Destination comparison
Antigua vs Seychelles
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Antigua | Seychelles |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Indian Ocean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | May, Oct, Nov |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | moderate to difficult |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate to advanced |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 17 / 13 kn | 16 / 17 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Currency | XCD (pegged to USD) | SCR (pegged to EUR) |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $11,000 | $14,000 |
| Luxury tier price | $42,000 | $60,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
365-beach island. Stronger winds than BVI; Antigua Sailing Week late April. Cross to Barbuda for pink-sand beach.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Steady SE trade winds May-October (winter for southern hemisphere calm). Reaches across open ocean between islands; reefy anchorages. Small charter infrastructure; book crewed.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 11 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Antigua averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
Seychelles averages 16 knots in winter and 17 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Jan, Feb, Mar.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Antigua is generally rated moderate and Seychelles is moderate to difficult. The difference matters: Seychelles asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $4,200
- Mid season: $11,000
- High season: $21,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $42,000+
- Low season: $5,500
- Mid season: $14,000
- High season: $28,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $60,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- English Harbour / Nelson's Dockyard (UNESCO) — Historic British naval base
- Shirley Heights — Sunset parties Sunday
- Barbuda lagoon — Frigate bird sanctuary
- Prickly Pear Island — Day trip from Jolly Harbour
- La Digue - Anse Source d'Argent — Iconic granite boulders; top photo
- Praslin - Vallée de Mai (UNESCO) — Coco de mer palm
- Cousin Island — Bird sanctuary
- Aldabra Atoll (UNESCO) — Giant tortoise habitat (expedition yachts only)
Which Should You Choose?
Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Antigua or Seychelles.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Antigua vs Seychelles. Read the must-visit lists above.
Antigua has 1 cultural anchorages vs Seychelles's 0. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Timing and Budget: Antigua vs Seychelles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antigua or Seychelles better for a first-time charter? ▾
Which is cheaper to charter — Antigua or Seychelles? ▾
When is the best time to visit Antigua vs Seychelles? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Antigua vs Seychelles? ▾
Which has better flight access — Antigua or Seychelles? ▾
Which is more beginner-friendly, Antigua or Seychelles? ▾
Choose Between Antigua & Seychelles
Tell us your dates and group. We'll recommend the right one — honestly.