28 March 2014
Paradise Discovered: Caribbean Yacht Charter Destinations for Every Taste
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Sea of Antilles’, the Caribbean is an area of outstanding natural beauty and without doubt one of the most popular yacht charter destinations in the world. The region is comprised of more than 700 islands divided into some 30 territories, offering a diverse range of attractions for every taste. We take a look at your favourite Caribbean charter locations for history, culture, relaxation and discovery.
Best for History and Culture Antigua offers you a host of historical sites dating back to the 1700’s, making this island an essential stop-off point for those looking to discover the Caribbean’s rich past. Harmony Hall in Nonsuch Bay is a well-known centre of excellence for painters, sculptors and potters. The art gallery here showcases a range of inspiring works from Antiguan, regional and international artists. Antigua also boasts the only surviving Georgian naval dockyard in the world, Nelson’s Dockyard. Today, the dockyard houses a museum displaying a variety of exhibits on the history of the island. Bermuda, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of St George, is also an ideal destination if you are a history lover. St. George is the oldest English town in the New World with fortifications that document the development of English military engineering from the 17th to 20th centuries. Best for Beaches and Relaxation The stunning beaches of the Caribbean provide the ideal backdrop for your luxury yacht charter. The tiny island of Anguilla offers one of the true jewels of the region at Maundays Bay. From the deck of your superyacht you can admire the beach which stretches almost a mile, whilst the water is truly crystal-clear. Another ideal spot for relaxation is Lighthouse Bay in Barbuda, an island with less than 2,000 inhabitants. The beach is famous for its fine white sand, a commodity that is so plentiful in Barbuda that it is collected from some spots on the island to improve beaches all over the Caribbean. Best for Underwater Discovery The Caribbean Sea is home to no less than nine percent of the world’s coral reefs. The reefs located off the shore of Waterlemon Clay, St John in the US Virgin Islands are a haven for snorkelling with brightly coloured fish and other sea creatures visible in their hundreds. If you have diving equipment on board, the Virgin Islands also have a host of treasures including the infamous wreck of Royal Mail Steamer R.M.S. Rhone, recently voted one of the ten best wreck dives in the world. Looking to the Bahamas, Victory Reef is a remarkable dive site where you may be able to see giant loggerhead turtles and big game fish that are brought into the area by the nearby Gulf Stream. In truth the Caribbean has far too many excellent snorkelling and diving sites to mention here and those intent on underwater discovery will be truly spoilt for choice.
Photography by Mark O'Connell
Photography by Mark O'Connell