Destinations

Start Your Adventure in Antigua & Barbuda

Sail, Settle In, and Explore Before Your Grand Adventure

Your Sabbatical Charter journey begins in the stunning waters of Antigua & Barbuda, a perfect launchpad for your Caribbean adventure. Before embarking on longer routes, you can spend up to two weeks exploring the calm, protected waters around Antigua and Barbuda. This time allows you to get comfortable with the yacht, its systems, and the cruising lifestyle.

Why Start in Antigua & Barbuda?

  • Easy to Navigate – With shorter distances between anchorages, you’ll have more time to relax and explore.
  • Endless Beauty – Antigua boasts 365 beaches — one for every day of the year.
  • Get Comfortable with the Yacht – Practice sailing maneuvers, anchor handling, and learn the onboard systems in a calm, controlled environment.

Where Can You Go?

  • Sail Around Antigua – Visit world-famous anchorages like Deep Bay, Green Island, and the historic Nelson’s Dockyard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Explore Barbuda – Just 30 miles away, Barbuda offers pristine beaches and one of the largest frigate bird sanctuaries in the Caribbean.
  • Plan Your Next Leg – After your Antigua adventure, set your course south to Guadeloupe or head north to the exclusive luxury of St. Barts.

With so many incredible locations to explore, cruisers often spend months here every year. You can choose to relax in the calm bays or prepare for the longer journey ahead. Wherever you decide to go, Sabbatical Charter gives you the time, flexibility, and tools to truly experience the cruising lifestyle.

Adventure Awaits

This region is a paradise for sailors, adventure-seekers, and water sports enthusiasts. From serene anchorages to vibrant island towns, you’ll experience the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.

  • Kiteboarding – Ride the wind at top Caribbean hotspots like Tobago Cays and St. Lucia.
  • Wing Foiling – Experience the latest water sport sensation in windy, sheltered bays.
  • Snorkeling – Explore vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and underwater caves.
  • Diving – Discover shipwrecks, volcanic formations, and underwater sculpture parks.
  • SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) – Glide over calm waters and explore shallow coves.
  • Kayaking – Paddle through mangroves, lagoons, and crystal-clear anchorages.
  • Beach-Hopping – Visit secluded beaches, hidden coves, and lively beach bars.
  • Fishing – Try your hand at catching tuna, mahi-mahi, or snapper.
  • Island Hiking – Trek to volcano peaks, explore rainforest trails, and visit hidden waterfalls.
  • Local Culture Tours – Visit local markets, rum distilleries, and historic sites.
  • Whale & Dolphin Watching – Spot marine mammals on open passages between islands.
  • Sailing Lessons – Learn new sailing techniques or gain certification while on vacation.
  • Photography & Birdwatching – Capture stunning wildlife and dramatic island scenery.

Explore the Leeward and Windward Islands

Set Sail Across the Caribbean – From the BVI to Grenada

With Sabbatical Charter, you’ll experience the very best of the Caribbean. Our yachts depart from Antigua & Barbuda, offering access to the iconic Leeward and Windward Islands. Depending on the length of your charter, you can explore as far north as the British Virgin Islands (BVI) or as far south as Grenada.

Leeward Islands – Short Passages & Calm Anchorages

The Leeward Islands are known for their shorter sailing distances and calm anchorages, making them perfect for shorter charters or for sailors who prefer to explore multiple destinations at a leisurely pace.

Antigua & Barbuda

  • Sailing Highlights: Depart and return here. Sail around the island to visit a new beach every day (yes, there are 365 beaches!).
  • What to Do: Snorkeling, swimming, beach-hopping, and visiting the historic Nelson’s Dockyard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Water Sports: Great conditions for kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in the clear, calm waters.

St. Kitts & Nevis

  • Sailing Highlights: These twin islands are only 2 miles apart, offering short and scenic passages.
  • What to Do: Visit the stunning beaches, hike to the summit of Mount Liamuiga, or enjoy the local rum bars.
  • Water Sports: Ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding with calm inshore waters.

Sint Maarten (SXM)

  • Sailing Highlights: Experience the Dutch-French split island with lively harbors and vibrant nightlife.
  • What to Do: Shop duty-free, snorkel at Creole Rock, and watch planes land just overhead at Maho Beach.
  • Water Sports: Excellent for wing foiling, kiteboarding, and snorkeling. Simpson Bay Lagoon is a prime spot for foiling.

Anguilla

  • Sailing Highlights: Sail to pristine beaches and anchor in secluded coves.
  • What to Do: Visit Shoal Bay Beach, relax at the ultra-exclusive resorts, and enjoy serene snorkeling.
  • Water Sports: Perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in calm, protected waters.

St. Barts (Saint Barthélemy)

  • Sailing Highlights: Experience the chic island vibe with stunning anchorages for luxury yachts.
  • What to Do: Visit the beautiful beaches, enjoy French cuisine, and explore upscale shopping and nightlife.
  • Water Sports: Kiteboarding and wing foiling enthusiasts will love the island’s steady winds. Kayaking and snorkeling are also popular activities.

Guadeloupe

  • Sailing Highlights: Explore the two main islands (Basse-Terre & Grande-Terre) and the smaller surrounding islets.
  • What to Do: Hike the lush Basse-Terre Volcano, snorkel coral reefs, and enjoy authentic French-Caribbean cuisine.
  • Water Sports: Kiteboarding and wing foiling are available at specific beaches, with kayaking in the mangroves for a unique adventure.

Windward Islands – Longer Passages & Exhilarating Adventures

The Windward Islands are perfect for more adventurous cruisers. These islands offer longer distances between stops, but the rewards are well worth it — from rainforests and hot springs to crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Dominica

  • Sailing Highlights: This is the most untouched island in the Caribbean — pure nature at its best.
  • What to Do: Visit the boiling lake, take a riverboat tour through the rainforest, and explore the Carib Indian territory.
  • Water Sports: Kayaking through rivers and rainforests, snorkeling volcanic formations, and paddleboarding in calm bays.

Martinique

  • Sailing Highlights: A French island with sophisticated harbors and vibrant coastal towns.
  • What to Do: Tour the rum distilleries, hike the Mount Pelée Volcano, and explore French cuisine on the waterfront.
  • Water Sports: Kiteboarding, wing foiling, kayaking, and snorkeling are popular at beaches like Anse Mitan and Grand Anse.

St. Lucia

  • Sailing Highlights: Home of the famous Pitons, two iconic volcanic spires rising from the sea.
  • What to Do: Hike the Pitons, enjoy the Sulphur Springs, and dine at luxury beach resorts.
  • Water Sports: Kiteboarding and wing foiling are best at Anse de Sables, and snorkeling around the Pitons is unforgettable.

St. Vincent & The Grenadines

  • Sailing Highlights: A chain of 32 islands perfect for island-hopping.
  • What to Do: Snorkel with turtles at Tobago Cays, explore the vibrant underwater world, and swim in clear lagoons.
  • Water Sports: Kiteboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are amazing at the Tobago Cays, which offers pristine conditions.

Grenada

  • Sailing Highlights: End (or start) your adventure here. Known as the “Spice Island” for its nutmeg production.
  • What to Do: Dive the Underwater Sculpture Park, visit spice plantations, and stroll through bustling open-air markets.
  • Water Sports: Great for kiteboarding and wing foiling, especially at Bathway Beach. The island also offers excellent snorkeling and kayaking.