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The Leeward Islands are made up of several islands operating as
different nations and span some 120 miles. The best known are
St. Martin/St. Marteen, St. Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla
and Antigua & Barbuda. In this group of islands you will find
a world of unparalleled variety, both ashore and at sea. Everywhere
you go, you will find islands ranging from the serene to spectacular,
and friendly people. Each island has its own unique culture. The
heritage of European colonialism is very apparent, mixed with
West Indian flair.
Chartering a yacht in the Leeward Islands is for those who enjoy
a lot of sailing. Consider a Catamaran or Motor Yacht if speed is important, as daylong passages in this area are not uncommon.
A 10 day charter is recommended if you wish to start in Antigua and end in St.
Martin.
St. Martin/St. Marteen is barely 7 miles in each direction, yet is perhaps the best-known yacht charter destination in the Leeward Islands. St. Martin is divided across the middle. The southern part is Dutch and the northern part French. Blessed with many superb white sand beaches, backed by scenic hills, it has embraced tourism wholeheartedly. The whole island has duty free shopping, there are casinos, scores of hotels and condominiums and charters yachts are very much appreciated here.
Although originally a Swedish Colony, St. Barts is now completely French. St. Barts has become a famous holiday destination and has the reputation as a perfect holiday getaway. It is a favored hot spot for the "in" crowd of acting, singing and sports stars; the Riviera of the Caribbean. The island offers the best that money can buy in the way of peace and quiet, scenery, French food and wines and idyllic sun and sea. There are small green mountains, meadows marked with low stone fences, pristine beaches, sandy coves, and a smattering of neat little villages. Gustavia, the capital is an impeccable, picture-postcard town. Its harbor is one of the safest in the Caribbean.
Named the "Secret Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis" are like no other islands in the Caribbean. They are separated by a mere two-mile expanse of clam, clear, turquoise water. The islands capitals Basseterre and Charlestown are among the most captivating and picturesque in the Caribbean. On both St. Kitts and Nevis natural preservation is of major importance. For sailors, or simply anyone who enjoys stunning natural, St. Kitts and Nevis cannot fail to exceed expectations.
The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua is renowned among sailors for its incomparable air of nautical history. The coasts are ideal for chartering, with constant trade winds and many harbors to explore. Antigua attracts landlubbers as well as sailors with its 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. All of them are public, some are deserted and others lined with hotels and resorts. Barbuda is one of those very few islands that remains and probably will for sometime, undeveloped. The population, aside from the islands small number of guests seems to largely consist of the frigate bird. Activities on Barbuda are relaxed including beachcombing, snorkeling or simply soaking up the sun. Barbuda can be reached by air (a 20 minute flight) or by boat (in three hours).
12 miles of spectacular, pristine, white sand beaches surround
a tiny, low lying Caribbean paradise, Anguilla. The reef system
is excellent for diving and snorkeling and the surrounding waters
are a national park protected by law. The terrain is flat and
made of coral, creating the tiny coves and long strips of white
sand that make up 30 lovely, natural beaches. Anguilla's natural
beauty is the islands' main attraction.
