Leeward Islands
Leeward Islands Yacht Charter Guide
A luxury yacht charter through the Leeward Islands involves a string of volcanic islands that stretch between Dominica and Puerto Rico. Each island offers something unique, with a different culture, landscape and adventure to be found at each anchorage. Balance a day exploring the virgin coastline of Saba with another spent sampling the St Maarten restaurant scene. The stunning beaches of Dominica can be enjoyed one day, and the exclusive nightlife of St Barts the next.
A private charter yacht is an ideal way to visit the Leeward Islands, giving you access to world class dive sites and countless private beaches in a truly luxurious setting. Snorkel the calm bays of Anguilla, dive the famous Charlie Brown wreck off Sint Eustatius or simply relax on board your luxury yacht as you sail in the soft trade winds.
Best Time To Visit: November to June offer warm, calm sailing conditions – as well as a chance to top up your winter tan.
Key Cruising Areas: The archipelago offers many sailing choices. The 18 islands each have individual charms, with chic ports, modern cities, deserted beaches or tropical forests, there is an itinerary to suit any taste.
Don’t Miss: A truly unique way to explore Anguilla is on horseback. Hooves splashing in the azure waters of Cove Bay, or meandering treks through green forest trails will create a special experience. For the romantics, try a full moon ride along the beach.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: St Maarten has established itself as the culinary capital of the world. Famous for its fusion cuisine, the island offers a huge variety of foods to suit all tastes and moods – from cosy beach-side bistros to gourmet restaurants. For a special evening head to Orient Bay and order the lobster – simple and traditional, but perfectly executed.
Best Local Dish: The tiny island of Saba is unspoiled and undeveloped, so ideal for a “real” taste of the Caribbean. Smoky roadside barbeques are where you’ll find the locals, but for a sit-down meal with local produce straight from the sea or the owner’s garden, try the blackened snapper at Island Flavor.
Local Culture: The islands are full of history and culture. Even if you’re not a history buff, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park on St Kitts is an amazing example of architecture. The massive, well-preserved fort is an imposing sight on the top of Brimstone Hill, with beautiful views of the island and interesting background.
Best Beach: The white sand and crystal-clear water of Half Moon Bay are perfect for snorkeling, paddling, and diving off the floating jetty. The exclusive Mill Reef Club offers five miles of coastline and three private islands in the bay, with a host of water activities and dining options to choose from.
IYC recommends: Explore the archipelago from the air with a private helicopter tour. Lifting off in St Maarten, the views of white-edged islands, lush rainforests, and waters with more shades of green than you could imagine will leave you will lifelong memories.
More To Explore
Measuring less than 10 square miles, St. Barth is small, yet it has a comparatively large impression on anyone who visits. And while many Caribbean destinations earn their reputation as a hideaway, this French Caribbean island is where people come to be seen.A past marked by shifts in rule from France to Sweden and back, the island's rise from a sleepy fishing village to an elite playground can be traced back to the 1950s, when David Rockefeller purchased a stretch of pristine coastline at Colombier Beach. Building a luxury villa, he triggered a ripple effect of wealth, transforming St. Barth into the glamorous hub it is today.Rockefeller's arrival set the tone and mindset for the island, combining Caribbean vibes with European chic, featuring luxury boutiques, world-class dining, and white sand beaches fringed by crystal-clear waters. Nowhere is this luxury lifestyle more evident than in the main town and capital, Gustavia, where superyachts and the who's who gather, especially as the year draws to a close.
The Caribbean is one of the most renowned must-visit yacht-cruising grounds during winter, with classic haunts drawing luxury yachts in to explore. Whether it be the glamorous parties in St Barths, sailing regattas in Antigua, island-hopping itineraries of the BVIs, or the famous swimming pigs in the Bahamas, there is much to offer. And, while these headliner islands typically dominate the yacht charter landscape, the Caribbean has lots more islands to experience that you may not have come across yet.Beyond the frequently visited routes and itineraries lie islands that still offer Caribbean charm but with fewer crowds and a more authentic experience. For the upcoming winter Caribbean yachting season, why not switch out, or even add to, the traditional destination itineraries for one of these alternative islands?Here we have included our favorite lesser-visited Caribbean islands that you should consider adding to your list for your next luxury yacht charter:
The Caribbean may be best known for its white-sand beaches, swaying palms, and sunset cocktails, but beyond island luxury is an untamed, wild beauty. Here, rainforest-covered peaks give way to misty mountain trails, hidden waterfalls tumble into jungle pools, and you can hear rare birds from ancient trees. For those drawn to the wilder side of paradise and where the trails often reveal the best views, here are the best Caribbean islands to embrace nature: