From golden sandy beaches and water sports to barefoot restaurants and rum shops, this famously laid-back Caribbean lifestyle is ideal for a tailor-made trip—and there are several itineraries ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy. Home > Caribbean Island Hopping Holidays CARIBBEAN ISLAND HOPPING Submenu ... From your base on the main island many day trips by boat or plane are available to a myriad of local islands, some uninhabited, to experience unspoiled white sand beaches, colourful local fishing villages and even swimming pigs ! Each island can offer something different so that you can take in more from what it has to offer. Spend a few days exploring some of the 16 beaches, each with its own distinct personality, and of course chic boutiques and restaurants. ... Be sure to experience the best of the Bahamas and Turks … Plan your route wisely­­­ While your first instinct in planning an island hopping trip may be to … Finally return to St Lucia for your flight home. Post Views: 11,184. Obvious a cabin cruiser of sorts. Latest. St. Martin’s Buzzing Nightlife. Caribbean Crewed Yacht Charters will help you select your Caribbean islands and plan your itinerary. If this sounds scary, you can choose the efficient 45-minute ferry crossing from St. Martin instead. With hundreds of islands in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, you’ll be lucky to see a handful during any vacation.… In 2015, my husband and I purchased a sailboat in the Virgin Islands sight unseen, quit our jobs in San Francisco and spent a year sailing the Caribbean and Bahamas, spending time in nearly every island between Venezuela and Florida. Firstly sail to the famous Pitons. Find incredible Caribbean villas here. Aside from its natural and historical attractions, you can also find nice shops for souvenirs and upscale restaurants. Chartering a private sailboat or yacht to enjoy a Caribbean island-hopping vacation for a small group or family is about as dream-worthy (and splurge-worthy) as it gets. Share Pin Email cdwheatley / Getty Images . Find incredible Caribbean villas here. ... With its close proximity to the U.S., this is a perfect location that’s just one airplane ride or a short boat ride from main land USA or other Caribbean Islands. Because tickets are priced for the local market, with advance planning you can find airline tickets for about US$150 to US$200 or less. Locals say that the Gregory Town pineapple claims to be the sweetest on the planet, and it is believed that the Bahamas was the first country to produce the fruit. Since resorts are generally so expensive year-round, sleeping on a catamaran keeps costs low AND allows easy access to hidden coves, isolated beaches, and snorkeling sites. Updated: April 17, 2019. If you’re looking for a taste of each island, a cruise is the way to go. Believe it or not, you don’t need your own boat to go island hopping in the Abacos. Best Caribbean Destinations for Island-Hopping Day Trips . But why limit yourself to a single destination? Caribbean Island Hopping: It’s Just So Easy. One affordable G Adventures sailing trip ($1699 at the time of publishing) buys an unforgettable eight-night trip sailing around St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Caribbean; Island-Hopping; Caribbean in detail. Island Hopping in the Caribbean | The Best Caribbean Islands for Island Hopping . Island Links. … Beginner's Guide to Island Hopping in the Virgin Islands, including a brief bio of each island and tips for having a smooth and fun filled journey. For the easiest island-hopping itinerary, book through a tour operator. This bustling capital city hub provides a nice mix of city and island life, as well as Bahamian culture and lifestyle. Embark on a luxurious Caribbean island-hopping adventure. Planes and/or boats link all the main Caribbean islands with their neighbors. Many companies will try to accommodate your preferences. During my decade plus of world travels, I’ve visited some of the world’s smallest and most remote island nations—I’ve explored more of the Pacific islands nations than most people—but there’s perhaps nowhere more fun to plan an island hopping adventure than in the Caribbean—it’s here that the island nations are close together, many are well-developed for … Personally, I much prefer anchoring out because it's cleaner and there isn't … Pricing for Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. Caribbean vacations are meant to be relaxing. Home; About; Travel; ... different landscape, culture, and country. Discusses suggested reference sources, charts, trip timing, and routes. Your next stop is The Baths on Virgin Gorda, a beach full of fascinating geological formations where you can swim, snorkel, and explore until you work up an appetite. Our Windstar cruise started and ended in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The … Drake’s Seat, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands/Oyster. This is why a sailboat in the Caribbean is a pretty sweet way to go. Below we've listed four Caribbean island-hopping itinerary ideas, along with some tips and tricks. But you’ll need to charter a boat to discover … I have lived on numerous islands in the Caribbean and can always find some anchorage even if I don't put her in a marina. Robert Curley. How To . Ferry is typically the cheapest option and sometimes … Secondly sail to the Grenadines and island hop around Bequia, Mustique, Tobago Cays, and Union Island. If you have enough time to go island hopping, the Caribbean is the best destination to take advantage of this. On our recent classic Caribbean cruise with Windstar Cruises, we visited 7 islands in 1 week. The good news is, Gary and Julie discovered that learning how to sail, buying a sailboat, and cruising from island to island isn’t as difficult – or expensive – as they once believed. With … Get ready to hoist the sails on a Caribbean sailing tour. Tickets from JFK or LAX often run $2,000 or more to this remote tropical island filled with rain forests and surrounded by coral reefs, and the trip takes more than 24 hours of plane-hopping. It’s like booking your own private cruise. They may take a ­little elbow grease and require a few new parts, but here’s a look at nine of the best cruising sailboats that can sail afar for less than $100,000. On land, hike trails leading to old sugar plantations or visit the snack bar on the beach. Cruising around the Caribbean is substantially different from helping someone on a long passage. There are even ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the Reef Bay Trail. 1. For the sheer thrill of sailing, you can beat a monohull yacht—the Moorings 54.5 can carry up to 11 passengers—but for comfort and smooth sailing go for a catamaran. Here are five of the best Caribbean yacht charter destinations that will take you through the some of the lushest islands and hidden gems. And beyond: Depending on how much time you have, from Guadeloupe, you can access other islands like Martinique, St. Lucia, and Antigua by purchasing affordable, one-way flights on carriers like LIAT and Caribbean Airlines. In fact, they wound up spending eight full years sailing the Caribbean on their own boat, without any major problems, and spent only $1,000 a month to do it – all in first-class style. This is why most sailors take at least a month (if not two or three) to cruise the distance. By John Kretschmer. For instance, take another ferry from Nassau to Georgetown (Exuma Island), or jump on a 40-minute commercial flight to Great Exuma, via Bahamasair. Collision Avoidance System for Sailboats. I live on my sailboat in Antigua about 7 months out of every year. Its central location near the St. Barth’s downtown shops and restaurants, as well as lovely rooms with spacious outdoor kitchens or kitchenettes, makes this boutique hotel as convenient as it is memorable. The trip culminates back in St. Thomas where you’ll bid your crew (and new friends) a final farewell. But for the more adventurous, why not try some good old-fashioned island hopping? You would think that a 30 – 45 minute plane ride would be cheap. #Caribbean ferries … Any reputable operator should have safety information readily available, and won’t mind answering questions about their pilots. 639 . Robert Curley is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in Caribbean Island and Rhode Island travel. One of the best things to do in St Maarten is head to Maho Beach and watch the planes l… Harbour Island: Now that you’ve seen two of the country’s more popular islands, next, take a morning ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island, via BahamasFerries.com, where you’ll find small island charm and long stretches of soft pink sand. A Caribbean island is the perfect post-wedding escape, with its white sandy beaches and sparkly blue waters. Though not technically part of the Caribbean (it’s actually part of the North Atlantic), the Bahamas exudes everything you think of when dreaming of a Caribbean vacation. and U.S.V.I. Island hopping can give you an exhilarating and special memory like no other. The next morning we headed to the port to board our ship the Wind Surf.We basically just dropped our bags and jumped in a shuttle to Maho Beach for $16 per person round trip. Click here to see all sailing holidays. The 21 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2021. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The islands of the Bahamas are another exciting group of countries that are excellent island hopping Caribbean vacation spots. But there are no regularly scheduled commercial ventures between those islands. From Magens Bay to the Virgin Islands National Park (which takes up 60 percent of St. John island) to Blackbeard’s Castle, there are some really unique things to see when you hopping around these Caribbean islands—they are unlike others in the region! They would sail solo rather than inexperienced … Island Hopping in the Caribbean Obtaining Crew for Coastal Cruising in the Caribbean (or anywhere else) Delivery vs. Cruising. Choose carefully, fellow roof-raisers. "From pre-booking, being very responsive to emails and catering to any individual needs, followed by a thorough and personalised boat briefing at departure, and experienced chase boats and … ” Learn More See 2 Experiences Love City Excursions Cruz Bay. Sailing the Caribbean Islands is relatively easy. While here, visit the Glass Window Bridge—a thin pathway connecting the rough Atlantic ocean and the calm waters of the Bight of Eleuthera for striking photo ops. Courtesy of The Bahamas. From here, ferry back to Nassau. One of the best ways to get a taste of a bunch of islands is going on a Caribbean island-hopping cruise. Our expert has visited more than 100 Caribbean islands. She is 38 feet, which is just enough to be comfortable to live in and not too big to singlehand. The most enticing stretch of sand on this verdant island is generally agreed to be Grand Anse, which is conveniently close to St George’s and the airport – ideal if you want to fly and practically flop out of Arrivals into the best locations. Discover all of the idyllic islands you can explore in just one vacation. https://www.veryhungrynomads.com/island-hopping-the-caribbean It’s home to the only adult pool at The Atlantis properties, and it’s still incredibly family-friendly thanks to the features on offer (like the water park). Often regarded as the boating capital of the Caribbean itself. With hundreds of Caribbean islands out there, it can be daunting to decide on a destination. They're also pretty comfortable when you are docked or anchored. It sits outside the hurricane belt that sweeps up so much of the region, which makes it a perfect refuge for off-season sailors. Although coast guard service is lacking (at best) so always sail prepared. This is one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand for a reason. The classic Caribbean holiday. Here are five of the best Caribbean yacht charter destinations that will take you through the some of the lushest islands and hidden gems. Caribbean Islands - caribbean island hopping? Caribbean sailing cruise aboard monohull Caribbean boats from the main bases of Leeward, Virgin and Windward Islands. Hi, What size boat would be best for island hopping around the caribbean ? Chartering a private sailboat or yacht to enjoy a Caribbean island-hopping vacation for a small group or family is about as dream-worthy (and splurge-worthy) as it gets. If you don’t stay on Paradise Island, make sure to head across the bridge, which charges a nominal fee, and spend some time on Cabbage Beach. St Lucia and the Grenadines: Join your yacht in St Lucia. May the wind be at your sails! Best for: Boaters, divers, … Of course, having your own boat or prop plane to explore the Bahamas is the best case scenario, but if you’re not part of the one-percent, we’ll give you a transportation option that is easy-peasy and won’t break the bank: the public ferry. Monterey Boat's flagship, the 400 Sport Yacht is that boat. When chartering a boat or booking a tour, do ask about customizing the itinerary. ... Don’t forget to climb the Elbow Reef Lighthouse for a splendid view of the island and the Caribbean Sea beyond! (In other words, prepare to splurge a bit more on this leg of the trip.). The British Virgin Islands . From here, you can also venture out on diving trips to nearby reefs and snorkel in warm waters. I had a 20' ski boat when I was younger but never took it out into the ocean. The past year has changed a lot about the travel industry. Because of this, … One of the most popular destinations for island hopping, the Caribbean offers you a lot in terms of exploration. ... As you sail between islands, you can be pampered at onboard spa and fitness centers, be entertained with live theater and musical performances, and dine on world-class cuisine served in beautifully designed venues—all … May the wind be at your sails! Whether you are island hopping or gliding along the coast, with 7 sailing vacation packages lasting from 7 days up to 15 days, we have made finding the right sailboat tour a breeze! Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Some of the world's best sailing is in the protected British Virgin Islands. Pricing for Hotel Le Village St Barth. Atlantis mega-resort and its gigantic waterpark, View of St. Lucia from Jade Mountain/Oyster, Beach at the Mary’s Boon Beach Resort/Oyster, Drake’s Seat, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands/Oyster, Our U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel Pick: Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, Beach at the COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos/Oyster, The Best Time to Visit the Caribbean (and the Worst): A Season by Season breakdown, 11 Rookie to Avoid on Your Caribbean Vacation, The 9 Most Unspoiled Islands in the Caribbean, The 9 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Florida, 7 iPhone Accessories to Help You Take Better Instagram Photos, 12 Things to Pack for a Fun Family Lake Vacation. The best Caribbean party islands can be difficult to discern, but we’ve compiled five of the best to help you slay it in the islands. If you choose to go island-hopping, it’s best to begin in spring or at the beginning of summer. Finding direct flights between Caribbean islands can either be difficult, expensive—or both, but there are options. Offshore you can snorkel at the Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail, which has underwater signs explaining the types of the sea life you may encounter. You’re off to a good start. Caribbean; Island-Hopping; Caribbean in detail. It's understandable why so few people go island-hopping, since regional airlines are expensive, and ferry service between islands is often limited or nonexistent. You can enjoy different cities and locales of … Most Caribbean cruises depart from Florida but our Windstar cruise departed from St. Maarten. When it comes to riding in a prop plane, don’t be shy to ask about safety. Post Views: 11,184. These Caribbean yacht charters are the best way to island hop. Over the years, my kids and I have visited more than 100 islands in the Caribbean, either by plane, ship or sailboat. Ever dream of visiting multiple islands in the Caribbean on the same vacation, without sharing space with hundreds (er, thousands) of cruisers who are on the same ship and trip? The B.V.I. A Bonnier Corporation Company. Your best bet is to embrace island time, relax and enjoy the ride. Unfortunately, not all Caribbean islands are connected by ferry boat or flight, but as each year passes, more and more means of transportation are being added. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. How To. A sailing charter through the Caribbean is the best way to do it. Sailing the Caribbean aboard new boats in top conditions is a must: we provide the best bareboat, crewed and skippered sailboat rental Caribbean sailing vacations from 30 feet to 200 feet and 6 guests cabins. It is a perfect cruising paradise for sailors. Anyone who has engaged in island hopping in the Caribbean is all too familiar with the frustrations that come when attempting to book tickets from rock to rock. This outdoor night club keeps things hopping with booming live music, and spills into multiple restaurants, lounges and late-night bars. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. The Cove shares a separate beach and large family pool with neighboring Reef Tower, making it a great spot for travelers of all kinds. Here are his travel tips for planning your Caribbean vacation. If you choose to go island-hopping, it’s best to begin in spring or at the beginning of summer. Check out companies like Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, or the U.K. based company Tropic Breeze for various sailing excursions and options. The Virgin Islands are a cluster of 112 islands that form the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. … Nassau: Begin your adventure in the country’s capital, Nassau, 184 miles from Miami. Be sure to ask about extra charges like dock, airport, and takeoff fees. by Anne Roderique-Jones Updated Nov 18, 2019. The island is about 87km (54mi) and about 281km2 (108sqmi) with a population of approximately 80,161. You can also spend time wandering through the quiet streets looking for pastel-hued cottages and unique architecture with nothing more than the occasional chicken and golf cart in your path. Get two honeymoons in one with these incredibly romantic locales … With all that the British Virgin Islands have to offer each one of its guests, it should absolutely be added to your list of destinations to pop on over to. Smallest Boat for a Caribbean Voyage looking to plan an island hopping adventure to take place in a couple years and wanted to start looking for a boat to get ready for the trip. Picking the right Caribbean island may seem like a daunting task. Sailing the Caribbean Islands. We've got the low-down on all the most-visited islands, complete with what's best about each one, and we've categorized them by their ease of access, so if your time is … From there, sail to a friendly marina in Tortola with cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants and then continue to a chain of southern islands in the B.V.I. It is best to take advantage of the calm Caribbean sea and sunshine outside of these months. The main two islands (joined by bridges) are Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, which form a butterfly shape from above. The cactus-strewn desert island of Aruba is the last Caribbean stop for many private boats heading through the Panama Canal and out to the Pacific Ocean. Exuma: You can finish the trip in Nassau (that’s four key islands) or continue the journey (optional) through more remote areas of the Bahamas. You might also like . The rubber stamp business is a big one in the islands. The island group is comprised of more than 700 stunning subtropical islands as well as thousands of cays. The best way to do that is to plan to stay for a substantial amount of time (we’re talking two weeks minimum) and to make sure you visit more than one country. Later, on Jost Van Dyke, you’ll find some of the best places of the trip for nightlife and live music. Nov 16, 2014 - You can have a wonderful time anywhere in the Caribbean. However, experienced boaters will tell you that the best way to see multiple islands in the Caribbean at your own pace is by chartering a private yacht. The schedules are limited, many islands are seemingly inaccessible, and the prices can be shocking. Each island can offer something different so that you can take in more from what it has to offer. Just north of Venezuela’s Paraguaná Peninsula, sits the small Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba in all its enchantingly green glory. We arrived late in the evening and the spent the night at Mercure St Martin. Green Turtle Cay. We meet boat owners, often short-handed who need help moving their yacht top or down the island chain. Check out family operations like BlueFoot Travel for direct bookings, or Ritzy Charters, which acts as a community marketplace for yacht and sailboat charters. This French territory with 12 islands offers plenty of deserted beaches and jungle hikes. Built on a dramatic peninsula overlooking Morningstar Bay, Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort has some of the most gorgeous sea views in St. Thomas. ... provided the best rum punch I’ve had on the island, and gave a great view of the city from the Bay Area in the most relaxing way possible. We recommend staying on the French side due to its romantic restaurants, charming boutiques, and sandy beaches (the Dutch side, where you’ll fly into, is known as the party side). One eight-day sample itinerary sets sail from St. Thomas where you’ll cruise to a beach in Trunk Cay, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The main island, St Vincent, is mostly rainforest while little idyllic Bequia is the star of the oh-so-mellow Grenadines. Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #4: Charter a Private Boat. You can take a cruise or visit places like San Juan, Orcas Island, Guadeloupe and many more on your vacation. Here are 10 of the best choices for a variety of travel appetites. Most importantly, we have an extensive knowledge of all of the Caribbean islands that you can visit and our advice is free! St. Martin: You’ll arrive first to St. Martin, an island divided between the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 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