All yachts offered are subject to still being available. Yacht particulars are believed to be correct but their contents are not guaranteed, neither may they be used for any contractual purposes. Specification provided for information only. Subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal from market without notice.

Golden Times, a 94' Hargrave, was chartering for $29,500/week plus all expenses and is now offering a winter discounted rate of $24,500/week plus all expenses (no children under the age of 12). Located presently in St. Martin, Golden Times will be available for charter in the Caribbean this winter and Bahamas this spring. With 3 guest staterooms, all with ensuite bath, this yacht is comfortable for up to 7 guests. Included in the charter price, are many water toys, including a 27' Boston Whaler with twin 225 horsepower outboards for full water fun.
The stateroom configuration offers one king bed in the master stateroom, one queen bed in the next double stateroom and two twins in the third stateroom, with one Pullman berth.
On the sun deck, there are teak chaise lounges, sun pads and an inviting Jacuzzi.

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Andromeda La Dea, a 154' Perini Navi sailing yacht, charters for 8 guests in 4 staterooms, all with ensuite head. Originally priced at $150,000/week plus all expenses for this coming winter in the Caribbean, Andromeda is now priced at $135,000/week plus all expenses.
First built in 1991 at the premier ship building yard, Perini Navi, located in Italy, Andromeda was massively refit in years 2004-2006.
Andromeda is one of the few sailing yachts that not only has a fly bridge, but also on the fly bridge, an on deck Jacuzzi, both rarely available on a sailing yacht.
The master stateroom has a king sized bed. The two additional double bed staterooms, each have a queen sized bed and the fourth guest stateroom has two twins and a Pullman berth.

Click here for full brochure information:

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Ephesus

Ephesus, founded in the 7th century BC, was the most important Greek city in Ionian Asia Minor and was noted for the magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. By the 2nd century, Ephesus was home to 300,000 people and a major center of trade. The theater could seat 25,000 and the Library of Celsus was second only to Alexandria's. Located in western Turkey,


Library of Celsus

near modern day Seljuq, over 6 km from the coast, it's hard to imagine that this city was once a major seaport. Emperor Constantine built the long colonnaded walk, the Arkadiane, from the theater to the harbor in the 4th century. However, by that time silt from the Cayster River, which today meanders lazily through the plains beyond the ruins, was already filling the harbor. By Byzantine times, the harbor was useless, and the site nearly forgotten until archeologists began uncovering parts of the city in the mid 19th century.


Ephesus the Seaport

Legend has it that the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. Paul, came to Ephesus at the end of her life, circa 37-45 AD. Renaissance church historians mentioned the trip, and it is said that local Christians venerated a small house near Ephesus as Mary's. Also the Basilica of St. John is located near Ephesus. St. John is said to have lived the last years of his life here and after his death, a shrine was located
over his grave.

Major Attractions of Ephesus



Ephesus is unparalleled in the number of well preserved ancient ruins. There are over 30 structures, museums and ruins to tour as you walk along the ancient streets of Ephesus and include the Agora, Celsus Library, Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio, the Harbor Baths and the Stadium.

Also, to the right of the road leading to Kusadasi are the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Artemis was the virgin goddess of nature. The ruined Artemision contained a total of 127 columns, the 36 facade columns being decorated with carved reliefs. It was 115 meters long, 55 meters wide and 18 meters high.


The Temple of Artemis

The Ephesus Museum, considered the best archaeological museum in Turkey, contains the works brought from the ruins of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, the Ayasoluk Hill and the Belevi Mausoleum. All of these are spread out in seven different halls.

The Ephesus Theatre, which had a seating capacity of 25,000, was first constructed during the Hellenistic period, although the present structure dates from the 1-2nd centuries AD. The Roman Theatre was begun during the reign of Claudius (34-41 A.D.), and it took 60 years to build.

The Temple of Hadrian is on the street of the Curettes, and is one of the better preserved buildings at Ephesus. According to the inscription over the architrave it was constructed by P.Quintilius during 118-138 A.D., and dedicated to the emperor Hadrian.


The Temple of Hadrian

Opposite Hadrian's Temple are the excavated Terrace Houses, which were built on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain. Their name comes from their design, with the roof of one house providing the terrace for the higher structure. The important and wealthy of Ephesus were residents of these "houses of rich" when built from the first century BCE, and continued until their restoration period in the second century CE. Although plain from the outside, their interiors were decorated with mosaics and frescoes and designed with opened ceiling, interior peristyles. Although these houses were mostly two-storied, upper stories collapsed after the last structures were abandoned in the 7th century. Excavation continues with two houses fully restored. Visitors can see plans of houses which had living and dining areas on the first floor, bedrooms on the second, and heating systems provided by hot water that flowed beneath floors and behind the walls. Visitors can also view current restoration projects with frescoes and mosaics in situ.


The House of The Virgin Mary

The place where the Virgin Mary may have spent her last days is hidden in the greenery atop Bulbul Mountain. Some say she accompanied Saint John when he spent several years in the area spreading Christianity. The House of the Virgin Mary is a stone, Roman architectural structure. In the 4th century a church, combining her house and grave, was built. Today, the central part of the home and a room to the right of the altar are open to visitors. Another interesting place is the "Water of Mary", a source to be found at the exit of the church area and where rather salty water, with curative properties, can be drunk by all. At the entrance gate is a post office where a post card can be sent post marked from the House of the Virgin Mary.

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Dalyan River Trip

A "must do" is the Dalyan River Trip. Your yacht will anchor at Eckincek where you will be picked up by a flat bottomed river boat and guide to motor to the entrance of the river mouth. The trip begins with the spectacular beauty of pine trees lining the beaches surrounding the entrance and the river winding inland around tall reed banks. As you pass over the sandbar and into the narrow, reed-clad channels, it feels like the "African Queen" revisited! This image is quickly dispelled as the river opens up further on, and the Lycian cliff tombs come into view. These amazingly complex carvings date from around 3rd & 4th centuries BC - this is now most definitely a journey into the ancient world.


Lycian Cliff Tombs


Caunos Ruins

The ancient city of Caunos is the centerpiece of the river trip. Even people who've claimed little interest in "piles of old rocks" have emerged well and truly impressed with the sense of history that emanates from this place; the extent of the remaining ruins still creates a strong impression of the city that was once a lively and bustling seaport. Here visitors can walk to the Ancient Theatre, the Roman Bath, the Temple of Apollon, and the Acropolis up the hill.
Enjoy lunch and shop in the bustling bazaar in the little town of Dalyan. The boat will then take you up to the freshwater lake at the head of the river - another chance to swim. On the return, stop at Iztuzu (a protected turtle reserve), take a walk along the sandy beach, lie out for a while, or swim more in the ocean. Then, return to Eckincek for the evening.

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Patara was a very wealthy Lycian city and its oracle at the temple of Apollo rivaled that of Delphi. In Christian history St. Paul visited Patara on his third missionary journey and it was also the birthplace of St. Nicholas. Much of Patara's glorious past still remains buried in the shifting sand, but excavations are revealing many previously hidden structures, including an ancient lighthouse, bathes, the main avenue, the amphitheatre, and the Roman Ante Temple.




Patara Beach

The stunning beach of Patara is part of a national park, which is rich in birdlife and the breeding ground of the loggerhead turtle. In fact, the beach is closed after sunset from May to October to give the turtles peace when nesting.


Patara Amphitheatre

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Letoon was not a city, but rather was the spiritual heart of Lycia and the place of national festivals. It was the center of pagan cult activity until the fifth century CE when it fell victim to Arab attacks and sand silt from the Xanthos River.

Site Highlights

Remains of the three temples dedicated to the three major deities are located in the center of the site. Most of the blocks for the Temple of Leto have been preserved. This was the largest of the temples and is considered one of the best preserved Greek temples in the world.

To the southwest of the temples is a nymphaeum connected to a sacred spring, full of terrapins and frogs. It was perhaps used in a religious immersion ceremony and was built during the Hellenistic period with the Roman addition of a semi-circular pool.


Nymphaeum

The Basilica is the remains of a Byzantine church with a nearby mosaic fragment. The church is believed to have been constructed in the 6th century CE but was destroyed around the mid-7th century, possibly by the Arab attacks of that period. The nave and aisles were decorated with floor mosaics depicting geometric designs and animal figures (these can't be viewed - they are now either covered or have been removed). It is thought that there was a monastic community associated with the church and, due to the large number of drinking vessels found during excavation, they were dubbed "the Drunken Monks".


Basilica Mosaic Fragment

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Pillar tombs at Xanthos

Located on a serene hillside overlooking the Esen River, Xanthos offers a stunning view of the Xanthos Valley and Taurus Mountains. However, the history of this ancient site is a violent one. The people of Xanthos chose mass suicide over defeat by Persian forces, setting fire to their women, children, and treasures before their own demise while attacking the Persians. History repeated itself in 42 BCE with another mass suicide due to the approaching Roman army, which shocked Brutus who offered money to his soldiers to save citizens, of whom only 150 survived.

Xanthian Site Highlights

View the fifth century BCE Xanthian Obelisk, a tall pillar tomb with the longest Lycian inscription in existence on all four sides, which helped modern scholars break some of the code of this archaic, difficult language.

The Harpy Tomb, of the same era, sits upon a massive base, and is a grave-chamber. It's name is derived from the Greek mythological harpies, creatures with the head of a woman and the body of a bird, because of the winged women figures in the frieze.

The Pillar Tomb is unique in Lycia with a normal Lycian sarcophagus standing upon a shorter pillar tomb. This tall tomb dates to the 4th or 3rd century BCE.


The Amphitheatre dates from the 2nd century CE. Only the upper rows of the structure are missing and the stage building is still partially standing. It was once two stories, decorated with columns.


Amphitheatre

The Acropolis, situated above the amphitheatre, include ruins of a temple dedicated to Artemis and the foundations of a large structure thought to be a palace that was destroyed by the Persians. The Acropolis offers grand views of the entire valley and river.
The recently excavated Roman-Byzantine Street, outlines an area once lined with shops.

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Deck at Sunset



Master Suite


Main Salon

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Gulets

Turkey's indigenous sea-going vessel, the Gulet, is actually offered in three versions: Traditional Gulet, Luxury Gulet, and a Gulet-Style Sailing Yacht. Each has unique characteristics; it simply depends on your needs and desires.
Traditional and Luxury Gulets share many features, including a blending of practicality and tradition in a relaxed style. Historically, Gulets evolved from fishing and cargo vessels into their present profile of a sturdy yacht with a broad beam and wide deck. Constructed in the shipyards of Bodrum, Marmaris, and Istanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, these boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging. However, do not expect to always sail as the beamy nature of the Gulet usually requires engine assistance to move from anchorage to anchorage. The number of passengers a Gulet carries depends on the boat's size, although most accommodate between eight and twelve people. These vessels have double occupancy staterooms for passengers generally each with ensuite bath and shower and are comfortably equipped. One of the resounding features of the Turkish Gulet is the expansive aft deck. Covered with a sun awning, the aft deck has a wide cushioned area for lounging and a table with chairs for "al fresco" dining. Gulets offer plenty of room for sunbathing and are equipped with sun mattresses, snorkeling gear and either a sea kayak or a windsurfing board.



Traditional Gulet, Blue Capricorn Exterior and it's Master Cabin (Above)

Blue Capricorn's Inside Lounge (Below)


There are some differences between traditional and luxury Gulets. The Traditional Gulet is the best price value and cost includes the yacht, crew and fuel. Additional costs are beverages and food. Meal plans are offered of fresh local Turkish cuisine on a Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) or Half Board (breakfast and lunch) basis. Generally it is possible to include both Full Board and Half Board days in your charter in order to enjoy some dinners on board under the starlight and others ashore in one of the many local Tavernas.

In addition there is an 18% VAT. Crew will be Turkish citizens and at least one will speak English. Finally, you may or may not be able to use the air conditioner at night as the soundproofing of generators and engines were not a specification of these traditional vessels.

Luxury Gulets have been built within the past three to four years. They are constructed of mahogany rather than the pine of Traditional Gulets, creating an interior with refined workmanship. These vessels also offer imported linens, towels and bath products. In addition, the Luxury Gulet is fully soundproofed allowing the use of air conditioning at all times. The price of these yachts is reflective of their upgraded features, but is inclusive of the yacht, crew, food, domestic beverages, and generally the VAT. Menus include fresh Turkish cuisine and international cuisine.

Gulet-Style Sailing Yachts are actually built to sail with aluminum rigging and quality sails, so you will enjoy cruising without an engine. However, as with any sailing vessel, performance is enhanced by less beam, so these yachts are not as roomy as the Traditional or Luxury Gulets. However, all other amenities are similar to what is offered with Luxury Gulets.


Gulet-Style Sailing Yacht - Clarissa Exterior and Clarissa's Salon (Above)

Clarissa's Master Cabin (Below)


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Turkey - Marmaris to Gocek, via Kekova - 8 Days


Marmaris Castle

Day 1: Board the yacht in Marmaris at 4:00pm and settle in, perhaps having a drink on the aft deck while you survey the busy quay below. Dinner on board or in one of the many quayside restaurants. Before or after dinner explore the castle ruins and the many meandering alleyways of the bazaar. This will be your time to experience the drama of bazaar rug purchasing and the flamboyance of the carpet men. Overnight in Marmaris. Or, immediately after boarding, sail for Kumlu Buku for dinner beneath the ruins of ancient Amos in picturesque surroundings. Go ashore and stroll around the site of ancient Amos or stay in the bay overnight to enjoy the clear waters.


Dalyan River Lycian Rock Tombs


Dalyan River

Day 2: After breakfast, sail for the bay of Ekincik and take a small river boat up the Dalyan River to the ruins of ancient Caunos. Join a local guide here and spend an hour or two walking around this Carian site. Spend time in Dalyan village exploring, with lunch at a riverside taverna, and perhaps a trip up the river to the lake, before returning to the yacht at Ekincik. Overnight in an Ekincik anchorage, with a superb dinner ashore at 'My Marina' - a restaurant perched high on the hill looking out over the bay.


Historic Customs House Kalkan

Day 3: An early morning departure for Kalkan. Lunch in anchorage and spend the afternoon exploring Kalkan, and important port during the 1800's. Settled by Greek and Turkish people under the Ottoman Empire, Kalkan was a large trading port. Here goods were brought in by camel from inland locations and put on trading ships bound for other international ports. Kalkan grew as a prosperous city and its many streets are and buildings are reflective of the Greek Ottoman architecture of the 19th century. Wander this unspoiled trading city and explore the many nooks and crannies, filled with little shops and hidden terraces. Overnight in Kalkan.

Day 4-5: Cruise to the region known as Kekova for a two-day visit to include Kekova Island, Ucagiz and Kale Koy (ancient Simena). Kekova Island has a very nice spot known as Tersane, where the apse of a church stands on the beach. The sunken city is the other major attraction on Kekova Island. Where the land subsided, it took the remains of a town with it, so the ruins can be viewed from above. Ucagiz is a small town which has yet to be disturbed by tourism. There are a number of sarcophagi to be seen near the town. At Kale Koy, there is a single sarcophagus standing in the water and some interesting steps carved into off-lying rocks. Perhaps the highlight of a visit to Kekova is the climb to the castle and the medieval fortress on the hill. The view is breathtaking. Another option is to tour Myra, the church of St. Nicholas and the Demre-Ucagiz area via land tour, which are important Lycian historical centers. Tour the Lycian house type tombs and the Myra amphitheatre.

Day 6: From Kekova, a driver with a guide will take you to nearby Xanthos, Patara and Letoon, returning you at the end of the day to Kas. Xanthos was the capital of the Lycian league which rose to the height of its splendor in the 10th century BC. Patara, known as the birth place of Apollo, was an important grain trade port in antiquity and is now mostly covered in sand dunes - still, it is an interesting place to visit. Letoon was a place of worship for the people of Xanthos and is cited in many guide books as one of the most delightful sites in Lycia. The foundations of three temples remain and most are underwater.

Your driver will return you to your yacht, which will meet you in Kas, one of the most famous tourist resorts along the southern coast of Turkey. Kas is also historically important as it was originally the ancient town of Antiphellus, harbor of the town of Phellus. On the top of the hill, offering a view over the creeks and inlets, stands the Greek theatre, built during the first century BCE; It's proportions, excellent condition and panoramic position have made it one of the most outstanding monuments along this stretch of coast. Overnight in Kas.

Day 7: Early moning departure from Kas to reach Gemiler Island by lnchtime. Following a relaxing afternoon of swimming and snorkelling over sunken ruins, take a tender boat ashore to explore the island. Walk around the remains of a sizeable Byzantine settlement and see a beautiful mosaic in one of the churches. Marvel at the covered walkway and peer into dwellings and a cistern. Take advantage of the fabulous view from the summit and sit down with champagne glass in hand while watching the sun set over the sea. Those with the need for further exercise or interest in exploring can take the hiking trail back into the mountains for a visit to Kayakoy village, an abandoned Greek village from the mid 20th century, now a true ghost town.


Gemiler Island

Day 8: Early departure for Marmaris to disembark. Before leaving Turkey, explore the castle ruins and the many meandering alleyways of the bazaar.


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The Exuma Islands
7 Days
Join your yacht in the capital city of Nassau to cruise 34 miles to another world. There are more than 700 islands in The Bahamas, with the Exuma chain reaching 120 miles. Arrive at the Allan's Cay group of islands to explore nearby beaches and to meet the large population of protected native iguanas on Leaf Cay or Southwest Allans Cay, which always comes out to greet visitors. Good snorkeling and fishing surround this collection of some 13 small islands and reefs.

In the morning cruise to uninhabited Hawksbill Cay, one of the prettiest cays in the Land and Sea Park. Walk along the beautiful expanse of beaches and climb the large hill for a panoramic view of the anchorage. In the afternoon hike the trails to explore ruins of Loyalist plantations dating from 1783 and enjoy a picnic lunch.


Hawksbill Cay beach

After breakfast, cruise to Warderick Wells, headquarters of the Exuma Land and Sea Park, where you will be greeted by an amazing display of water colors and sand banks upon approach. Snorkeling is excellent on nearby reefs. On shore, check out the sperm whale skeleton on the beach and enjoy the park's four miles of walking trails. Legend has it a ship carrying missionaries once wrecked off this island and the locals swear on moonlit nights a ghostly congregation can be heard singing hymns. Listen for them as you dine al fresco.
Enjoy a lazy tropical breakfast before cruising to Staniel Cay where you can visit its quaint settlement of brightly colored houses. Snorkelers will enjoy exploring Thunderball Cave, the site of the movies 'Splash' and 'Thunderball'. Have dinner on board or ashore at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.


Thunderball Cave

Cruise to the eight-mile-long Pipe Creek, an area generally deserted as many yachts avoid its tricky shifting shoals and endless coral heads. This is a water sport paradise providing endless fishing, exploring and snorkeling opportunities.

Enjoy breakfast before cruising north to Shroud Cay. After anchoring, take the dingy through unspoiled mangrove creeks for a private lunch on a spectacular unspoiled ocean beach. Hike along the trails to see a variety of birds and wildlife.

Disembark in Nassau.


Star Fish in the Exumas, Bahamas

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Charter a yacht to cruise on your yacht out of Nassau down into the Exumas. Just south of Staniel Cay is the uninhabited Big Major Cay. Uninhabited by humans at least, as the main inhabitants are large pink pigs. The story is that a pig was stranded on Big Major Cay some years ago and visiting yachtsmen helped keep the pig alive. The pig realized that yachts offered a food source and learned how to swim out to the tenders seeking food.
That particular pig is no longer with us, but there are still pigs on Big Major Cay. Apparently, the locals have learned how to fatten up their pigs on the yachtsman's wallet. There are usually several large pigs, along with baby pigs as well.
Bring your tender around and anchor off of this cay and watch the larger pigs swim out to visit, surrounded by several smaller swimming baby pigs, learning how to become "tender beggers" and keep up with their elders.
And do bring something for them to eat, as that is the point! Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters can tell you that contrary to any information that suggests that pigs prefer lettuce; these pigs are looking for something far more substantial. And do be sure to feed them plenty and keep offering, or you may have a pig in the tender with you making sure there is nothing left in your pockets!
A sight only to be seen via private yacht charter, feeding swimming pigs is just one of many activities available off the beaten track in private yacht charter.

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Choosing where in the Caribbean to explore can be difficult as there are so many great options, but here is some helpful information to narrow down the choices:

The British Virgin Islands provide the calmest cruising ground in the Sir Francis Drake Channel in the middle of a ring of lovely islands. The entire cruising area is 30-40 miles, so visiting many islands during your charter is very easy, just jumping from one protected anchorage to another. With such calm waters, catamarans are a great option and more catamarans are available here for charter than any other Caribbean location. More charter yachts with on board diving are located here as well, for diving shipwrecks hundreds of years old.

Further south with a touch of French flair are St. Martin, St. Barths and Anguilla. St. Barths is the place to see and be seen for New Years Eve. Shop the boutiques and dance the year away. Long sandy beaches mark Anguilla as an excellent beach location.
Have you ever been further south to Saba, St. Eustacia, Nevis, St. Kitts, Antigua and Barbuda? An area full of Caribbean history touched by Admiral Nelson, Alexander Hamilton, colonial sugar plantation life, English, French, Spanish and Dutch occupation, and of course, pirates. Colonial French plantation owners brought Green Vervet monkeys to plantation life on Nevis and St. Kitts to entertain their children. There are now more monkeys on each island than people.

Let's not forget the Grenadines and Grenada, which includes the Tobago Cays, with fabulous snorkeling, the island of the fabulous and chic, Bequia, where whaling is still practiced under sail with harpoons, Grenada, the island of spices, with spice fragrances brought by the wind when approaching, and lastly the island of Mustique, vacation home of Princess Anne and the famous Basil's Bar.

The Caribbean is a vast cruising ground offering many different options, all of which are well known and available through Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters

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Originally called "His Majesty's Antigua Naval Yard", Nelson's Dockyard is a slice in time of colonial Caribbean naval history, and the only Georgian Period shipyard still in existence in the world. Building for this shipyard, started in 1725 to create a home for Britain's Caribbean Naval Fleet guarding the valuable colonial sugar islands at that time part of the British Empire.
Now a National Park, Nelson's Dockyard offers guided tours, or a chance to wander around the colonial buildings made of local coral rock and bricks and stones used as ballast for the many ships that sailed into the Naval Yard. Included in the buildings are the Officer's Quarters, sail loft, Naval Officer's House, now housing the Dockyard Museum, parade ground, careening wheel, and other buildings important to the maintenance and repair of the royal fleet.
Admiral Lord Nelson was senior officer of the Naval Yard from 1784-1787. At that time, the yard was a bustling area from where Nelson launched his forays against the French and Dutch. During this time, he met his bride Fannie Nesbit from the neighboring island of Nevis.
Nelson's Dockyard is now home to an international fleet of sailing yachts, many available for crewed yacht charter. Many of the Naval Yard original buildings now house support business for this modern sailing fleet. Also inside the dockyard is the Admirals Inn, with rooms, restaurant and tavern, and the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel and Restaurant, both evocative of colonial times and an excellent place to stay before or after boarding your yacht for your charter.


Admiral's Inn


Copper and Lumber Store Hotel

Shirley Heights
Shirley Heights was named after General Shirley, Governor of several islands including Antigua in the late 1700's. General Shirley had fortifications built on this site overlooking both English and Falmouth Harbor, remains of which are still there today, including gun fortifications and old military buildings.
Offering an excellent view of both English and Falmouth Harbor today, when facing west, this is also one of the best sunset views in the Caribbean.


View From Shirley Heights

Taking full advantage of this sunset for a "jump up" party, Shirley Heights is the location each Sunday for a sunset party including Caribbean steel bands, and rum punch, served from inside one of the old military buildings. Shirley Heights "jump up" is every Sunday afternoon starting around 4:00pm. Enjoy local barbecue, and rum punch, while dancing to the Caribbean steel bands. And watch for a fabulous sunset from the "Heights" over English and Falmouth Harbors.


Shirley Heights "Jump Up"

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Montserrat has had a fair share of news coverage over the last ten years due to the Soufriere Hills Volcano, which after lying dormant since prehistoric times, started a series of eruptions and seismic activities in 1995. The most notable eruption in 1997 caused lava flows down the northeastern side of the volcano.
Plymouth, the once capital of Montserrat, was forced to be abandoned and is now a modern day Pompeii. There is a both a land and maritime exclusion zone around the volcano area, however there are safe areas from which to view the volcanic activity that has occurred, and depending on the day, even the now ghost town of Plymouth covered in ash and volcanic debris can be seen. Volcanic tours are offered on shore for the full story of Soufriere Hills Volcano.
Montserrat is known as a hiking location, with a number of trails through the local rain forests, alongside fresh water streams, and through fruit plantations. These forests are home to certain rarely seen birds, including the Montserrat national bird, the Oriole. Montserrat is considered a serious Bird Watcher's location. For serious or novice Bird Watchers, guides can be hired from the Montserrat National Trust.
The Soufriere Hills Volcano has gifted Montserrat with pearly gray volcanic beach sand on most of their beaches, separating Montserrat from the neighboring islands with their white sand beaches.
As long as the Soufriere Hills Volcano remains in the present lull, Montserrat is a very interesting and different Caribbean island to visit during your charter.


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Nevis, a fertile volcanic island just 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, shares a sovereign state with the neighboring island of St. Kitts. Home to approximately 10,000 residents and 30,000 Green Vervet Monkeys, Nevis reflects the Caribbean from last century and colonial West Indies life.
Nevis was named by Christopher Columbus, who when sailing by in the late 1400's, thought the volcanic summit ringed with clouds looked like a snow (Nieves) capped mountain. Initially inhabited by the Arawak Indians, Nevis became an important tobacco and sugar cane commercial island in the 1700's. After a tug of war between the English, French and Spanish, Nevis came under English rule from 1783 until 1967. Nevis achieved independence with St. Kitts in 1983.
On shore, Nevis has a wide range of flora and fauna. One of the local island industries is making wines from various fruits and flowers, which they are happy to sell to any visitors. There are still a number of colonial plantation houses, mostly now lovely hotels, where the essence of yesteryear can be enjoyed along with an ice cold drink on the veranda.
Hike, bike, or rent a horse and ride along the many trails at the base of the volcano, always on the lookout for the Green Vervet Monkeys, originally brought to Nevis during the plantation days as pets for plantation families. These monkeys now run wild in this tropical paradise.
The capital city of Nevis, Charleston, has an antique core of old cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. On the waterfront, you can still see the quick sailing skiff trading boats bringing in supplies from neighboring islands under full sail. The Museum of Nevis History is worth visiting with displays from the Arawak Indian times through colonial plantation days. Be sure to visit the birthplace and childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, first Secretary of the U.S. Treasury and founder of the U.S. Coast Guard. Alexander Hamilton first traveled to the U.S. as Aide de Camp for George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. And, of course, the Nelson Museum, which tells of Nelson's life and times in the Caribbean and of his marriage to local Nevis resident, Fannie Nesbit. The Botanical Gardens of Nevis cover seven acres with roses, orchids, cacti, palms, and other local flora and fauna, and are well worth a visit for those with a botanical interest.
Overall, relax in the laid back lifestyle of Nevis, unhurried in today's world and absorb the old West Indies culture and plantation life of long ago.


Map of Nevis

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The lush green island of St. Kitts was first colonized by Europeans in 1623, and soon the island became an economic center in the Caribbean with very profitable sugar cane production.
St. Kitts is volcanic with very rich and fertile soil, a good rainfall, and fresh water streams, all of which is perfect for growing sugar cane. And in the 1700's, sugar cane, was the most valuable crop in the world. The high production of sugar cane on St. Kitts quickly made this one of the wealthiest and most valuable of all Caribbean islands during the colonial time period. Sugar cane provided sugar, molasses and, of course, rum. In 1772, there were 68 sugar plantations on St. Kitts. By the end of the 1800's, this production had slowed to a halt, as European beet sugar took over the cane sugar market. However the landscape of St. Kitts was forever marked by the sugar plantation industry, and to this day, is divided into various areas along colonial plantation lines, marked by road signs as you drive around the island.
Many of the plantations were abandoned, and ruins can still be seen, however a number have been saved and restored into lovely hotels and restaurants, where the colonial plantation experience is still alive and well.

Ruins on St. Kitts

St. Kitts (shortened from St. Christophers) forms a separate nation with Nevis. The central volcanic peak, called Mount Liamuiga, is the highest point on the island, and carries the ancient Indian name for the whole island. The approximately 45,000 residents are fairly equally matched in numbers by the wild Green Vervet Monkey living in the surrounding countryside.
Basseterre, the capital city, evocative of English Georgian architecture, is centered by the Circus, a roundabout modeled after Piccadilly in London. The harbor is overseen by the domed Georgian Treasury Building, once the entry and exit point for all wares in and out of the island. Today, downtown is a bustling island town, with local enterprises, but also lovely shops with island products.

Outside of Basseterre is the fortress of Brimstone Hill including the citadel of Fort George. Built out of black volcanic stone, also called Brimstone, this massive structure, covering 38 acres, is the largest colonial fortress still in existence in the Caribbean and well worth visiting. Said to be the Gibraltar of the Caribbean, this fortress saw a long and varied history, well told on daily guided tours of the fortress, which is now a national park.
It is also well worth driving around the island through the lush green fields, sugar cane fields, and rain forests. Stop at the well known plantation house inns, such as the Golden Lemon Inn, Ottley's Plantation or Rawlins Plantation for lunch or a cool drink.

Ottley's Plantation

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Saba, the smallest island of the Netherlands Antilles, was heavily influenced during colonial times by a several centuries of Dutch rule. Indeed, while English is spoken by everyone, Dutch is still the official island language. In fact, the name Saba is believed to be derived from the Dutch word for "shoe", which was, at one time, the main industry on the island. Although also a haven for pirates, the most notable native Saban pirate being Hiriam Breakes, who famously quipped "Dead Men Tell No Tales, " Saba has a rich and varied history.
Saba, a small island of only 5 square miles, rises straight out of the sea to the top of Mt. Scenery. Covered with tropical rainforests, the virtually round shaped island has few safe anchorages, and sometimes an overnight stay is not possible.
The island residents numbering only around 1500 trace their roots back to a handful of families with Dutch, Scottish and African heritage. Farming is difficult in the steep rocky island terrain and therefore, the few inhabitants tend to take to the sea, and many find their way to other Caribbean islands to live.
There is one road on Saba, called "The Road", which connects the harbor with
"The Bottom", one of the four villages on the island to the top of the peak of Mt. Scenery. The Road is full of hairpin turns as it rises to the top of the island, making the drive its own adventure.
Saba is a well known dive location, however the diving is not for the faint of heart and hiring a local dive guide is recommended. As the island plunges straight into the sea, diving is right around the perimeter of the island with a great diversity of underwater marine life and coral.
In the 1870's a young lady from Saba was sent to a convent in Caracas, Venezuela and there learned the difficult craft of "Spanish lace". On returning to Saba, this craft was taught to the local women and a cottage industry of lace making was born. Now known as Saba Lace, be sure to look for this as a special remembrance of this unique island.

Diving In Saba

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Gustavia
St. Barts, also known as St. Barths and St. Barthelemy, is located in the French West Indies and, at eight miles long, is one of the tiniest islands in the entire Caribbean.
St. Barts is a duty free port, and shoppers will be delighted with the range and number of shops. The highest concentration of shops is in Gustavia, followed by St-Jean, with its several shopping centers. It is wise to allocated more than a single afternoon to see what's what and where's where.
There are fourteen beaches on St. Barts, all blessed with gleaming white sand. Few are crowded, even in peak season. All are public and free. Nudism is ostensibly prohibited; however, topless is not unusual.
Two beaches divided by the Eden Rock promontory are Grand Cul de Sac and St. Jean. Flamands is a huge stretch of white sand fringed with lantier palms. The beaches at Marigot, Lorient, and Petite Cul de Sac are secluded and quiet, Gouverneur is serene; Saline is well worth the hike over the sand dune. Hardest to get to is Colombier, reachable by your yacht by a half- hour hike down a scenic path.
St. Barts offers many fine restaurants, offering just about any type of cuisine you can imagine. In fact, there are nearly one hundred places to get something to eat in St. Barts: from exquisite gastronomic restaurants to humble burger joints and take-away delis.

Eden Bay, St Barts

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Anguilla Beaches
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, 16 miles long and 3 miles at her widest point. Boasting 33 white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, a contemporary international style, and extraordinary vistas, Anguilla may be the highlight of your cruise after you drop anchor to explore this idyllic tropical island.
Visit art galleries, tour historic sites and museums, go horseback riding, dance to island beats, snorkel, or simply bask in the sun and enjoy quiet sunset strolls. The pinnacle of gastronomic delights include over 70 dining experiences presented by a cadre of world renowned international and award-winning local chefs. For pampering, resorts and independent spas offer the latest in spa and wellness facilities, services and treatments.

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