Leeward Islands Yacht Charter Guide

The Leeward Islands have long been a haven for seafarers and today’s yachtsmen consider the sheltered waters to be some of the finest bluewater cruising grounds in the Caribbean. Step ashore during your yacht charter to discover a colorful mosaic of culture, cuisine and natural beauty. You will find that every island has its own unique character and charm, inspiring you to discover the next as you cruise from Antigua to St. Martin during a luxury Leeward Islands yacht charter.

Spend a few days discovering Antigua’s 365 beaches before embarking on your yacht in English Harbor. The beaches are the island’s primary attractions, but its appeal also lies in its maritime history – combined they have placed the island in pole position on the Caribbean map. With a distinctly French flavor, you’ll find a certain je ne sais quoi in St. Barths, the Leeward chain’s most exclusive and elegant island. The Caribbean’s take on the Côte d’Azur, this is your place to go for pristine beaches and gourmet restaurants. Its capital, Gustavia, is one of the prettiest in this part of the world and the port is the perfect place to berth while you step ashore and browse the designer boutiques.

The rolling sugarcane fields, plantation ruins and merchant houses on St Kitts offer you insight into a colonial past. It’s worth spending a few nights ashore, either staying at one of the boutique hotel properties housed in the former plantation houses or one of the few luxury resorts that can be found on the island. There is also the opportunity to berth in the fully serviced Christophe Harbour, perfectly positioned to the south of the island for access to the capital Basse Terre and all the abundance of historical sites – remnants of the island’s colonial days when both the British and French were based on St. Kitts. Just two miles across the strait lies the lesser-developed island of Nevis, with its Robert Trent Jones II golf course and Pinney’s Beach — both of which are worth stepping ashore for.

Further north the tiny island of Anguilla radiates an unspoiled innocence. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. Most itineraries finish in St. Martin (or Antigua) as both have international airports. The smallest island in the world to be split into two nations, St. Martin/St. Maarten is a wonderful mix of cultures. Known by many as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean, you will have your choice of Michelin-star restaurants and eclectic nightlife here. Whether you wish to discover the deserted cays or fashionable harbors, or a little bit of both, your Northrop & Johnson charter expert will provide ample opportunities to discover the cream of the Caribbean.