Yacht Charters in the Leeward Islands

The Leeward Islands are named due to the prevailing winds blowing from the northeast. Those islands that receive the Trade Winds first, that is, the Windward Islands, are exposed to the (windward) northeast trade winds (north easterlies), and those that are a bit to the west, the Leeward Islands, are away from the northeast trade winds and in the "lee".

The Caribbean Leeward Islands, consisting of, St. Martin, St. Barts, Anguilla, Saba, St. Kitts, Antigua, Montserrat, Nevis, Barbuda, Guadeloupe, The Saints, Dominica, and Martinique are situated in the Caribbean and form a major part of a line of land masses called the Lesser Antilles.

Temperatures generally range from around 24°C in the winter to 29°C in the summer. With over 7,000 islands, the Caribbean offers a multitude of choice. Explore nature up close and enjoy the amazing coral reefs, which makes for ideal conditions for scuba diving. Visit the rainforests, discover the stunning waterfalls, which cascade over the mountains and view the mysterious volcanoes.

From the barefoot chic island of St Barts to the lively French/ Dutch island of St Martin/ St Maarten, both ashore and on the water, the diverse history and varied nationalities, cultures and cuisines make this island chain a microcosm of the world.

Popular Leeward Islands:

St. Martin
The Dutch side has the casinos and duty free shopping; the French side has charming Marigot Bay with many cafes and beautiful anchorages. St Martin's secluded beaches, lavish accommodations and dining experiences are among the best in the Caribbean. Anchor off Grand Case and dine in any one of the varied establishments onshore. Take time to explore Marigot, the picturesque capital of the French side.

St. Bart's
St. Bart's is home to the "rich and famous". This island is filled with excellent shopping, dining and the right mix of beaches and views. Tiny St Barts has no large resorts, casinos or golf courses: It makes do with elegance, history, gastronomy and shopping, as embodied by the delightful capital Gustavia. Don't forget to visit some of the beaches on the windward side of the island.

Antigua
British base under Lord Nelson, filled with great beaches. A yacht charter paradise, English Harbor is filled with sailing charter yachts and the Antigua Yacht Club typically hosts the larger mega charter yachts. Antigua is the largest of the British Leeward Islands, with deeply indented bays and perfect sailing conditions year-round. Jolly Harbour is the largest marina, golf and beach resort in the Caribbean.

Deep Bay is just north of Jolly Harbour. Here, you can dive to the wreck of Andes, a three-masted barque seven metres under the surface of the bay. Another short hop away, Five Islands is a beautiful, protected bay situated between Deep Bay and Jolly Harbour. Anchor off Hermitage Beach and swim ashore to collect shells and snorkel at the entrance to the bay.

St. Kitts and Nevis
Mountainous islands basking in the blue waters of the Caribbean sea with idyllic beaches and rain forests. Nevis features lots of wonderful colonial architecture, as well as excellent diving opportunities. Those more interested in man-made exploration can visit the botanical garden or try their hand at archaeology. Intoxicating St Kitts is only a brief sail away. Anchor in White House Bay to explore Bug's Hole, Shitten Bay and the colonial Batik Factory. Contemplate the old enmity between the English and French as you admire the wonderful fort on Brimstone Hill and embark for an exhilarating sail to St Barts.

This cruising area is not only diverse in geography, but also in nationality and history, strong in French, Dutch, and English tradition, each island has become a unique melting pot of those cultures with their own distinct feel. St. Barts with a strong French history offers excellent shore side cuisine and wines with quayside shops displaying the latest in resort haute couture. St. Kitts with a strong colonial sugar plantations history has one of the largest colonial forts still standing, and remnants across the island of this colonial plantation life. Look closely and you may see a Green Vervet Monkey, brought originally to the island by plantation owners as family pets, now run wild. Nevis was the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, whose family home is open as a museum.

With warm temperatures, and temperate breezes year round, the region attracts people seeking a vacation in an idyllic tropical Caribbean island paradise, making the Leeward Islands one of the most popular tourist travel destinations in the world.

For more information please visit:
https://royaltyyachts.com/destinations/caribbean-leeward-yacht-charter/

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Itinerary for a Leeward Island Yacht Charter

St. Martin, St. Barts, Anguilla, Saba, St. Kitts, Monserrat, Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda:
Arrive in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. A Spectacular brunch on the aft deck is the ideal opportunity to review the itinerary and menus with the captain and chef. Enjoy a siesta on the upper deck as your yacht gently slips her lines and heads off to the quintessential French town of Marigot for a shopping spree in world-class shops and boutiques. Under a starlit sky, indulge in a sumptuous dinner on board or dine ashore at one of the many quaint Caribbean style restaurants.

Enjoy sightseeing at Market Square, the ruins of Fort St Louis or the Musee de Saint-Martin, which showcases the indigenous and colonial history of the island. Later a car and driver will take you to Grand Case, where cafes and bistros line the waterfront. As you sip a casual cocktail, your yacht slips into the bay and drops anchor.

Anguilla sports one chic beach after another. Snorkel off beautiful reefs in sight of sea turtles and shy rays. Sample the world-class resort of Cap Jaluca or Malliouhana and then relax in the seclusion of Mead’s or Barnes Bay. Enjoy a dinner cruise to the St Tropez of the Caribbean - St. Barts.

Port of Gustavia St Jean: Café’s, fine shops, exclusive wine stores, galleries and unique boutiques line this harbor. A regular hangout for celebrities, you might happen upon an impromptu concert by Jimmy Buffett at LeSelect. Nightlife abounds in St Barts, so pace yourself with a nap. Hotel Carl Gustaf offers stunning sunset views. Steam overnight to Saba or leave early AM.

Saba is only 5 square miles, but is definitely worth visiting. Take a taxi up to Mt Scenery. At a height of 2855ft, it’s 6 ½ miles of zigzag road. Enjoy views of banana plantations, oleander bushes and stunning ocean views. Visit the many little shops in the village surrounded by clover and lemon grass. Look out for Saba Lace and Spices. There is excellent diving around the deep waters. Enjoy dinner ashore or on the tranquility of the aft deck.

St Kitts: Positioned with her sister island Nevis, between Montserrat and St. Eustatius, St. Kitts' is an island of varied terrain from volcanic peaks covered with lush green vegetation (usually hidden by the huge mists that circle it), rolling sugar cane fields, to the arid, undeveloped southeast peninsula with sandy coves. Before heading out to view the island, which still maintains its French and British flavor, a trip around the capital will show the Circus, Independence Square, the market, St Georges Church and Caribelle Batik Factory. Enjoy a ride to see Brimstone Hill, a fort built in 1690 on the peak of a sulfuric prominence, known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies. The rain-forests are largely unspoiled and un-trampled (mostly due to their lack of developed roads.) Hike into nature at Mt. Liamuiga from either Harris or Belmont Estate. A guide is helpful for the trek through the orchid-flecked forest to the lip of the volcanic peak, at about 2,000 feet. Don’t forget to take in High Tea at the Golden Lemon. Time to steam off to Nevis.

Nevis: From the top of the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear waters offshore, there is a world of flora and fauna to be explored. In the hills, the comical green vervet monkeys chatter and scamper. Visit the beautiful botanical gardens or the wedding site of Horatio Nelson. This island jewel is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with natural vegetation that is unparalleled.

Montserrat, coined the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" by Columbus because of its lush mountainous landscape, is a British Crown Colony today, populated by English-speaking citizens of Irish heritage. The eruption of Soufriere Hills Volcano in the south of the island has led to the evacuation and relocation of residents beyond the Exclusion Zone.

This part of Montserrat is dangerous and is also illegal to enter. However, closely steaming by can provide a very interesting glimpse of recent volcanic action and lava flows.

Antigua: Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbor is probably the prettiest piece of living history in the Caribbean today. Once the base for Admiral Horatio Nelson’s fleet in the 18th Century, it is now a busy destination for super yachts and cruisers alike. Visit the many shops and museums in the dockyard.

Anchor at Green Island and take the launch ashore to the beautiful Harmony Hall for Lunch and a visit to their Art Gallery and gift store. A visit up to Shirley Heights is a must; the views of Monseratt and Guadeloupe on a clear day are spectacular. A traditional "Jump up" with steel bands is the favorite entertainment for Sunday afternoons. For those who enjoy a little casino nightlife, take a taxi to St James Club.

For more information please visit:
https://royaltyyachts.com/destinations/caribbean-leeward-yacht-charter/

Yacht Charter Inquiries