7 unmissable destinations in Guadeloupe, the Grenadines, and Windward Islands
The Southern Caribbean islands—including Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica, and Martinique—are ideal yachting destinations for their accessibility only by 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.
Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe
Portsmouth, Dominica
Le Marin, Martinique
St Lucia, the Windward Islands
Bequia, the Grenadines
Tobago Cays, the Grenadines
Mayreau, the Grenadines
Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe
Îles des Saintes, otherwise known as Les Saintes—an archipelago made of nine islets, only two of which are inhabited—boasts beautiful bays, sheltered coves, exceptional snorkeling, and colorful seaside villages. Considered to be one of the most beautiful bays in the world, Les Saintes Bay on Terre de Haut is arguably best experienced from above, through Fort Napolean, an invigorating hike from the yachting harbor. Swim, snorkel or simply stroll the beautiful beaches of Plage de Pompierre, Anse Crawen, and Grande Anse, the island’s crown jewels.
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.
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.
St Lucia, the Windward Islands
St. Lucia boasts beautiful coral reefs and incredible bays, perfect for snorkeling, a lush rainforest, sulfur springs and mud baths, and La Soufriere, the island’s active volcano—providing visitors with an incredibly varied landscape. The Diamond Falls and splendid Botanical Garden boast mineral baths that are a so-called Fountain of Youth for locals. (King Louis XIV of France had such great faith in the healing powers of the baths that he had the beautiful pond and waterfall developed as a spa for his troops.) Perhaps most notably, St. Lucia’s majestic twin pitons, Petit Piton and Gross Piton, define the island. Call on Soufriere, a small town on the Southwest coast of the island, considered by many to be the island’s unknown gem; Rodney Bay, which offers the perfect anchor spot for local yachts; and Pigeon Island National Park, fringed by a coral reef coveted by divers.
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.
Tobago Cays, the Grenadines
The Tobago Cays, an archipelago located in the Southern Grenadines of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is comprised of five small islands and extensive coral reefs. The uninhabited cays—Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac, and Jamesby—are the perfect antidote for the stresses of everyday life. The cays’ crystal-clear waters, heavenly lagoons, and white-sand beaches are breathtakingly beautiful, and, as one might expect, swimming and snorkeling spots abound. Petit Beateau and Patit Rameau boast hiking trails where you can observe an abundance of tropical flora and fauna including iguanas and birds; they provide excellent panoramic views of the Grenadines. Those who wish to stretch their legs should take in the Baradal Turtle Sanctuary, a protected area where green and hawksbill turtles can be observed foraging freely, or simply stroll Petit Tabac, an isolated beach and the location where the deserted island scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl was filmed.
Mayreau, the Grenadines
Time stands still in Mayreau. Accessible only by yacht and small sailboats, Mayreau is the smallest inhabited 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 Salt Whistle Bay. 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.
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