The Leeward Islands span 200 miles from Antigua north to the Virgin Islands. The anchorages here cover Antigua itself and the islands to the immediate west and north — the ones that make up the classic Leewards charter circuit. Each island requires a customs clearance; plan your itinerary with enough time for the paperwork.
English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, Antigua
The finest natural harbour in the eastern Caribbean. English Harbour is landlocked — the entrance is barely wide enough for two yachts passing — and in settled conditions it is perfectly calm. Nelson's Dockyard occupies the south shore; the visitor moorings and anchorage are in the main harbour to the north. Falmouth Harbour, a short walk over the hill or a two-mile sail around the headland, has the charter marinas and better provisioning.
Approach: Enter English Harbour on a northerly heading through the narrow gap between Freeman's Point and the fort. The channel is marked; do not cut the corners. The harbour master (VHF 16) will direct you to a berth or mooring.
Eat: The Copper and Lumber Store in Nelson's Dockyard is the standout for a special dinner. The Mad Mongoose at Falmouth Harbour is better value for every other meal.
Jolly Harbour, Antigua
The main alternative to English Harbour on the west coast. A purpose-built marina complex behind a shallow entrance (1.8m at MLWS — know your draft). Inside, the facilities are good: fuel, water, well-stocked supermarket, chandlery. Less atmospheric than English Harbour but more convenient for reprovisioning mid-charter.
Codrington Lagoon, Barbuda
Accessible through a shallow channel on the west coast of Barbuda — the bar carries approximately 1.5m at high water. Inside, the lagoon is large and calm; the National Parks Warden collects a small fee and will show you the frigate bird colony in the mangroves. Anchor in sand in 2–3m; the holding is good. There are no facilities beyond the colony wardens — bring everything you need.
Pinney's Beach, Nevis
A two-mile crescent of dark sand on the west coast of Nevis, backed by coconut palms and with the Nevis Peak volcano rising behind. Anchor off the beach in 4–8m on sand; holding is generally good. The Four Seasons resort at the south end of the beach has a beach bar open to visiting sailors — expensive, worth it for one afternoon. The local rum shops in Charlestown (the capital) are the more economical alternative.
Old Road Bay, Montserrat
The main anchorage for visiting yachts in Montserrat. Old Road Bay on the north-west coast is sheltered from the north-east trade wind by the island's bulk. Anchor in 5–10m on sand. The new capital at Little Bay is 2 miles north; the Montserrat Volcano Observatory tour starts from Little Bay. Land by dinghy at the jetty — check with the harbour master on VHF 16 before anchoring.
Frigate Bay, St Kitts
Two beaches in one — Frigate Bay North (Caribbean side, calm) and Frigate Bay South (Atlantic side, surf) separated by a narrow isthmus. Anchor off the Caribbean beach in 3–6m on sand. The beach bars on the south Atlantic side — the Strip — are a line of open-air bars playing reggae and serving lobster. Walk across the isthmus in the evening and pick your bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is English Harbour safe to anchor in overnight?
A: Yes — it is one of the most sheltered anchorages in the Caribbean. The entrance prevents any significant swell from entering. The harbour can be hot and still on calm nights; position your boat to catch any breeze from the entrance.
Q: What's the best time to visit Antigua?
A: December to April for the best sailing conditions and lowest rainfall. Antigua Sailing Week in late April brings the best racing atmosphere but the most crowded anchorages. May to November is hurricane season — most charter companies require boats to be in hurricane-proof marina berths from July.