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St. John's is the capital of Antigua. The port facilities are at the outer end of a peninsula running westward into the middle of St. John’s Harbour. Their use is restricted to commercial vessels, and the wharf is invariably in use by cargo ships, cruise ships and inter-island trading boats.

The inner harbour, between the deep water port and the St. John’s waterfront, is used by small local craft. It provides an excellent anchorage, with a very good holding ground of mud, for yachts drawing nine feet or less. Anchor in twelve feet or less as your draft permits. Make sure you are on the twelve foot shelf as a turning basin has been dredged for the cruise ships. If you are in water more than seventeen feet you are in the turning basin for the cruise ships. Clearance is obtained at the Port Authority offices.

The entrance is simple and straightforward. No fees are charged for the use of the inner harbour. Limited dockage and facilities are available at the marina at the end of Redcliffe Quay. Dinghies can also be left at the Treasury Pier. Fuel and fresh water are available at Keeling Point. Groceries and fresh provisions are plentiful and sometimes cheaper than elsewhere on the island. Brysons/IGA supermarket has a wide selection and lies a few feet from the dinghy parking place just north of the new cruise ship dock. Food City on the north side of the harbour is a new and extensively stocked supermarket. The Map Shop on St. Mary’s Street sells all the latest charts and cruising guides.

Besides the obvious advantages of being able to anchor within a cable of the commercial and business center of the island, St. John’s Harbour also offers the visiting yachtsman the chance to meet a wide cross section of the local seafaring community.