Leeward Islands yacht charter
Welcome to the Leeward Islands, a paradise for yacht enthusiasts seeking ultimate relaxation and exquisite experiences. As a Caribbean island group, the Leeward Islands are part of the diverse Caribbean islands and offer the perfect escape for travellers. From the lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes of Dominica, known as the ‘Nature Island’ of the Caribbean, to the powdery white sands of Anguilla, the Leeward Islands boast an incredible diversity of natural wonders.
Unwind and witness nature’s spectacular canvas as you bask in the golden hues of a sunset aboard your yacht at Colombier Beach in St. Barths. The region is renowned for its secluded anchorages and stunning beaches, making it an ideal destination for Caribbean yacht charters. For a more exquisite experience, relax in the serene ambiance of Guanhani Spa, St. Barths’ most irresistible private enclave.
Embark on a culinary adventure in St. Maarten, the Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean, offering an unparalleled array of cuisines from around the world, influenced by both French and Spanish traditions. Tantalize your taste buds with the national dishes of Antigua & Barbuda – indulge in fungie and pepper pot, a hearty stew brimming with beef, pork, dumplings, spices, and vegetables, capturing the essence of Caribbean comfort food. For an authentic beachside experience, head to Junks Hole Beach on Savannah Bay, where you can relax on sandy beaches and enjoy the variety of destinations and beach bars available to visit. The Leeward Islands are part of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea, situated to the north and east of the Windward Islands and forming a key part of the West Indies. Notable destinations in the region include Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Kitts, St Martin, Virgin Gorda, Bahamas, and Saint Lucia, each offering unique attractions and experiences. A Leeward Islands yacht charter encompasses these islands, providing the perfect opportunity for sailing, island hopping, and exploring the Caribbean’s diverse coastlines and harbours.
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Top Tips
TASTE
The national dishes of Antigua & Barbuda – fungie and pepper pot, a hearty stew brimming with beef, pork, dumplings, spices, and vegetables
DISCOVER
Tropical vibes of Palm Grove, renowned for its tantalizing rum drinks, crayfish, and lobster delicacies
Frequently Asked Questions
PLANNING YOUR LEEWARD ISLANDS YACHT CHARTER
What is the best time of year for a luxury yacht charter in the Leeward Islands?
The Leeward Islands offer appealing sailing conditions year round, but the most desirable season runs from December to April, when the islands enjoy warm weather, clear skies, and the steady trade winds that make sailing effortless. This period also coincides with the height of the Caribbean’s social calendar, with prestigious regattas, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. May and June can also be rewarding months, offering more tranquillity and a sense of seclusion.
What is the weather like in the Leeward Islands during the prime charter season?
During the winter months, temperatures typically range between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius, accompanied by refreshing breezes and low humidity. Rainfall is rare and usually brief when it occurs, while the sea remains calm and perfectly suited to island-hopping.
Which airports provide the most convenient access to the Leeward Islands?
Antigua’s V. C. Bird International Airport serves as the principal entry point, offering direct links from Europe and North America together with comprehensive facilities for private jets. Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten is another major hub, well connected and offering dedicated terminals for luxury travellers. For those heading directly to St. Barths, the Gustaf III Airport provides an iconic approach for light aircraft and helicopters, usually reached via short transfers from Antigua or St. Maarten. Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport is a discreet alternative, especially convenient for private aviation. Helicopter and seaplane transfers can also be arranged to deliver guests directly to their yacht.
VAT & Charter Costs
What is the applicable VAT or tax rate for a luxury yacht charter in the Leeward Islands?
Each island applies its own regulations. Antigua and St. Kittts do not currently levy value added tax on yacht charters, while St. Barths imposes port dues and cruising permits rather than direct tax. St. Maarten requires only modest charges for permits. Your broker will provide clarity in advance, ensuring that all arrangements are made seamlessly and transparently.
What is the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and what does it cover?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a sum paid in advance to cover charter expenses that are not included in the charter fee. These may include fuel for the yacht, tenders and water sports equipment, food and beverages, berthing dues and harbour charges, local taxes, divers’ fees, customs formalities, waste disposal, water and electricity taken from shore, ships’ agents’ fees (where applicable), personal laundry, communications and internet use, and any special equipment requested by the Charterer. The Captain will provide detailed accounts of expenditure, and any balance will be settled at the end of your Leeward Islands yacht charter.
What is the standard percentage for gratuities in yachting?
Gratuities are not included in the charter fee. It is customary, though always at the Charterer’s discretion, to leave a gratuity in recognition of excellent service. As a guideline, a gratuity in the region of 10 to 15 per cent of the contracted gross Charter Fee is considered appropriate.
Destinations & Experiences in the Leeward Islands
What are the most exclusive yacht charter destinations around the Leeward Islands?
St. Barths is regarded as the most glamorous, celebrated for its chic harbour, refined dining, and sophisticated atmosphere. Antigua offers an extraordinary blend of colonial heritage, world-class regattas, and more than three hundred beaches to choose from. Anguilla is defined by its understated luxury and pristine sands, while St. Kitts and Nevis enchant with dramatic volcanic scenery, historic estates, and a sense of timeless calm. St. Marteen combines French and Dutch influences, a vibrant cultural scene, and some of the region’s finest marinas.
The Leeward Islands are part of the Lesser Antilles island group in the east Caribbean, making them some of the most desirable Caribbean destinations for yacht charters. This Caribbean island group includes notable islands such as St. Martin, Saint Kitts, Anguilla, Antigua, and is surrounded by other islands like Guadeloupe, Martinique and Virgin Gorda.
Which iconic attractions should I explore during my Leeward Islands yacht charter?
The harbour at Gustavia in St. Barths is a perennial highlight, filled with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants overlooking the water. In Antigua, the view from Shirley Heights at sunset remains unforgettable, framed by the island’s rich history. St. Marteen’s Pinel Island offers unspoilt beauty and calm waters ideal for a day of leisure. St Kitts’ Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a glimpse into the region’s colonial past with sweeping ocean views, while Nevis enchants with its peak, botanical gardens, and an atmosphere of unspoilt elegance.
What bespoke experiences and activities can I enjoy while sailing in the Leeward Islands?
A yacht charter here can be tailored to every preference. An itinerary can include the region’s most iconic destinations and activities, ensuring guests experience the Caribbean’s top highlights. Guests may enjoy private dining on deserted beaches, with menus created by their chef and paired with fine wines. The Caribbean sea invites both diving and snorkelling over coral reefs and shipwrecks, with scuba diving standing out as a highlight of Caribbean yacht charters.
Wellness programmes on board can include daily yoga or spa treatments. Cultural encounters such as private rum tastings or guided estate visits provide insight into island traditions and the region’s rich culture, shaped by influences from people of African descent, Spanish and British colonial history, and the British government. Adventure-seekers can take on deep-sea fishing, kite surfing, or even helicopter flights over volcanic landscapes.
Where are the best restaurants and culinary experiences in the Leeward Islands and surrounding islands?
The Leeward Islands offer a handful of dining experiences that stand at the very top. In St Barths, Bonito and L’Isola are the most sought-after tables, combining international chefs, fine wine cellars and breathtaking harbour views. On Anguilla, Jacala is often described as the island’s crown jewel — an elegant, beachfront restaurant run by French chefs with a reputation for flawless cuisine. In Antigua, Catherine’s Café on Pigeon Beach and Sheer Rocks with its dramatic clifftop setting deliver the island’s most refined and memorable dining experiences.