Yacht Charter Itinerary St Martin to Antigua
Written by Missy Johnston
St. Martin Grand Case Beach Bar/Restaurant
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 the yacht cruises to the quintessential French town of Marigot for a shopping spree in world-class shops and boutiques. 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. Under a starlit sky, indulge in a sumptuous dinner on board or head to Grand Case for drinks and dinner at a beach restaurant with your feet in the sand.
Anguilla Beach
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.
St. Barths Gustavia Main Harbor – photo credit: Missy Johnston
Port of Gustavia St Jean, St. Barths: 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 Barths, so pace yourself with a nap. Hotel Carl Gustaf offers stunning sunset views.
Saba Museum
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.
Fort Brimstone St. Kitts
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 rainforests are largely unspoiled and untrammeled (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 Old Sugar Mill Buildings – Photo Credit Missy Johnston
Nevis is right next door to St. Kitts. 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 and Fanny Nesbit at Montpelier Plantation under a tree. This island jewel is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with natural vegetation that is unparalleled.
English Harbor, Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua – Photo Credit Missy Johnston
On the southern end of Antigua is historic Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbor which 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.
Sunset over English and Falmouth Harbors from Shirley Heights
In the morning cruise from English Harbor to 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 Monserrat 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.
Disembark in the morning and head to the Antigua Airport for a flight home.