Falmouth Harbour Marina: Where Service Sets the Standard
“Antigua sells itself,” says Bobby Reis, general manager and CEO at Falmouth Harbour Marina in English Harbour. Indeed, for captains and crew, the island hardly needs an introduction. Tucked away on Antigua’s southern coast, the island’s superyacht hub is a popular destination for yachts during the Caribbean season, with four marinas and a range of services nearby offering everything yachts and their crew might need. The annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December is a favourite on the global charter scene as well.
One of the area’s most well-known landmarks is Falmouth Harbour Marina. Established in 1994 by local Antiguans, two of the original founders, Capt. Ken Malone and Sir Hugh Bailey, were experienced yacht captains who used their global marina experiences to create a facility that met their exacting captain’s standards.
Over the past three decades, what started as a local enterprise with 11 shareholders has grown into one of the Caribbean’s top superyacht destinations, accommodating approximately 60 yachts with drafts up to 20 feet, and welcoming some of the world’s largest vessels at Falmouth Harbour Marina.
The marina is known for its wide concrete docks, which are specifically designed to accommodate cranes and vehicles. In 2022, one of its docks was extended to 535 feet, expanding the marina’s capacity to accommodate the largest superyachts while providing greater flexibility for vessels of all sizes.
The marina’s fuelling capabilities are equally impressive. With pumps delivering up to 220 imperial gallons per minute — the fastest rate in the Caribbean — even the largest yachts can refuel in just a few hours. The marina can store up to 50,000 gallons of ultra-low-sulphur diesel on-site, and recent upgrades include the installation of a 4,000-gallon gasoline tank for tender refuelling. The gasoline dispenser is located on the dock in front of the marina’s office. During the 2025 off-season, work is underway to further modernise its fuel system by isolating its four fuel tanks, making maintenance and upgrades faster and more efficient.
Falmouth Harbour Marina has also been an early adopter of technologies that enhance the captain and crew experience. Complimentary high-speed fibre-optic Wi-Fi — a significant investment when it was first introduced — is now standard across the docks. Vessels have 24/7 access to single- and three-phase electricity (110V, 220V, 380V) and water from anywhere in the marina, and an upgraded security system protects the premises at all times. Later this year, the marina will unveil a new electronic information board at the office, featuring a live marina map, 24/7 weather forecasts, and practical information for visiting yachts.
Security is a priority, and Falmouth Harbour has a comprehensive plan, including 24-hour security and 24 cameras to monitor the property. In addition, the marina works with a task force of army and police personnel to patrol the area and docks during the season. It’s a reflection of the importance of the yachting community in Antigua.
What truly sets Falmouth Harbour Marina apart, however, is its customer service. Many staff members have been with the marina for more than 25 years and have developed close relationships with the captains and crew.
For Reis, that loyalty is the marina’s greatest strength. “I tell my staff all the time that the strongest weapon we have is service,” he says, noting that captains and crew are their priority since they’re the people who return to the marina year after year, spending months at a time on the docks. “My staff are the reason for our success.” All staff are cross-trained, and teamwork is key to their success.
The marina’s connection to its community remains important. From supporting local schools and businesses to employing Antiguans across its operations, the marina’s success is inextricably linked to Antigua’s success. “We take that responsibility very, very seriously,” Reis says. The marina finished second in the national Christmas lights contest last year and donated its prize money to establish a scholarship fund. They also contributed funds during the COVID-19 pandemic to buy vaccines and sponsored several food packages for local families. “We try to assist the community as much as we can,” Reis says.
The island is also internationally recognized for its skilled artisans. Antigua has become known for producing some of the finest varnishers and painters in the yachting industry, craftsmen whose reputations are so well established that they are flown across the globe to work on superyachts year-round.
The area surrounding Falmouth Harbour has expanded to meet the needs of the superyacht fleet. Today, captains and crew will find hotels, restaurants, bars, chandleries, and specialist service providers all within walking distance of the docks. For a taste of history, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nelson’s Dockyard is nearby, offering a glimpse of Antigua’s naval past.
“Every year, when our customers and friends return, they see that something else in the marina has been improved,” Reis says. “We are always working with you, in partnership.” This keeps the yachts — and their crew — coming back.
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