Jolly Harbor is a large marina and condominium development located on the west side of the island of Antigua, about a 10-mile journey south of the city of St. Johns. Ashore in Jolly harbor are a wide variety of shops (more than 30), several restaurants and a complex of condominium homes, some of which can be rented by vacationers. If you are in need of repairs, the excellent marina here has a 70-ton lift for haul-outs.

The approach to Jolly Harbor is quite easy, but there are some areas to watch out for on your arrival from the north of south. Five Island and its group of sister islands are located off the Pearns Hill area of the island and should be avoided if you are arriving from the north. There are no apparent hazards from the south, but mind a few charted rocks off Ffryes Point and the town of Valley Church.

Once you have arrived in the area (at N17 04.423 W61 54.780), you can set a course of 86 degrees true for .7 mile to intercept the flashing red light at the beginning of the entrance channel to Jolly Harbor. From the flashing red entrance light, head in another .7 mile, and then make the starboard turn at the flashing red and green buoys into the basin. Depths are reported to be at least 11 feet (with deeper spots), but if you draw more, radio into the marina for details.

The shopping area, restaurant and marina offices are located in the southern portion of the basin, while customs is located straight in on the east shore north of the marina’s fuel dock. Jolly Harbor Marina is full service and had a 70-ton lift to facilitate repairs on land. The marina has a chandlery, which is excellent for stocking up on spare parts and other marine-related items. Jolly Harbour is also a port of entry, and you can clear through customs here if you are just arriving on Antigua.

See our “Local Notices to Mariners” blog for updates on the latest conditions and advisories for this area.