Antigua & Barbuda
A Maritime Legacy Shaped by Sail, Racing and Cruising
Welcome to Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda is one of the Caribbean’s most established yachting destinations, shaped by deep natural harbours, sailing history and a long-standing winter superyacht community. English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour remain at the heart of the island’s maritime identity, with UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard, major sailing events and a strong service culture giving Antigua particular relevance for professionally crewed yachts.
Destination Highlights
- Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour maritime heritage
- Long-established winter base for professionally crewed yachts
- Antigua Charter Yacht Show and major sailing regattas
- Strong concentration of marine trades and refit services
- Duty-free fuel and superyacht marina facilities
- Barbuda’s remote anchorages and pink-sand beaches
Antigua & Barbuda works well as both a Caribbean base and a guest cruising destination. Antigua offers marina berthing, fuel, provisioning, yacht agents, haul-out options, technical services and a lively crew scene, while owners and guests can enjoy beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, sailing events, scuba diving and easy access to Barbuda. For captains and yacht managers, the island’s value lies in combining practical support with a well-established yachting culture.
International Access
V.C. Bird International Airport is the main international gateway, with regional Caribbean links and direct services to key North American and European hubs. Barbuda International Airport may be relevant for private aviation access to Barbuda.
Yachting Infrastructure
Antigua has well-developed yachting infrastructure, including superyacht marinas, duty-free fuel, provisioning, yacht agents, skilled trades, technical services and haul-out options via marine railway/slipway and travelift facilities.
- Max berthing: marina berth up to 160 m LOA (and about 6,7 m draft)
- Max haul-out: slipway up to 200 tonnes (and about 46 m LOA, 12,2 m beam, 4,3 m draft)
- 2nd max haul-out: travelift up to 150 tonnes (and about 9.4 m beam and 6.7 m draft)
See Recommended Superyacht Services below for specific marinas, haul-out facilities, and skilled trades in Antigua and Barbuda.
Recommended Superyacht Services
in Antigua & Barbuda
Destination Partner Opportunities
Become a Destination Partner and help present your destination with more detailed, regularly updated information for the global superyacht community.
This destination page has been developed by SSG as a practical resource for captains, yacht managers, owners and crew. It is updated with input from local industry professionals to keep the information relevant and useful.
Destination partnership opportunities may include expanded destination content, videos, featured industry information, advertising placements and promotional campaigns.
For further information on promoting Antigua & Barbuda, please contact SSG.
Entry, Clearance & Cruising Regulations
Local Expertise: Antigua clearance information reviewed by local yacht agents - June 2026.
1. Arrival & Clearance
Captains are advised to communicate directly with their appointed yacht agent prior to arrival. As clearance procedures may vary between ports of entry and according to local requirements, a local agent can provide the most accurate and up-to-date guidance for the vessel's arrival and departure. Experienced local yacht agents can also assist with special clearance requests and liaise directly with Customs, Immigration and Port Authorities on behalf of visiting vessels.
Need clearance assistance for Antigua & Barbuda?
Contact a Recommended Yacht Agent
Official Ports of Entry/Departure
- English Harbour
- Falmouth Harbour
- Jolly Harbour
- North Sound Marina
For possibilities of checking into and out of other ports or into Barbuda, check with your agent first.
2. Documents required
- Crew and guest list
- Scanned passport copies of all crew and guests (valid for at least six months).
- Last port’s outbound clearance
- Auxiliary list of any equipment registered to the vessel (such as jet skis, tenders, etc.)
- Completed Maritime Health Declaration Document, dated with your arrival date (to be completed by the captain only)
- For a Tender or Chase boat, if registered separately from the mother vessel, additional documents are required:
- a separate clearance for the tender / chase boat
- a separate crew list for that vessel
3. Fees
Fees for port entrance, environmental fees, national park entrance, anchorage/dockage fees in national parks and departure taxes may apply depending on the vessel's size, location and duration of stay. As charges are subject to change, captains should consult their appointed yacht agent for the latest information.
4. Visa & Immigration
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Visitors are advised to consult the Antigua & Barbuda Immigration Department website for the latest information on visa-exempt nationalities and visa application requirements. Crew arriving by air to join a yacht should carry joining documentation, such as a captain’s or agent’s letter, particularly if travelling without a return ticket. Where applicable, e-visas may be obtained directly or through a local yacht agent.
Official visa information:
- https://immigration.gov.ag/visa-services/countries-exempt-from-visa/
- https://immigration.gov.ag/general-services/entry-requirements/
- eSeaClear website
5. Navigation & Cruising
A valid cruising permit is required for yachts operating in Antigua & Barbuda waters. Tenders and auxiliary craft are also subject to local safety requirements. Yachts cruising in the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park area should follow National Parks Authority rules for anchoring, dockage and park fees.
6. Chartering
No additional charter licence requirements currently apply to visiting charter yachts in Antigua & Barbuda. Guests must hold valid passports and any required visas or entry documentation. Following completion of standard clearance procedures, charter operations may proceed in accordance with local regulations.
7. VAT/duty exemptions
Yachts in transit may qualify for duty- and tax-free fuel, provisioning, spares and certain maintenance-related goods or services when correctly declared. For haul-out, refit or larger technical works, confirm the duty and tax treatment in advance with the yard or yacht agent.
Disclaimer
The information provided is intended as a general guide only and may be subject to change. Captains, crew and guests are advised to confirm the latest entry requirements, fees and operational procedures with the relevant authorities and their appointed yacht agent prior to arrival.
