The British Virgin Islands (BVIs), called the “sailing capital of the Caribbean”, are blessed with year-around warm weather, steady trade winds, calm seas, cobalt-blue waters and bougainvillea clad hillsides.
The BVIs consist of 4 main islands:
Tortola, swim or stroll the secluded palm shaded white sands of dozens of beaches, including Apple Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay Beach, Brewer’s Bay, , Elizabeth Beach and Josiah’s Bay Beach, to name a few. A few miles sailing…
Virgin Gorda, the BVIs’ dramatic third island, where natural beauty is in abundance and accessible via indigenous plant–lined trails, natural sanctuaries, and protected parks such as “The Baths”, amazing rock formations that allow you to snake your way through tunnels of clear water while taking amazing pictures. Enjoy the unspoiled beaches of Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Devil’s Bay, Mahoe Bay, or Spring Bay. A few miles sailing…
Jost Van Dyke, named for an early Dutch settler and former pirate, runs deep with rugged scenery and colorful folklore. Food and fun abound on Jost Van Dyke with numerous places for party animals. Great Harbour is world famous for its yacht filled parties on Halloween and New Year’s Eve. A few hours sailing in blue water…
Anegada, the only coral island in the Virgin Islands, is characterized by its nearly flat elevation, the striking coral reefs that surrounded it, seductive sandy beaches and clear springs bubbling from coral beds. Snorkelers and scuba divers will delight in the reefs’ mazes, tunnels and drops. Beach goers will find no lack of calm and quiet shores, including Crow Wreck Beach, Flash of Beauty, Bones Bight, and Windlass Bight…
With more than 50 other small islands, the BVIs offer perfect easy island hopping, line-of-sight navigation and plentiful sheltered anchorages.
Sailing south, St. Martin …
The Friendly Island is much more than an island. On Saint-Martin, we discover the warmth of a Caribbean welcome and the exuberance of a unique island. It is blessed with a multitude of bays surrounded by superb white sand beaches, such as the famous Simpson Bay on the Dutch side or Grand Case on the French side where snorkeling and diving is also possible around the Rocher Creole.
Half-French, half-Dutch, St. Martin reveals its cosmopolitan face. The whole island is one duty free shopping plaza and boutique lovers will be in seventh heaven walking on the Front Street of Philipsburg (Dutch side) or around Marigot and Grand Case (French side). Grand Case is also famous for its elegant restaurants and for the nighttime, when the main street really comes alive.
A must do sailing experience at St Martin is to stay overnight in Tintamarre, a pristine island just off of St. Martin’s east coast.
Dining under the stars at this nature reserve and waking up in front of its fabulous beach with very few boats around is an experience you will not forget.
Sailing south, St.Barths ….
Saint-Barthélemy, also named St Barth, is a special kind of island, surrounded by white sandy beaches. This little rock of about 12 square miles has become the prized meeting-point of the international jet set in the space of a few decades. Its main asset: surroundings that are quite simply heavenly.
A trip to Saint Barthélemy is the opportunity to admire the planet’s most luxurious yachts, moored in the pleasure port of Gustavia, the island’s capital and nerve center. The city is also renowned for being home to numerous top-of-the-range boutiques with duty-free prices.
From the bay of Saint-Jean to the Anse de Colombier, St Barths offers white sand beaches and limpid waters. The island also comprises some remarkable diving sites, especially around the small islands that make up the archipelago.
Sailing south, Guadeloupe …
Guadeloupe, on this butterfly island of the Lesser Antilles, it’s always the right season for swimming.
On the land side, luxuriant nature surrounds the towns and villages, where Creole culture and traditions are upheld.
The archipelago is also made up of some quieter small islands: Marie-Galante, les Saintes, La Désirade and the natural reserve of Petite Terre.
The archipelago of Guadeloupe offers plenty of opportunity, from both the sea side and from the land/wild nature side. It is one of the few islands in the Lesser Antilles offering such a wide diversity.
From the sea side, here are some ideas:
Sailing south, Martinique …
Martinique is one of the shining jewels of the French Caribbean and is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. It has flawless beaches with white sand on the south coast and black sand on the north coast.
Here are some of the most famous spots on Martinique:
Sailing south, St Lucia and the Grenadines islands ….
St Vincent and the Grenadines are the perfect location for a catamaran yacht charter. These islands are renowned for their association with the British Royalty, and are a tropical paradise which has retained their authentic Caribbean charm.
Turquoise water, great winds and idyllic anchorages are the perfect setting for your holiday to remember.
St. Vincent, Union, Mayreau, The Tobago Cays, Mustique, Bequia: each island in the Grenadines has its unique local charm and character.
Your departure can also start from Martinique, an easy access point when coming from Europe.
Sailing south, Carriacou and Grenada are the last islands.