About St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua & the Leeward Islands
    Sample Leeward Islands Yacht Charter Itineraries
    St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua & Leeward Island Maps
    Complimentary Leeward Islands Yacht Charter DVD
    Leeward Islands Charter Yachts

About St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua & the Leeward Islands

The St Maarten or St Martin (as the French spell it) yacht charter area can only be described as a tropical paradise. With a unique blend of European sophistication and Caribbean hospitality, St Martin is an intriguing Caribbean delight. St Martin is the smallest landmass ever to be divided between two nations. The French and the Dutch can lay equal claim to these majestic green peaks, stunning sandy beaches and sparkling waters. The two cultures exist in perfect serenity, whilst maintaining the individuality of their homeland, giving St Maarten a charm of its own. St Maarten is a perfect starting point for a yacht charter vacation. Sail south through all the Leeward Islands on an epic adventure ending on the French island of Guadeloupe .

For something closer to home, head toward the striking island of St Kitts or north to the unrivalled "wreck dive capital" reef of Anguilla . If you find the parody of choices all too much, don't do anything at all. Enjoy the atmosphere of St Maarten's restaurant and club scene. With so many cultural influences, St Martin is renowned for legendary, exotic cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Surrounding the cosmopolitan areas are superb anchorages, great snorkeling, and wide-open sailing.

St. Barts offer sunny skies, 14 exceptional sandy beaches, exhilarating active sports, great shops and resort hotels. This is a unique French island that marches to its own beat and those in the know want to keep it that way.

Antigua is one of the major yachting centers in the Caribbean and home to the world famous Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting, where every December the world's most luxurious mega-yachts gather for Caribbean's yacht charter season.

It has a rich history and in the 18th century, the famous Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour , was the base of the British Fleet in the West Indies . The island has beautiful beaches, deeply indented bays and has perfect sailing conditions year-round. Barbuda the sister island to the north is a low flat island with miles and miles of near-deserted sandy beaches.

Going south from Antigua takes you on another fascinating tour. First stop is Guadeloupe, the main island in the French West Indies and shaped like the wings of a butterfly. The west is a high, forested island with stunning waterfalls and rain forest walks; the eastern mass is a countryside of rolling hills with sugar cane and picturesque ruined windmills. A few miles south, les Iles des Saintes is an irresistible group of islands, more French than the French themselves with mountains climbing to 1,000ft and numerous white sand beaches.

Then Dominica , an awe-inspiring mountain with deep valleys, dramatic gorges and waterfalls and pinnacles. This lush green island has an abundance of tropical birds, butterflies, fruit trees and brightly colored flowers.

Heading first west from Antigua is St Kitts and Nevis , another twin island nation, these outstandingly beautiful island retain much character of the sugar plantation days although many of the plantation houses have been converted to small luxury hotels, while Brimstone Hill on St Kitts has a wonderful old, strategically located fort, a lasting monument to the old enmity between the British and French.

Next in the chain going north is St Eustatia (Statia), a small island with a big history was once the trade capital of the West Indies . This sleepy island offers peace and tranquility and many pretty walks.

Saba , a mere five square mile rock which reaches a lofty 3,000ft, offers scuba diving rated as some of the best in the Caribbean and an isolated island character that is spotlessly clean, villages of white-washed red roofed cottages and cobblestone streets built by descendents of Dutch, Scottish and British settlers. Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and Statia are all volcanic islands often with cloud-topped peaks and for the most part they are surrounded by deep water.

Anguilla is a low island surrounded by spectacular pristine white sand beaches and banks of coral.

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Sample Leeward Islands Yacht Charter Itineraries

Sample Yacht Charter Itinerary - St. Martin/St. Maarten

Day 1: Board the yacht in Marigot Bay on the French side of St. Martin where there are excellent restaurants and wonderful duty free shopping available. Sail to Road Bay , Anguilla , just a short sail across the channel and an easy sail in calm water up the leeward side of the island -- gliding by white beaches and cliffs makes for a lovely afternoon.

Day 2: A reach further up the leeward side of Anguilla to the breath taking anchorage at Crocus Bay with sharp cliffs and a small sandy beach. Snorkel among large schools of colorful tiny fish. There is very good scuba diving at nearby Prickly Pear including an interesting wreck. From the anchorage in Crocus Bay you can watch the tropic-birds and pelicans nesting on the cliff swoop for dinner as the tropical sun sets. Alternatively, a taxi tour can be arranged up to the northern portion of the island for some excellent reef diving.

Day 3: Get an early start for tiny Ile de la Fourche, a secluded cactus-covered island that offers a very protected anchorage with herds of wild goats grazing on the rocky hills. Isle Fourche is a great island for hiking and mountain climbing with beautiful views to enjoy.

Day 4: A short reach south to picturesque St. Barths anchoring in the lively bay of Gustavia by noon - just in time for a croissant at the best patisserie in the Caribbean! Explore this colorful, quaint but very sophisticated French port with more excellent shopping available. St. Barths is well known for it's "clothing optional" beaches - some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean

Day 5: The tiny island of Colombier is just an hour away and offers beautiful beach with excellent snorkeling.

Day 6: Tintemarre is an exhilarating downwind run. This deserted island on the northeast side of St. Marten, is the perfect spot to anchor for lunch, a swim and snorkel. Mid afternoon sail past Anse Marcel, Creole Rock to Grand Case - a small shorefront town full of guest houses and wonderful Creole restaurants.

Day 7: An easy morning sail around to the bustling port of Marigot and an easy dinghy ride to the St. Martin airport.

Sample Yacht Charter Itinerary - St. Martin/St. Maarten 11

Day 1: After breakfast we depart through the Dutch Bridge on our way to Road Bay on the British Island of Anguilla . Here while we clear customs and immigration we have lunch and a swim off the back of the boat. The afternoon can be spent on a land tour of the beautiful Anguilla and its numerous beaches, listening to local Jazz at Johnno's famous beach restaurant and bar, swimming with the dolphins or relaxing on the beach.

Day 2: Breakfast and we are off to the Prickly Pear Cays - a remote uninhabited rocky atoll with amazing bird life and unspoiled lagoon surrounded by a living coral reef. Snorkel to the white powdery beach or jump in the dinghy with your Capt for a snorkel over the magnificent coral forests that surround this lagoon. After lunch we have a short sail to Little Bay where we spend the afternoon "playing" on a little beach in this marine reserve and retire the night, after dinner under the stars.

Day 3: After breakfast we have a exhilarating sail round Anguilla to Marigot into Port Louis on the French side of St Martin . While we clear immigration you can meander thru the wonderful village, market or take a stroll up to Fort Louis . It is an attractive old ruin with a few cannons with a bird's-eye view across the bay. A pleasant nip around the corner to Baie Grand Case, which is a long sweeping beach-fronted bay and the town is known as the gastronomic center of St Martin . So be prepared to enjoy dinner ashore!

Day 4: After breakfast and a short snorkel around Creole rock, we head off to the small un-inhabited island of Tintamare . This is a great adventure - if you dare! The yellow clay cliffs of Tintamare will give you "Everlasting Youth" (according to the local folk law). Armed with a bucket and spade, we scrape the clay off the cliffs, mix it with a little of the Caribbean Sea and plaster the paste all over your body. Bake in the sun until dry and wash off while taking a swim and feel the difference. After lunch we have an exhilarating sail over to St Barts, into Anse de Columbier. Watch the exotic sunset with cocktails prepared by your crew.

Day 5: Snorkel, swim with the turtles, hike, scuba or tan for the morning. After lunch we nip around the corner to the beautiful harbor of Gustavia , Capital of St Barts. This island boasts the getaway homes of many Celebrities and magnificent Mega-T Yachts. Explore the wonderful array of old Caribbean buildings and shops for the afternoon.

Day 6: Start the day with breakfast, then snorkel around the famous Gros Ilets which not to be missed! After lunch we take a leisurely sail back to Phillipsburg , the Capital of Dutch St. Maarten, where we stop for two hours for the finest in duty free shopping or to try your luck in the beachfront Casino. Then back through the bridge at Simpson's Bay. Enjoy dinner ashore at a restaurant of your choice.

Departure Day: A continental breakfast will be served and then we say our fond farewells until your next cruise with us!

Itinerary courtesy Yacht Mary Kathryn

Sample Yacht Charter Itinerary - Leeward Islands

The flavor and fashion of France combine with the Caribbean lifestyle to make St. Barts a fabulous place to begin your five-star vacation. You will understand why many celebrities retreat to this tiny, eight-square-mile island when you see the port of Gustavia .

View rustic fishing boats and red-roofed bungalows while breakfast is served on deck. Head ashore to shop for the latest apparel, then hit the secluded beach at Anse du Gouveneur that faces St. Kitts, Saba and St. Eustatius . That evening, dine at famous Carl Gustaf's while enjoying views of the harbor where your yacht completes the picture.

The southwestern side of mountainous St. Kitts, the first English settlement in the Leeward Islands , offers spectacular dive sites. Sandy Point Reef has been designated a National Marine Park with 90-foot, swim-through canyons. On land, explore a lush rainforest complete with waterfalls.

Cruise to Nevis for a round of golf at the Four Seasons, which offers "R-and-R" for the non-golfer as well. Your chef prepares a picnic lunch for your party to enjoy ashore as you view tropical and subtropical species at the Botanical Garden. Enjoy a candlelight dinner on the veranda at historic Montpelier Plantation Inn.

It's no longer a secret that Shoal Bay on Anguilla's southeast coast is one of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean . For windsurfing, try Barnes Bay . After an exhilarating day of fun in the sun, enjoy an alfresco dinner while anchored off Sandy Ground watching a glorious sunset.

Grand Case on the French side of Dutch-French St. Martin may be the culinary capital of the Caribbean . Often compared to the Cote d'Azur , the many restaurants, boutiques and art galleries make time ashore delightful. Kontiki's serves a dichotomy of excellent prime rib and fresh sushi on the beach at Orient Bay .

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St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua & Leeward Island Maps

          Map of St. Martin

          Map of St. Barts

          Map of Antigua

       Map of Leeward Islands
        

Complimentary Leeward Islands Yacht Charter DVD

To obtain your complimentary St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua and The Leeward Islands yacht charter dvd or additional information about yacht charters in St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua and The Leeward Islands and around the world, please call us on 1-877-3YACHTS (392-2487) or (202) 882-2127.

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