Caribbean

The Caribbean is the winter counterpart to a Mediterranean summer: steady trade winds, warm water and a chain of islands that each feel distinctly different, from French St Barths to the volcanic peaks of St Lucia. Within the principal charter regions, distances between islands can be short, allowing a well-planned week to take in several destinations without ever feeling hurried.

Where to cruise

The Leeward Islands

St Barths, Anguilla, St Martin and Antigua form one of the Caribbean's classic superyacht circuits. Gustavia is one of the great winter social hubs, Anguilla is renowned for its exceptional beaches and Antigua and Barbuda combine historic harbours with long stretches of beautiful coastline.

The Virgin Islands

Sheltered waters, short passages and a wealth of anchorages make the British Virgin Islands particularly appealing for families and first-time charterers. Highlights include the granite boulders of The Baths on Virgin Gorda, the sheltered waters of North Sound, the reefs and beaches of Anegada and the relaxed beach bars of Jost Van Dyke.

The Windward Islands & the Grenadines

Further south, the islands become greener and quieter. St Lucia's dramatic Pitons give way to Bequia, Mustique and the Tobago Cays, where turtles can be found within the protected waters of the reef, before the route continues south towards Grenada.

A suggested week: St Martin to Antigua

Day 1 — St Martin to Anguilla

Board in St Martin and make the short crossing to Anguilla for a first afternoon on the water and an evening beneath the stars.

Day 2 — Anguilla

Spend the day exploring Anguilla's offshore cays, with lunch at Sandy Island or Prickly Pear followed by an afternoon at Shoal Bay. The island's exceptionally clear water makes this an ideal day for swimming, snorkelling and water sports.

Day 3 — Île Fourchue & Colombier

Cruise to uninhabited Île Fourchue for a swim and snorkel, then continue to Anse de Colombier on St Barths, a secluded anchorage reached only by sea or on foot.

Day 4 — St Barths

Go ashore in Gustavia for boutiques, galleries and restaurants, then spend the afternoon at St Jean or Shell Beach before returning to the yacht for sunset.

Day 5 — St Barths

Explore the quieter southern side of the island, with time at Gouverneur and Saline before a final dinner ashore. Later, the yacht begins the overnight passage towards Barbuda.

Day 6 — Barbuda

Wake to Barbuda's extraordinary stretches of pink sand and spend the day exploring one of the Caribbean's more untouched islands. Visit the frigate bird colony in Codrington Lagoon before returning to the yacht for the evening.

Day 7 — Antigua

Arrive in English Harbour and explore Nelson's Dockyard before a final lunch ashore and disembarkation.

The route is indicative rather than fixed. Your captain will adjust the itinerary according to wind, sea conditions and your preferences.

When to go

The Caribbean's peak charter season runs from December to April, when the weather is generally dry and the trade winds are at their most reliable. Christmas and New Year, particularly in St Barths, are the most sought-after weeks of the season and are often reserved a year or more in advance.

The winds are typically strongest in December and January and often ease as the season progresses, making late winter and early spring particularly comfortable for cruising. March brings the St Barths Bucket regatta, while Antigua Sailing Week takes place in April. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and many charter yachts reposition to the Mediterranean during the spring.

Stay ashore

Combine a Leeward Islands charter with a villa in St Barths or Anguilla, or begin a Grenadines itinerary with a private residence on Mustique. A few days ashore before boarding allows everyone to arrive, settle in and adjust before the yacht departs.

We can arrange the yacht, villa, transfers and itinerary together, creating one seamless Caribbean journey.