Bold Barbados & the Glorious Grenadines
Off-the-beaten-path southern Caribbean like you have never experienced it before
The southern Caribbean islands—including Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica, and Martinique—are ideal yachting destinations for their accessibility via small sailing vessels. And while the region’s white-sand beaches most famously beckon visitors, few know that these islands (and all the islets in between) are often defined by their lush jungles, national parks, volcanic peaks, and natural swimming pools, each home to its special mix of otherworldly flora and fauna.
From deserted to lush and tropical, the Southern Caribbean islands call out to discerning travelers who like to travel slowly and distinctively, where the Captain may choose to linger longer and explore more, and where guests engage in a truly bespoke experience on island time.
Bridgetown, Barbados
The bustling city of Bridgetown, Barbados serves as your gateway to southern Caribbean islands. Half-moon-shaped Carlisle Bay, on the western side of Barbados, boasts snow-white sand and palm-fringed beaches, including Bayshore Beach and Pebbles Beach, within a stone’s throw of downtown. Beyond its natural beauty, the city’s historic architecture is especially notable, leading to historic Bridgetown’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For a panoramic view of Bridgetown, walk up to the 19th-century signal station, originally constructed to spot incoming invaders. History afficionados won’t want to miss visit the George Washington House and former British Garrison Tunnels, recently rediscovered in 2011. The Barbados Museum and Historical Society holds close to a half million artifacts and showcases a rich collection of oil paintings depicting the island. No visit to Bridgetown would be complete without a stop at the oldest still-operating distillery, where you can sip the finest Caribbean rums. Tropical gardens, lively markets, and upscale restaurants round out a day of exploration here, providing the perfect precursor or endcap to your SeaDream luxury yachting journey.
Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
Horseshoe-shaped Rodney Bay is tucked away on the northwestern coast of the island of St. Lucia, just to the north of Choc Bay. The island’s breathtakingly varied landscape includes the towering Pitons, lush rainforests, volcanic-sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs. Boasting crystal-clear waters, Rodney Bay is also rich in history, named after British naval officer George Brydges Rodney. Admiral Rodney built the fort at Pigeon Island between 1779 and 1782 for the purpose of spying on the French on Martinque, just 25 miles from St. Lucia. SeaDream anchors in the bay and tenders directly to shore, within easy access to one of the local bars and restaurants, tending to the RB marina. Guests can enjoy our Yachting Land Adventures, watersports, and sheltered beaches.
Le Marin, Martinique
Sea life, sun, picturesque views, and fine dining and imbibing embody daily life in Martinique’s French-infused Le Marin, where French and West Indian cultural influence is evident in this city’s architecture and style. Le Marin’s beautiful bay and marina make it one of the must-see mooring spots in the southern Caribbean. Take in off-the-beaten-path beaches of Cap Macre and Pointe de Marin. Plage des Saline, located on the south coast of the island, is a short jaunt from Le Marin, and is notable as one of the most pristine spots on Martinique.
Portsmouth, Dominica
Dubbed the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” due to its unspoiled natural beauty, the mountainous Caribbean island-nation of Dominica is still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity. One of its most bountiful destinations is Portsmouth, a palm-fringed beach town that edges onto Prince Rupert Bay. North of town, Cabrits National Park is home to Fort Shirley, once manned by 18th-century British colonialists. Not to be missed, the park marks one end of the Waitukubuli National Trail, which spans the length of the island, and provides excellent hiking and walking paths, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage site, Boiling Lake, the world’s second largest hot spring. On nearby reefs, the coral formations of the Toucari Caves shelter turtles and lobster, and the 100-foot-tall Syndicate Falls offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike to and swim among refreshing waters.
Watersports for Everyone
When SeaDream I and SeaDream II drop anchor in Caribbean hideaways, we invite you to enjoy watersports directly from the yacht’s Marina or slide down our new water slide into refreshing turquoise waters. Perhaps head ashore for an invigorating hike or exclusive event at a secluded beachfront retreat. Return to your ocean-view accommodations and enjoy all the benefits of sailing in elegant informality with SeaDream: personal, award-winning service provided by a highly anticipatory crew of 95, inclusive open bar with premium wines and spirits, and world-class cuisine.
Mayreau, the Grenadines
Time stands still in Mayreau. Accessible only by yacht and small sailboats, Mayreau is the smallest public island of the Grenadines, with an area of about .46 square miles and a population of less than 300, centered in an unnamed village on a hilltop in the southwest of the island—its highest point and a nice hike from Saline Beach, where SeaDream anchors. Surrounded by magnificent coral reefs and gorgeous beaches, Mayreau and its surrounding Tobago Cays waters sit in a nationally protected area that has experienced a resurgence of marine life, including turtles that swim and feed while you mingle with and observe them. Take in the flora and fauna and don’t miss some of the best snorkeling in the world. Perhaps the ideal spot to anchor, Saline Bay provides easy access to Saline Bay Beach and Salt Whistle Bay Beach, a rare double-sided beach.
Bequia, the Grenadines
Bequia (meaning “Island of the Clouds” in ancient Arawak) is only seven square miles and a true remote island, hidden from the traditional traveler's agenda. Steeped in sailing and pirate history, the isle offers the peaceful and secluded white-sand beaches of Princess Margaret Beach, Lower Bay Beach, and Friendship Bay Beach, idyllic snorkeling spots, and a relaxed pace that embodies the phrase “slow travel.” Bequia is just five miles from the tiny privately owned island of Mustique, which has long attracted the world's elite. From Bequia, catamaran over to Mustique to take in a perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and sophistication that appeals to its international, cosmopolitan clientele.
Are you ready to experience the secluded islands and playful yachting harbors of the southern Caribbean? SeaDream provides you with an intimate view of these destinations unlike any other boutique travel line. Click here to check availability and reserve your next voyage.