunchtime. Many of the restaurants around English Harbour and Falmouth close for part or all of the summer and most that are open limit their days and/or hours.
Well known in the Dockyard is the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel & Restaurant, now doing a speciality fish supper on the dockside lawn on Friday nights all year round. It is also a great place for traditional English breakfast. Perhaps the most iconic restaurant in the whole of Antigua and a jewel in English Harbour is the Admiral’s Inn with its outdoor waterfront terrace and Pillars’ restaurant overlooking the Dockyard’s 18th century stone pillars. The stunning setting is the perfect spot to enjoy evening cocktails, lunch in the cool breeze or an intimate dinner while watching the moonrise. Boom, a
Re s t a u r a n t s & B a rs
Across the water on the opposite side of the harbour is the Inn on English Harbour has a beach bar/restaurant on Galleon Beach which is open to the public as well as hotel guests as is the formal terrace restaurant set on the hillside overlooking English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard. Also on the other side of the water and located at Antigua Slipway is an Italian restaurant, Incanto and a French restaurant, La Brasserie, having opened in late 2017.
Shirley Heights Lookout restaurant and bar is famed for its all year round Sunday and Thursday live bands and the sunset viewable from the cliff edge. Visit for the steel bands and sunset and, if the mood takes you, sip the rum punch and stay on for the various local live bands which play on until ten.
Outside the Dockyard is Abracadabra’s, English Harbour’s long established early evening restaurant and, later, a night club, adjacent is the Rasta Shak bar. New last season was another Italian restaurant, Ticchio with Pirate’s Pizza nearby, an eat-in or takeaway/delivery pizza parlour and a little further are Grace Before Meals, famous for its rotis, and the Cap Horn which is two restaurants, one serving pizzas and sizzlers, the other, a fine dining restaurant.
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Also in this location is one of Antigua’s most popular restaurants, Trappas, full almost every night and well patronised by locals and sailors. Booking is recommended. On the opposite side of the road, Lime is a pub/bar only open in season, holding regular music session evenings and serving occasional snacks. Adjacent is the successful South African style restaurant, Flatties, next to that is the long established Jackie’s Quick Stop, best known for her bacon and egg English breakfasts.
On the corner of Falmouth Harbour is LIFE which remains open for most of the summer and moving into the old Mad Mongoose premises is Paparazzi, formerly at Slipway. The bar, separately owned, is now called Goose Mon. Mange Tout is another new addition, located in Temo Sports and already attraction a good lunchtime following. Barbie’s, a colourful full dining restaurant and bar occupies the ground floor of Antigua Yacht Club with the renamed Club Sushi, now Club House, on the first floor with its large deck overlooking Falmouth Harbour, open all year with only brief summer breaks. Cloggys is at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina and, for those with more modest tastes, below are Sea Breeze and Skullduggery whose coffee-martinis are legendary.
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Past the Antigua Yacht Club and on the way to Pigeon Beach is South Point’s restaurant inspired by Middle Eastern Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Located on Pigeon Beach is the very popular Catherine’s Café Plage, an up market, French run restaurant. However, if relaxing beside the beach is more your style then Bumpkins, also located right on the beach at Pigeon Point, is the place to chill out.
Another new venture for 2018 was Roti Sue, opposite Falmouth Harbour Marina and the Waterfront Bar is next with a view over Falmouth Harbour. Nearby, with a mixture of local, French and Italian cuisine is Sun Ya, a restaurant which can be accessed by both land and sea. Also accessible by water and road with a large car park. Island Fusion is now located at the National Sailing Academy restaurant and stays open through summer. Around the corner is Famous Mauros, a family friendly pizza restaurant and a favourite with the yachties. During the season, fresh bread and croissants are available in the mornings.
The Catamaran Marina, Marina off Falmouth Main Road, is host to both Cambusa, an Italian restaurant only open in the season and the Captain’s Table serving pan-European food in a quiet waterfront setting, open year round. Opposite the marina is Sweet T’s, a burger bar with a fantastic selection of ice creams. Just a little along the road is Papas, run by the proprietors of Trappas, it has a pool and a beach and is open lunch times and evenings with reduced days in summer. It can also be rached by dinghy either onto the beach or the adjacent dock.
By road or by sea around the west side of the island brings you to the Carlisle Bay resort which has two restaurants, East serves a selection of Eastern dishes and Indigo serves panEuropean food. Nearer to Jolly Harbour, Turners Beach Restaurant serves the best rum punch on the island. Recently opened and next door to the long established OJs is the beachfront London bus bar and restaurant known as The Rum Bus. Almost adjacent is Jacqui O’s, a year round restaurant serving high quality food and a little further up the road is Sheer Rocks, nestling on the cliffs over the Caribbean sea. In the same area is the informal Dennis’s bar and restaurant.
Jolly Harbour is a modern development which combines holiday resorts, a marina, supermarket, shopping centre and restaurants but some come and go with such regularity that it is hard to keep track. More permanent and adjacent to a swimming pool is the Crow’s Nest and inside the complex are Acropolis Greek Taverna, Melini’s newly opened Flatties. Jolly Harbour’s only beach front restaurant is Castaways located on the South Finger. With its own dock, Al Portos allows you to sail your yacht to the door. Just outside the complex and overlooking Jolly Harbour is Sugar Ridge with the casual Sugar Club restaurant on the lower level offering indoor and outdoor dining. On the hilltop is the more formal Carmichaels where the infinity pool blends into the Caribbean shore line. St John’s is a mine of small and large bars and restaurants and St. John’s night life is mainly for the young where
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you need to like your music loud but a wander around the capital during the day can produce some good lunch time venues. If you are coming by boat to St. John’s you can tie up free of charge for a few hours (see our Marinas Section). One advantage of St. John’s is that there is so much going on in a relatively small place and you can reach everywhere on foot. Live local bands regularly play at a variety of venues. A wander around Redcliffe Quay will produce quite a variety of places to eat and drink and, in next door, Heritage Quay, favourite of the cruise ship tourists, there are several bars and restaurants. On the fringes of the city in the new shopping malls are quite a selection of new restaurants and cafes serving everything from Indian to English food. High above the entrance to St John’s Harbour with views across the city and harbour lies Russell’s bar and seafood restaurant.
evenings or the fish & chip double decker ‘bus at Jolly Harbour. There are a hoard more restaurants in this area. For more information check the TripService.me app available from the App Store, Google Play and on-line.
Outside of town Le Bistro, at Hodges Bay, is worth a visit as Antigua’s most authentic French restaurant. Travelling east you will encounter Cecilia’s and La Bussola restaurants at Dutchman’s Bay. Just over the water is the Jumby Bay resort, an up market holiday resort, the restaurant is open to visitors with a reservation. Also close to the airport with anchoring facilities at Shell Beach Marina is the Runway 10 restaurant which services the FBO and private jets.
Situated within the manicured grounds of the airport is the Antigua Athletic Club’s Vitality Kitchen & Bar. If travelling First or Business class relax in comfort before your flight in the airport’s VIP Dickenson Bay has numerous bars lounge. Others can pay a fee to enter. and restaurants including the unique Warri Pier and Coconut Grove is ‘A Battered by Atlantic waves Antigua’s Real Caribbean Restaurant’. Ana’s on rugged east coast has a few restaurants the Beach is Mediterranean style with a in the sheltered bays. Located at the touch of the Caribbean. If you crave fish Nonsuch Bay Resort, an up market and chips, then look for Chippy Antigua residential and holiday area and close who parks his fish & chip van in the to the yachtsman’s favourite, Green Island, area on Wednesday and Friday is The Bay with a jetty for dinghies.
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Views across the restaurant’s infinity James’s Club in the premises formerly pool to Nonsuch Bay are complimentary The Hideout restaurant is the newly opened Jackson’s Bar & Restaurant, to the fine cuisine and service. already a big favourite of the ex-pat Something you will notice about community especially on a Friday night. Antigua is the number of small roadside bars and restaurants, many of them There are many more restaurants excellent value for money. Some are than listed here and many have their set up in the early evening and taken own websites. Most restaurants on the down when the food runs out. Stop and island are listed on the TripService.me try one. Occasionally you will come app available from the App Store, across some interesting offerings. Google Play and on-line. During Sailing Week food vendors set themselves up outside Nelson’s A lasting memory is the view from Dockyard and a meal with drinks can be the Shirley Heights Lookout bar and had for just a few dollars. restaurant over English Harbour. From 4 pm the pulsating rhythms of the steel On the way back to English Harbour, band accompany mouth-watering smells at Marmora Bay the St. James Club, of the barbecue and a few too many mainly caters to its resort guests but its rum punches. Spectacular sunsets are restaurants are open to visitors with standard and the much talked about advance booking. Check the dress code. green flash really can be seen but you On the corner of the road to the St. have to be there at sunset to see it.
HOTELS
Much of the accommodation in the English Harbour and Falmouth area is the antithesis of the ‘beach holiday’ as most hotels cater for yachts and sailors although a couple of hotels in the area do have access to beaches. Most of the beach holiday hotels are on the north of the island with a few on the west coast particularly around Jolly Harbour.
Most hotels in the area of English Harbour/Falmouth have their own bars and restaurants which cater for the general public as well as hotel guests. Check the TripService.me app on GooglePlay or the Apple Store.
A rather unique hotel situated in Nelson’s Dockyard is the Copper & Lumber Store. The style, finish and
furnishings of this hotel transports you back to the days when Nelson’s Dockyard was full of the wooden warships from the Royal Navy. The Copper and Lumber Store was built as a storage facility in 1789 of bricks brought to Antigua as ballast in the holds of ships. The hand-hewn wooden posts and beams from the period are very much in evidence. Its massive brick aches, central courtyard and the wooden beams create an atmosphere of quiet comfort and gracious elegance. The hotel has 14 suites fitted out in the style of an 18th Century luxury cabin and each is named after one of Admiral Horatio Nelson’s ships or Captains. Antique period furniture and paintings decorate the fully air-conditioned rooms which have en-suite bathrooms, TV and internet.
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Another historic hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard is the Admiral's Inn also originally a store but, in this case, of turpentine, pitch and lead with engineer’s offices above. Recently added but across the water are Gunpowder Suites converted from an old gunpowder and munitions store as can be evidenced from the thickness of the walls now with four deluxe suites, an infinity-edged pool overlooking Nelson’s Dockyard and a poolside restaurant appropriately called ‘Boom’. The rooms at the main hotel, housed in 3 buildings dating from Nelson’s era, all feature A/C, WiFi and a free boat ride to the beach or to Boom restaurant and the adjacent spa/massage parlour.
Few hotels in English Harbour and Falmouth have direct access to a beach, exceptions being the Inn on English Harbour, South Point and the less expensive but very commodious Catamaran Hotel. Not only does it have its own beach but also a pool. Quietly located, it is very convenient to the Catamaran Marina and only a short bus, taxi or car ride into the centre of English Harbour and Falmouth. It comes highly rated by those who have stayed there. Adjacent to the Hotel are two restaurants, one pan-European and one Italian, both with bars.
The National Sailing Academy offers accommodation at very reasonable rates. Some room only accommodation is available in places such as Harbour
Walk, Harbour View Apartments or the Waterfront. Other accommodation only hotels include the Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort and the Ocean Inn.
Christmas is a popular time and not as busy as during the regattas, Hotels and villas are generally easily available but still quite expensive as it is the ‘high’ season. Low season, June to November, can be much cheaper but the weather is definitely warmer and there is a small risk of a hurricane. If don’t mind a short drive, there are plenty of hotels on the north of the island. Villas or apartments are available from rental agencies. Prices vary according to the time of year and some bargains can be obtained out of season. You can rent anything from a 2 bedroom apartment at US$1,000 per month (long term) to a 4 bedroom villa at over US$5,000 per week. All inclusive hotels are not necessarily suited to the visiting sailor but can be an attractive proposition if attending a regatta with the family staying ashore. Websites like AirBnB offer affordable accommodation but, if you are visiting for sailing events, check the location and access to transport.
Insurance, Banking & Property
PROPERTY
Although in business as a commercial agent in Antigua for nearly 10 years, new to the residential market three years ago and making a big impact is Richard Watson & Company whose For Sale boards can be seen everywhere. Like most of the world, Antigua suffered heavily through the financial crisis with property prices as much as halving in the post 2008 years but the green shoots of recovery are becoming evident with sales, particularly below US$500,000 although there is also some movement between US$500,000 and $1 million. However, there are still too many properties for sale at prices approaching the 2008 levels but if you look around carefully there are good buys to be had and many people will negotiate. Always get advice when buying.
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In Antigua there are a substantial number of properties owned by foreign nationals particularly on the coastal peripheries such as the English Harbour and Falmouth areas, much of the west coast including Jolly Harbour and the Dickenson Bay area. Also, the east coast contains substantial new developments such as Nonsuch Bay.
The property market in Antigua is little different from that of most developed countries although Antigua's procedures are a bit of a mixture of U.K. and U.S. property selling practices but the law is essentially the same as the U.K.. Most property is priced in U.S. dollars but the local property market works in E.C. dollars and the values tend to be much lower with the locations being away from the popular coastal areas with construction, sometimes, of a lower standard.
Insurance, Banking & Property
Holiday homes are a big part of the property sales market in Antigua not only as somewhere to holiday but also, in many cases, as an investment. Capital growth is roughly similar to any other country but the main return is from letting the property when vacant. Most agents will handle lettings as well as sales although there are a few which specialise only in rental property. There is also a good retirement market.
The introduction of ECONOMIC CITIZENSHIP known as Citizenship by Investment had less impact on the property market than many anticipated although a few upmarket developments have done well most money went into the National Development Fund. . Antigua is one of several Caribbean countries to offer economic citizenship and under the Antigua & Barbuda Economic Citizenship Programme Act of 2012, a person is required to make a significant economic contribution to the Country. In exchange, and subject to stringent application procedures, including thorough background checks, the applicants and their families are granted citizenship. To qualify for citizenship, the primary applicant must be over 18, meet the application requirements and select one of the following three investment options:(1) A contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) of a minimum non-refundable amount of US$250,000.
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(3) An investment of a minimum of US$1,500,000 directly into an eligible business as a sole investor or a joint investment involving at least 2 persons in an eligible business totalling at least US$5 million and each of those persons individually invests at least US$400,000.
All three investment options are subject to government processing and due diligence fees which have recently been substantially reduced. Comprehensive information on the ways of obtaining economic citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda can be found on the website - http://www.cip.gov.ag/
Recent changes in legislation have made it possible for investments to be made in Barbuda. Previously, only persons born in Barbuda were permitted to own land but now major investors can buy land for specified development purposes and there are likely to be further changes to increase the availability of investment purchases in Barbuda. BUYING A PROPERTY
Anyone not a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda will require a Non Citizen’s Land Holding License which takes 3-6 months to obtain. The cost is 5% of the value of the property. For vacant land, building must be started in compliance with the non-citizen’s license terms which usually means 2 years. Most property is fee simple or freehold. Leaseholds are rare and usually held by the Crown.
(2) An investment of at least US$400,000 into one of the approved real estate projects and to be held for a Government transfer fees are currently 2.5% for the buyer and 7.5% for the seller. minimum period of 5 years.
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Insurance, Banking & Property
Property taxes/rates are based on rental value and are low. Legal costs for a transfer are 1% to 2% depending on the value of the transaction. There is no title insurance. Properties are registered at the Land Registry which is well organised. Copies of Land Certificates can be obtained for a small fee. Always obtain a Cadastral Survey of the land/property from the Survey Office and have a land surveyor check the dimensions. This is crucial as the boundaries are sometimes not where they appear to be from the fences.
Estate agent commissions are 4% to 6% plus ABST (Antigua & Barbuda Sales tax currently 15%) on sale and free if you are purchasing unless you employ an agent to search for you. Insurance coverage is approx. 2% of insured risk with a deductible of 2%. Insurance includes earthquakes and named storms.
Antigua & Barbuda offers attractive fiscal incentives to developers including exemption from or reduction of payment of duty on the importation or purchase of raw materials, building materials, furniture, fixtures, fittings, appliances, machinery, plant and equipment for use in construction. SERVICES
Most houses are serviced by a septic tank. Water cisterns are required by law. Government electricity and water are usually connected or available nearby as are cable TV, landline telephone and broadband. Cellular telephone coverage is island wide. More remote properties may be
accessed by little more than a dirt track but most houses have access to adequate roads. Although all property is supposed to have access to the main highway, check that the road outside a property is part of the public road network and not someone’s private drive. RENTING PROPERTY
Short term rents range from US$50 per night out of season (June to November) for a basic apartment to a lush fully staffed villa at several thousand US$ per night during the season (December to May). There is a large variety of property to rent which can be a great alternative to staying in hotels. Most rental villas have a swimming pool and close proximity to one of Antigua’s many great beaches. Villa rental also provides an opportunity for owners to get an income from their second homes while they are not using them. The property management fee is usually 10%. Rental commissions are 8.33% for long term rentals and 20% for short term rental. Withholding taxes are 25% of net rental income for non-residents. There are also many long term rental properties available and, dependent upon size and condition, can be had for less than US$500 per month. A long term rental can be a serious alternative to purchasing property as the landlord is responsible for the upkeep and there are no risk of changing property values.
Time-share is not particularly common in Antigua but there are several older developments which were constructed in the times when time-share was very popular and they still have properties which occasionally come available.
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Insurance, Banking & Property
FINANCE/MORTGAGES
Bank financing is available but interest rates are high by US or European standards and 30% or more cash deposit will be required. If you are looking to buy a holiday home in Antigua consider raising a mortgage on your main residence in the country where you live. INSURANCE
YACHT INSURANCE
Antigua now has quite a large number of vessels flagged in the country through the Antigua & Barbuda Department of Marine Services & Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) which has increased the demand for locally sourced insurance and, as a result, together with other factors, the
insurance market in the Caribbean has changed substantially in the past few years. Underwriters have become more aware of the real risk factors in the region and a growing market increases the areas influence in the re-insurance market. Along with the appreciation of the real risks, underwriters are now accepting the improved storage ashore facilities in Antigua which have increased substantially with the addition of two new boatyards and the expansion of others. All year round yacht insurance is now available in Antigua.
One of the biggest risks and causes of higher rates are the number of uninsured vessels. Antigua’s Small Craft Control Act will make third party insurance mandatory and it is probable that Antigua will be the first island in the Caribbean to introduce this measure.
Insurance, Banking & Property
PROPERTY INSURANCE
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hospitals are not cheap. Medical insurance is available in Antigua from a Due to the island being in the hurricane number of specialist companies, belt and suffering, rarely, the occasional however, it is advisable to arrange small earthquake, property risks are travel insurance in advance. quite high, however, by telephoning around as much as 25% can be saved MOTOR INSURANCE on premiums and having hurricane shutters can often save you more in Antigua’s drivers are not known for their one year’s premiums than the cost of driving skills and although the speed the shutters unless, of course, you chose limits are quite low, accidents are not to install the electrically operated type. uncommon which pushes up premiums for vehicles. Again, shopping around GENERAL INSURANCE does produce more competitive rates. The biggest way to save is by placing As with any relatively sophisticated all your insurance risks with one country, every form of insurance is company. Multi-premium discounts obtainable in Antigua either through apply to most companies. For vehicles local companies or through the affiliates over ten years old only third party cover of internationally renowned insurers. is generally available although there are Insurance has been available in Antigua exceptions. For comprehensive cover since the mid 19th Century, originally on older vehicles a valuation is required. for shipping but expanding into other risks as demand required. Most BANKING general insurers will cover everything from household through vehicles to Antigua & Barbuda comes under the yachts either placed with Lloyds of overall control of the Eastern Caribbean London or other major insurers. Both Central Bank and the currency, the property and vehicle insurance is quite Eastern Caribbean dollar, is used by expensive particularly when compared eight of the nine OECS countries, the with the U.K. but less so when exception being the British Virgin Islands compared to the U.S.. which uses the U.S.$. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is tied to the US$ at TRAVEL & HEALTH INSURANCE 2.67 EC$. Although not legal tender, the US dollar is acceptable currency in Whether travelling to or living in Antigua most Caribbean islands however, it is insurance is always a consideration. preferable to bring EC$ on holiday with Not being an area subject to tropical you as you will get a better exchange diseases, the health risks in Antigua are rate at the bank than you will in the no different from many of the more shops, bars and restaurants in Antigua. temperate countries however, travel insurance is always advisable as there About half the clearing banks in Antigua are limited state medical facilities which are foreign owned with Canadian banks will charge non-citizens and the private predominating. Cheques are still in
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Insurance, Banking & Property
common use but VISA and MasterCard credit and debit cards are widely accepted, American Express, less so. All banks have ATM machines and a number are also located in prominent positions around the island. It is worth having more than one credit/debit card as some ATMs take only one type.
With worldwide increasing measures on CFT (combatting the financing of terrorism) and AML (anti-money laundering) compliance, the offshore banking sector in most jurisdictions was subject to changing regulations. Since 2000 the Financial Action Task Force issues the so-called FATF blacklist of "Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories" Opening a bank account in Antigua is (NCCTs), which it perceived to be nonnot easy even if you are a resident as cooperative in the global fight against there are very strict rules regarding money laundering and terrorist financing. money laundering and the banks are almost obsessive in observing the An account held in a foreign offshore rules. Also, the banking system is bank, is often described as an offshore based on the U.S. model rather than account. Typically, an individual or the U.K. system which makes it company will maintain an offshore somewhat inefficient so be prepared for account for the financial and legal long queues and a long wait if you want advantages it provides, including to do any over the counter banking. greater privacy (or bank secrecy, a Clearing overseas cheques can take up principle born with the 1934 Swiss to six weeks. Most bank transfers go Banking Act), little or no taxation (i.e., via an intermediary bank in the U.S. tax havens), easy access to deposits without which transfers can get ‘lost’ (at least in terms of regulation) and although more banks now allow protection against local, political or international transfers via the internet. financial instability. OFFSHORE BANKING
Wikipedia describes an offshore bank as a bank regulated under international banking licence (often called offshore licence), which usually prohibits the bank from establishing any business activities in the jurisdiction of establishment. Due to less regulation and transparency, accounts with offshore banks were often used to hide undeclared income. Since the 1980s, jurisdictions that provide financial services to non-residents on a big scale, can be referred to as offshore financial centres. Since OFCs often also levy little or no tax corporate and/or personal income and offer, they are often referred to as tax havens.
Offshore banking in Antigua is protected by strict privacy laws and it is a criminal offence to reveal any confidential information relating to an individual’s banking or business activity with crimes severely punishable. These laws do not protect those involved in criminal activity and Antigua & Barbuda adheres to international anti-money laundering rules and other international treaties. An offshore IBC (International Business Corporation) established in Antigua and Barbuda can enjoy a tax exemption period of 50 years. This makes the twin island state incredibly popular with those looking for a secure, well legislated
Insurance, Banking & Property
offshore jurisdiction. The International Business Corporations Act establishes the legal framework for the operation of offshore banking business within Antigua and Barbuda. A banking license must first be obtained from the Supervisor of Banking and Trust Corporations before commencing banking operations.
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money securities or any similar activity involving foreign money or foreign securities using foreign funds acquired as above to finance loans, advances and investments or the activities of the person carrying on the business.
US$5 million is required as a minimum paid up capital paid into a bank in Antigua An offshore bank may engage in any or major international bank prior to the generally acceptable banking activities issuing of an international banking license. from within Antigua and Barbuda and elsewhere but it shall not knowingly An offshore bank is not subject to any accept deposits in the legal tender of a reserve requirements as specified under the Banking Act which regulates the country of the Caricom region. operation of local banks. The applicability Offshore banking is the business of of Antigua & Barbuda as an offshore receiving foreign funds through destination for an individual’s banking, acceptance of foreign money deposits trust, company or general offshore needs payable upon demand or after a fixed should be determined with the period or after notice, sale or placement assistance of an independent financial of foreign bonds, certificates, notes or specialist suitably qualified and other debt obligation or other foreign recognised by a professional association.
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A
Medical & Emergency
ntigua is a small Caribbean island with a population of less than 100,000. Many towns in the U.K. and U.S with populations of this size do not have the health care facilities available in Antigua, both public and private. There is a medical benefits system in pace for citizens and residents and, with conditions, medical treatment is free to those who qualify.
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t is to be hoped that medical treatment is not required during your visit, however, if it is, all the modern facilities are available together with well stocked chemists (pharmacies) which have all the well known over the counter medicines and most of the prescription medicines found elsewhere. There is a large modern hospital in St. John’s with the latest medical equipment and a medical staff of over two hundred trained personnel plus five hundred an-
cillary staff. Mount St. John’s Medical Centre is a 185 bed hospital offering a full range of services, from primary care to advanced critical care.
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he Mount St. John’s Medical Centre, Emergency Department is designed to function as a fully equipped tertiary centre care for serious traumas and serve as a regional resource. It has a bed capacity of 20. Charges for treatment at the hospital are published on the Government’s website and, compared with U.S. or European costs, are modest.
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n addition to the main hospital there numerous private medical clinics, doctors’ practices and dental surgeries where international standards of treatment is available. There are also several private hospitals where specialised treatment is available, probably the leading one being Medical Surgical Associates.
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ith two medical universities on the island there is a wealth of medical experience in Antigua with the University of Health Sciences setting up a free medical centre in Falmouth and, soon to be opened at Cobbs Cross, Falmouth will be a Government medical clinic
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eing a small country, it is necessary for certain specialised or rare conditions to be treated in larger population centres sometimes as far away as the U.S. or the U.K.. It is advisable to have medical insurance for both treatment in Antigua and for emergency evacuation. If travelling without medical insurance be sure to check the price of your treatment as this
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Medical & Emergency
can vary from doctor to doctor although, as with anything, you generally pay for the service you get. Also, make sure your credit card is acceptable when you make your appointment. You will also be expected to pay a deposit if you require treatment at the main hospital in St. John’s. There is a national ambulance service based in St. John’s as well as privately run ambulances and the ABSAR ambulance in English Harbour
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ith two medical universities on the island there is a wealth of medical experience in Antigua with the University of Health Sciences setting up a free medical centre in Falmouth and, soon to be opened at Cobbs Cross, Falmouth will be a Government medical clinic
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mergency and routine dentistry is available from a number of practices on the island, all of them in the St. John’s area. Although Antigua’s dentists are trained to international standards, like anywhere in the world, quality does vary a little from practice to
practice and, for the visitor, if treatment is required, it is best to attend one of the better known clinics which will deal with emergencies at short notice. Usually, emergency treatment will be covered by travel insurance although most treatments will probably be below many insurance policy excess limits. Probably not required by visitors but most good clinics will also offer cosmetic dentistry.
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ocated in the centre of all the yachting activity is an emergency medical centre for the treatment of minor injuries and ailments. The Medic Station is housed in Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort and run by ABSAR (Antigua Barbuda Search & Rescue) which has two Land Rover ambulances for use in the event of a more major emergency requiring hospitalisation in St John’s or for airlift evacuation. Fully trained volunteer paramedics are based in the Medical Station or are on call 24 hours a day also operate a high speed rescue craft and fire fighting equipment and are available on +1 268 562 1234 or VHF Channel 6.
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ROAD TRANSPORT
WE DRIVE ON THE LEFT Contrary to what many people believe, especially Americans, the whole world used to drive on the left, the theory being that when horsemen passed each other they preferred to pass sword arm (their right) to sword arm. The French were the first to switch in the 18th Century. In pre-revolutionary times, the peasants were forced to move over to the right whenever nobility passed along the road. After the revolution, in order to keep their heads, quite literally, the nobility joined the peasants on the right. The US followed spasmodically, starting with the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1811 when it was decreed that all vehicles should drive on the right. It is generally thought that this was an anti-British gesture but, whatever the feeling towards the British, they had nothing to do with the decision.
Ox wagons were the main form of transport before the railways and an ox wagon may have been pulled by as many as a dozen oxen. The driver of the ox wagon used to sit on the rearmost, left oxen so that his whip, in his right hand, could range down the length of the ox train. Unfortunately, the drivers, when approaching an oncoming ox wagon, were in the worst position to judge the passing distance between the two wagons and a large number of accidents ensued. As a result, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission decreed that all vehicles must drive on the right and, over a number of years, other states followed suit.
Interestingly, Ford did not build their first left hand drive car until 1908, and Cadlilac was even later, their first left hand drive car being built in 1916.
Driving Laws - Similar driving laws apply in Antigua & Barbuda as to much of the rest of the world. However, as with many things in these holiday islands, there is a more relaxed attitude to enforcement unless you do something really stupid or dangerous. Things may change a little as there is a proposal to introduce drink/driving laws similar to those in the U.K. which could have an impact on how entertain yourself whilst in Antigua. If you have a hire car and are eating or drinking away from your hotel or villa, visiting one of the many bars or restaurants scattered around the island, especially during events such as Sailing Week, you may want to consider nominating a designated driver who remains sober.
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Transport, Communications & Weather
Car Sales Antigua - Main dealers for Japanese and Korean brands such as Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota, Honda, Kia and Mitsubishi plus Chevrolet built in Korea, have been established for many years but European names have found a niche market. A lot of nearly new Japanese cars are also imported as Japan, like Antigua, drives on the left. Left hand drive cars are sometimes imported from the U.S but not recommended. At the top end of the market there is still a demand for high specification off-roaders and some inclination for the less capable but more flashy American models but the most popular up-market 4 x 4’s are Range Rovers in their various guises. Import duties and other taxes on vehicles does make vehicle purchase prices rather on the high side, about equivalent to the U.K. but double that of the US.
Car Hire Antigua - Cars and four wheel drive SUVs of varying size are available and a few rental companies have larger seating capacity vehicles. A convertible jeep may seem like fun but consider a closed in vehicle with air conditioning. Hire a vehicle with decent ground clearance if you are planning to visit parts of the island where the roads can be a bit rough. Rates are from about US$45 per day with a US$10 per day optional insurance. A temporary driving license is required, available from any Police Station at a cost of US$20 and is valid for 90 days. Some rental companies will supply you with your temporary licence. The English traffic system is in force so remember to drive on the left at all times. Most of the island has a 40 mph (64 kph) speed limit with a 20 mph (32 kph) limit in all
villages and built-up areas. Many of the vehicles are Japanese imports and have speedometers calibrated in kilometres, roughly halve it to convert to MPH and you won’t be over the limit. Always make sure you have a spare tyre and jack in the vehicle before you set out. The wearing of seat belts is mandatory and you can be fined if caught not wearing one. Several hire companies also have ATVs and scooters but you have to be over 21 to hire one.
Petrol Antigua - (gas to Americans) and diesel are relatively cheap, just above average US prices but about half U.K. prices. Low sulphur diesel is now available but only from the main West Indies Oil station north of St. John’s although it is being extended to other parts of the island.
Taxis Antigua - All taxi cabs are privately owned and standard rates apply throughout the island. Be sure to ask the price and make sure you know if you have been quoted in US$ or EC$. If your trip is to some remote place or you need a pickup late at night take the driver’s mobile number. The majority of taxis in the English Harbour area wait in the Dockyard next to the Admirals Inn and a few park at the Yacht Club Marina. A trip from the Dockyard to the Airport is US$26 (up to 4 passengers), US$20 to St. John’s.
Buses Antigua - There is no scheduled system on Antigua just numerous privately owned buses, many are the 12 seater mini bus type with some larger 28 seaters. Buses are easily identified by their licence plate. There are some designated stops but you can flag a bus down almost anywhere.
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To go to town from English Harbour the buses stop outside the entrance to the Dockyard and outside the petrol station in Falmouth. The cost to town is EC$3.50. Buses operate between about 6:30 am until nightfall with a much reduced service in the evening as well as on Sundays and holidays. Sometimes, in the evening, a bus will terminate its journey a few miles north of English Harbour. Ask before you get in. To travel to the north of the island you walk from the Market Place station to the East Bus Station. The driver will give you directions. If you wish to take a bus to Jolly Harbour, you have to go into St. John’s and change.
WEATHER - The recent high power hurricanes are rare with only 1 or 2 per cent chance of one hitting a Carribean island and, over the past 25 years or so
the methods and accuracy of reporting weather have dramatically changed and, as a result, bad weather is not necessarily the threat it once was. Today almost every yacht has satellite communications with the latest forecasts and predictions which enable not only route planning but also assist in a decision whether or not to stay in a port or area during a predicted weather pattern. Check out several sites to get a balanced view of what might happen over the forthcoming days especially if planning an extended voyage. The original VHF English Harbour Radio has been supeceded by a music station but the local and Leeward Islands Marine forecast can still be heard on VHF Channel 06, Monday to Friday (occasionally weekends) at 09:00 followed notices of interest to sailors and other useful information.
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Transport, Communications & Weather
COMMUNICATIONS - Almost all bars and cafés now have free Wi-Fi although there are a few internet cafes for those who do not have portable computers or internet enabled ‘phones. The marinas and some bars have secure networks which will require a pass code. If you are not moored in a marina, on-line access is available from a variety sources including ACT. Digicel also offers 4G LTE wireless broadband throughout the island. Certain local services are also available such as that provided by Hot Hot Hot Spot in Nelson’s Dockyard. The internet can be accessed through the mobile ‘phone network. Mobile ‘phones and local SIM cards are readily available from several sources as is international roaming but that can be costly. A new internet product, TripService.me is available island wide. Check www.tripservice.me
Marine VHF has almost ceased to exist except for broadcasting. If you are using the VHF, Ch 68 is the hailing and emergency channel although, close to shore, a mobile ‘phone is probably more useful as Ch 68 is not extensively monitored. VHF Distress Channel 16 is monitored by ABSAR, the Antigua Barbuda Search and Rescue, a volunteer service which operates in the coastal waters within VHF range. A list of emergency numbers can be found on Page 63 of this magazine.
yachting market particularly for charter yachts where time in port is lost revenue. Many of the yacht agents act for one or more of these courier services.
Most visitors to Antigua arrive by air and a variety of airlines fly from the U.K. and U.S.. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways fly from the U.K., departing from London Gatwick. Caribbean Airlines fly from London Heathrow. Flights are also available from Manchester but are often not direct. The main airline serving the U.S. from Antigua is American Airlines which operates out of Miami from where many other U.S. destinations can be accessed. Delta has direct flights to and from Atlanta and Continental fly from Newark. Air Canada serves Antigua from Toronto and Montreal. In season, there are direct flights from Italy.
Several airlines depart from Antigua to serve other Caribbean islands. LIAT, the largest carrier serves most islands with very regular scheduled daily flights. Barbuda and Montserrat are accessed by SGV Airlines with both a passenger and cargo service.
A new passenger terminal opened at Antigua’s international airport in July 2015 and has all the facilities expected of a modern airport including a VIP lounge which is available to First and Business Class passengers but other passengers have the opportunity to AIR TRANSPORT - These days small purchase daily tickets. cargo is as important to yachts as are air passenger services. With the There is an FBO at the airport for increase in ‘plug & play’ electronics and arriving and departing private aircraft other replace rather than repair with access direct to yachts from the components, the need for the swift nearby Shell Beach Marina together delivery of parts is paramount in the with servicing and catering for the aircraft.
Map of St. John’s
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Antigua Map
Barbuda
Once claimed to be the seventh least known holiday destination in the world despite being a favourite of Princess Diana, Barbuda was well and truely put on the map in 2017 for all the wrong reasons - Hurricane Irma. In fact, Barbuda was almost wiped off the map with 95% of all property damaged or destroyed by the Category 5 hurricane. The subsequent Hurricane Jose, which looked as though it would also pass over Barbuda, caused a complete evacuation of the island with the entire population of 1,638 people being moved to temporary accommodation on Antigua. To date, much of the population has not yet moved back.
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previous one with the Europeans being the last settlers and they brought with them the final inhabitants, black slaves from Africa.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Barbuda was the primary source of agricultural products for the sugar cane farms of Antigua but, once sugar cane production ceased, most of Barbuda’s population became subsitence farmers and fishermen.
More recently, tourism played a small part in the economy which was growing in a controlled fashion but which was planned to expand substantially. Hurricane Irma put all such plans on hold and destroyed what little tourism infrastructure which had existed including breaching the lagoon and damaging many of This was the first time the island was Barbuda’s beautiful pink beaches. completely empty of human habitation for many centuries, the first settlements Promises of substantial intenational aid believed to have been around the failed to materialise in the amounts middle of the first century. pledged leaving the Government of Antigua & Barbuda to pick up a large A variety of names exist for the early proportion of the bill. settlers of the Caribbean chain of islands and a collective term seems to One bright spark has been the return of be Amerindians but, as they had no the frigate birds with their famous red form of writing it is not known what they breasts, a favourite with tourists and, called themselves. Divided into three with the island having been approved in groups, Siboney, Arawack (sometimes January for tourism visits, contact Barbuda called Taino) and Carib, it would appear Express below for one of their tours and that each fresh migration drove out the help the economy of the island recover.
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Island Activities
Tourism is the mainstay of Antigua’s economy and each year there are new things to do for the more adventurous tourist. Whilst many will wish to just lie on a beach or beside a pool sipping cocktails and soaking up the sun, many others like to be more active.
Just a few of the activities available are deep sea fishing, diving on coral reefs, swimming with manta rays, eco tours, round the island boat trips, yacht racing in Falmouth Harbour as well as the zip lining through the rain forest. You can even take a helicopter trip around Montserrat’s smoking volcano.
The standard two week holiday is nowhere near long enough to see everything Antigua has to offer or take part in every activity. How many tourists come across the Donkey Sanctury or find the idylic picnic spot of Wallinga Dam let alone find all 365 beaches? A quick look on the internet will reveal a multitude of sights and activities. Take a little time to review what’s there and choose what suits you best then come back next year to try something different.
Antigua’s National Park, in particular, Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, now with World heritage status, is Antigua’s main tourist attraction well known to most yachting visitors. Around the National Park there are plentiful signs of the occupation by British soldiers in the 18th & 19th Centuries including a variety of buildings in differing states of repair, ancient graveyards, water gathering systems, etc., many of which are accessible by road but some only by the walking trails
which are maintained by the Royal Naval Tot Club of Antigua & Barbuda. These trails are well used by tourists and local inhabitants of Antigua including school children researching nature projects and marking different species of plant life which grow on the island. A map of the trails is available from the museum in Nelson’s Dockyard. Anyone interested in flora and fauna will find there is much to see on the trails. Also cleared by the Royal Naval Tot Club were the surrounds to Clarence House exposing it to Nelson’s Dockyard and causing its importance to be recognised. Clarence House has now been restored following the donation of funding by one of Antigua’s regular yachting visitors.
If you like to catch your dinner big game fishing is popular and there are several charter fishing companies on the island and big fish can be caught if you are guided by an expert. Based in Nelson’s Dockyard, probably the best known deep sea fishing vessel is Overdraft with her skipper, Frank Hart, who is a many times winner of Caribbean deep sea fishing competitions.
If you like to feed the marine life rather than feed on it, we cannot emphasise enough how good the visit is to Stingray City where you can swim with these surprisingly gentle and friendly sea creatures and observe other marine wildlife. The pictures don’t lie, you can stroke and feed the stingrays and, almost as enjoyable, watch the reactions of others as the stingrays swim between your legs but be careful not to tread on them. Stingray City makes several trips a day out to the feeding grounds and it is wise to book in advance.
Island Activities
Want to try interacting with the marine life on your own? A swim off many of the beaches and especially around the reefs with just a mask will reveal quite a lot of the underwater life. Occasionally, a turtle may even pop up alongside you. A number of reefs exist quite close to the shore and can be reached by dinghy or a short swim. There are a number of companies which will take you snorkelling or scuba diving and show the best places to study the marine life.
Above the water there are all kinds of different ways to get around from kayak eco tours to high speed RIBs and 70 foot catamarans. There are a number of boat charter companies and it is possible to charter your own yacht or motor boat by the day, some skippered, but others you can drive or sail yourself. Windsurfing and kitesurfing can be found at several spots around the island. In
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restricted areas, jet skis can be hired but, like their land equivalent, must be treated with respect together with consideration for other users of the water
On dry land a trip along Fig Tree Drive, Antigua’s rain forest, will give a very different perspective to the island with its large variety of well established trees and smaller plants. One way of seeing the rainforest is from a tree top tour through the forest canopy on zip lines. The forest can be viewed from a completely different perspective whilst enjoying an exciting high level ride. For the more fit there is the assault course and, afterwards, you can relax in the bar, buy a souvenir T-shirt and photos of your ride through the tree tops. Whilst in the rain forest take a moment to stop at one of the roadside stalls not only for a refreshing drink but also to buy loaclly grown fresh fruit.
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Island Activities
To those wishing to try a little ‘trail blazing’ but find the thought of climbing hills on two legs a bit daunting, an ATV or 4 x 4 will get you to most places. Take a map but don’t rely on it as none of them is too accurate but GPS, including on mobile ‘phones, is becoming more user friendly so there is no need to get lost but if you do just follow the sun and, on a small island like Antigua, you will soon reach a main road. Antigua is not without its sports facilities. There are two golf courses open to visitors. Cedar Valley is located in the centre of the island and the other course is in Jolly Harbour. Many of the resorts have tennis courts and pools. Jolly Harbour has a pool open to the public. Temo Sports in Falmouth has squash and tennis courts. Most of these courses, courts and pools are available to visitors for a small fee.
The Caribbean airline, LIAT provides a regular air service between islands and day trips to nearby islands are perfectly feasible. Travel agents on the island can sort flights at short notice. Small, airlines now serve Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda together with a fast ferry although it will probably be some time before Barbuda is regenerated as a tourist destination.
Shopping is always a major activity on a romantic island such as Antigua duty free jewellery abounds. As the saying goes, ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ and diamonds, together with many other precious stones are for sale, duty free, in the shops around Heritage and Redcliffe Quays. Antigua has its own special fashion and if you forgot that little cocktail dress then do not despair, you are bound to find something in Redcliffe Quay and, when you get home, you can guarantee that you will never meet the same dress at a party.
The historic district of Redcliffe Quay on the edge of St. John’s harbour was once the slave-trading area for the town. Along the peaceful quayside are the original Georgian buildings interspersed by small courtyards and now restored, renovated and painted in a large variety of dazzling colours. There are around 30 shops selling gifts, pottery, paintings and other locally made gifts, as well as clothes, shoes and accessories. Most goods are priced in U.S dollars, are duty free and aimed squarely at tourists, particularly those from the cruise ships which dock nearby. Always ask if the price is U.S dollars or E.C. dollars as U.S dollars are about three times more.
Island Activities
Don’t see the design of T-shirt you want? Just ask and one can be printed up while you wait and you could end up with a totally unique memento of your visit to Antigua, . If you see a local gem on a stall you would like to buy, a polite greeting and a smile could do wonders to the final price. If you feel an item is a little more than you wish to pay, don’t be afraid to ask for ‘the best price’ and don’t be afraid to walk away if the price is not to your liking. If you don’t see what you want, just ask. Many items are hidden away in store rooms with only a fraction on display. If you would like a particular design or wording on again just ask. Redcliffe Quay is a great photo opportunity. What is now a dock for visiting yachts was the main quay for trading slaves, rum, sugar and coffee between Antigua, Europe and Africa.
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To purchase duty free goods in either Redcliffe Quay or the adjacent Heritage Quay, take your passport and your ticket showing the date you are leaving the island, shops are quite strict on only selling duty free goods to tourists. Within the courtyards, shaded by awnings and palm trees are several cafés and restaurants. If you see the superstructure and funnels of one or more cruise ships as you approach downtown St. John’s you know it will be busy and you may wish to explore the two quays on another day.
St. John’s is small enought to walk around in less than a day. At the top of the town is the cathedral, erected between 1845 and 1848 following the destruction of the two previous churches in earthquakes and is described as ‘the most imposing of all the Cathedrals of the West Indies.’
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List of Advertisers
A & A Rigging A & F Sails ABSAR Admiral's Inn Alexis Andrews Anchor Concierge Anjo Insurance Antigua Rigging Antigua Yachting Insider Antigua Slipway Antigua Yacht Club Marina
13 19 50 32 60 21 21 20 30 9 5
Marine Power Services Inside Back Cover Marionics 23 Medical Surgical Associates 49 Mofab 24
National Parks Inside Front Cover Nautical Management & Trust 22 Nelsons Dockyard Marina 4 North Sound Marina 6
Overdraft Fishing Charters
56 Premier Motors 22 43 Richard Watson Estate Agents 16 Seagull Inflatables Caribbean Alliance Insurance 40 Shirley Heights Lookout Caribbean Rigging 20 Signal Locker Caribbean Yacht Brokerage 14 Stingray City Catamaran Hotel 38 Catamaran Marina 3 Techniques Columbian Emeralds Outside Back Cover Titi Rent-a-Car Copper & Lumber 35 Trip Service.me Barbuda Express Battery Engineering Brysons Shipping & Insurance Budget Marine
Crab Hole Liquors
27
Epicurean
West Indies Oil 25 Woods Pharmacy Woodstock 20
Department of Marine Services FKG Carribean Rigging
Global Bank of Commerce Horizons Ltd
Janes Yacht Services Jolly Harbour Marina
18
Ultra Yacht Refit
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53
39
24 36 12 59
17 51 33
15
17 55 16
To advertise in the Marine Guide call +1 268 562 6611 or +1 268 736 6611 e-mail marine-guide@lightwave.ag 29 Media Information and the Rate Card 20 plus other details available at http://marineguideinfo.yolasite.com 13 Website - antiguamarineguide.com 47
Trades & Services Directory
EMERGENCY & USEFUL NUMBERS EMERGENCIES Tel 999 or 911 ABSAR (medical & rescue at sea) 562 1234 CH16 COAST GUARD Tel 462 0671 CH16 PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE Tel 462 0251 FIRE STATIONS St. John’s Tel 462 0044 All Saints Tel 462 5988 MEDICAL FACILITIES MOUNT. ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL Tel 484 2700 MEDICAL SURGICAL ASSO. Tel 481 5200 POLICE STATIONS HQ St. John’s Tel 462 0125 ENGLISH HARBOUR Tel 460 1002 BOLANS (Jolly Harbour) Tel 462 1080 Customs & Immigration COMPTROLLER OF CUSTOMS St. John’s Tel 462 2401 ENGLISH HARBOUR Tel 460 1397 JOLLY HARBOUR Tel 462 7929 HERITAGE QUAY Tel 462 6656 HEAD of IMMIGRATION St. John’s Tel 562 1387 ENGLISH HARBOUR Tel 462 7932 JOLLY HARBOUR Tel 462 7932 HERITAGE QUAY Tel 462 0627 CONSULATES & EMBASSIES BRITISH CONSULATE INFORMATION Tel 462 0008 CONSULATE of DENMARK St. John's Tel 462 0183 CONSULATE REPUBLIC of GERMANY St. John's Tel 462 3174 FRENCH CONSULATE St John's Tel 460 6428 CONSULATE of the NETHERLANDS St. John's Tel 462 0308 CONSULATE of NORWAY St. John's Tel 462 0858 EMBASSY of the PEOPLE’S REP. OF CHINA St. John's Tel 462 1125 ITALIAN CONSULAR English Harbour Tel 460 1543 SWISS CONSUL St. John's Tel 462 6701 UNITED STATES CONSULAR AGENT English Harbour Tel 463 6531 VENEZUELAN EMBASSY St. John's Tel 462 1574
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Accommodation ADMIRAL'S INN English Harbour Tel 460 1027 ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB MARINA RESORT English Harbour Tel 562 3030 CATAMARAN HOTEL Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1036 COUNTRY INN COTTAGES Falmouth Tel 460 1469 COPPER & LUMBER STORE HOTEL Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1058 CURTAIN BLUFF HOTEL Morris Bay Tel 462 8400 HARBOUR VIEW APARTMENTS Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1762 OCEAN INN English Harbour Tel 463 7950 ST. JAMES'S CLUB Jolly Harbour 562 7700 THE INN AT ENGLISH HARBOUR English Harbour Tel 460 1014 THE WATERFRONT Falmouth Tel 460 6575 Aircraft Charter ABM-SVG (Montserrat & Barbuda airline) International Airport Tel 562 7183 CARIBBEAN HELICOPTERS International Airport Tel 460 5900 Airline Companies AIR CANADA International Airport Tel 462 1147 AMERICAN AIRLINES International Airport Tel 462 0952 BRITISH AIRWAYS International Airport Tel 1800-AIRWAYS CARIBBEAN AIRLINES International Airport Tel 462 3102 CONTINENTAL AIRLINES International Airport Tel 462 5355 DELTA AIRLINES International Airport Tel 562 5951 LIAT (1974) LTD International Airport Tel 462 0700 VIRGIN ATLANTIC International Airport Tel 560 2079 Antigua Activities ADVENTURE ANTIGUA Tel 727 3261 ANTIGUA RAINFOREST CANOPY TOUR Wallings Tel 562 6363 (Ziplines) ANTIGUA SEAFARIS Tel 464 3571 ISLAND SAFARIS Tel 480 1225
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Trades & Services Directory
STINGRAY CITY Seaton's Tel 562 7297 TROPICAL ADVENTURES Tel 480 1225 WADADLI CATS Tel 562 2792 Antigua Information ANTIGUA NICE Falmouth Tel 561 0405 Bakeries DOCKYARD BAKERY Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1474 EPICUREAN St. John’s 484 5400 FAMOUS MAURO Cobbs Cross Tel 460 1318 VJs Bakery Liberta Tel 460 3465 Banking Services ECAB Nelson's Dockyard Tel 480 5300 FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK St John's Tel 480 5114 GLOBAL BANK OF COMMERCE St. John's Tel 480 2207 ROYAL BANK OF CANADA St. John’s 480 1150 SCOTIA BANK St John's Tel 480 1500 Battery Supplies BATTERY ENGINEERING St. John's Tel 461 1629 OUTDOOR WORLD - YAMAHA St. John’s 460 7211 Bike Rental BIKE PLUS St. John’s Tel 462 2453 Boat Sales LEEWARD ISLAND BOAT SALES Shell Beach Tel 562 5526 PARADISE BOAT SALES Jolly Harbour Tel 460 7125 Boat Yards & Storage ANTIGUA SLIPWAY English Harbour Tel 460 1056 BAILEY'S BOATYARD Falmouth Tel 460 1036 JOLLY HARBOUR MARINA Jolly Harbour Tel 462 6042 NORTH SOUND MARINA Parham Tel 764 2599 SAMMY’S BOATYARD Falmouth Tel 464 9494
Books & Charts BUDGET MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8753 English Harbour 562 8443 North Sound Marina Tel 562 8753 THE MAP SHOP St. John's Tel 462 3993 Boutiques & Gift Shops DOCKYARD MUSEUM GIFT SHOP Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1379 GALLEY BOUTIQUE Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1525 JACARANDA St. John’s Tel 462 1888 NATIVE SPIRIT Nelson's Dockyard Tel 463 0925 NATURE’S EYES St. John’s Tel 723 0956 NEWGATES St John's Tel 562 1626 NOREEN PHILLIPS COUTURIERE St. John’s Tel 462 3127 PORTOBELLO AYC Marina Tel 460 5851 SHIRLEY HEIGHTS GIFT SHOP English Harbour Tel 460 1785 SPIRIT OF NATURE St. John's Tel 562 4628 THE SOURCE St. John's Tel 562 1212 TROPIC WEAR St John's Tel 462 6251 ZEITGEIST St. John’s Tel 562 2265 Carpet Cleaners CARPET CARE ANTIGUA Falmouth Tel 464 1702 Car Rentals BIGS CAR RENTAL & TAXI English Harbour Tel 727 1732 BUDGET RENT-A-CAR St. John's Tel 462 3009 D’s CAR RENTAL Falmouth Tel 725 2526 DOLLAR St. John’s Tel 462 0362 HERTZ Jolly Harbour Tel 481 4456 LION CAR RENTAL English Harbour Tel 460 1400
Trades & Services Directory
TITI RENT-A-CAR English Harbour Tel 460 1452 Car Sales ANTIGUA MOTORS St. John's Tel 462 3234 HADEED MOTORS St John's Tel 481 2500 HARNEY MOTORS St. John’s 462 1062 PREMIER MOTORS ANTIGUA Falmouth Tel 770 5472 Casinos KINGS CASINO St. John's Tel 462 1727 Cellular Services A.P.U.A./P.C.S. St. John's Tel 727 2782 DIGICEL St. John’s Tel 480 2050 LIME St. John's Tel 480 2600 TRIPSEVICE.ME St. John’s Tel 562 5092 Chandleries ANTIGUA SLiPWAY English Harbour Tel 460 1056 AYC Marina Tel 460 9821 BUDGET MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8753 English Harbour 562 8443 North Sound Marina Tel 562 8753 CATAMARAN MARINA Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1503 OUTDOOR WORLD - YAMAHA St. John’s 460 7211 Chemists (Pharmacies) BELMONT CLINIC Bendals Tel 562 1343 SYSCO PHARMACY Jolly Harbour Tel 462 5917 WOODS PHARMACY Woods Centre Tel 462 9287 Coffee Shops & Roasters BACCHUS WINE BAR & COFFEE SHOP St. John’s Tel 562 8739 CARIB BEAN COFFEE COMPANY Falmouth Tel 462 5282 HOT HOT HOT SPOT COFFEE SHOP Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1246
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SEABREEZE CAFE AYC Marina Tel 562 3739 SKULLDUGGERY AYC Marina Tel 463 0625 Computers & Repairs ACT St. John's Tel 480 5210 ISLAND COMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRONICS English Harbour Tel 562 5797 Concierge Services ANCHOR CONCIERGE & SUPERYACHT SERVICES Falmouth Tel 734 1865/726 0035 BWA YACHTING English Harbour Tel 720 7357 CARIBBEAN CONCIERGE SERVICES English Harbour Tel 726 2271 CONNECT English Harbour Tel 562 5822 FBO 2000 VC Bird Int'l Airport Tel 462 2522 Courier Services DHL St. John's Tel 462 2034 FEDEX St. John's Tel 462 4854 LIAT QUICKPAK St. John's Tel 480 5851 PARCEL PLUS St. John's Tel 462 4854 UPS St. John's Tel 480 5851 Crew Clothing TECH TEX Piccadilly Tel 770 4935 Crew Placement ANTIGUA YACHT SERVICES English Harbour Tel 460 1122 JANE'S YACHT SERVICES English Harbour Tel 460 2711 Customs Brokers DOCKSIDE BROKERAGE Falmouth Tel 463 7536 OUTFITTERS BROKERAGE & SALES Falmouth Tel 460 1966 Dentists DENTAL CARE CLINIC Tel 462 2525 DR EVAN-WONG Tel 462 3050 FAMILY DENTISTRY Tel 462 0058 DR SVETLANA GHANEM Tel 562 5393 DR SENGUPTA Tel 462 9312
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Trades & Services Directory
Dive Centres & Supplies AQUASPORTS St. John's Tel 462 5620 DIVE CARIB Falmouth Tel 562 8060 DOCKYARD DIVERS English Harbour Tel 460 1178 JOLLY DIVE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8305 Diesel Engine Service A1 MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7755 ANTIGUA SLiPWAY English Harbour Tel 460 1056 MARINE POWER SERVICES Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1850 Doctors BELMONT CLINIC Bendals Tel 562 1343 DR N FULLER St. John’s Tel 462 0931 MEDICAL SURGICAL ASSO. St. John’s Tel 481 5200 Electronic Equipment & Repairs CARIBBEAN CURRENT Piccadilly Tel 460 7670 MARIONICS Falmouth Tel 460 1780 STARTEK MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 729 7827 THE SIGNAL LOCKER English Harbour Tel 460 1528 Embroidery TECH TEX Piccadilly Tel 770 4935 Estate Sales & Rental Agencies BLUE PALM ESTATE AGENTS English Harbour Tel 734 5303 JOLLY HARBOUR REALTY Jolly Harbour Tel 764 5918 PARADISE PROPERTY CONNECTION English Harbour Tel 561 1563 REMAX ANTIGUA Jolly Harbour Tel 462 1873 RICHARD WATSON & Co English Harbour Tel 788 4433 STANLEY ESTATE AGENTS English Harbour 562 7599
Fabrication Steel & Aluminium A1 MARINE SERVICES Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7755 ANTIGUA BOATS & CARPENTRY Cobbs Cross Tel 720 2032/783 7630 ANTIGUA SLiPWAY English Harbour Tel 460 1056 H & W WELDING SERVICES Falmouth Tel 562 2134 ISLAND MACHINE SHOP St. John’s Tel 771 1699 MARINE POWER SERVICES Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1850 MOFAB Falmouth Harbour Tel 764 9353 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS English Harbour Tel 463 6359 Ferries & Island Connections ABM-SVG (Montserrat & Barbuda air line) International Airport Tel 562 7183 BARBUDA EXPRESS St. John’s Tel 560 7989 / 764-2689 CARIBBEAN HELICOPTERS International Airport Tel 460 5900 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Coolidge Tel 460 5900 Fibreglass & Gelcoat Repairs ANTIGUA BOATS & CARPENTRY Cobbs Cross Tel 720 2032/783 7630 ANTIGUA SLIPWAY English Harbour Tel 460 1056 EXCLUSIVE FINE FINISH (yacht painter) English Harbour Tel 782 6036 PRECISION YACHT PAINTING English Harbour Tel 728 7835/561 5815 TECHNIQUES (yacht painter) Falmouth Tel 724 2592 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS English Harbour Tel 463 6359 Film & video production ALEXIS ANDREWS Indian Creek Tel 460 1175 JASON PICKERING English Harbour Tel 770 1143 RODDY GRIMES-GRAEME Crosbies Tel 725-7873
Trades & Services Directory
Fishing Supplies & Charters AQUASPORTS Jolly Harbour Tel 480 3095 St. John's Tel 462 5620 CATAMARAN MARINA Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1530 CHOKE ON A BONE Falmouth Tel 464 1995 OBSESSION Falmouth Tel 462 3174 OUTRIGGERS SPORTS Jolly Harbour Tel 774 8396 OVERDRAFT Nelson's Dockyard Tel 464 6169 Florists ANNETTE'S ORCHIDS St John's Tel 461 9496 BAILEY'S FLOWERS Falmouth Tel 460 2200 FLOREXOTICA English Harbour Tel 764 6404 LILY'S FLOWERS Falmouth Tel 784 9592 Fuel & Water RUBIS WEST INDIES LIMITED St. John’s Tel 481 2781 WEST INDIES OIL COMPANY St. John’s Tel 462 0140 For water see Marinas below Furniture, White Goods & Electrical Equipment TOWNHOUSE MEGASTORE St. John’s Tel 481 3200 Generators, Sales & Service A1 MARINE SERVICES Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7755 FITZROY REWINDING St. John's Tel 461 1615 MARINE POWER SERVICES Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1850 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 Golf Courses CEDAR VALLEY St. John’s Tel 462 5635 JOLLY HARBOUR Jolly Harbour Tel 480 6950 Hair & Beauty Shops AKPARO Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 5705 Helicopter & Aircraft Hire CARIBBEAN HELICOPTERS International Airport Tel 460 5900
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Hotels ADMIRAL'S INN English Harbour Tel 460 1027 CATAMARAN HOTEL Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1036 COPPER & LUMBER STORE HOTEL Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1058 CURTAIN BLUFF HOTEL Morris Bay Tel 462 8400 OCEAN INN English Harbour Tel 463 7950 ST. JAMES'S CLUB Mamora Bay Tel 460 5000 THE INN AT ENGLISH HARBOUR English Harbour Tel 460 1014 Hull Scrubbing MAURICE UNDERWATER SERVICES Falmouth Tel 721 6827/721 6851/773 7242 Inflatables & Liferafts BUDGET MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8753 English Harbour Tel 562 8443 North Sound Marina Tel 562 8753 OUTDOOR WORLD - YAMAHA St. John’s 460 7211 SEAGULL INFLATABLES Falmouth Tel 460 1020 Internet Café & Wi-Fi Services ACT (Antigua Computer Techno;ogy) St. John’s Tel. 726 0000 Digicel St. John’s Tel 480 2050 HOT HOT HOT SPOT Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1246 JANE'S YACHT SERVICES English Harbour Tel 460 2711 SKULLDUGGERY AYC Marina Tel 463 0625 Insurance ABI FINANCIAL St. John's Tel 480 2825 ANJO INSURANCES English Harbour Branch Tel 480 3093 BRYSONS SHIPPING & INSURANCE English Harbour Branch Tel 480 1270 CARIBBEAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE English Harbour Branch Tel 484 2900 IT Services ISLAND COMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRONICS English Harbour Tel 562 5797
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Trades & Services Directory
Jewellers ABBOTTS JEWELLERY St. John's Tel 462 3107 COLUMBIAN EMERALDS St. John's Tel 462 3462 DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL St. John's Tel 481 1880 SCRIMSHAW STUDIO Falmouth Tel 562 2230 THE GOLDSMITTY St. John's Tel 462 4601 TIMELESS TREASURES St John's Tel 462-5588
Laundries
BURTON'S LAUNDROMAT Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7595 SAM & DAVE LAUNDRY English Harbour Tel 460 1266
Liquors, Beer & Wine
ANTIGUA DISTILLERY LTD. St. John's Tel 480 3200 BACCHUS DIVINE WINES St. John’s 562 8739 BAILEY'S SUPERMARKET Falmouth Tel 460 1142 BEST CELLARS WINES St. John's Tel 480 5180 CRAB HOLE LIQUORS Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1212 DOCKSIDE LIQUORS AYC Marina Tel 463 9000 EPICUREAN Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7705 KENNEDYS St. John’s Tel 481-1312 QUIN FARARA'S LIQUOR STORE St. John's Tel 462 1737
Marinas
ANTIGUA SLiPWAY English Harbour Tel 460 1056 ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB MARINA Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1544 CATAMARAN MARINA Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1503 FALMOUTH HARBOUR MARINA Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 6054 JOLLY HARBOUR MARINA Jolly Harbour Tel 462 6042 NELSON'S DOCKYARD MARINA English Harbour Tel 460 7976
NONSUCH BAY MARINA PROJECT Nonsuch Bay Tel 562 8000 NORTH SOUND MARINA Parham 764 2599 SHELL BEACH MARINA Shell Beach Tel 562 0185 Marine Engineering A1 MARINE SERVICES Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7755 ANTIGUA MARINE SERVICES Shell Beach Tel 562 3499 MARINE POWER SERVICES Falmouth Tel 460 1850 MOFAB Falmouth Harbour Tel 764 9353 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS English Harbour Tel 463 6359 Marine Equipment & Supplies ANTIGUA SLIPWAY English Harbour Tel 460 1056 BUDGET MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8753 English harbour Tel 562 8443 North Sound Marina Tel 562 8753 CATAMARAN MARINA Falmouth 460 1503 THE SIGNAL LOCKER English Harbour Tel 460 1528 Marine Surveyors DUTCHMAN MARINE Falmouth Tel 773 2957 NAUTICAL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LTD St. John’s Tel 561 4302 RICHARD WATSON English Harbour 726 2232 SMALL SHIPS CONSULTANT LTD Falmouth Tel 460 3414 Marine Upholstery BY DESIGN Jolly Harbour 562 6960 COMFORT ZONE Falmouth Tel 460 1879 LAZY BONES MEGASTORE Piccadilly Tel 770 4935 MAGIC ROUNDABOUT English Harbour Tel 460 5255
Trades & Services Directory
Marine Woodworking & Supplies ANTIGUA BOATS & CARPENTRY Cobbs Cross Tel 720 2032/783 7630 ANYTHING WOOD Falmouth 726 1690 CHIPPY Falmouth Tel 460 1832 HARBOUR WOODWORKS Jolly Harbour 462 7715 PHOENIX Falmouth Tel 464 3794 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS English Harbour Tel 463 6359 Maritime & Yacht Registration Dept of MARINE SERVICES & MERCH. SHIP St. John’s Tel 462-1273 NAUTICAL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LTD St. John’s Tel 561 4302 Massage AKPARO Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 5705 POWDER ROOMS English Harbour Tel 462 0059 Office Services ISLAND RENTALS English Harbour Tel 463 2662 JANE'S YACHT SERVICES English Harbour Tel 460 2711 NICHOLSON YACHT CHARTERS English Harbour Tel 460 1530 Opticians EYELAND OPTICAL Woods Centre Tel 462 2020 VISION EXPRESS St John's Tel 462 2748 Outboards A1 MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7755 BUDGET MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8753 English Harbour Tel 562 8443 North Sound Marina Tel 562 8753 GREG OUTBOARDS English Harbour Tel 775 7576 MARINE POWER SERVICES Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1850 OUTDOOR WORLD - YAMAHA St. John’s 460 7211
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PARADISE MARINE CENTRE St. John's Tel 460 7125 SEAGULL INFLATABLES Falmouth Tel 460 1020 XTREME MARINE Jolly Harbour 562 6695 Paint Spraying & Osmosis Repair ANTIGUA SLIPWAY English Harbour Tel 460 1056 ANTIGUA YACHT PAINTING Liberta Tel 774 1461 BOILE YACHT MAINTENANCE English Harbour Tel 723 4121/463 7387 EXCLUSIVE FINE FINISH (yacht painter) English Harbour Tel 782 6036 PRECISION YACHT PAINTING English Harbour Tel 728 7835/561 5815 TECHNIQUES (yacht painter) Falmouth Tel 724 2592 WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS English Harbour Tel 463 6359 Photography ALEXIS ANDREWS PHOTOGRAPHY English Harbour Tel 460 1175 KEVIN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY English Harbour Tel 725 3405 RODDY GRIMES-GRAEME Crosbies Tel 725-7873 TROPICAL STUDIOS Falmouth Tel 460 1235 Project Management NAUTICAL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LTD St. John’s Tel 561 4302 RICHARD WATSON English Harbour 726 2232 WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS English Harbour Tel 463 6359 Propane Refills JANE'S YACHT SERVICES English Harbour Tel 460 2711 JOLLY HARBOUR MARINA Jolly Harbour Tel 462 6042 Provisioning & Supplies ANCHOR CONCIERGE & SUPERYACHT SER’S Falmouth Tel 734 1865/726 0035 BACCHUS DIVINE WINES St. John’s Tel 562 8739 BAILEY'S SUPERMARKET Falmouth Tel 460 1142 BWA YACHTING English Harbour Tel 720 7357
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Trades & Services Directory
CRAB HOLE LIQUORS Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1212 DIANE CORNELIUS - FARM PRODUCE St. John’s Tel 720 1038 DOCKSIDE SUPERMARKET AYC Marina Tel 463 9000 EPICUREAN Woods Centre Tel 481 5400 Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7707 HORIZON'S LIMITED Mamora Bay Tel 562 1581 ISLAND PROVISION LTD St. John's Tel 480 5150 KENNEDYS St. John’s Tel 481-1312 LOBSTER RUNNER English Harbour Tel 776 8957 TCM Coolidge Tel 462 3428 Publishing & Web Design ANTIGUA NICE Falmouth Tel 561 0405 LIGHTWAVE PUBLICATIONS Falmouth Tel 562 6611 TREASURE ISLANDS PUBLISHING Co. English Harbour Tel 783 7192 Refrigeration Sales & Repairs SIGNAL LOCKER Nelson’s Dockyard Tel 460 1528 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 Restaurants & Bars ABRACADABRA English Harbour Tel 460 2701 ACROPOLIS GREEK TAVERN Jolly Harbour Tel 783 2098 ADMIRAL'S INN English Harbour Tel 460 1027 B-HIVE Heritage Quay 481 1322 BAYHOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR Dickenson Bay Tel 462 1223 BIG BANANA (Pizzas) Redcliffe Quay 480 6985 C & C WINE BAR St John’s Tel 460 7025 CARIBBEAN TASTE English Harbour 562-3049 CASTAWAYS Jolly Harbour 562 4446 CATHERINE'S CAFE Pigeon Beach Tel 460 5050
CLOGGY'S CAFE Falmouth Tel 460 6910 CLUB SUSHI Antigua yacht Club 562 8512 CLOUDS Dickenson Bay 462 0256 COCONUT GROVE Dickenson Bay 462 1538 COPPER & LUMBER HOTEL Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1058 CURTAIN BLUFF Old Road 462 8400 FAMOUS MAURO English Harbour Tel 460 1318 FLATTIES English Harbour Tel 726 6899 GALLEY BAR & RESTAURANT Nelson's Dockyard Tel 460 1533 GALLEON BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT Galleon Beach Tel 720 3201 GRACE BEFORE MEALS English Harbour Tel 460 1298 HARMONY HALL Browns Bay 460 4120 HIDEOUT RESTAURANT Mamora Bay Tel 460 3666 JACKEE'S QUICKSTOP English Harbour Tel 460 1299 JACQUI ‘O Picarts Bay Tel 562 2218 LE BISTRO Hodges Bay Tel 462 3881 LIFE ON THE CORNER English Harbour 722 0020 LE CAP HORN English Harbour Tel 460 1194 OJs RESTAURANT Crab Hill Tel 460 0184 PAPAS Falmouth 464 0764 PAPARAZZI Antigua Slipway 562 8136 RUSSELL’S Fort James 362 5479 SEABREEZE AYC Marina Tel 562 3739 SHEER-ROCKS Cocobay Tel 562-2400 SHIRLEY HEIGHTS LOOKOUT English Harbour Tel 460 1785 SKULDUGGERY AYC Marina Tel 463 0625
Trades & Services Directory
SUGAR RIDGE Jolly Harbour 562 7700 THE BAY @ NONSUCH Nonsuch Bay Tel 562 8000 THE CROW’S NEST Jolly Harbour Tel 562 2637 THE INN RESTAURANT English Harbour Tel 460 1014 TRAPPAS English Harbour Tel 562 3534 WARRI PIER Dickenson Bay Tel 462 0256 RIBs BUDGET MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8753 English Harbour Tel 562 8443 North Sound Marina Tel 562 8753 OUTDOOR WORLD - YAMAHA St. John’s Tel 460 7211 SEAGULL INFLATABLES Falmouth Tel 460 1020 Riding Stables SPRINGHILL RIDING CLUB Falmouth Tel 460 1334 Rigging Services A & A RIGGING Falmouth Tel 464 9962 ANTIGUA RIGGING Falmouth Tel 562 1294 BUDGET MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8753 English Harbour Tel 562 8443 North Sound Marina Tel 562 8753 Sailmakers & Repairs A & F SAILS English Harbour Tel 460 1522 ANTIGUA SAILS English Harbour Tel 460 1527 NORTH SAILS English Harbour Tel 562 5725 Sail & Marine Training NATIONAL SAILING ACADEMY Falmouth Tel 562 8060 ON DECK RACING Falmouth Tel 562 6696 Shipping agents BRYSONS SHIPPING & INSURANCE St. John's Tel 480 1200 NAUTICAL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LTD St. John’s Tel 561 4302
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Signwriters & Boat Names SEAHORSE STUDIOS Falmouth Tel 460 1457 Solar Panels BUDGET MARINE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 8753 English Harbour Tel 562 8443 North Sound Marina Tel 562 8753 MARIONICS Falmouth Tel 460 1780 Spas POWDER ROOMS English Harbour Tel 462 0059 SUGAR RIDGE Jolly Harbour 562 7700 Sports Centres ANTIGUA ATHLETIC CLUB International Airport Tel 460 2582 JOLLY HARBOUR SPORTS CENTRE Jolly Harbour Tel 462 3085 TEMO SPORTS English Harbour Tel 463 6376 Supermarkets & Food Stores BAILEY'S SUPERMARKET Falmouth Tel 460 1142 CRAB HOLE LIQUORS Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1212 DOCKSIDE SUPERMARKET AYC Marina Tel 463 9000 EPICUREAN Woods Centre Tel 481 5400 Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7707 KENNEDYS St. John’s Tel 481-1312 Taxis DEL TAXI SERVICE Falmouth 723 9020 SHARPBOY (Oliver) TAXI Falmouth Tel 783 6955 Travel Agents NOVELLA'S TRAVEL Falmouth Tel 460 1209 T-shirt Printing, Design & Embroidery SEAHORSE STUDIOS Falmouth Tel 460 1457 TECH TEX Piccadilly Tel 770 4935 Varnishing & Painting ANTIGUA YACHT PAINTING Falmouth Tel 774 1461 BOILE YACHT MAINTENANCE English Harbour Tel 723 4121/463 7387
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Trades & Services Directory
CARIBBEAN MARINE PAINTING Jolly Harbour Tel 773 6259 EXCLUSIVE FINE FINISH (yacht painter) English Harbour Tel 782 6036 JST YACHT FINISHING Liberta Tel 724 7507 PRECISION YACHT PAINTING English Harbour Tel 728 7835/561 5815 TECHNIQUES (yacht painter) Falmouth Tel 724 2592 Watermaker Sales & Services THE SIGNAL LOCKER English Harbour Tel 460 1528 WATER MAKER SERVICES Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1156 Welding & Fabrication A1 MARINE SERVICES Jolly Harbour Tel 462 7755 FABWELD Falmouth Tel 562 2134 MARINE POWER SERVICES Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1850 MOFAB Falmouth Harbour Tel 764 9353 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 Woodworking & Decks ANTIGUA BOATS & CARPENTRY Cobbs Cross Tel 720 2032/783 7630 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS English Harbour Tel 463 6359 Yacht Brochures ALEXIS ANDREW'S PHOTOGRAPHY English Harbour Tel 460 1175 Yacht Brokerage, Charter & Sales ANTIGUA CHARTER YACHT SHOW English Harbour Tel 460 1530 ANTIGUA YACHTS & CHARTERS Turtle Bay Tel 463 7101 CARIBBEAN BROKERAGE English Harbour Tel 726 2232 HORIZON YACHT CHARTERS Jolly Harbour Tel 562 4725 NICHOLSON YACHT CHARTERS English Harbour Tel 460 1530 ON DECK RACING Falmouth Tel 562 6696 PARADISE BOAT SALES Jolly Harbour Tel 460 7125
Yacht Shipping & Delivery COMPLETE FREIGHT LTD Edinburgh +44 (0)1489 575763 PETERS & MAY English Harbour Tel 460 1122 SSE SHIPPING Hamburg +49 (0) 40 / 35 08 559 Yacht Clubs ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB Falmouth Harbour Tel 460 1799 JOLLY HARBOUR YACHT CLUB Jolly Harbour Tel 562 0275 Yacht Refitting ANTIGUA BOATS & CARPENTRY Cobbs Cross Tel 720 2032/783 7630 ULTRA REFIT English Harbour Tel 736 3881 WOODSTOCK BOATBUILDERS English Harbour Tel 463 6359 Yacht Services ANCHOR CONCIERGE & SUPERYACHT SERVICES Falmouth Tel 734 1865/726 0035 ANTIGUA YACHT SERVICES English Harbour Tel 460 1122 BWA YACHTING English Harbour Tel 720 7357 CARIBBEAN CONCIERGE SERVICES English Harbour Tel 726 2271 JANE'S YACHT SERVICES English Harbour Tel 460 2711 NAUTICAL INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LTD St. John’s Tel 561 4302
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