ANTIGUA SOUTH COAST (ENGLISH HARBOUR, FALMOUTH HARBOUR, NELSON'S DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK)

Antigua — English Harbour: boating safety

Last verified: 14 October 2026

English Harbour and the neighbouring Falmouth Harbour on Antigua's south coast are the island's main yachting centre. The historic Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is run as a working marina by the National Parks Authority. It is a hub for charter, superyachts and regattas, with cruising around Antigua and to Barbuda.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA

Call 911

Call 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Antigua & Barbuda: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

The National Parks Authority runs Nelson's Dockyard Marina in English Harbour, with berthing slips and bow moorings. Customs and Immigration are on site.

National Parks Authority, Antigua (Nelson's Dockyard National Park) ▾

nationalparksantigua.com (2026-10-14): “Marina Services and Amenities Berthing slips Bow moorings Three phase electricity Water Waste oil disposal 24-hour security Immigration and Customs High-speed internet”

Hospital and medical

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre runs an Emergency Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre ▾

msjmc.org (2026-10-14): “At Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, we are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Emergency Department provides rapid, expert care when every second counts”

Arriving from abroad

Customs and Immigration have an office at Nelson's Dockyard Marina, so visiting boats can clear in at English Harbour.

National Parks Authority, Antigua (Nelson's Dockyard National Park) ▾

nationalparksantigua.com (2026-10-14): “Marina Services and Amenities Berthing slips Bow moorings Three phase electricity Water Waste oil disposal 24-hour security Immigration and Customs”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Antigua — English Harbour?

Call 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Read before you sail

Person overboard: what to do Engine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Guadeloupe — Pointe-à-Pitre 49 nm Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin 99 nm Martinique — Le Marin 162 nm St Lucia — Rodney Bay 181 nm Tortola 183 nm St. Thomas and St. John 192 nm Fajardo 233 nm The Grenadines — Bequia / Union Island 241 nm

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