Join us for the Antigua Charter Yacht Show from December 4th to 9th, 2026, at Nelson's Dockyard, showcasing a diverse range of yachts and marine vendors.
Dates
4–9 Dec 2026
City / country
English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda
Venue
Nelsons Dockyard
Time
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Event overview
The Antigua Charter Yacht Show is a premier event in the yachting calendar, celebrating 65 years of excellence in the industry. Held at the historic Nelson's Dockyard, this show brings together yacht captains, charter brokers, and marine vendors to explore the latest in yacht design and amenities.
Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with networking opportunities, informative sessions, and a showcase of magnificent yachts. Antigua Charter Yacht Show English Harbour takes place in.
TL;DR
Attendees will gain insights into the latest yacht designs and amenities, network with industry professionals, and enjoy a variety of social events. The show offers a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the yachting industry and explore a wide range of yachts on display.
Exhibitors will benefit from direct access to influential yacht captains and brokers, enhancing their visibility in the market. The event provides a platform to showcase products and services to a targeted audience, fostering valuable connections and potential sales. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Luxury yacht manufacturers, Marine equipment suppliers, Charter companies offering yacht rentals. Position your offer across luxury motor yachts, sailing yachts,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
2Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda
Nelsons Dockyard in English Harbour typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Nelsons Dockyard in English Harbour typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Nelsons Dockyard for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Event days & opening times
General admission
Registration fee for yachts up to 80ft
General admission
Registration fee for yachts 81-100ft
General admission
Registration fee for yachts 101-120ft
General admission
Registration fee for yachts 121-140ft
General admission
Registration fee for yachts 141-160ft
General admission
Registration fee for yachts 161-180ft
General admission
Registration fee for yachts 181-200ft
General admission
Registration fee for yachts 201-230ft
General admission
Registration fee for yachts 231ft and over
Who runs the show
Superyacht Charities, it's aiming to raise awareness of, and funds for, GILM Inc, a not-fo
Organiser
How the last edition performed
Edition recap
Impact
The 2025 Antigua Charter Yacht Show was held at Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour, continuing its role as a key Caribbean charter season curtain-raiser. Yachting media including Boat International covered the show with a dedicated review. The event brought together charter yachts, brokers and industry professionals for the traditional December showcase.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
On 2026-12-04 to 2026-12-09, Antigua Charter Yacht Show English Harbour in English Harbour covering Luxury motor yachts, Sailing yachts, Multihulls, Marine equipment and supplies, Yacht charter services gives marine buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
V.C. Bird International Airport
Antigua's main international gateway, located near St John's on the north-east coast. Confirm seasonal flight schedules and allow buffer time during show week, when harbour traffic and yacht transfers can slow onward journeys
TBA
to venue
Approx. 35-50 minutes by taxi or rental car
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Admiral's Inn and Gunpowder Suites
Historic dockyard property with pool, spa, bar and restaurant; breakfast available for a fee. Google rating 4.5 with 'excellent location'.
South Point Ocean Suites | Antigua
Suites with outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, room service and airport shuttle; Google rating 4.5.
The Ocean Inn
Pool, breakfast, fitness center, bar and restaurant; Google rating 4.7 with 'excellent location'.
Antigua Superyacht Marina & Resort
Marina resort with fitness center, spa, bar, restaurant and airport shuttle; Google rating 4.4 from 634 reviews.
Orrie's Beach Bar and Hotel
Beach access, restaurant, free Wi-Fi and parking; Google rating 4.8 from 49 reviews.
Paige Pond Country Inn
Free Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning and airport shuttle; Google rating 4.1.
Jolly Beach Resort & Spa
All-inclusive option with outdoor pool, fitness center and beach access; Google rating 3.8.
Ellen Bay Inn
Breakfast, pet-friendly, restaurant and airport shuttle; Google rating 4.6.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Public minibus (local bus via St John's)
No metro or rail exists on Antigua. From V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU), take a taxi or bus to St John's, then a southbound minibus to English Harbour; allow roughly 1.5-2 hours with changes. Services are basic and luggage space is limited.
Taxi
Taxis are the most direct option with crew gear and provisions. The drive is roughly 35-50 minutes depending on traffic. Agree the fare before departure and confirm whether luggage or extra stops carry a surcharge.
Rental car (self-drive)
Useful for exhibitors staying outside the dockyard or moving between English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. Antigua drives on the left; roads are narrow near the harbours and parking at Nelson's Dockyard is limited during show week. Confirm insurance and any temporary local permit with the rental company.
Weather
December is in Antigua's dry season, with daytime temperatures typically 24-29 C (75-84 F) and cooler evenings near 23 C (73 F). Northeast trade winds keep the harbours breezy, and rain usually arrives as brief passing showers rather than all-day fronts. The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on 30 November, but unsettled spells are still possible. UV is strong even under cloud; pack reef-safe sun protection, a light rain shell and layers for air-conditioned venues. Confirm daily marine forecasts before tender runs or yacht viewings.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Heritage setting
Nelson's Dockyard is part of the UNESCO-listed Antigua Naval Dockyard. Treat historic buildings, capstans and museum areas as working heritage spaces; keep walkways clear and follow barriers during show set-up and yacht viewings.
Working harbour etiquette
English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are active marinas, not resort pools. Ask before stepping onto a yacht or photographing crew and guests, keep voices low near moored yachts, and follow tender and gangway instructions from each yacht's crew.
Island pace and appointments
Antiguan service culture is friendly and relatively unhurried, but charter show meetings run to fixed slots. Confirm taxi pickups, tender times and yacht viewing appointments in advance, and allow buffer time for harbour traffic.
Currency and payments
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the local currency. US dollars are often accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but change may come in XCD. Carry small notes for minibuses, taxis and dockyard vendors; cards are useful for marina and hotel bills.
Dress and sun
Smart casual is the practical uniform for daytime viewings and evening yacht events. Boat shoes or soft-soled shoes protect teak decks, and strong sun protection is essential even on overcast days. English is the official language, and a polite good morning or good afternoon is appreciated.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: ANU
Google Flights captures price the gateway as ANU (V.C. Bird International). Sample itineraries above were pulled for adjacent date windows, so re-check fares against the 4-9 December 2026 show dates. Airlines shown with ANU service in the capture include American, Caribbean Airlines, LIAT, Winair, Sunrise Airways and InterCaribbean; only JFK-ANU appeared nonstop in the sample set.
Visa rules depend on nationality: Antigua and Barbuda publishes a list of countries that do not require a visa, and others apply for the Electronic Entry Visa online through the government portal. Business travellers may need an invitation letter from the Antiguan host stating purpose, duration and trip details.
Apply through the official immigration.gov.ag portal rather than third-party visa sites. Confirm your nationality's status against the official exempt-country list before booking flights.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU): Approx. 35-50 minutes by taxi or rental car. Allow road or rail time to Nelsons Dockyard; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Nelsons Dockyard: Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour: Admiral's Inn and Gunpowder Suites; English Harbour: South Point Ocean Suites | Antigua; English Harbour: The Ocean Inn.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in English Harbour; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Local minibuses connect St John's bus station with English Harbour; travellers report paying about USD 2 for the Nelson's Dockyard run. From ANU airport the bus route requires changes at the East and West bus stations and takes roughly 1h 48m. No metro or rail exists on Antigua.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Nelsons Dockyard; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: 24-29 C (75-84 F) daytime; around 23 C (73 F) overnight
Seasonality: Dry season; December typically brings mostly sunny days with brief passing showers. Hurricane season ends 30 November, but trade-wind showers can still interrupt tender runs and deck viewings. Check marine forecasts daily.
Packing: 24-29 C (75-84 F) daytime; around 23 C (73 F) overnight Dry season; December typically brings mostly sunny days with brief passing showers. Hurricane season ends 30 November, but trade-wind showers can still interrupt tender runs and deck viewings. Check marine forecasts daily. December is in Antigu
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Antigua Charter Yacht Show English Harbour usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
14 days out: Confirm the 2026 show access policy, registration route and any trade or broker credentials required by the organiser.
14 days out: Book flights into V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) and accommodation in English Harbour or Falmouth Harbour; December is peak charter-season travel.
10 days out: Arrange an airport transfer or rental car and allow 35-50 minutes for the drive from ANU to English Harbour.
10 days out: Request yacht viewing appointments through central agents and note which yachts are berthed at Nelson's Dockyard versus Falmouth Harbour.
7 days out: Build a viewing schedule by yacht type and length, including sailing yachts, motor yachts, multihulls and superyachts.
7 days out: Check passport validity and Antigua and Barbuda entry requirements, and confirm any airline baggage rules for camera or crew gear.
5 days out: Pack for 24-29 C days, brief showers, strong UV and smart casual evening events; bring soft-soled shoes for boarding teak decks.
5 days out: Carry small amounts of Eastern Caribbean dollars for minibuses, taxis and dockyard vendors, and confirm card acceptance at your hotel.
3 days out: Download the show schedule and confirm tender or water transport plans between the harbours.
1 day out: Reconfirm yacht appointments and taxi pickups, and check the marine forecast before any tender or harbour crossing.
Registration and hall orientation at Nelsons Dockyard
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Antigua Charter Yacht Show English Harbour registration concourse
Nelsons Dockyard
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Nelsons Dockyard
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 1700 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 1700 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Antigua Charter Yacht Show English Harbour fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Antigua Charter Yacht Show English Harbour, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Luxury motor yachts and Sailing yachts solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Antigua Charter Yacht Show English Harbour in English Harbour.
Min. budget
$7,950.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Luxury motor yachts and Sailing yachts products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$35,775.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the English Harbour show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Trust footer
2
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
Antigua Charter Yacht Show
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
