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Within the same region

Antigua vs Saint Lucia

Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.

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Quick Comparison

Dimension Antigua Saint Lucia
Region Caribbean Caribbean
Peak season Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Shoulder Nov, May Nov, May
Sailing difficulty moderate moderate to difficult
Recommended level intermediate intermediate
Avg wind (winter / summer) 17 / 13 kn 18 / 14 kn
Hurricane risk Aug, Sep, Oct Aug, Sep, Oct
Currency XCD (pegged to USD) XCD (pegged to USD)
Mid-tier price (7 days) $11,000 $10,000
Luxury tier price $42,000 $38,000
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At a Glance

Caribbean
Antigua

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
Caribbean
Saint Lucia

Northern end of Windward chain; longer passages. Pitons protected area. Strong Atlantic swells December-April.

  • • 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 Lucia averages 18 knots in winter and 14 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.

In terms of sailing difficulty, Antigua is generally rated moderate and Saint Lucia is moderate to difficult. The difference matters: Saint Lucia 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):

Antigua
  • Low season: $4,200
  • Mid season: $11,000
  • High season: $21,000
  • Luxury / crewed peak: $42,000+
Saint Lucia
  • Low season: $3,800
  • Mid season: $10,000
  • High season: $19,000
  • Luxury / crewed peak: $38,000+

Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.

Anchorages & Must-Do

Antigua
  • 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
Saint Lucia
  • Pitons (UNESCO) — Twin volcanic peaks; iconic St Lucia
  • Soufrière — Drive-in or anchor; sulfur springs
  • Marigot Bay — Dramatic hurricane hole
  • Anse Cochon — Sheltered cove

Which Should You Choose?

If you've never chartered before

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 Lucia.

If you want warmer / tropical water

Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Antigua vs Saint Lucia. Read the must-visit lists above.

If you want history / culture / food

Antigua has 1 cultural anchorages vs Saint Lucia's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.

Timing and Budget: Antigua vs Saint Lucia

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Antigua or Saint Lucia better for a first-time charter? ▾
Neither is a "first-charter" pick — both lean intermediate. Consider starting in BVI or Greece before tackling Antigua/Saint Lucia.
Which is cheaper to charter — Antigua or Saint Lucia? ▾
Saint Lucia is the cheaper of the two at the mid-tier: ~$10,000/week vs ~$11,000/week for Antigua. Bareboat low-season starts around $3,800 in Saint Lucia vs $4,200 in Antigua.
When is the best time to visit Antigua vs Saint Lucia? ▾
Antigua: peak Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr; shoulder Nov, May; off Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Saint Lucia: peak Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr; shoulder Nov, May; off Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Both are Caribbean-style (peak = Dec–Apr).
How do sailing conditions compare — Antigua vs Saint Lucia? ▾
Antigua: typical winter winds 17 knots, summer 13 knots. Sailing difficulty: moderate. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct. Saint Lucia: typical winter winds 18 knots, summer 14 knots. Sailing difficulty: moderate to difficult. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
Which has better flight access — Antigua or Saint Lucia? ▾
Antigua: V.C. Bird International (ANU), also Connection through SJU. Saint Lucia: Hewanorra (UVF) / George F.L. Charles (SLU), also Connection through SJU.
Which is more beginner-friendly, Antigua or Saint Lucia? ▾
Both are accessible to first-time charterers (intermediate and intermediate respectively). Many charterers combine both on one trip.
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