10 Days in the Caribbean

As you sail through Dominica, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a marine oasis preserved just for you. Above the surface, there’s lush green cliffs and turquoise seas as far as the eye can see. Under the water, thriving coral gardens will lead you to exciting walls and pinnacles, all formed as a result of the volcanic activity surrounding the island.  Upon anchoring at the small island, you’ll immediately notice the calm and quiet soul that carries through the seemingly untouched landscape. There is no better way to explore the beauty than on the Waitukubuli National Trail – the only long-distance walking trail in the Caribbean. Spanning 185km from north to south, this enchanting walk will give you the opportunity to soak up all the sights and sounds on offer. Before heading back to your yacht for a night of deep sleep, enjoy a traditional meal with the local expats at PoZ’ Restaurant and Bar Calibishie. Framed by perfect coconut palms on Batibou Beach, it’s a meal with a view that you’ll simply never forget.

With glorious white sands and soaring palm trees, Martinique is a true postcard come to life. This captivating Caribbean island will have you entranced from the moment you anchor just off the shore until long after you’re sailing on to your next destination. Your first point of call will likely be Anse Noire, the unique black sand beach,  followed by Anse Dufour, it’s white sand sister. For those wanting to get their legs moving while on the land, be sure to set aside some time to do the Presqu'île de la Caravelle. If you want to do the entire trek to the rugged cliff tops that jut out along the water’s and back again, it’s best to allow an entire day. As a slower paced alternative, you can also go back in time at the former Habitation Clement rhum distillery, now a listed historical monument, before heading to the market in Fort-de-France for treats such as okra, chayote and starfruit. It goes without saying that an afternoon is always well spent by the beach sipping rosé with locals.

With its deserted islands and untouched azure waters, a luxury yacht trip to the quaint St Vincent and the Grenadines is not to be missed. A tranquil chain of postcard-perfect islands dotting the Caribbean Sea; you’ll find uncluttered shores and tourist-free volcanic trails. While away the afternoon without a soul around at Saltwhistle Bay and hike up the 225 steps to Fort Duvernette—sitting on top of a huge volcanic rock—for a view to remember. For some respite from the warm rays, enjoy a lunchtime meal at the breezy Fig Tree where you can savour rotis with a side of lapping waves

Travelling to Mustique is an island escape experience like no other. As a place once reserved for royals, the tropical destination has now opened its whity sandy beaches to the world and has gone on to become one of the most coveted destinations on the globe. After attracting the likes of Mick Jagger and Princess Margaret over the years, it’s no surprise that Mustique serves up incredible culinary delights on just about every corner. While here, you’ll want to anchor your yacht at Macaroni Beach for a sun-drenched day in the azure waters, before heading to Cotton House for a lunch at The Veranda that you’ll simply never forget. For those wanting to embrace the island’s beauty from a completely different angle, you can also arrange a horseback ride along one of the postcard perfect beaches. All in all, it’s an island experience that will leave you absolutely floating on a cloud.

Unlike many other places in the Caribbean, Canouan is a relatively unknown destination that still manages to fly under the radar. But where the crescent-shaped island lacks in global attention, it certainly makes up for it in natural beauty. As you sail towards Canouan, prepare to be greeted by tons of tortoises and water so clear that it almost doesn’t look real. After anchoring and making your way to shore, the first point of call should definitely be Mount Royal. As the highest point on the island, there is where you’ll find the best panoramic views of Canouan, plus neighbouring islands such as St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and even St Lucia. For a 30 minute walk, it’s well worth the effort! After stretching out your legs and soaking in the outlook, you can head back down to Shell Beach to hire a beach chair or grab a paddleboard. For lunch, Shell Beach Bar and Grill offers Caribbean fare like jerk chicken and the fresh catch of the day. Be sure to find yourself a comfortable rock on the western side of the island just before sunset for Mother Nature’s best show too.

While Mayreau may be miniscule (it’s literally 4 square kilometres all up!), it’s a must-visit for any Caribbean yachting adventure. Only about 300 residents live full-time in the little village on Station Hill, and there are no proper roads on the island. This underdevelopment gives visitors the chance to really soak up the natural surroundings, without any distractions. Here, you can relax on the palm-fringed sands of Saline Bay, embrace the uninterrupted views from Station Hill or dive deep into the underwater world with your snorkel and waterproof camera in hand. Then, stop for a drink at Dennis’ Hideaway and indulge on freshly caught lobster for dinner. Given the only access to the island is by boat, it’ll likely be just you and the locals as you enjoy the view of the sun dipping below the horizon before you make your way back onto your yacht.

For the final stop on your Carribean sailing trip, stop off at the snorkelling capital of St Vincent and the Grenadines – Tobago Cays. Made up of five small isles, this underwater world is brimming with vibrant coral reefs and a large colony of marine turtles that won’t be shy to swim up and say hello. Time here seems to move at a slower pace, with the day usually passed with a rotation of snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing on the pillowy shores. Once on land, you can also head to Alphonoso’s Lobster BBQ Tobago Cays for a delicious spread of fresh seafood. It may be a simple, no-frills venue, but it’ll be a meal to remember.

The very definition of a tranquil paradise, this hidden gem is home to a picture-perfect beach with powdery white sand, crystal clear blue water, and swaying palm trees. Saline Bay is a peaceful and relaxing place, ideal for individuals who want to get away from the stresses of regular life. Colombier Beach is close by, and the waters around the island are gorgeous and full of marine life, such as sea turtles and brightly coloured fish. Getting there requires either a walk or a boat ride. The Ranch Escapade is the sole restaurant in town, and it has a beautiful terrace overlooking the water where you can enjoy some of the best food and drinks in town. Spending the day at this beach is like being transported to another world.

This is one the most pristine places on the Union Island, with the longest beaches in the Grenadines. Stunning turqoise waters lapping on white sand surrounded by green hills, the bay is picture perfect. Snorkellers and dviers will lap it up, with moray eels, porcupinefish, angelfish and lobsters amongst the bay's rocky seabed. In addition to its natural beauty, Chatham Bay is also home to a small, vibrant community of locals, who welcome visitors and offer a taste of authentic Caribbean life.

Union Island is the largest island in the southern part of St. Vincent Grenadines. With its dramatically mountainous outline, the harbour is protected by a reef which shows off its brilliant kaleidoscopic colours and patterns as you sail in. This paradisiacal island has earned the nickname "Tahiti of the West Indies" owing to it's stunning beaches and lush greenery. Clifton, the island's bustling harbour town, is a jumping-off point to explore the island's clear waters and surrounding cays, while the local market provides a colourful glimpse into the island's rich culture and welcoming people. Hike to the top of Mount Parnassus, cool off in the waters of the Chatham Bay waterfall, and explore the underwater world at the vibrant Tobago Cays Marine Park—all on Union Island. Union Island in the Caribbean is a paradise where you can go sailing on the clear waters or just relax in the sun.