Further information

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin. Antigua, the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak (1319 ft.), located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles due north. The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a nature preserve. The current population for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.

Climate

Antigua is an all-year destination, with the highest temperatures generally recorded during the summer months between May and October. Humidity is also higher during this time and there is increased hurricane activity. Year round temperatures range between 28C and 31C. If you have any concerns regarding hurricanes and the timing of your Antigua holidays then here are a few sites that can provide more detailed information:

Water temperature is steady year round and averages 28°C (81°F) so no need for divers to bring wetsuits.

What to bring

Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear. In addition to this perhaps something a little more dressy for the two evenings you will be dining ashore. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you.

What shoes shall I bring?

You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard.

Dry bags

You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or watch wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.

Fishing

All of our yachts have limited fishing gear onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch!

Travel insurance

We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, theft, changes to flights or even cruise cancellation within TradeWinds 90 day period.

Please read our travel insurance recommendations for more information.

Electricity

Part of the island is 110 volts, the remainder is 220 volts. Most hotels have both voltages available.

Currency

Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. Recent exchange rate was US$1.00 = EC$2.67. US currency, travelers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.

Banks

Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua and Barbuda Investment Bank, Bank Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Antigua, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank PLC, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Caribbean Corporation Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Swiss American National Bank of Antigua. Banking hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 2:00pm and again from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Hotel accommodation

If you wish to stay for one or more days prior to sailing we recommend the Reef View Apartments or The 3 Martini.

Visas and restrictions

All visitors to Antigua and Barbuda must have an onward or return ticket. Citizens of United States, United Kingdom and Canada citizens do not require a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda and must travel on a VALID PASSPORT. Persons visiting are permitted to stay as long as their business takes, provided that:

  1. this is no longer than six months
  2. they have an onward or return ticket
  3. they have confirmation of accommodation
  4. they can produce evidence of their ability to maintain themselves in Antigua and Barbuda

Persons requiring a visa for Antigua and Barbuda: (Please confirm with the Consulate General in New York)

Taxes/Service Charges

Government law requires an 8.5 percent room tax on all hotel rates. Most hotels and guest houses add 10 percent to 15 percent service charge in lieu of tipping. Some also add an energy surcharge.

Member all-inclusive fees

Club Members please note that we add 15% VAT to your all-inclusive fee for this destination.

For payment of your all-inclusive fee travellers cheques are accepted without fees. "Travel Money" cards, or similar, will incur the normal credit card fees that are passed to us from the bank.

Useful links

Please note that all pricing was correct at the time of publication.