Caribbean
the
WHEN TO VISIT:
November to June
START DAY:
Any Day
AIRPORTS:
- Tortola - Antigua - St. Martin -
- Guadeloupe - Martinique - St. Lucia -
- St. Vincent & Grenadines - Grenada
CURRENCY:
US Dollar - Caribbean Dollar - Euro
LANGUAGE:
YACHTS AVAILABLE:
Yacht
Catamaran
Motor Yacht
English - French - Dutch
DISCOVER THE CARIBBEAN
If you dream about walking on deserted beaches with the feel of powdery sand between your toes, swimming in shimmering turquoise water and snorkelling over coral reefs, and whiling away your evenings listening to Calypso rhythms and drinking rum cocktails… then this is the Caribbean!
It is a huge melting pot of different nationalities – British, French, Dutch, Spanish and North American – giving each island its own distinct identity, culture and charm. The diversity is enormous – from luscious rainforests, mountains and volcanoes to hidden coves and long, white beaches; from oases of serenity to reggae-infused nightlife; from lounging in the sun to zip-wiring over mango groves; from barefoot informality to glitzy glamour.
No wonder it is known as the winter playground and a yachting dream. Embark on a journey through these little gems and you will be met by friendly people and have adventures and memories that will exceed all expectations.
The main regions in the Caribbean are the British Virgin Islands (BVIs), the Leeward Islands and the Windward islands.
POPULAR SPOTS:
Peter Island Resort
Find your own dessert Island
Pusser's Rum House & Fuel Station , Marina Cay
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS:
The BVI’s are a yachting paradise and are the most popular destination in the Caribbean. Snow-white dreamy beaches, aquamarine water, swaying palm trees and opportunities to enjoy many exciting activities either on land or sea. The BVI’s have perfect constant sailing winds and short hops between the islands means there is ample time to explore and relax.
NORMAN ISLAND: The inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous book “Treasure Island”. There are rocky coves and undulating hills. Swim in The Caves at Treasure Point in Privateer Bay and snorkel around the four incredible rock formations known as The Indians. Then head for lunch at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant (the name alone is enticing enough!).
PETER ISLAND: The largest private island in the BVI’s. It is surrounded by the glistening blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Meander down the jungle path and see the large lizards that inhabit the island. Stop off at the Peter Island hotel for a delicious beachside bite to eat.
JOST VAN DYKE: Take a short sail over to this island for some great diving and explore the wreck of RMS Rhone, a Royal Mail Steamship. This is the BVI’s smallest island and it has very few inhabitants. Nevertheless, it is a fun spot and food plays a big role – indulge in freshly caught fish and lobsters. Head to the most famous bar in the BVIs, the Soggy Dollar Bar. Sip on the island’s famous Painkiller cocktail, while lounging in a beach hammock gazing over the beautiful turquoise bays.
VIRGIN GORDA: Influences from Spain, Africa and India can be seen in the architecture, clothes and cuisine of this island. Unspoilt natural beauty abounds and there are pretty, golden beaches disappearing into azure blue water. Visit the famous Baths and explore the labyrinth of caves and pools created by colossal granite boulders. The island is popular with sailors due to safe anchorages, peaceful coves, yacht clubs and beach bars.
Soggy Dollar Bar
Virgin Gorda
Baths, Virgin Gorda
CARIBBEAN LOCATIONS:
St. Barths, St Martin
Beach, Guadaloupe
Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
These islands run from the BVI’s down to Dominica. Known as the Leeward Islands as they are in the ‘’lee’’ of the prevailing trade winds. Some of the best sailing in the world is to be found here.
ST. MARTIN: This island is divided into two — the charming French side in the North (Saint-Martin) and the party, fun-loving Dutch side in the South (Sint Maarten). Home to 37 beaches, as well as tucked-away, secluded coves. Walk round the inner lagoon — most of the Caribbean’s superyachts are based here. Enjoy Creole cuisine in the many restaurants. A short hop from St. Martin is St Barths. This tiny volcanic island is renowned for its beauty, chic boutiques and jet-set crowd. It is very tempting to spend a week’s charter just going between these two captivating, fun and diverse islands.
ANTIGUA: This island has 365 beaches – one for each day of the year! It has an almost unbroken coral reef going around the whole island, which protects its stunning beaches, and is home to a cornucopia of colourful and vibrant marine life. Antigua has a chilled vibe with warm and friendly people. It was once a British colony and this heritage can be seen in Nelson’s
LEEWARD ISLANDS:
Dockyard, English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. Swim with stingrays and visit Barbuda’s famous bird colony. A visit to the island wouldn’t be complete without a sunset walk up to Shirley Heights for a stunning view of English Harbour.
GUADALOUPE: A picturesque cluster of French Caribbean islands, of which the largest two resemble a butterfly (joined in the middle by a small bridge) and is known as “le Papillion”. The island on the west side, Basse-Terre, is home to the Guadalupe National Park and mustn’t be missed! The interior is covered with a lush rainforest and the active volcano, La Soufriere, is the tallest peak in the Lesser Antilles. There are some sensational beaches and some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean can be found around Pigeon Island. These little islands are undeniably French, albeit with a strong Caribbean feel, and remain relatively undiscovered which makes them an oasis of tranquillity.
Tobago Cays, The Grenadines
Mustique, The Grenadines
Piton Mountains, St. Lucia
Running from Dominica to Grenada in the South and Barbados in the East. They got their name from the fact that they were more to windward for sailing ships and take the prevailing wind from the east. They offer spectacular beaches and secluded, picture-perfect anchorages.
MARTINIQUE: A breath-taking island topped by the smouldering volcano, Mont Pelee. Rainforests and mountains in the North and enticing bays and miles of outstanding powder-soft beaches in the South. A wealth of activities can be found on the island – tropical gardens, scuba diving, museums and a rum distillery! Its French heritage is evident in the delicious food served up in the restaurants.
ST. LUCIA: One of the most striking islands in the Caribbean. It is well-known for two volcanic peaks (the Pitons), which emerge out of the sea – anchor beneath these spectacular cones and marvel at the sheer scale of them. It is a mountainous island with lush rainforests, beautiful cascading waterfalls and bountiful cocoa, banana and mango plantations. Hike to the crater of the Soufriere volcano or just relax on one of the many beaches.
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES: A group of tiny volcanic islands that make up one country – St. Vincent &
WINDWARD ISLANDS:
The Grenadines. They look like small emerald jewels scattered over a turquoise sea, and certainly don’t disappoint – they are quiet, unspoilt and boast stunning landscapes. Bequia is a chilled, verdant and hilly island with some stunning white powdery beaches. Admiralty Bay is one of the most protected natural harbours in the Caribbean. Don’t miss a quick hop over to Mustique – this exclusive and exquisite little island is low-key and laid back. It might exude glamour but it is understated. Tender ashore and drop by Basil’s Bar – a shoreside restaurant renowned for its cocktails and night-time partying under the stars. Tobago Cays is a group of five tiny uninhabited islands circled by the most vivid blue water, lagoons teeming with green turtles and coral reefs brimming with colourful fish – paradise for both divers and snorkelers. This is the most perfect place to drop anchor – The Tobago Cays Marine Park is simply mind-blowing! Union Island is an undiscovered little gem. Pick up a mooring in one of the sheltered bays and walk barefoot along the beautiful white sand beaches. Some stunning snorkelling over the colourful and shallow reefs.
Grenada is a three-island state: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Mayreau, The Grenadines
Underwater Sculpture Park, Grenada
Admiralty Bay, Bequia
GRENADA: This sleepy, peaceful place is known as the “Island of Spice”. It has long silky beaches, crystal clear water and unspoilt scenery, undiscovered by crowds. Well known for its production of cloves, ginger, cocoa, nutmeg and cinnamon – a visit to the local spice market is a must. Nestled in a rainforest in the interior of the island is the Seven Sisters Waterfall (worth the short hike) and perhaps followed by a visit to the rum distillery, the drink of choice throughout the Caribbean! Absolutely not to be missed is the world’s first underwater sculpture park. This underwater gallery acts as an artificial reef and the sculptures attract a striking diversity of marine life.
CARRIACOU: This pretty and relaxed island hasn’t changed much for the last fifty years. The warm, friendly people of Carriacou are proud of their African and European roots, and this is reflected in their culture. It is known as the “Land of Reefs” and its shallow crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling.
PETITE MARTINIQUE: Like its sister island, it has the most impressive coral reefs. It has a very small population and most of its inhabitants make a living from fishing and boat building. It is an authentic and tiny island, untouched by tourists.