Windward Islands Yacht Charter Guide

Sweet scents of cinnamon and nutmeg drift on balmy Caribbean breezes, snow-white beaches fringed with palm trees lookout to incredible seas, volcanic hills shrouded in rainforest rise from the sea…the Windward Islands are a paradise on Earth. On these tropical islands, time slows down, so take the opportunity to relax – and there is no better way to do that than on a Windwards Islands yacht charter vacation, cruising around the breathtaking archipelago. Explore deserted beaches, jump into crystalline waters full of marine life and partake in the local pastime – sunbathing on the beach with a coconut in hand!

Best Time To Visit:
The Caribbean is warm all year round, but December to May guarantee dry weather and a chance to top up your winter tan.

Key Cruising Areas:
The seven islets of the archipelago offer plenty of beautiful cruising grounds, stunning beaches, and excellent dive spots to anchor. They are also ideally situated to visit Trinidad and Tobago, or even Cuba sailing north.

Don’t Miss:
A vacation in the Caribbean wouldn’t be complete without sampling the famous rum cocktails. The spirit is an important part of the area’s history, so for a taste of the real Caribbean take a tour of a rum distillery. In River Antoine Estate you can see an authentic distillery and try a rum punch mixed with sorrel.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining:
The proclaimed “best” island in the Grenadines, Bequia is a beautiful location filled with fine dining options. Start with a cocktail at the Open Deck Bar & Restaurant before a five or six-course feast of local fare for an amazing dining experience.

Best Local Dish:
Unsurprisingly, the restaurants of the Caribbean are brimming with delicious, fresh seafood. The Barbadian national food is flying fish, and you may be surprised by how sweet and tender the fish is. True locals take a fried flying fish sandwich to eat on the marina, but for a pretty candlelit meal head to Café Luna at sunset and try their take on the specialty.

Local Culture:
The history of Bridgetown in Barbados is so important to the island that it has become a UNESCO world heritage site. For a great introduction to the culture of the town take a Bajan walking food tour around downtown, where you will learn about the history that shaped the island and taste some local specialties.

Best Beach: 
The rather romantically named Pink Gin Beach on Grenada is primarily accessible by boat, giving it a feel of privacy and seclusion. The light sand and shallow, sheltered waters are very safe for swimming, and the views out to the aquamarine waters are stunning.

IYC recommends:
Sail to St Lucia to enjoy the exclusive and stylish Anse Chastanet resort. As well as the 600 tropical acres, the resort’s beach alone is worth the trip – set between incredible, twin volcanic hills, the thatched umbrellas of the beach are nestled into the forest looking out onto surreal white sands. In the evening, dine at the Treehouse Restaurant.