Antigua and Barbuda / St. Johns – The Trading Centre of Antigua and Barbuda
The largest city on the island of Antigua, St. John’s is also the commercial center which means it attracts the largest numbers of tourists who come here in huge cruise boats that moor next to Caribbean yacht charters.
General Info
Apart from being the largest city and the capital of Antigua & Barbuda, the town of Saint John’s is also the commercial center and the main port of the island of Antigua. When you add to the mixture a lovely architecture in the purest colonial style and a welcoming people, you understand why this is such a sought after location by Yacht Charter lovers everywhere.
The reason why St. John’s ranks top on many levels is because it’s been a capital city ever since the islands were first colonized in 1632. Today, it’s known as a cosmopolitan and cultural center with numerous landmarks as well as an exclusive resort that attracts the finest segment of the Yacht Charter population.
Travel & Arrival
There are two ways to get to St. John’s, either by plane or by boat. The fastest and easiest way to arrive is obviously by plane. The VC Bird International Airport is located just kilometers from the city itself and is connected by daily or seasonal flights to the United Kingdom, the United States and some of the neighboring islands.
Hardcore Yacht Charter devotees won’t take into consideration the option of flying here as they would want to spend as much time on the water as possible. For them and other people who want to take their time, there are numerous cruise ships that stop in the St. John’s port which has large piers to accommodate them.
Avant & Apres Sail
A wonderful town to behold, St. John’s does have a few landmarks that have endured the test of time. The most iconic and the largest, dominating the downtown skyline is the St. John’s Cathedral, with its baroque towers built in 1845. These count for as much as half of the Yacht Charter tourist population that comes to Antigua each year. There is also the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda which deals mostly with the history and traditions of the Arawak Indians, but also a look into the colonial times.
A good place to visit is the weekly market which takes place on Friday and Saturday mornings, a tradition found throughout Leewards and Windwads. Here, the Yacht Charter sailors get a chance to sample some of the local produce, crafts and also catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle.
The Yacht Charter gourmands will love their trip to Antigua and Barbuda since their cuisine is very different from anything in the western world. The national dish is the fungie and pepper pot (similar to Italian polenta), but there are also recipes like ducana, season rice, saltfish and lobster. You’ll find some influences from Jamaica and of course, some international recipes, Chinese in particular gaining wide success with the locals.
When it comes to shopping, the name St. John’s pops up every time you mention this part of the world. That’s because the city is a renowned for its many shopping malls which sell designer jewelry and haute-couture clothing to the Yacht Charter masses. So you better make sure you don’t leave your credit cards behind when you visit Saint John’s.
Actions & Events
There is a hoard of things to do and ways to have fun while here. From the national sport of cricket which is like a second religion to locals, hiking, bird watching, tennis, hunting, golfing, trekking, bike riding to boating, diving, snorkeling, fishing and kayaking, the Yacht Charter guest is spoiled with options.
St. John’s doesn’t kid around when it comes to festivals either. The famous Carnival is known among Yacht Charter circles of people who come here year after year. Just make sure to drop by anytime between the end of July and the beginning of August and the locals will take care of the rest.