INTRODUCING

Antigua

Set in the heart of the Caribbean, Antigua is the largest of the British Leeward Islands. The island is 14 miles long and 11 miles wide and is home to around 80,000 people, with over 22,000 people living in the capital, St John’s.

Granted independence from the UK in 1981, English is spoken everywhere, along with local dialects. The deep harbour at St John’s was home to the British fleet in the past and now welcomes large cruise ships. Ringed with coral reefs and 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – Antigua is a popular holiday destination, served by regular flights from major airlines. Oyster owners will find themselves moored up in the historic Nelson’s Dockyard before the Rally begins. This cultural heritage site is the only working Georgian dockyard in the world today, it was Admiral Horatio Nelson’s base for the British Navy in the 1780s. It marks the start and finish line for the Oyster World Rally and has witnessed some amazing party’s courtesy of the Oyster Events team.

Next destination

Highlights

  • End the week in style with a visit to the iconic Shirley Heights on Sunday evening. A former military lookout with panoramic views, it is the perfect spot for sundowners, BBQ food and live music.
  • Go kitesurfing at Green Island – a protected bay offering flat water no matter the wind direction.
  • Enjoy a famous Antiguan Roti from Roti Sue.
  • Watch a cricket match at the Recreation Ground in St John's and on any of the many beaches around the island.
  • Raise a glass with the locals with a Wadadli beer or an English Harbour Rum.
  • Hike to the Pillars of Hercules from Galleon Beach – these impressive limestone cliffs have been weathered into beautiful formations by the sea, storms and time.
OWR 2024-25 Start Antigua

GALLERY

A flavour of Antigua

RELATED NEWS

Rally Stories

Infinity Monuriki Island
Oyster Life
The ultimate adventure machine
Just three years ago, sailing round the world was a distant dream. Fast forward to today, and Ross Golding has realised a life-changing world voyage.
read more
Sailing Agulhas Current D
Oyster Life
Sailing the Agulhas Current: A mighty force of nature
To reach Cape Town from the east, circumnavigators must face the mighty Agulhas Current, notorious for producing some of the world’s biggest waves. But with support, expert advice and patience it can be an exhilarating ride.    
read more
San Blas v2
Oyster Life
A very big adventure
25 Oyster owners share the memories they have made as they reach the halfway point of the Oyster World Rally 2022/23. Share in the thrills and stories of adventure on this once-in-a-life voyage.
read more
sail around the word with Oyster
Oyster Life
How do you prepare to sail around the world?
A sailing circumnavigation is a huge enterprise, but with the right planning, training and preparation it is more than achievable.
read more