Caribbean Islands - discover the best by yacht

Thanks to its volcanic topography, St Lucia has great appeal for divers, hikers and nature lovers. From the rugged mountain terrain of the south to the flatter north, the island has something for everyone to enjoy while on a yacht charter. Head to the bustling island’s capital of Castries for duty free shopping, berth in the sheltered hurricane hole at Marigot Bay and head ashore to the popular watering hole, Hurricane Hole at the Marigot Bay Resort and Marina. Discover the island’s coastline as you cruise along the southwest and jump in and snorkel, head out for some deep-sea fishing, or try your hand at kayaking and windsurfing.

The waters surrounding St Lucia are rich in marine life. From Soufriere Marine Park to Anse Chastanet, the clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and diving. There is also ample opportunity to turtle-spot and even swim with turtles around Anse Cochon.

Must see - The Pitons

Due to its volcanic origins, St Lucia has a breath-taking landscape of mountains and lush rainforests. Towering above it all are the soaring Piton mountains, which have become the nation’s symbol. The twin volcanic peaks appear even more dramatic due to their sheer, spectacular ascent from the sea. Gros Piton is great for hiking, while those with a head for heights can zip-wire through the rainforest.

Best island for rainforest

Venture ashore to explore the dense rainforest inland. You can take a trek to see Mona monkeys, who are thought to have come ashore with traders in the 18th century, and swim in the fresh water pools beneath the cascading waterfalls that dot the island’s verdant interior.

Must see - St George

At the heart of Grenada is the capital of St George where a rainbow of pastel coloured dockside warehouses and red-tiled roofs provide the backdrop to the superyachts anchored in Port Louis Marina. St George is where you will find lively Caribbean festivals, fairs, and markets. 

Best islands for snorkelling

The Tobago Cays comprise five uninhabited desert island idylls with a wildlife reserve and marine park providing a shallow and stunning underwater safari for all capabilities. The kaleidoscopic colours and sea life are mind-blowing.

Must see - Mustique

Aside from the spectacular diving opportunities, the waterborne can also encompass the glamorous and sophisticated island of Mustique while cruising the Grenadines. One of the best-known islands in the Caribbean, the private resort offers pure barefoot luxury. Anchor off the island and head ashore for afternoon tea at The Cotton House or an evening of revelry at Basil’s Bar.

Antigua’s white-sand beaches are the island’s primary attraction – there are 365 of them. Many are deserted, fringed by untouched rainforest and accessible only by tender, while others are home to fun beach clubs and gourmet restaurants. 

For many, Antigua’s appeal lies in its colonial past. Once home to the British Royal Navy under Nelson’s command, Nelson’s Dockyard remains a visible symbol of England’s powerful navy with Colonial naval buildings remaining intact.

Discover St Barth’s joie de vivre at one of the many chic restaurants that dot the island. The island is known for having the best chefs in the Caribbean who adapt traditional French cuisine to suit the balmy climate. For French flavours try Le Toiny. The boho-chic, toes-in-the-sand beach club is modelled on the perennial favourite Le Club 55 in Saint-Tropez. For French Creole head to the elegant Maya, or the fashionable Bonito for fresh ceviche. There are also several chic beach bars, including Nikki Beach on St Jean and the recently opened ER Beach Bar.

St Barth's beaches are stunning and among the island’s main attractions. Cosmopolitan St Jean is the place to head for people watching, while the stretches of sand at Gouverneur and Saline are perfect for chilled relaxation.

Surrounded by white sandy beaches and some of the Caribbean’s clearest waters, Virgin Gorda is the perfect place to enjoy your superyacht’s toy chest. Whether snorkelling and paddleboarding in a small cove or diving off the reef near Little Dix Bay, or waterskiing and dinghy sailing around the Bitter End Yacht Club, the sheltered waters are perfect for all manner of waterborne activities.

Located on Virgin Gorda’s southwest coast, The Baths are a network of grottos, caves and warm saltwater pools created by volcanic boulder formations. With their colourful fish and coral, they are perfect for snorkelling, kayaking or simply swimming.

Rhone Marine Park lies between St Peter and neaby Salt Island, and here you will find the wreck of sail-steamer HMS Rhone. She sank in a storm in 1867, and now lies on the seabed at 30 to 80 metres deep. If you prefer snorkelling, lying just off Peter Island, the dramatic reef and rocky outcrop resembling a Native American headdress, known as The Indians, offers a great dive.

Swim in Deadman’s Bay or take a dinghy across to Dead Chest Island. The location is said to have earned its name after the infamous pirate Blackbeard deserted his crew there with nothing except a bottle of rum. Some tried to swim across to Peter Island but didn’t make it, hence the moniker Deadman’s Bay.