Dreaming about floating in azure waters, diving for shipwrecks and sailing alongside sea turtles? Antigua has got you covered! For all those snorkelling enthusiasts, thrill seekers and lovers of sunset BBQ’s and chill vibes, the new MedSailors’ Caribbean route has knocked it out of the park, and I’m here to share all of the highlights with you 🙂
THE ACTIVITIES
Starting off with a bang, let me introduce you to D-Boat – the all-in-one waterpark and party boat built from a retired oil tanker. Permanently moored by the beautiful Maiden Island, D-Boat is sure to show you a good time whether you’re after an adventure packed afternoon, snorkelling tour, or drinks, burgers and tunes by the sea. Be sure to fly high off the Fat Boy, test out the super speed slides and take a leap of faith off the jumping platform, chahoo!
For the explorers and hikers out there, English Harbour has a lot to offer including Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights. We were lucky to experience Shirley Heights twice, once during a morning hike to the summit, and the second time as part of their Thursday afternoon barbecues, accompanied by a spectacular sunset and the sweet sounds of the Halcyon Steel Orchestra and Survivors Reggae Band.
Hiking directions: Starting at the ‘Lookout Trail’ sign post (on the road leading to Galleon Beach), climb for about 30 minutes to the summit, stopping at various lookout points along the way – this is the fastest track through the bush. For a scenic return trip, head back down via the main road ~200 metres, making a right turn onto a wide track cutting through a yellow grassy plain. From there, stick to the coast side (left) at every fork, and you will get incredible views of the cliff faces, Pillars of Hercules, Galleon Beach and English Harbour as you make your way down. This route takes you back onto Galleon Beach via the Carpenter Rock Trail.
Note: Take care on the dry loose dirt paths and look out for cacti and other spiky plants lining the trails
One of the major draws for me on this Caribbean getaway was the chance to swim with stingrays. Stingray City did not disappoint, with its friendly inhabitants, set in a shallow bay in the middle of the ocean.
With squid in hand (or fist), about 30-40 stingrays will swarm the area, brush up against your legs, and happily mill about as you float or feed them. It can be unnerving at first, but the locals will teach you how to move around them and avoid any accidents!
Famed for its 365 white sand beaches, excellent restaurants and weather, Antigua is a popular holiday destination with no shortage of world class resorts. We were able to catch a glimpse of Sugar Ridge and Nonsuch Bay Resort, as well as spend some time at St James’s Club and Resort, using their facilities (hello poolside bar) and water sports equipment.
To name a few of the beaches, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience a vibrant sunset and tasty cook up at the likes of Pigeon Beach, Jolly Beach, Galleon Beach and Half Moon Bay. We lucked out with a memorable night sail following one of the beach barbecue’s, but more on the food later!
THE BEST BAYS
For all you water bugs out there, the Caribbean dishes up the most beautiful ocean colours coupled with sandy beaches and reefs teeming with fish. Luckily for us, some of the more dazzling, secluded bays are accessible only by boat, including my favourite – Rendezvous Bay.
For a decent snorkel sesh, head on over to Great Deep Bay, Morris Bay or Carlisle Bay, and whilst you’re at it, spot the pelicans diving for fish!
Galleon Beach makes for an excellent post-hike reward, for those keen to tackle a short and sweet climb Shirley Heights. Alternatively, dive straight from your boat into calm water in search for sunken vessels, and if you’re lucky, you may be accompanied by some sea turtles 🙂
GETTING TO ANTIGUA AND WHERE TO STAY
With direct flights from London (LGW) and New York (JFK) to V.C Bird International Airport (ANU), getting there is easy (albeit a long journey from New Zealand!). Getting through customs can be a long process (> 1 hour at busy periods), so it may pay to arrange a hotel transfer in advance and skip the lines.
The departure point for the sail week is at Jolly Harbour. There are a few restaurants, a supermarket and a beach within walking distance, and a few resorts nearby including Sugar Ridge Resort. I would recommend English Harbour over Jolly Harbour if you plan to stay a few extra nights as there is more of a ‘town centre’ with a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as affordable lodging if you’re not after a resort experience. We stayed at the Antigua Marina Yacht Club for a night upon arrival, our rooms were clean and spacious, and we were within walking distance to a number of good restaurants. The staff also happily drove us return to Galleon Beach for the hike, and stopped by a road-side stand to pick up some sandwiches along the way.
THE FOOD
As per usual, the talented MedSailors skippers will prepare breakfast and lunch on the boat, consisting of healthy salads and pastas. For dinner, the most memorable meals we had included: a beach cook up by the chefs at Flatties (feat. a delicious creamy potato gratin, ribs, barbecued prawns and chicken), dinner by Peaches at the Beach Bum Bar and Grill (feat. some killer fries, half a lobster and juicy shrimp wraps followed by some dancing on the beach), a sit down dinner at Catherine’s Cafe (feat. fresh seafood, beach couches, an extensive cocktail menu and beautiful decor), burgers and beats into the evening at Cheeky Marlin on Galleon Beach (mind those sea urchins!), and the Shirley Heights sunset barbecue feat. some tasty jerk chicken and ribs. Whilst the overall cost to eat out in Antigua is pricier than the Europe sail routes, MedSailors does a good job taking you to establishments with reasonable prices and more importantly, great food.
Bonus tip: If you’re still feeling peckish, try fishing for Cheetos, and by that I mean be a fish and catch the Cheetos from under the catamaran nets 😉
TIPS AND TIDBITS
Where to get supplies – The largest supermarket on the island is conveniently located at Jolly Harbour, the departure point for the sail week. You can find an assortment of hot food, bath products, sunscreen, alcohol and other drinks and snacks. Drinking water is supplied on board.
Currency – Both US dollars and Eastern Caribbean dollars are widely accepted throughout Antigua. Many of the activities and restaurants only accept cash so bring plenty, or make use of the few ATMs on the island located at Jolly Harbour, and one at English Harbour.
Temperatures and what to pack – With a balmy range of 22-28 degrees celsius from night to day, Antigua is warm and sunny without that sticky European heat in the height of summer. Pack a light layer for windy sail days and cooler evenings. As you are in the tropics, bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and stay hydrated with a few serves of rum punch 😀 You can pick up citronella candles from small shops dotted around the island
Where can I buy pool floaties from? – Most of the resorts’ onsite shops will sell pool floaties if you don’t have the room to BYO!
So if you’re looking for a laid back island getaway with a reggaeton vibe, friendly locals (shout out to Clairmont who took us on the scenic hike back down from Shirley Heights), and gorgeous waters of electric blues and bright turquoise, put Antigua at the top of your list and get sailing!
As always, what better way to sum up a blog post than with a video of our week at sea for your enjoyment 🙂 Happy travels everyone!