Yacht Charter in the Windward Islands
Yacht Charter in the Windward Islands
About the Windward Islands | Martinique | Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Grenada | Dominica | Trinidad and Tobago | Barbados | Other Helpful Information
About the Windward Islands
The Windward Islands are a Caribbean yachting paradise so named because they were more windward to sailing ships arriving in the New World than the Leeward Islands, given that the prevailing trade winds in the West Indies blow east to west. The arch of islands that comprise the Windward Islands are truly the essence of the Caribbean - they all offer tropical island scenery, remote anchorages, beautiful beaches, stunning sea life and the pace of the Caribbean - relaxed! Each, though has its own culture and attractions, as you can see below.
The Windward Islands include the Antillies Islands of Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, Grenada, Dominica, Trinadad and Tobago, and Barbados.
Martinique
Martinique is a French Territory, and it enjoys offers the standard Caribbean island attractions mixed with a dash of French culture. It is a popular area for sailors and yachtsmen and offers plenty of seaside towns and great harbors to moor in.
Sailors can find anchorages all around the island's coast including the port at Pointe du Bout, which is located across from Fort de France, and there are ports in Le Robert and Le Francois on east coast, and in Sainte-Anne, on the south of the island. The island's largest marina is Port de Plaisance which can be found in Le Marin in the south. This port is considered to be the most well-equipped marina on the island.
The north of the island is mountainous and lushly forested. The south is more easily traveled, although it still features some impressive geographic features. Because it is easier to travel and because of the many beautiful beaches, restaurants and amenities of this region, the south receives most of the tourist traffic. The beaches from Pointe de Bout, Diamant, St. Luce, St. Anne and Les Salines are very popular.
Must do's in Martinique: Wreck dive of 1902 volcano ships - St Pierre Mount Pele volcano – St Pierre Distillerie Depaz – St Pierre Black sand beaches – St Pierre Bicycle Rain Forest tour – Trois Ilets Anse des Salines beach – St Anne
Martinique Restaurants: El Raco, La Cave a Vin, Le Crew, Lina’s Café , Poi et Virginie, Le Rendezvous, Manoir de Beauregard, Touloulou, Mango Bay ,Ti Toques , Restaurant La Paillote
See our Martinique Charter Yachts.
St Lucia
St. Lucia lies south of Martinique and north of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. An English speaking island that was originally French (until 1796), the island boasts unspoiled natural beauty: dramatic mountain peaks, tropical rain forest, and beautiful, secluded white sand beaches.
From afar, the island is easily recognizable because of its mountain peaks: Piton Flore (north), Mt Beaujolais (center), Mt Magasin (south), Gros Piton and Petit Piton (southwest coast). Adventurers can rent four wheel drive vehicles for exploring or go inland on foot for spectacular hiking.
Yachts typically arrive into Rodney Bay, a safe and tranquil lagoon. To the south lies the capital city of Castries, a bustling, historic center, and then, along the the southwest coast, small, traditional fishing villages and Soufriere, the oldest town on the island.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
St Vincent and the Grenandines are a group of islands that make up one country. Other than being next door neighbors, they bear no relation to Grenada , despit
e the similarity of the name. These special islands have a similar feel to the British Virgins in that you can easily sail or motor from one to the other while remaining in the same country. The similarity ends there in that these islands are still less developed and far less “discovered” than the BVI. No jet skis, aquascooters, or spearfishing are permitted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines . There is a conscious effort toward protecting the spectacular natural heritage of the islands.
The prevailing winds and currents are north to south, especially in the winter months. It is comfortable to sail southward from St. Vincent down to Union Island , with the wind and the swell. Steaming north can be more of a struggle but the islands are close together and a round trip can easily be accomplished in a week to ten days. But…the main point of the Grenadines is not to “accomplish” anything. As one visitor put it, “There is never enough nothing to do….”
Click here for further information on chartering in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Or see our Grenadines charter yachts here.
Grenada
Grenada (gren AY da) is located south of the Grenadines and north of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. It is popularly known as 'The Spice Isle' because of an abundance of locally grown spices and a culture of music, dance and food built into the image of 'spice of life'.
Dominica
Dominica (dom in EE ca) sits between Guadeloupe and Martinique. The name means"Sunday" in Latin, so named by Columbus because he discovered it on a Sunday.
Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its unspoiled natural beauty. It is one of the youngest islands in the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by volcanic activity. The island offers the charterer lush mountainous rainforests, home of many very rare plant, animal, and bird species.
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is situated northeast of Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. The country consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and 21 smaller islands. Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the main islands; Tobago is much smaller, comprising about 6% of the total area and 4% of the population. The nation lies outside the hurricane belt.
Trinidad is a bustling island that offers excellent sailing, snorkling and watersports. Trinidad is the birthplace of calypso music and steelpan. The key cultural event of the yearon Trinidad is the Carnival - a the biggest celebration on the island not to be missed.
Tobago is a true Caribbean island paradise, offering a lush hilly terrain, excellent diving and beaches, and a relaxed pace of life. Nearly all Tobago's bays have a reef for excellent snorkeling. Most of the more popular beaches are situated around the airport area, Crown Point. These have coral white sands and beautiful clear waters. Some of the more remote and untouched bays include Englishman's Bay, Castara, and Parlatuvier.
Barbados
Barbados is the most eastern island in the Caribbean, with an area of 430 square kilometres. Under British Rule from the 1600's until 1966 - it is a mix of British, African and Caribbean culture.
Barbados is an all-coral Caribbean island, providing beautiful white sandy beaches and great diving (but relatively fewer bays and inlets). Visitors can explore Colonial Bridgetown, mangrove forests with monkeys, the Mount Gay Rum refinery and of course miles and miles of beautiful beach. Because it is relatively secluded and unprotected, it can be tricky to cruise by yacht. Please contact us for all of the charter opportunities if you are intersted in visiting Barbados.
Other Helpful Information
There are infinite ways to spend your holiday in the Windward Islands. It is important match your (and your party's) desires and goals to the itinerary. It is just as easy to find a quiet cove each night for a peaceful diner on board with your group, as it is to find the many restaurants and bars for late night entertainment. If you'd like any suggestions about the Windward Islands, please feel free to contact us.
Our Caribbean destinations: The Leeward Islands | Antigua | British Virgin Islands | Grenada | Guadeloupe | Martinique | Spanish Virgin Islands | St Barths | Anguilla | St Martin/Maarten | St Lucia | St Vincent and the Grenadines | US Virgin Islands - St Thomas, St John, St Croix
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