As the winter months set in, the Caribbean offers a great opportunity to kick off your shoes and relax in barefoot luxury and a warmer climate. With a vast array of islands on offer, you will be spoiled for choice…
The Caribbean and Bahamas are a perennial cruising ground for luxury yachts due to the region’s diverse natural beauty and vibrant, welcoming cultures. Whether you enjoy volcanic hiking trips or idyllic sandspit picnics, there’s something on offer.
Extreme weather events this September meant that a number of usually popular destinations were sadly affected. Recovery efforts are well underway and, in many cases, the islands are operating again and able to welcome yachts this season.
YACHTZOO’s thoughts are with those who suffered damage and we wish everyone a speedy recovery.
BAHAMAS
The Bahamas has something for everyone. New Providence – one of the most populated islands – is home to a number of luxury resorts where you can enjoy a round of golf, a day out at the waterpark or a glamorous evening at the casino in the style of James Bond.
Head south to the Exumas, an archipelago of 365 mostly uninhabited islands surrounded by coral reefs and Pirates of the Caribbean vistas. A stop at Staniel Cay will offer the chance to visit the famous swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto and Staniel Cay Yacht Club, of Jimmy Buffet fame.
More remote spots such as Cat Island and Conception Island are the last frontier before the Atlantic, with superb opportunities for game fishing and pelagic diving as well as snorkelling.
TURKS & CAICOS
Imagine powder-soft sand beaches and bright aquamarine waters and you come close to the kind of Caribbean landscapes often seen in films which are found throughout the Turks & Caicos.
Luxury resorts have sprung up to offer a variety of activities ashore, while the real beauty of the islands is experienced by yacht.
This area was a buzzing hub for trading ships in the colonial era, and a number of these suffered a watery fate on coral reefs. Several fascinating wreck sites here offer a historical diving opportunity.
In January or February, try whale watching off the remote island of Salt Cay. Make like Jack Sparrow and head out to a remote sandspit for a desert-island-style picnic on the beach, set up by the crew.
ANTIGUA & MONTSERRAT
A favourite stopping point for many Caribbean aficionados, Antigua is steeped in colonial history. Attractions include Nelson’s Dockyard, a well-preserved 18th Century naval dockyard in English Harbour that has bars, restaurants and relaxed beaches nearby. Make your way up to the Shirley Heights viewpoint at sunset to enjoy local music and a rum punch while looking out for the famous ‘green flash’ on the horizon.
Get away from it all in Nonsuch Bay, perfect for a quiet evening in this sheltered anchorage which has a natural reef to explore by day.
Montserrat is a volcanic island just 25 miles south-west of Antigua. Take an excursion ashore to the volcano observatory and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
MARTINIQUE
Martinique combines outstanding natural beauty and energetic activities with culture and relaxation. Soak up the French ambiance of Grand Case to the west, with some great restaurants ashore and watersports hotspots.
Nature lovers will enjoy a walk through the rainforest or a challenging hike to the five Pitons, which can also be explored by helicopter for those with a head for heights.
Take in the Creole architecture of Trois Îles or enjoy a round of golf at the Empress Josephine Golf Course.
Slip into the water at HMS Diamond Rock and Anses d’Arlets for super scuba diving among the teeming tropical fish and colourful coral reefs.
ST LUCIA
St Lucia is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the Caribbean.
To the south, the towering Piton mountains near Soufrière town loom over the bright blue waters, offering anchorages that seem straight out of a film. This is the perfect spot to set up for a day or two, with a large bay that is ideal for all manner of watersports activities.
Head to one of the island’s five-star resorts for gourmet dining or deluxe pampering ashore.
Visit the island’s volcanic springs for a unique sulphur bath or experience the natural waterfalls which are either warmed from the island’s volcanic activity or offer a refreshing, cold shower.
ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
From tiny islets with nothing but palm trees and powder-soft sand to luxury retreats, these islands are a picture-postcard Caribbean haven. Away from the crowds, St Vincent offers great hiking trails, including up the challenging La Soufrière volcano or picturesque Vermont Nature Trail.
Bequia, dubbed the ‘perfect Caribbean island’, is popular with cruising yachts. Port Elizabeth has some great restaurants and a relaxed charm that is distinctly on ‘island time’.
Mustique is a regular haunt of the international jet set. Large private villas pepper the lush, green hillsides and low-key, vibrant bars – such as the infamous Basil’s Bar – offer a chance to kick off your shoes and dance the night away.
See more Caribbean yacht charter inspiration here.
