Caribbean yacht charter Itinerary
Published 06 février 2024
From December to April, the Caribbean is where the sailing fraternity head in vast numbers to get a healthy dose of sunshine, sailing and the sensational superyacht life.
Mixing big blue skies with cool trade winds are more than 700 dazzling emerald isles, reefs and cays stretched across 30 territories on which to hop your way around – each offering their own heady recipe of culture, cuisine, and cruising. Few destinations compare to a Caribbean charter.
Benefits of a private yacht charter to the Caribbean
When enjoying a private yacht charter aboard a stunning superyacht, every waking moment is tailored to your needs. The type of yacht, the collection of toys, the size of accommodation, the gastronomy on board and, of course, the sunny horizon that greets you each morning. When moving between the best anchorages, with world-class service in the most private of settings and the chance to dive, swim and snorkel from morning through to night, few other scenarios come close.
Leeward Islands
From white sanded Anguilla to mountainous Dominica, and down to French-speaking Guadeloupe, the Leeward Islands stretch over 150 miles of ocean. An eight-day yachting itinerary will cover myriad sites, from the high-end boutiques of bougie St Barth to the golden beaches of part Dutch, part French St Martin/Sint Maarten. An itinerary to this collection of isles is sure to guarantee a lively nightlife, a richness of restaurants and some of the prettiest historic harbours in all the Caribbean.
Anchorage: Antigua
Antigua is famous for its 365 beaches and billowing trade winds, both of which make it the obvious choice for a Caribbean sailing yacht charter. It also boasts a collection of must-visit exclusives, such as The Escape at Nonsuch Bay, a modern adults-only getaway retreats were private plunge pools and award-winning dining welcomes couples from far and wide. The renowned Pillars of Hercules – ancient rock sculptures at the entrance of English Harbour – mark one of the best snorkelling hot spots, while Crab Hill on the south west side of the island is where sun worshippers head. At sunset, Jacqui O's Beach House has the best views around.
Get active: St Kitts
Don’t let St Kitts’ diminutive size fool you. It’s a mini-isle offering mighty miles, largely in the form of a trail hike up Mount Liamuiga. Soaring to 3,792ft, Mount Liamuiga is an active volcano cloaked in exotic vegetation, and as the highest point on St Kitts it offers sprawling vistas across the Caribbean. If you prefer your activity to be nearer to sea level, 18 holes at the Royal St Kitts Golf Course might just be the ticket. Backed by mountains, it has equally impressive views of its own.
Dog Island: Anguilla
On uninhabited Dog Island, you’ll find peace on Earth. Located north west of Anguilla and enveloped by three small sandy cays, it’s an ideal place to swim in the shallows, snorkel among coral and fish and even spot the occasional sea turtle. After working up an appetite, the Belmond hotel’s Cap Juluca on Anguilla mixes fresh ingredients from its own vegetable garden with island flavours and pool-side romance. Follow it up with a treatment at Aurora Resort’s 12-suite Sorana spa for a truly decadent stop off on your yachting itinerary.
The British Virgin Islands
The volcanic terroir that links the 60 British Virgin Islands is prized for its dramatic granite landscape and secret sandy bays. Once a pirates’ haven, the shallow waters now play host to full moon beach parties, shipwreck dives and deserted beaches, which means a 10-day yacht charter is never dull. The laid-back island of Anegada boasts a beach club that calls out to yachties like a siren’s song and has what is rumoured to be the best lobster in the West Indies. Whether looking for fine dining or ocean pools, the BVIs have it all.
Brewers Bay: Tortola
Tortola boasts one of the best anchorages for those looking for a sheltered bay. Aptly named Brewers Bay, it offers excellent snorkelling for younger guests, while those looking for great diving spots should take the tender to Brewers East on the bay's northern tip. Ideal for families, it offers a far more laid-back experience than Cane Garden Bay to the south.
The Baths: Virgin Gorda
When you think of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda – meaning the fat virgin – ranks high. No yacht charter in this part of the world is complete without a visit. The Baths at Virgin Gorda are a natural wonder created over time by volcanic activity and the erosion from the sea. They’re formed by a collection of smooth granite boulders shaped like a woman’s curvaceous figure (hence the name) and which collect sea water to form small ocean pools on the edge of the beach. A dreamy natural paddling pool.
Deadman Bay: Peter Island
The attractions on Peter Island take their name from the region’s grizzly buccaneer past. Legend has it that Blackbeard cast away 15 men on a deserted island – now named Dead Chest Island – with little provisions other than a bottle of rum and the makings of a drunk song. Some of the men tried to swim the half a mile ashore to what is now known as Deadman’s Bay. The island remains uninhabited to this day, with no fresh water or trees and only sparse vegetation. Thankfully, it makes for the ideal superyacht beach barbecue setup – rum included.
Pirate’s Bight: Norman Island
Nearby on Norman Island, a similarly piratical name looms large. Luckily, Pirate’s Bight is a welcoming beach bistro serving ocean views and fresh seafood. Drop anchor and stay for the day but be sure to make time to tender across to the famous floating bar and restaurant Willy T’s, as well as stop off at Treasure Point for a vibrant afternoon snorkel. For dive enthusiasts, The Indians off Pelican Island will delight.
Caribbean islands
Aside from all the convenience and luxury that a yacht charter brings, there is always the chance to enjoy more. Why limit an itinerary to one week when you can spend 14 days or more cruising the Caribbean, hopping from island to island and enjoying the spice of life. As with any destination, the Caribbean is your sailing oyster.
Get ready to embark on your next adventure yacht charter with Burgess. Enquire now.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.