Anchoring in Falmouth Harbour.
The official language is English. Many locals are multi-lingual and speak Antiguan Creole and Spanish.
The sail from Jolly Harbour to Falmouth Harbour.
Sailing South from the Lignum Vitae beach and East for Falmouth Harbour. Anchoring on the R/H side of Falmouth Harbour bay, near the stunning white sandy, tree lined Pidgin Point beach, in site of the marina and all the supper yachts.
Clearing In/Out.
The dinghy dock is to the back of Falmouth Harbour marina, stay to the L/H side of the big super yachts as you motor in. You can walk to English Harbour from the dinghy dock at Falmouth Harbour, (see Things We Did for more directions). Or anchor in English Harbour. Which is the next anchorage, traveling East from Falmouth Harbour.
There’s a Customs & Immigration office for clearing In/Out at Nelson’s Dockyard. Which is located at English Harbour.
Nelson’s Dockyard is very much worth a visit and a World Heritage site
Nelson’s Dockyard is very much worth a visit and a World Heritage site. To enter from the road, there is normally a fee to pay at the gate. However, as we were there for clearing in or out, there was no charge to enter. Within Nelsons Dockyard, there are useful signs to guide you to all departments.
Falmouth and English Harbour are National Parks.
A few of the incredible super yachts in Falmout harbour.
Falmouth and English Harbour are National Parks. Anchoring in either bay, has an additional daily charge, not included in your Cruising Permit fees. You pay this charge at Nelsons Dock, Customs and Immigration office.
Be aware, there is an extra charge per day, not included with the Cruising Permit fees, for anchoring in a reserve.
Be aware, there is an extra charge per day, not included with the Cruising Permit fees, for anchoring in a reserve. If you clear out from Nelsons Dockyard, you will be asked where you’ve been anchored and for how long. Then charged accordingly.
I believe the above daily charge would be charged within the marina fees, if you stay in the marina. Ask for clarity, before you start your marina stay.
You can clear out at Jolly Harbour, which has no daily charge as it’s not a reserve.
Antiguan Customs & Immigration use on line software, called eSeaClear Which is used as you clear in, to confirm or amend your boat details. The online form can be completed at C & I office, or on your own computer, onlin in advance. Completing the form in advance will save queuing time and helps the staff. Which is always a good thing.
As you clear in, you will be visiting different offices. Have your passports, personal and boat paperwork in order and ready to show. You will finally make payment and collect your Cruising Permit.
Mooring & Anchoring.
We anchored in Falmouth Harbour, on the right as you entered the bay. At the end of Pidgin Point Beach. We were fairly well sheltered and only suffered rolling on a handful of occasions.
More anchorages can be found, as you travel further into the bay. We had views of the town, the marinas and beach. We preferred the beach.
The channel to Falmouth Harbour Marina must be kept clear.
Be sure not to anchor in the channel leading to the Marina. It must be kept clear at all times.
Dinghy Dock:
There are two main dinghy docks. The first is at Antigua Yacht Club Marina, which is on the right hand side of the bay. From our position near the beach, you access the dock by going round the left hand side of the most prominent pontoons coming out from the AYC Marina. Follow them down till you can see the AYC Marina office and restaurant on the right hand side on shore. Pass under a foot bridge in order to tie up in front of the restaurant. AYC Marina has a grocery and fishing shop and restaurant. This dock is closest to Pigeon Point Beach. We didn’t use this dock during our stay.
The second, and more popular Falmouth Harbour dinghy dock, is to the left of the AYC Marina dinghy dock. Head into the bay, past the super yachts, then turn to the left as you approach the shore. This dingy dock is next door to Falmouth Harbour Marina, has the advantage of being closer to town and shops, and a shorter walk to Nelson’s Dockyard.
Fuel.
Fuel is available at the marinas. Unclear of costs as we don’t require diesel.
Water.
Water is obtained and charged for at both Marinas. We filled up at Falmouth Harbour Marina. Use the pontoon and visit the Marina office for access to water.
Rubbish:
At Falmouth Marina dinghy dock there’s an area for yachties to leave their rubbish. We didn’t see any recycling bins.
Shopping:
The main grocery shop was closest to Falmouth Dinghy Dock. Go to the T-junction Dockyard Drive. There’s garage on the left corner and restaurant over the road. Turn right and Covent Garden Supermarket is about half a mile on the left. Groceries are expensive on Antigua, shop wisely.
There’s a nice sitting area, outside the supermarket.
There’s a nice sitting area outside the supermarket, you can enjoy a beer and snack in the shade. This area conveniently overlooked the picturesque Nelson’s Dockyard bay.
On your way to the supermarket there are various places to eat, clothes vendors, a shop selling local crafts, car rental and a pharmacy.
If you head left at the T-junction, you will find a diving center, more eating places, leather craft shop, smaller local grocery shops and the entrance to Falmouth Harbour. It soon peters out to the suburbs with not much else of interest.
Things We Did.
Out sight seeing was restricted to walking distance from Falmouth Harbour.
Nelson’s Dockyard.
This is well worth a visit. Go to the dinghy dock near Falmouth Harbour. Turn right on Dockyard Drive at the T-junction, and follow the road all the way to the end of the road. You will see the entrance where there is the aforementioned fee for tourists. If you’ve visited to clear in or out or are berthed in one of the marinas, you may get in without being charged.
Nelson’s Dockyard is well restored and has lots of information boards, explaining the history of each important building.
You’ll find a superbly restored museum, small grocery shop, restaurants, Customs, tourist shops and a bakery.
Head towards the end of the point through the Marina, then follow a track to the outpost of Fort Berkeley, at the entrance to the harbour. There’s a spectacular view at the end of the point. Here you can take the obligatory pose with the cannons along the well preserved embankment wall.
Middle Ground Trail.
Start at Fort Berkeley or behind of Pidgeon Point Beach.
There’s a steep hill and a bit of scrabbling along the way.
To walk the trail, follow the white painted rocks. There are many breathtaking sea view’s.
You will see old fort ruins along the way, History boards give dates and describe there history.
At one point the path splits to take an inner land route or the coastal path. We only walked the coastal path.
The start of the path winds up a steep hill, which overlooks Falmouth Harbour bay.
We walked the trail, starting from Pidgin Point Beach.
Start behind the beach. Over the road, you’ll find a sign leading to the trail. The start of the path winds up a steep hill, which overlooks Falmouth Harbour bay. At the top you reach the ruins of an old outpost and spectacular views of the bay, looking out to sea. After the ruins, the trial heads along the coast towards English Harbour.
It’s an hours trek or more. Expect longer if you keep stopping to enjoy the fabulous views. There are lots of photo opportunity’s!
Our coastal walk finish at Fort Berkeley with a celebratory packed lunch, followed by a walk around Nelson’s Dockyard and a much deserved ice lolly. We to Falmouth dinghy dock by road, past the supermarket.
Take plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.
Take plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, as there is not much respite from the sun along most of the trial. The views are fantastic.
Pidgin Point Beach.
Pidgin Point Beach was just a short dinghy ride from our anchorage and a superb beach. You can pull your dinghy onto the beach or use the jetty at the south end of the bay. Watch out as there were several missing boards towards the outer end of the jetty.
As we arrive ant our anchorage in Falmouth Harbour. Pidgin Point Beach as seen from Ocean Strider.
The tree lined beach offer’s plenty of natural shade. You have to chase the shade if you sit on the beach for any length of time, which we often did. There are a few decent places for snorkeling.
There’s a very good bar-restaurant with live music close to the jetty and a good cafe-bar at the other end of the beach. The live music was very good.
