Antigua: What To Do And Where To Go On A Yacht Charter

The Antigua Yacht Charter Show is fast approaching and will be held from 4 to 9 December in the iconic and idyllic Falmouth Harbour. The show is a perfect opportunity for our expert brokers to visit and get an insight into the boats for charter in the Caribbean this season. As Boatbookings plans for the show, we have put together a comprehensive guide on things to expect when visiting Antigua.

Paradise Found 

Antigua boasts an incredible 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – making it a dream destination for boat charters. The island’s strategic location in the Leeward Islands provides boats with consistent trade winds, calm Caribbean waters, and numerous sheltered anchorages, making it the epitome of a Caribbean vacation. 

A Rich Maritime Background

Located in English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s maritime past. This restored naval base provides visitors with a unique opportunity to dock in a historic location where Admiral Horatio Nelson once stationed his fleet. The surrounding national park offers stunning views, hiking trails, and a deep dive into maritime history.

Perfect Sailing Conditions 

The sailing season in Antigua runs from December to April, offering perfect conditions with:

  • Consistent trade winds (15-20 knots)
  • Average temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
  • Low rainfall
  • Calm sea conditions

The crystal clear waters offer plenty of suitable anchorages, perfect for launching an array of watersports from kitesurfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling to Jet Skiing.

Here are some of our favorite anchorages: 

  • English Harbour: Historic and picturesque, perfect for those seeking cultural experiences
  • Nonsuch Bay: Ideal for experienced sailors with excellent wind conditions
  • Green Island: A protected anchorage with pristine waters and incredible snorkeling
  • Deep Bay: Offers a serene setting with a shipwreck perfect for underwater exploration

Culinary & Cultural Finds 

Antigua isn’t just ideal for sailing; it’s a perfect vacation to delve into the island’s tastes, flavors, and history. You can sample local rum at the distilleries, enjoy freshly caught fish at waterfront restaurants, enjoy fine dining at the many beach clubs, explore local markets, and experience authentic Caribbean cuisine. 

Be Considerate 

When on a boat charter vacation in Antigua, it is important to consider your environmental impact on the island and surrounding waters. Antigua takes marine conservation seriously to protect biodiversity. We have a wide range of greener crewed catamarans available and ready to cruise the Caribbean. While on a boat charter here, respect marine protected areas, use eco-friendly sunscreens and products, minimize waste, and support local conservation efforts. 

Charter In Antigua Today! 

If you are interested in learning more about our greener crewed catamaran fleet for charter in the Caribbean or putting together a bespoke yacht charter itinerary for Antigua, contact one of the Boatbookings team today! 

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The US Election impact on the yachting industry

The recent US Election will have far-reaching consequences for many industries. Our Boatbookings experts discussed the recent election and the impact it might have on the yacht charter industry, with the following expectations.

  • While it is still very early, there are no messages that the new administration will change any regulations about yachting or travel. The charter industry is expected to remain the same.
  • There is less likelihood of luxury taxes or other disincentives to purchasing a yacht.
  • Some sustainability work may be impacted, as the new administration is not expected to support climate action. The counterargument to this is that many of the policies are being discussed by Elon Musk, the electric vehicle king. We will follow this closely.
  • Travel to key charter countries should not be affected.

Stock markets have rallied significantly since November 5th on optimism for the future. The charter market traditionally follows the stock market – more disposable money means more chartering activity.

So overall, we expect business as usual and perhaps an uptick in the yacht charter industry for the next four years. If your candidate won, why not celebrate on a crewed yacht? And if your candidate lost, no better way to recharge and make new plans than on the deck of a beautiful charter yacht in the BVI, Croatia, Amalfi Coast, Greece, or the French Riviera.

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Greener Charters: Why You Should Choose A Boat For Thanksgiving 

While traditional Thanksgiving celebrations often involve gathering with family and friends at home, spending the holidays onboard a boat charter can add something special and unique to the usual. Combining the excitement of Thanksgiving with a boat charter offers the most memorable way to celebrate. At Boatbookings, we recommend booking a charter for Thanksgiving for various reasons, and here we outline how to do it while incorporating environmental responsibility: 

Why You Should Spend Thanksgiving Onboard: 

Perfect Balance: Enjoying your Thanksgiving celebrations provides the perfect balance between indulgence and relaxation and action and adventure, all while in stunning scenery. This time of year is ideal for charters in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Imagine a post-breakfast paddleboard around a tranquil and picturesque bay before enjoying a feast onboard with loved ones. 

Family Bonding: Being on a boat creates an intimate environment with family and friends and encourages the perfect bonding opportunities for Thanksgiving to reconnect with each other and enjoy quality time. 

New Traditions: Spending Thanksgiving on a boat in an exciting destination offers a refreshing change from the usual routine. It can be the ideal opportunity to create new traditions and memories. 

Embrace A Greener Thanksgiving: 

While celebrating Thanksgiving onboard, you can also opt for choices that contribute to a more sustainable celebration. Here are a few examples of how to do so: 

Choose an eco-friendly yacht: At Boatbookings, we have a range of greener crewed charter catamarans perfect for a Thanksgiving cruise. Choosing one of these electric or hybrid boats helps you minimize your environmental impact. These boats produce fewer harmful emissions compared to traditional combustion engines, helping further protect marine ecosystems. 

Enjoy local ingredients: You can request that your chef creates a Thanksgiving menu with sustainability in mind while sourcing local and organic ingredients. Depending on where you choose to charter, there will be a range of fresh produce markets. Not only does this support local economies, but it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food miles. Local and seasonal produce is typically better and fresher. This could also be the best way to switch up traditions; instead of the usual turkey, why not indulge in fresh fish caught from where you cruise? 

Minimize waste: Practice sustainable habits by minimizing waste on your yacht charter. On your preference sheet before your charter, make your crew aware that you are happy with ways to reduce waste, such as reusable water bottles. The crew onboard will ensure that correct recycling procedures are carried out and will gladly outline these. 

Book Your Thanksgiving Charter Today! 

Spending Thanksgiving on one of our greener crewed charter catamarans offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday. By combining stunning scenery, quality time with loved ones, and breaking from traditions, you can be sure to elevate your Thanksgiving. Embracing sustainable practices onboard and being open to following environmentally responsible practices means your holiday will also be environmentally responsible. Contact one of the boat bookings team members to learn more about available boats for your next Thanksgiving. 

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Green Chartering: Understanding The Technology Driving Electric Boats

Electric boats continue progressing in technology and popularity within the yacht charter sector. The technology enables a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vessels, offering reduced emissions, quieter operation, and typically longer-term reduced costs. 

At Boatbookings, we proudly champion a range of electric boats within our greener crewed charter catamaran fleet. Here we take a look at the technologies and the benefits of them:

The Components Of An Electric Boat 

The electric propulsion systems within electric boats replace traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) with electric motors, typically consisting of these main components: 

Charger: This transfers electric energy from the electricity source to the battery bank, replacing the need for a traditional fuel source.

Batteries: The energy storage system is crucial for electric boats. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common choice due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and ability to handle frequent charge-discharge cycles. Recent advancements in battery technology have significantly improved both range and performance, making electric boats increasingly viable for longer cruises.

Charge & Motor Controllers: Charge controllers regulate the amps and voltage during the transfer of electricity to the battery according to the battery’s specification before sending it to the battery bank, while the motor controller coordinates the motor’s speed, torque, and direction.  

Electric motor: Unlike combustion engines, electric motors convert electrical energy from the battery directly into mechanical energy, to power the propulsion

Propulsion unit: This moves the boat through the water using the mechanical power transmitted from the electric motor. 

There are far fewer moving parts than traditional enginers, which results in higher reliability, lower maintenance, and a longer lifetime. 

Renewable Energy 

Many electric boat designs also incorporate renewable energy sources to supplement battery power and extend range, such as: 

Solar panels: Photovoltaic cells integrated into the boat’s surface can harness solar energy and continuously charge the batteries. 

Wind turbines: Some boats have small wind turbines to generate additional power

Regenerative systems: When moving, the boat’s propeller can act as a generator, feeding power back into the batteries. 

Advantages Of Going Electric 

There are various areas for charter clients to consider when opting for an electric boat; here are some of the main advantages of a traditioanl combustion engine: 

Reduced emissions: The main environmental benefit is the lack of emissions. Electric boats do not release harmful greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change and ocean pollution. 

Silent cruising: Electric boats operate quietly, offering a more tranquil charter experience. The absence of engine noise improves the quality of the experience and protects marine life and habitats. 

Cost savings: There are considerable operational cost savings. Even for a week-long charter, you will not have to add a huge diesel bill to your overall costs. Electric propulsion systems are also much more efficient, converting a higher percentage of energy into propulsion. 

The Future 

The electric boat industry is developing rapidly, with many builders improving the technology, including safer and longer-lasting batteries and more powerful motors. As the electric boat industry increases in scale, the price will decrease, enabling the sector to offer electric boats across a range of budgets. 

Regulations are also on the horizon, and traditional motors will soon be denied access to more waterways due to their emission and noise pollution. Therefore, switching to electric will future-proof your charter decisions. 

Contact one of the Boatbookings team today to learn more about the best sustainable electric charter boats we have on offer and the benefits of chartering them for your next boating vacation.

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Embracing A Conscious Caribbean Boat Charter

As we fast approach the beginning of the Caribbean boat charter season, it is the sector’s responsibility to shine a light on how to have a more conscious charter and embrace ecological responsibility while enjoying a yachting vacation. Environmental threats are impacting everyone on a global scale, but especially the Caribbean’s delicate ecosystems. At Boatbookings, as we become more aware of our impact, so we work to minimize our impact by offering our greener crewed charter catamarans. 


Conscious Charters 

It isn’t just about swapping out plastic straws, although that is a good start! Having a more conscious charter encompasses a holistic approach that adapts every aspect of a yacht charter journey:

Sustainable Technology: Our fleet of greener crewed charter catamarans are equipped with cutting-edge sustainable technology. From solar panels that harness the sun to advanced waste management systems, this fleet is designed to tread lightly on the environment while still providing a luxury experience. 

Eco-Friendly Itineraries: We have carefully curated itineraries that allow you to experience the Caribbean while respecting protected areas and sensitive habits. These thoughtfully planned routes ensure you enjoy the best of the island without compromising on ecological responsibility. 

Community Engagement: A conscious charter isn’t just about minimizing negative impact; it’s about creating positive change. We help connect our clients with local communities and education experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of Caribbean culture and ongoing marine conservation projects. 

Responsible Consumption: From locally sourced provisions to reef-safe sunscreens, we encourage mindful consumption practices that support the local economy and marine environment. 

As a conscious charter guest, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Caribbean marine tourism. Every eco-friendly choice you make sends a powerful message to the boating industry and drives further demand for more sustainable options. 

An Island Spotlight

When cruising the Caribbean, certain destinations stand out for their commitment to sustainability and conservation. Here are a few locations where you can practice eco-friendly boating while experiencing the region’s natural beauty:

Bonaire: Known as a diver’s paradise, Bonaire is a leader in marine conservation. The entire coastline is a protected marine park, and the island is committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2030. There are designated areas to anchor and explore the pristine reefs that benefit from strict protection measures.

Dominica: Dubbed the “Nature Island,” Dominica is a haven for eco-conscious clients. With its lush rainforests, hot springs, and the world’s second-largest boiling lake, it offers unique on-shore excursions. The country aims to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation, making it an ideal destination for conscious charterers.

British Virgin Islands: The BVI has been actively working on coral restoration projects and implementing stricter regulations to protect its marine ecosystems. Visit The Baths on Virgin Gorda or the eco-friendly Anegada, where you can support local conservation efforts for the endangered Anegada Rock Iguana.

Tobago Cays Marine Park, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: This protected area is a model for sustainable tourism. Enjoy snorkelling with sea turtles while supporting local efforts to preserve this delicate ecosystem.

Saba: This tiny Dutch Caribbean island is making big strides in conservation. The Saba Marine Park surrounds the entire island, protecting its rich marine life. Dive or snorkel in carefully managed areas and contribute to local eco-initiatives.

A Better Future

The Caribbean yacht charter industry will benefit as the demand for greener options grows. By balancing luxury with responsibility, we provide incredible yachting vacations that can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Whether you are about to enjoy a Caribbean yacht charter or would like to book one for the future, contact our Boatbookings team today, and we will help guide you toward a conscious charter. 

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