CARIBBEAN – Leeward Island
The Leeward Islands are a chain of islands in the eastern Caribbean that include, north to south, St Martin, St Barts, Antigua, St Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat and Guadeloupe.
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.
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
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.