The Top 10 Caribbean Yacht Charter Locations
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The Caribbean is the place to be on a luxury yacht charter in the winter months and sailing yachts and motor yachts of all sizes come for the silky sands, colourful creatures and extended daylight hours.
As a popular superyacht destination for more than half a century, the islands have evolved in different ways to cater to modern day desires and some settlements remain static in time. Read more about the most popular places to help you decide what you want from your holiday charter.
1. British Virgin Islands
In comparison to the USVI, the BVIs are far less developed and many superyacht charter groups feel as though they are 'stepping back in time'. Often visited on romantic yacht charters and sailing charters, Tortola, Jost van Dyke and in particular Virgin Gorda are places to simply enjoy life in the moment and make new friends at the laid-back restaurants, bars and cafes.
2. Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua is one of the superyacht charter capitals of the Caribbean Sea due to its fantastic harbours, warm local and amazing bays. With first rate infrastructure in Antigua and beautiful beaches in Barbuda you have everything you need for a Caribbean vacation. Antigua is ideally positioned within the Caribbean for cruising on to multiple destinations and its advantageously broad bays are used as peaceful anchorages and for learning water toys. Visit in April for the Antigua Sailing Week when the nightlife is even livelier than usual.
3. St. Barths
Host to the St. Barth's Bucket, one of the Caribbean's most prestigious yachting events, the town itself is an excellent place to meet other luxury yacht charterers and superyacht owners to share the secrets of the best cocktails and beaches in the region.
4. St Martin/St Maarten
This half French, half Dutch island is a favourite among superyacht itineraries for its high end shopping and eateries combined with alluring crescent beaches and sheltered bays. The waters surrounding St Martin and St Maarten are surrounded by dive sites suited to a range of abilities and snorkellers, kayakers and swimmers too can encounter manta rays, turtles and parrotfish.
Humpback whales pass through the area from February to June, which is a great time to visit to avoid the summer holidays and stick to the dry season.
5. St. Lucia
Best known for the Pitons, St. Lucia has a winding coastline sheltered by offshore reefs that make this a desirable location for sailing yachts and motor yachts looking to reconnect with nature and avoid the crowds. Kitesurfing and other wind-dependent water toys will be in their element and high-octane vehicles such as jet skis and water skis-towing tenders have many broad, shallow bays perfectly suited to learners.
6. Martinique
Silky soft sandy beaches are easy to come by in Martinique, and the bays close to the main port of Les Trois-Ilets ensure that yacht charter groups have the best of civilisation and a quick escape into the wilds. Wander among the French architecture or slip into the sea for a delightful and clear saltwater swim.
7. St. Kitts & Nevis
When visitors think of primary-coloured Caribbean landscapes with not a single sun umbrella in sight, it's the islands of St. Kitts & Nevis that fulfil the dreams of paradise. Sailing yachts and motor yachts come for the long beautiful beaches and sheltered bays, where the conditions are perfect for learning how to jet ski, scuba dive or simply snorkel and enjoy the vibrant sights below.
8. Montserrat
For luxury charterers who want an active holiday on land as well as around the sea, Montserrat has plenty of trails along the coastline and into the forests. Small towns coupled with sandy beaches give visitors the chance to explore, shop and rest in the sunshine with sapphire blue waters in front and the impressive volcano behind.
9. Turks & Caicos Islands
It's the blend of white sand beaches fringed by blue water, and tumbling waterfalls that draw visitors back to the Turks & Caicos Islands year after year. Uninhabited islands and temperatures ranging from 18/64 to 33/91 ensure that the Turks & Caicos Islands are a year-round destination.
10. St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Best known as a sailing destination for luxury yacht charters, St. Vincent & the Grenadines is the place to take your sail-based water toys and learn how to windsurf or kitefurf before stretching out on fine grained sand.
And Two More Worthy of Mention:
Grenada
The fertile volcanic grounds of Grenada have been put to good use and the luscious 'Island of Spice' produces fresh nutmeg and mace to add to your sumptuous everyday meals. Shallow snorkel and dive sites are plentiful for young and inexperienced learners, and there is a perfect balance between sedate seaside towns and isolated coves.
US Virgin Islands
The airport in St. Thomas makes access to the US Virgin Islands absolutely effortless, ensuring that a short connection from the US mainland has you anchored in front of a beautiful beach in no time. While St. Thomas is the most built up of the three large islands, St. Croix has great sea-side bars for refreshments and relaxation. Two thirds of St. John is national park; unspoiled beaches are plentiful and Great Lameshur Bay in the south is particularly attractive to superyacht charter groups.
