Within the same region
Antigua vs Saint Barthélemy
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Antigua | Saint Barthélemy |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | moderate |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 17 / 13 kn | 18 / 13 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | XCD (pegged to USD) | EUR |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $11,000 | $22,000 |
| Luxury tier price | $42,000 | $90,000 |
| 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
Most expensive Caribbean charter destination. Suited to crewed charters; bareboat limited. New Year's / Christmas fully booked 6+ months in advance.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 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.
Saint Barthélemy averages 18 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Antigua is generally rated moderate and Saint Barthélemy is moderate. They're at the same level — your decision will hinge on route and vibe, not on whether you can handle the conditions.
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: $8,000
- Mid season: $22,000
- High season: $40,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $90,000+
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
- Gustavia — Red-tin-roof harbor town
- St Jean beach — Iconic landing strip beach
- Colombier Beach — Hike-in or anchor; pristine
- Pointe à Lézard — Turtle and reef
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 Saint Barthélemy.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Antigua vs Saint Barthélemy. Read the must-visit lists above.
Antigua has 1 cultural anchorages vs Saint Barthélemy's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Timing and Budget: Antigua vs Saint Barthélemy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antigua or Saint Barthélemy better for a first-time charter? ▾
Which is cheaper to charter — Antigua or Saint Barthélemy? ▾
When is the best time to visit Antigua vs Saint Barthélemy? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Antigua vs Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Which has better flight access — Antigua or Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Which is more beginner-friendly, Antigua or Saint Barthélemy? ▾
Choose Between Antigua & Saint Barthélemy
Tell us your dates and group. We'll recommend the right one — honestly.