Caribbean Islands
Escape to the Bliss of Tropical Paradise
- Best: December - April (High Season)
- 26-30°C / 79-86°F
Discover The Caribbean Islands
With delightful weather conditions, azure waters, vibrant cultures, and renowned beaches, the Caribbean is the perfect destination for a relaxing yacht charter. French, Spanish, and Dutch cultures offer different experiences on each Caribbean island. Whether you’re island hopping at the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Grenadines, or another destination, cares melt away under swaying palm trees with warm air and coastal breezes grazing your skin.
British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Premier sailing conditions, natural beauty at The Baths at Virgin Gorda, enticing concoctions at famed Jost Van Dyke beach bars, renowned snorkeling and diving in protected waters
Saint Barthélemy (St. Barths)
Elegant French culture, premier vacation villas, elite dining experiences, chic boutiques and shops, and incredible beaches
The Grenadines
Untouched natural beauty, aquatic wonders at the Tobago Cays marine park, fascinating history and culture on charming Bequia, exclusive relaxation on beautiful Mustique
The Bahamas (Exumas)
Renowned diving experiences in crystal blue seas, paradise vistas in secluded cays, and the wonder of swimming pigs
When to charter
- Peak Season
December - April
A Mediterranean summer to remember.Comfortable temperatures, steady winds, and abundant sunshine create perfect sailing conditions
Advantages
- Ideal winds for sailing(15-20 knots)
- Outside of hurricane season
- Warm
- Temperate weather
- Access to all services and amenities
Considerations
- Higher prices
- Busy destinations require reservations
- Reservation demand increases for special events
- Busy anchorages
- Ideal Season
December - April
Prime Caribbean conditions with steady trade winds and perfect weather
Advantages
- Ideal sailing (15-20 knots)
- No hurricanes, Warm but not hot
- All services open
Considerations
- Highest rates
- booking required
- Busy anchorages
- Events drive demand
- Off Season
May - November
Significant savings in combination with variable weather conditions during hurricane season
Advantages
- Top experiences and attractions offer discounts up to 50%
- Greater flexibility with bookings
- Serene anchorages
- True Caribbean culture
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather conditions with higher humidity
- Severe weather and hurricane risks from June through November
- Not all services are available
Sample itineraries
BVI Classic (7 Days)
7 days / 6 nights
Lose yourself in the best the Caribbean offers
BVI Classic (7 Days)7 days / 6 nightsLose yourself in the best the Caribbean offers
Day 1
- Tortola (Road Town):
- Embarkation, Provisioning, Overnight at Nanny Cay Marina
Day 2
- To The Baths, Virgin Gorda (10 NM):
- Explore granite boulders, Snorkeling, Lunch at Top of the Baths
Day 3
- To North Sound (8 NM):
- Water sports paradise, Saba Rock Bar, Leverick Bay
Day 4
- To Jost Van Dyke (12 NM):
- White Bay, Soggy Dollar Bar (Painkiller cocktails), Great Harbour
Day 5
- To Cane Garden Bay, Tortola (6 NM):
- Beach relaxation, Myett's restaurant, Live music
Day 6
- To Norman Island (8 NM):
- Pirates' caves snorkeling, The Bight anchorage, Willy T's floating bar
Day 7
- Return to Road Town:
- Final morning swim, Disembarkation
St. Barths & St. Martin (10 Days)
10 days / 9 nights
An elevated French immersion in the Caribbean*
St. Barths & St. Martin (10 Days)10 days / 9 nights An elevated French immersion in the Caribbean*
Day 1
- Sint Maarten (Simpson Bay):
- Embarkation, Provisioning, Orient Bay beach
Day 2
- To Anguilla (12 NM):
- Pristine beaches, Meads Bay, Shoal Bay East
Day 3
- To Prickly Pear Cays:
- Uninhabited islet, Snorkeling, Beach barbecue
Day 4
- To Saint-Barthélemy (25 NM):
- Gustavia harbor arrival, French dining, Boutique shopping
Day 5
- St. Barths North:
- Anse de Colombier, Shell Beach, Sunset cocktails
Day 6
- St. Barths East:
- Anse de Grande Saline, St. Jean Beach (Eden Rock), Nikki Beach
Day 7
- To Île Fourchue:
- Secluded anchorage, Hiking, Sunset views
Day 8
- To Tintamarre (18 NM):
- Nature reserve, Excellent snorkeling, White sand beaches
Day 9
- To Grand Case, St. Martin:
- Gourmet capital, French restaurants, Beach lounging
Day 10
- Return to Athens:
- Disembarkation
Please note: All itineraries are flexible and can be customized to your preferences. Weather conditions and local events may require adjustments. Your captain will work with you to create the perfect voyage.
Available yachts
Cuisine & Provisioning
Enjoy local fare featuring Caribbean spices and fresh seafood, including jerk chicken, conch fritters, and rum cocktails. Best provisioning services are offered in Tortola, Saint Maarten, and Antigua. Luxury provisioning is also availables.
Culture & Heritage
Experience vibrant African, Caribbean, and European cultures across the islands. Celebrate culture through calypso and reggae music, community events and festivals, and historic venues.
Navigation Conditions
Trade winds blow from the east at up to 20 knots. Windward coastlines of the islands experience Atlantic swells. Most areas support line-of-sight navigation and have shorter passages up to 20 NM for easier travel. Navigate with care due to abundant coral reefs.
Regulatory Requirements
Entry and exit procedures, as well as cruising permits, VAT, and duty requirements, vary by island. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are U.S. territories. APA ranges between 25-35%.
Currency & Payments
Most Caribbean islands accept the U.S. Dollar, and some islands use the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). Large and recognized establishments accept major credit cards, but cash is necessary on smaller islands and at some beach bars.
Language
English is the primary language on most islands, but you may hear a variety of local Creole dialects as well. French is the standard language in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Barths. Saint Maarten uses Dutch as well as English.
Access & Transportation
Major airports providing flights from the mainland include Princess Juliana in Saint Maarten, Beef Island in Tortola, BVI, V.C. Bird in Antigua, and Grantley Adams in Barbados. Most larger and more populated islands offer ferries and short flights to nearby islands.
Marinas & Berthing
Anchorage is most common in the Caribbean. Top marinas and berthing sites are Nanny Cay & Road Town in Tortola, BVI, Simpson Bay Marina in Saint Maarten, Gustavia in St. Barths, and Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua.
Premier Anchorages
Top considerations for anchorage in the Caribbean are The Baths in Virgin Gorda, White Bay in Jost Van Dyke, The Bight in Norman Island, Anse de Colombier in St. Barths, Tobago Cays in the Grenadines, and Shroud Cay in the Exumas.
Insider tips
Expert recommendations for Caribbean Islands
If you’re traveling during the peak season from December through April, make reservations six to 12 months in advance. At popular anchorages, arrive early to secure your spot. Allow time for customs clearance in each territory. Most areas only permit reef-safe sunscreen for the benefit of aquatic species. This extends to marine parks, which may also have restrictions for anchoring and fishing. Bring cash for visits to beach bars and more remote destinations. Treat yourself to rum punch for a true island experience at the beach bars. If you plan to travel during hurricane season between May and November, charter insurance is highly recommended. Smaller and more remote islands have limited supplies, so stock up on provisions at the larger islands.
Ready to explore Caribbean Islands?
Let our charter specialists craft your perfect itinerary through these magnificent islands.
