Situated on the Caribbean Plate, the whole region is comprised of more than 7000 islands, islets, and reefs, making it an exceptional sailing destination.
In addition to the lure of its tropical climate and clear waters, the Caribbean Sea is home to one of the most diversified underwater ecosystems in the world, with coral reefs sprawling for miles. Although the Caribbean sailing season is different than the Mediterranean, starting in November and ending in July, the waters and islands never cease to amaze sailors. For the majority, the most ideal sailing conditions can be found in the area of the Virgin Islands and the Grenadines. These two regions offer numerous options for dropping an anchor at secluded coves which are surrounded by calm waters. Both of the areas will leave sailors impressed. While the Virgin Islands provide a more dramatic, mountainous terrain, the Grenadines offer a variety of insight into the islands’ cultures, which have been untouched by the modern world. Other places to sail in the Caribbean are Antigua, Barbados, St. Martin, and the French-speaking islands, although the latter are frequently surrounded by large waves and strong currents.
Antigua
Antigua is a Caribbean island located in the heart of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean, and is the main island of Antigua and Barbuda. Its coral reef attracts diving enthusiasts to the island. The constant gentle winds, white sand, and turquoise-blue sea make it a real paradise for tourists. If you are on holiday in Antigua, you can visit a different beach every day and still not see it all. This ancient island offers much to do, and there are various organizations on the island that offer sightseeing tours to its historical, natural, and cultural sights found inland. For those who seek adrenaline, there are numerous water sports to choose from.
British Virgin Islands
The BVI are a group of islands in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico. More than 60 of its islands and reefs are inhabited. Together with the American Virgin Islands, they form the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands are rightly called paradise, but they offer much more than just beautiful beaches and a turquoise sea. Visitors who want to get to know the culture of these islands can visit its historical locations, and food enthusiasts will surely enjoy its rich cuisine, while those who love active holidays will find an abundance of activities to enjoy.
Grenada
Grenada is a small island nation of volcanic origin in the eastern Caribbean. It is located 160 km north of Venezuela and is part of the Windward Islands (most of the uninhabited islets that belong to the southernmost part of the Windward Islands are not windy). It is also known as the “Island of Spice” because it grows nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and saffron for export. The island is of volcanic origin but there are no more active volcanoes, though its volcanic lakes and fertile land are reminiscent of its fiery past. Grenada is permeated by music, primarily the rhythm of reggae and calypso. The liveliest time to visit is in late June or early August, when three of its biggest events are held: the Carriacou Regatta, the Rainbow City Festival, and the Carnival.
Saint Lucia
St Lucia’s previous names, Iyonola and Hewanorra, mean “island of the iguanas.” St Lucia is located between the islands of Martinique and St Vincent, north of Barbados. The beaches in the east are lapped by the Atlantic, and in the west by the Caribbean Sea. It is a volcanic island, so it is high, hilly and fertile. It has two distinct, high mountain peaks that are densely overgrown with vegetation and almost 1000 meters high. St Lucia may only be a small island—43 kilometers long and a maximum of 23 kilometers wide—but its landscape is incredibly varied. There are breathtaking mountains, lush rainforests, volcanic sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs. In fact, the beaches at Anse Chastanet, Marigot Bay Beach, and Rodney Bay are among the most stunning in the world. This makes St Lucia a popular place for tourists to visit from all around the world—especially those who love to dive and snorkel.
Saint Martin
The island of St Martin is located in the Caribbean Sea. Surprisingly, two countries— France and the Netherlands—share this small piece of land. The island of St Martin is located among the northern reef of the eastern Caribbean islands, in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. Among its many attractions are its butterfly farms, as well as its highest point—Paradise Peak, which has two observation platforms offering unforgettable views of the Caribbean Sea and the island’s coast. One of the most famous spots on the island is Maho Beach, which planes pass over for take-off and landing, just 15-20 meters above the heads of tourists on the beach.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, a land of contrast and diversity, is one of America’s outer areas and the easternmost and smallest island of the Greater Antilles discovered by Columbus. The capital, San Juan, looks very modern and urban and is the largest port and oldest city on the island. Puerto Rico is famous for the production of rum and coffee. The coffee is really good, a bit strong but it is one of the better coffees in the world. Puerto Ricans are very fortunate to live in a place that has a great climate, rich and beautiful vegetation, a clear sea, and interesting wildlife. The island has a very large number of beaches that differ not only in size but also in the color of the sand, which ranges from pure white to volcanic black. This island offers something for everyone: city life, beaches, fishing, culture, and varied cuisine, as well as many additional activities to enjoy.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas are an archipelago of 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean near the southeast coast of Florida. The inhabitants of this archipelago enjoy the clearest sea in the world (visible from space!) as well as their subtropical climate, with about 300 sunny days a year and an average temperature of 27 ° C year-round. What sets these islands apart from other islands of the Caribbean are their bustling nightlife, abundance of luxury hotels, and many shopping destinations, on top of the most beautiful beaches you can imagine, all of which have made the local economy quite successful. Even Christopher Columbus, whom we can call the first “tourist” to this archipelago, could not resist the charms of the island. The Bahamas are the cultural, tourist, political, and economic capital of the Caribbean islands.