Caribbean Charter Guide: Warm Tradewinds and Tropical Islands
Synonymous with winter sun, the tropical Caribbean islands are full of options and adventures for all types of charter groups.
Yacht chartering in the Caribbean offers an unparalleled experience of luxury and relaxation. The allure of the warm tradewinds, the breathtaking vistas of palm-fringed islands, and the vibrant blue waters create an idyllic setting for a dreamy escape. Sailing through clear blue waters with turtles and dolphins for company, before relaxing with an exotic cocktail at one of the many beach bars… does life get any better?
The Virgin Islands (British and US) comprise small groups of palm tree-fringed tropical islands with generally line-of-sight navigation, and some of the most idyllic anchorages in the Caribbean. Located in the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands offer dependable steady tradewinds, sheltered waters and short passages, which make for stress-free sailing for less experienced crews.
The Leeward Islands (the top half of the Lesser Antilles chain) are well-served with European-style marinas and have bases for many of the well-known charter companies. The French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe is a highlight, with ideal sailing conditions and delicious cuisine ashore, thanks to the blend of French and Creole influences. Guadeloupe is also a good base from which to embark on a passage to Antigua. The further north you head along the chain, the more developed some of the islands become including St Barths, St Martin, and Anguilla, which are popular destinations for superyachts.
The southerly part of the Lesser Antilles chain are the Windward Islands. The chain of small islands known as the Grenadines, between St Vincent and Carriacou, are rustic and remote and encircle one of the most picturesque ‘Robinson Crusoe-style’ islets in the world: Tobago Cays. It is now a protected marine park surrounded by shallow reefs, teeming with brightly coloured fish, and perfect for snorkelling.
Bequia, Mustique, Cannouan, Martas, Union Island, and the tiny resort island of Petit St Vincent are a selection of other ‘secret’ hideaways in the chain, which offer safe anchorages and dreamy clear turquoise water where it is possible to see your anchor in the white sand 10m down.
Grenada, with its abundance of fragrant spice trees including nutmeg, cinnamon cloves, ginger, and cocoa, is commonly known as Spice Isle. It is a fantastic island to cruise round but reefs around the coast require careful navigation.
The French Island of Martinique is a good choice for those who prefer short distance sailing and a more European style on shore.
Although much of the north of the island is mountainous and lined with lush rainforests, there are numerous beautiful beaches and sheltered anchorages further south with plenty of places of historical interest to visit, and a relatively short sail away from Cul-de-Sac du Marin Marina where most charter yachts are based.
The Bahamas is a coral-based archipelago made up of over 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean and extending over 500 miles. Lying east of Florida and north of Cuba, it boasts some of the clearest turquoise water on the planet.
Many of the islands in the Bahamas are uninhabited and there are plenty of anchorages and deserted beaches.
Among the numerous groups of islands, one of the most popular and least commercialised is Abacos, which extends over 120 miles.
Like many Caribbean islands however, reefs and shoals mean careful navigation is essential. A coastline scalloped with coves and bays, and crystal water full of brightly coloured fish however, makes it another snorkelling paradise and the perfect place to relax.
Overall, a Caribbean charter holiday is hard to beat.
When to Sail in the Caribbean?
January to April is high season in the Caribbean both for charter and racing. That’s when the tropical climate, moderated by the Gulf Stream, provides warm, gentle trade wind breezes.
Sailing is straightforward because the wind generally tops out at around Force 4-5. Occasionally you’ll experience a bit of a blow but there are plenty of places to seek shelter should you need it. May and June can produce more wind with high humidity and frequent rainstorms. The time to avoid, however, is late June to late November, which is hurricane season.
More on Chartering
- Asia & Indian Ocean Charter Guide: Where to Cruise in Paradise
- Specialist Charter Guide: Where To Go and What To Consider
- Charter Destination Guide: Cruising in Italy, Sardinia and Corsica
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