• Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
Intermediate

Adventure Rating:
Intermediate

None

Experience Required:
None

1 week of paradise sailing in the Caribbean

This 5-day caribbean sailing vacation explores the very best bits of the paradise island of Antigua, offering a perfect blend of sailing, exploration and relaxation. Antigua is one of the most famous of all Caribbean sailing destinations, and the perfect place to spend a week on the water. With short distances but trade winds to ensure great sailing every day, there is no pressure to get ‘anywhere’ except somewhere new and fun each day. There is the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, Green Island, a secluded haven perfect for snorkeling and beachcombing, Barbuda’s unspoiled pink sand beaches and the famous Frigate Bird Sanctuary, home to thousands of birds. You’ve got Great Bird Island, where you can snorkel spectacular reefs and hike to panoramic viewpoints and of course Jolly Harbour with its stunning beaches, and great social scene. The trip is perfect for beginners or those with experience.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime with Europe’s #1 rated adventure sailors?

Rubicon 3 expeditions are genuine sailing adventures rather than a packaged sailing vacation. You will be off the beaten track, possibly out on the open ocean, depending on the route you choose and sailing to and exploring remote and beautiful places. The expert Rubicon 3 instructors will train you and ensure you are fully involved in all aspects of the experience, including navigating, helming, trimming sails, cooking and looking after the yacht. As a true sailing adventure, it is much less predictable (& much better!) than a packaged experience, with itineraries planned day by day and shaped by local circumstances and weather. To take part in the adventure, the crew must come with a great attitude, an open mind and a desire to be fully involved.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see the dates this trip runs. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

 

Sailing Area

Antigua area sailing map
Antigua sailing route map
The Yachts

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Key Information
What’s included
  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket with PLB

  • All sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included
  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas (where required)

  • Discretionary crew tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

Ready for a genuine sailing adventure? No Rubicon 3 route has a set itinerary. The skipper and mate will look at the wind and weather at the time and make a plan with you. You may discover a fantastic place and want to spend an extra few hours exploring, or the wind is from the wrong direction, so you sail somewhere off the initial plan. Making the adventure up as we go is all part of the magic of these trips. Below are some of the highlights of Antigua and a possible itinerary. The trip is perfect for beginners or more experiences sailors. It has sailing every day, time to explore ashore, lots of training and short distances so no need to rush anywhere.

sailing

English Harbour

English Harbour is a place brimming with history and natural beauty. You can explore the charming Nelson’s Dockyard and the Admiral’s House Museum. There’s a short walk to Windward Bay or Pigeon Beach for white sands and a refreshing swim. Make sure you try the delicious offerings of the Dockyard Bakery, known for some of the best baked goods in the Caribbean.

Antigua sailing Caribbean

Freeman Bay

Here we can anchor in the calm waters and spend the day at the beautiful Galleon Beach. The soft white sands and turquoise waters make it the perfect spot. Alternatively, we can cruise around the headland to the ever lovely Pigeon Beach near Falmouth Harbour.

Antigua

Green Island

Head eastward, we pass the scenic coves of Indian Creek and St. James Bay, en route to Green Island. This picture perfect haven has unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. We can drop anchor on the island’s western side and then head off to explore the secluded coves and marine life. A picnic lunch at Half Moon Bay Beach is a must!

Antigua

Jolly Harbour

Along Antigua’s southern coast is the bustling Jolly Harbour. As we navigate past Willoughby Bay and Falmouth Harbour, you’ll really appreciate the island’s mountainous landscape. On arrival, we can explore the town or relax on Jolly Beach. For those who wish to, you can often sign up to a scuba excursion to discover the rich underwater world around Jolly Harbour.

Antigua

Dickenson Bay

It’s always lovely to cruise up the island’s western coast (maybe with a lunch stop at Deep Bay) past Five Island Harbour and the capital, St. John’s, to spend a night at the picturesque Dickenson Bay. You’ll really enjoy the lively atmosphere of this popular beach town, complete with its bars, restaurants, and stunning views of the Caribbean sunset

Antigua

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