⚡ Quick Answer: How Do I Ship a Boat from the USA to Antigua and Barbuda?
International boat shipping to Antigua and Barbuda starts with the overall length, maximum beam, loaded transport height, total weight, trailer/cradle and receiving destination. Compare container service for smaller watercraft, carrier-approved trailer-on-RoRo, flat rack for selected out-of-gauge boats and specialist yacht lifting. St. John’s is an important commercial gateway to assess. English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are well-known yacht destinations but should not be assumed to be the booked ocean cargo discharge terminals. Barbuda deliveries may need another island movement. U.S. pickup, destination customs, unloading and onward marina delivery may be separate charges.
USA → ST. JOHN’S • ENGLISH HARBOUR • BARBUDA • BOAT & YACHT SHIPPING
Antigua’s established yachting areas make marina-level planning especially important, but large-vessel cargo discharge is not the same as cruising into a yacht harbor. The ocean terminal, lift plan and final marina receiving procedure must be coordinated separately. All TransportDepot coordinates inland boat pickup, carrier booking and U.S. export paperwork. We first verify whether the selected method is suitable for the actual boat and receiving terminal.
Boat & Yacht Shipping Quote to Antigua and Barbuda
Submit the specific boat details and destination. Cargo method, departure terminal and final rate are confirmed after measurement and carrier review.
Boat & Yacht Shipping Calculator
Estimate ocean shipping for boats and yachts on a trailer or cradle.
Boat Details
Unit System
QTY
Length (m)
Width (m)
Height (m)
Weight (kg)
Volume
-Estimated Total
-Boat Quote Request
Boat Shipping Navigation: Worldwide Boat Shipping → Caribbean Boat Shipping → Antigua and Barbuda
Boat, Yacht and Watercraft Shipping to Antigua and Barbuda
Sailing yachts, motor cruisers, tenders and trailerable fishing boats require different mast, cradle, lifting and harbor-side handover plans.
All TransportDepot can evaluate collection from a U.S. residence, dealer, boat auction, private seller, storage yard or marina. For a vessel already in the water, arrange the haul-out and suitable road/port support before dispatch.
Example: Smaller Boat or Tender
A center-console purchased at a U.S. auction may travel on an approved trailer, but overall height and local road access need checking.
Example: Larger Boat or Yacht
A keelboat headed for the Falmouth area may need mast removal, a custom support cradle and separate marina lift arrangements.
RoRo, Container, Flat Rack or Yacht Transport?
The carrier and terminal—not the boat’s product brochure—determine whether cargo is accepted on a specific sailing.
APPROVED TRAILER UNITS
RoRo Boat Shipping
A securely mounted boat on an accepted roadworthy trailer may qualify for RoRo where the operator permits the combined unit. Inspect wheel, tire, brake and towing condition; verify loaded dimensions and securing points.
- Carrier- and terminal-specific acceptance
- Overall boat plus trailer measurements
- No promise of service on every route
SMALL BOATS & PWCS
Container Shipping
Smaller craft may be enclosed in a shipping container if they pass through the door and can be safely braced or cradled. Loading equipment, battery/fuel declarations and unpacking costs need review.
- Container door and internal-clearance checks
- Loading/cradle drawings as appropriate
- Deck equipment protected for the journey
OUT-OF-GAUGE HULLS
Flat Rack Shipping
Selected over-width or over-height hulls can be considered for flat racks, with a load-support plan and approval from every handling terminal.
- Special blocking, bracing and lashing
- Terminal crane and out-of-gauge limits
- Marine cargo insurance discussion
LARGE MARINE VESSELS
Lift-on/Lift-off or Breakbulk
Oversized yachts and sailing craft may need professionally engineered cradles, lifting points and an appropriate cargo vessel. Learn about specialized breakbulk cargo.
- Verified lifting and shipping weight
- Cradle or keel support and mast arrangements
- Receiving-crane and marina planning
How Much Does Boat Shipping to Antigua and Barbuda Cost?
A boat-shipping price cannot be safely determined from destination alone. Length, maximum beam, height on the support equipment, total cargo weight, method and current carrier capacity all matter. When a boat is destined for Barbuda, specify that before booking; delivery to Antigua is not necessarily delivery to the final island. Confirm who will supply the onward transport, crane or vessel.
| Cost Element | What Determines the Charge? | Quote Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. marina or dealer pickup | Pickup ZIP code, haul-out, trailer/chassis, permits, road restrictions | Based on origin and dimensions |
| Ocean transport | Container, accepted RoRo trailer, flat rack or yacht-lift plan | Confirmed with carrier |
| Cradle, loading and specialist handling | Support construction, cranes, packing, lashing, mast or arch removal | Separate where applicable |
| Destination terminal & local delivery | Local customs, taxes, handling, storage, unloading and marina transfer | Often not included in ocean freight |
Boat Pickup from Marinas, Dealers and Auctions in the USA
We can evaluate inland pickup from accessible U.S. marinas, dealers, sales yards, auctions and storage locations. A lift-out may be required if the vessel is afloat; do not dispatch a driver until the boat, support system, keys and release documentation are ready.
Measurements Needed
- Overall length including motors and bowsprits
- Maximum width and total loaded height
- Boat plus trailer/cradle shipping weight
- Draft or keel depth if lifting required
- Mast, T-top, outriggers and flybridge dimensions
Pickup Coordination
- Marina or seller contact and loading hours
- Acceptable title, HIN and sales documents
- Trailer braking and tire condition
- Available boat lift and transport permissions
- Photographs showing the hull and supports
Arrival Ports and Boat Delivery in Antigua and Barbuda
St. John’s is an important commercial gateway to assess. English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour are well-known yacht destinations but should not be assumed to be the booked ocean cargo discharge terminals. Barbuda deliveries may need another island movement.
Practical receiving area: St. John’s, Antigua yacht harbours and Barbuda. When a boat is destined for Barbuda, specify that before booking; delivery to Antigua is not necessarily delivery to the final island. Confirm who will supply the onward transport, crane or vessel.
Before Shipping
- Confirm the exact cargo terminal and allowed boat dimensions
- Check a suitable crane, chassis or trailer for discharge
- Appoint the receiving agent and broker in advance
- Confirm import approval before loading in the USA
After Arrival
- Obtain the arrival notice and Bill of Lading
- Complete applicable declarations and port payments
- Arrange terminal release and any inspection
- Book a safe handover to the final yard or marina
How the Boat Shipping Process Works
1. Share Vessel Details
Provide make/model, dimensions, photos, U.S. pickup and final island location.
2. Check Eligibility
Have the importing agent verify the craft’s arrival, customs and marine permissions.
3. Confirm Shipping Method
Review the carrier-accepted container, RoRo, flat rack or specialist-lift plan.
4. Arrange Pickup
Coordinate marina lift-out, support equipment, road permits and terminal receiving.
5. Prepare Export Records
Match ownership, HIN, consignee and shipment records; arrange required U.S. filings.
6. Load & Ship
Secure the boat under the approved plan and move it on the assigned service.
7. Complete Destination Release
The consignee arranges customs, applicable charges, inspection and cargo release.
8. Deliver or Collect
Arrange terminal pickup, launch or final marina delivery as agreed in writing.
Export Documents & Import Rules for Antigua and Barbuda
U.S. Boat Export Documentation
- Title, registration or other acceptable ownership evidence
- Bill of sale/commercial invoice with vessel details
- Hull Identification Number and engine information
- Trailer title or registration where applicable
- Consignee/exporter identification and required authority
- AES/EEI details when applicable, and the Bill of Lading
Antigua and Barbuda Import-Side Planning
A local customs broker and relevant maritime authorities should verify permanent import versus temporary cruising entry, duties and taxes, vessel registration or charter status, and any required permits.
Boat customs treatment, temporary cruising status and permanent commercial importation should not be confused. A licensed destination broker or relevant authority should confirm the precise obligations for the boat, its trailer and its intended use.
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC BOAT import requirements
Antigua and Barbuda Customs Rules for Boats, Yachts & Marine Cargo
A permanently imported boat transported as cargo and a visiting yacht are not necessarily subject to identical customs procedures. Confirm the craft’s classification and intended use before export from the USA.
1. Customs Declaration & Ownership
Customs requires imported goods to be declared using the Single Administrative Document (SAD) in ASYCUDA World. A broker may file the entry for the importer, who remains responsible for its accuracy.
2. Tariff, Tax & Duty Assessment
The official Customs schedule lists import duty, Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) and possible levies. Confirm the exact treatment of the vessel, engine and trailer; no universal boat tax applies.
3. Visiting Yacht vs. Cargo Import
A visiting or charter yacht may have a different clearance process from permanently imported cargo carried aboard a freight ship.
4. Marine Registration & Local Delivery
For English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour or Barbuda, confirm Customs release location, local marine registration and any separate island transfer.
Documents to Prepare Before Shipment
- Boat title, registration and bill of sale or commercial invoice
- Hull Identification Number, engines and trailer records as applicable
- Ocean Bill of Lading, importer identity and cargo valuation
- Customs declaration and any relevant permit or temporary-entry evidence
- Appointed receiving agent, lifting equipment and marina handover
How to Prepare the Vessel for Antigua and Barbuda
Record all removed rigging and mast pieces, confirm the marine yard can accept the boat on the agreed day, and plan flexible arrival timing during tropical-weather periods.
Clean & Document
- Record existing hull and trailer condition
- Remove standing water or debris as instructed
- Photograph all sides and shipping supports
- Keep copies of relevant records and serial numbers
Secure for Ocean Transport
- Remove or protect loose marine equipment
- Disclose fuel and batteries to the carrier
- Confirm mast, arch and tower treatment
- Check lashings, cradles and port receiving requirements
Why Choose All TransportDepot for Boat Shipping?
- International ocean export coordination through an FMC-licensed NVOCC
- U.S. marina, dealer, boat auction and seller pickup arrangements
- Carrier method review based on actual hull and support dimensions
- Export paperwork, loading and receiving-terminal planning
- Written itemized transport proposals with applicable exclusions
Boat Shipping to Antigua and Barbuda — Frequently Asked Questions
Can a boat be shipped directly to English Harbour?
Do not assume so. Ocean cargo may arrive at an approved commercial terminal and require separate delivery to the final yacht harbor.
Can you ship a boat onward to Barbuda?
A separate transfer may be required and is subject to local equipment and service availability. Quote the final island explicitly.
What boat measurements do I need to ship to Antigua and Barbuda?
Provide the length overall, maximum beam, overall loaded height, combined shipping weight, trailer/cradle dimensions, engine and deck-equipment details, photographs and the exact pickup and receiving addresses.
Can a boat on a trailer use RoRo?
Sometimes, but only when the carrier and both terminals expressly accept the vessel and trailer as a unit. Its combined dimensions, roadworthiness and securement must meet the selected service’s rules.
How much does it cost to ship a boat to Antigua and Barbuda?
There is no one published rate for all boats. Obtain a current itemized quotation using your exact measurements, pickup ZIP code, receiving port, handling and method; destination customs and marina delivery may be extra.
Does the ocean quote include import taxes and marina delivery?
Only if each service is specifically included in the written quote. Duties or taxes, broker charges, inspections, terminal storage, launching and local transport are usually handled separately.
Request Boat & Yacht Shipping to Antigua and Barbuda
Send clear vessel photographs and the actual loaded dimensions, U.S. pickup location, support setup and destination details so our shipping team can review practical cargo and receiving options.

Kevin Baker serves as Export Operations Manager with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). He supports vehicle, heavy equipment, RoRo, container, and ocean freight operations, with a focus on cargo preparation, export documentation, terminal coordination, loading requirements, and shipment readiness. All TransportDepot Inc. provides international shipping and logistics services from the United States to destinations worldwide.