Beautiful White Sand Caribbean Beach
In the market to plan a remote getaway with tropical vibes that include white sandy beaches, pristine waters, and gorgeous greenery? Look no further than the Caribbean islands. There is an abundance of remote islands that make up the Carribean—many of which are hidden gems and absolutely perfect for a private yacht charter vacation. Start planning now for a remote winter getaway on a private yacht charter; the winter weather in the Caribbean is always spectacular.
Prime vacationing season for cruising in the Caribbean usually starts in December. Many private yachts are available for Thanksgiving though, which also happens to be a great week for a yachting charter vacation. We recommend visiting some of the hidden islands that are fairly remote and will allow for maximum privacy and relaxation on a luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean.
Brief Caribbean History
Originally discovered by Christopher Columbus, the Caribbean has a rich history. Columbus first made landfall thinking he was in Asia. He had one agenda in mind—gold. What he found instead was rich, lush land. The colonial history of the Caribbean is mainly about agriculture—most notably sugar cane, but also tobacco, bananas, and grazing cattle—and a battle to obtain power. Within the past 100 years however, tourism has become a booming industry for the islands. Today, the Caribbean is remembered for its history, but has become quite the popular winter vacation destination.
Where to Cruise on Your Private Yacht Charter in the Caribbean
St. Vincent and Grenadines
Tobago Cays
An exceptional destination for a remote Caribbean yacht charter vacation is St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These islands lie in the southern part of the Caribbean, south of St. Lucia. On St. Vincent is Wallilabou Bay, where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. The Montreal Gardens on St. Vincent is a wonderful place to visit. The gardens are inland, tucked away in the rainforest. The botanical gardens are somewhat hard to find but well worth the effort due to their amazing beauty.
Another scenic stop on St. Vincent is the Dark View Falls. Also inland in the rainforest, these two waterfalls are on a tributary of the Richmond River. Take a dip in the natural pool located at the bottom of the falls for ultimate views and relaxation. On this island, expect world-class hiking, a volcano with black sandy beaches, and an abundance of art galleries and quaint cafes.
Though they are virtually unknown to many, the islands in the Grenadines pack a punch with much to do and see. On Bequia Island is Whaleboner Bar which features an archway of whale jawbones at the entrance. The bar itself, including the structure, is also mostly supported by bones, as Bequia Island is known as the whaling island, a trade brought home to the island by a 19th century Bequian after working on whaling ships in New England.
Bequia Whale Bone Jaws
The beautiful national park of the Tobago Cays is not to be missed. Several days can be spent in this outstanding location anchored on a crewed charter yacht, which is the best way to visit these cays. Choose from snorkeling, watching sea turtles, swimming, and spending time on the sandy beaches.
Mayreau Island is a step back into the Caribbean of yesteryear, with a very small local population of just over 250 people living on an island only reachable by boat. Saltwhistle Bay Retreat is snuggled into a beautiful bay with some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.
On the other end of the scale is Mustique Island—a private island home to villas of royalty and the rich and the famous. Here, all of the locals get around in golf carts, known affectionately as Mustique mules. At Basil’s Bar—the main bar on the island—you never know who you might see.
The French West Indies
Dominica Waters
Within this group of islands is the unique island of Dominica, with a geo-terrain unlike any other island in the Caribbean. This 298 square mile island is packed with action and adventure and home to mountains, rainforests, and many other natural attractions. Nearly untouched by tourism, much of the natural features still remain intact. A quirky feature of Dominica is the 365 rivers that flow throughout the island—perfect for river rafting. There is also quite a bit of geothermal activity on the island which has created an abundance of hot springs.
Visit the small village of Wotten Waven where enterprising villagers have built spa baths for soaking in the hot springs or relaxing in a mud bath, both felt to have medicinal qualities. After a day of exploring, take time to enjoy some of the fine dining offered on the island. Zing Zing is an up-and-coming high-class restaurant with a touch of French and English influences. The cuisine here includes authentic, island-grown ingredients that are reimagined into exquisite meals.
Take an afternoon hiking through the rainforests to discover a hot, boiling lake, or try a night hike to photograph the elusive Dominican “Mountain Chicken.” The Isles de Saints, a beautiful and very French little group of islets in the French West Indies, is charming and home to what is claimed to be one of the nicest bays in the world, a Lilliputian Rio de Janeiro.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Nevis
The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis are two terrific islands to visit on a leeward island yacht charter. Nevis is the smaller of the two islands and an unspoiled paradise. The waters are crystal clear and lined with tropical rainforests. Couples seeking a romantic getaway will find the perfect seclusion on Nevis. Rent a horse and ride up the side of the volcano dominating the island.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the Green Vervet Monkeys that inhabit the island as well, found on both Nevis and St. Kitts. These monkeys are said to be wild descendants of monkeys brought to the two islands by French planters in the 1800’s as pets for their families. Take a tour of this island packed full of history—the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton and Fanny Nesbit, the wife of Admiral Horatio Nelson. Or, stop at the historic warm springs for a medicinal dip.
Green Vervet Monkeys
St. Kitts is the larger of the two islands and full of fun. Visit Clay Villa Plantation House and Gardens to get a taste of the rich history of the island. Tour the house to see beautiful gardens, a museum, and those famous Green Vervet Monkeys, as the property is used as an animal sanctuary.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is also located on the island. This national park was built out of black volcanic stone and covers a whopping 38 acres. Rising 800 meters above sea level, it is the largest colonial fortress that exists in the Caribbean today and well worth a visit.
Grenada
Grenada
Visit Grenada, “The Spice Island,” for a low-key feel with so much to see and do. Though the island is quite large and has an abundance of activities, there are relatively few visitors. Find mountains, lush rainforests with waterfalls, and fertile soil producing nutmeg, mace, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, pimento (allspice), bay leaf, and ginger. Visit various spice farms, including cacao and coffee bean farms, to see how the spices and beans are processed.
St. George’s is the capital of Grenada and features a daily market in the morning. Shop for local spices that include nutmeg, mace, allspice, cinnamon, and cloves, as well as cocoa and coffee beans which are all truly a staple on the island. Don’t forget to try local herbal teas, jams, syrups, juices, and essential oils that are found in the market as well.
The Caribbean offers many remote, secluded islands to choose from for your next private yacht charter vacation. Each island offers something unique for vacationers to experience. Don’t forget—each luxurious private yacht comes with a private crew and chef, and is a vacation tailored to your wishes. If you’d like to charter through these lovely islands but stay aboard your yacht, enjoying just the beautiful crystal clear water and underwater coral gardens, no problem—this is your trip. The season for visiting the islands is approaching. Plan your next tropical Carribean private yacht charter today.
