A Caribbean holiday charter cannot be completed without visiting the dazzling Windward Islands that are located at the end of the Southern chain of the Caribbean islands. A part of the Caribbean ocean and bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the main islands in this chain are, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, and Barbados. They are called windward as they lie in the path of the easterly trade winds. The islands are close enough to offer shore explorations and yet distant enough to offer an open sea experience on your yacht charter.
The Windward Islands are like a beautiful neckpiece incorporating both emerald and aquamarines. The skies are clear, the waters every shade of blue, the rainforests are lush and green, and the sands are powdery white or black, the colours that the nature has bestowed on these islands will amaze and enthral you. With a stunning backdrop like this, can the flowers and birds be far behind?
These Islands in the Caribbean have one theme that runs through all its islands consistently, sparkling warm water, endless varieties of bright tropical flowers and fruits, gentle balmy breeze laden with the scents of the sensual spices and flora and well protected colourful reefs which offer awesome diving and snorkelling experience. These tropical volcanic islands are like a small piece of heaven, buoyant amongst palm lined beaches and lush forests. The folklores and the history of the Windward Islands will remind you of a bygone era of vibrant cultures, merchants, pirates, conquests, and shipwrecks.
The Yachting season in the Caribbean islands is pretty long and the Windward Islands are no different. Though the chartering happens all year round the main season runs from November to July. The most popular months for the tourists are between mid Dec to March, and the hurricane season is officially from July to October. All kinds of yacht charters are available for these islands, depending on your budget and needs, you can choose from motorboat, bareboat, crewed yachts, catamarans, sailboat, powerboat and the super yacht charter.
The Windward Islands are a combination of different cultures and each one is strikingly beautiful and houses a plethora of activities and places to explore. Though all of them are worth visiting some are more popular then the others.
Martinique is also known as the “Isle of Flowers”. Part of the French country, this island is a breath taking mix of exotic flowers, topless beaches, volcanic mountains and huge banana and pineapple plantations. It is developed island with the French culture stamped all over the markets, boutiques, eateries, cafes and fashion shops.
There are many other activities to keep you occupied on the shore. From golf courses to Josephine’s birthplace, casinos, clubs and ballet troupes, there is enough to keep you entertained.
St Lucia is a virtual paradise with its golden sand beaches and excellent marina facilities. The ever popular St Lucia regatta is held every year in the month of Jan. Yachtsmen from all over the world converge here for wild racing and even wilder parties. It is also a hub of culture, theatre and literature. The island of St Lucia is a favourite destination for diving. The sea beds are mountainous, have a variety of coral trees, sponges, lace corals, and are home to golden spotted eels, sting rays, sharks, turtles, whales, sea horses and schools of colourful fish. There are plenty of shipwrecks for underwater adventure.
St Vincent has been made famous by the movie the Pirates of the Caribbean, it has black stretches of beaches, rich wildlife and an impressive 60 ft fall called the Falls of Baleine. The underwater topography of the island is absolutely stunning. It is also known as the critter country due to the abundance of fish life in its corals. The view from the colourful Montreal gardens and the tidal pools of the salt pond are added attractions here.
There are many more islands like the Tobago Cays, Union island, Palm Island, Petit St Vincent, Dominic and the Grenada, which form a part of the Windward island yacht charters. The Islands with their natural beauty and multi hued blue waters, offer a delightful heavenly experience to all those who dare to charter in the warm sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea.
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