The best anchorage in the Caribbean!

In this difficult matter, we will be helped by two travelers who have explored the Caribbean far and wide. David Lyman and Larry Tyler have known each other for a long time and love to travel. So, one day they thought about what kind of parking on the islands they could advise. The result is this modest list.

Five Island Bay, Antigua

Late one night in November 2019, David and Larry set off for the Bay of the Five Islands - completing a three-week trek from Maine. 

When the guys woke up the next morning, they saw the sun peeking out playfully from behind a series of small hills surrounding this large open bay. Their boat was the only one anchored in this paradise.

Tip: If you, dear readers, get close enough to the exclusive Hermitage Resort, you can use the free Wi-Fi. 

In the evenings, soothing jazz is played here, and by 22 o'clock the whole resort becomes immersed in the silence of the night. Half a dozen coves and beaches surround the bay, but only a few boats anchor there. More than five yachts at a time are rarely there.

Surprisingly, Jolly Harbor is located almost “around the corner”. It is a sprawling maritime complex with shipyards, marinas, a supermarket and restaurants. So if you love “controlled” loneliness and proximity to civilization, then the Bay of Five Islands is perfect for you.

English Harbor, Antigua

In the village of English Harbor, you can find almost everything you need: fuel and water, dishes, a sailing workshop, a repair workshop. A lone farmer stands at the boat dock; laundry room right across the street. 

By the way, there is Wi-Fi in the Seabreeze cafe, located next to the yacht club. There are many sailing restaurants in this village.

Huge mega yachts, safari cruise boats, sailing dinghies, bareboat charter yachts, kayaks and everything else that floats comes and goes all day. There is constant traffic near the village!

There is the legendary Admiral's Inn on the territory of English Harbor. We assure you that you will plunge into the atmosphere of the 1700s. There is a museum, an authentic bakery, rum cellars. 

The yachts are moored astern while the rest are anchored in Freeman Bay. Climb Shirley's Heights for a sunset ritual - rum punch, steel band, and sight - well worth the 30-minute hike.

If you are not tired of the constant traffic, then English Harbor is a good place to relax.

Deshe, Guadeloupe

It is a residential town with three small grocery stores and some of the best tomatoes and pineapples in the area. Many people call Deschet little France. And not without reason. 

The patisserie opposite the dock serves fresh croissants and baguettes every morning (although the coffee is only from the coffee machine, which is odd). There are several boutiques, ATM, car rental, but no yacht services or supplies. Wi-Fi is available at Le Madras, a thatched-roof café right on the beach.

A mile long sandy beach is just around the corner. Ideal parking space. A mile south of the village is an extensive botanical complex. You can easily get lost there for half a day.

On the downside, a storm on the east coast will cause a wave in Deshe. Parking conditions can become uncomfortable and dangerous. An ideal escape from civilization. But I must say: paradise often has its own shortcomings.

Le Saintes

Les Saintes is a group of small islands with a single village 6 miles south of Guadeloupe. There are other anchorages among these islands, but the closer to the village of Bourg des Saintes, the more crowded it becomes. 

In the mornings you can sit by the bakery on the beach with coffee and croissants and watch the village wake up. French schoolchildren run to class as shopkeepers sweep the sidewalk in front of their stores. 

Towards noon, the first of the line of ferries with tourists arrives. Now the village is buzzing, the only street is packed with people. But this is not a city bustle. This is the same “vanity” from the hinterland. For locals - quickly. In general - measured.

Your presence here may be spoiled by the crowds of tourists, but Les Saintes will offer a quiet and secluded retreat for anyone should do a little research.

Saint Pierre, Martinique

From Le Saintes to Saint Pierre in Martinique, 70 nautical miles. In other words, this is a full day sailing in strong winds between the islands. However, you can stop halfway for a few days of respite in the city of Portsmouth, Dominica.

The only suitable anchorage is a narrow ledge that extends less than 500 feet offshore. If you cannot find places there, try a little further south, under the monument. 

Unlike Le Sainte, Saint-Pierre is a city absolutely not about tourism. Cozy and quiet, everything here reminds of distant France.

Saint Pierre has a volcanic history and has a museum worth visiting. The streets of the town are full of supply shops. 

The cultural and economic differences between the French islands and their other Caribbean counterparts are striking. While the former English colonies have been left to fend for themselves, France still lays claim to their islands and spends a lot of money on its "tropical offspring."

Cumberland Bay, Saint Vincent

Halfway to the west coast of Saint Vincent is the small Cumberland Bay. “This is my favorite site,” says Larry. “This is the real Caribbean. You smell the jungle. "

“There are no tourists here, there are no cruise ships and there is only room for a few boats,” David said. “You have to tie the poop to the coconut tree on the beach. There are no streets, no shops, no shops, but there are several restaurants on the beach. There are very nice fishermen there, they are looking forward to meeting you, talking and, of course, selling you fish! You can buy bananas, coconuts and vegetables from local farmers, and some of the men will cook a roast pig for you right on the beach. "

Trails lead up into the mountains, the two main villages are a mile offshore, and there is a cricket field and sports field nearby. Cricket is one of the main sports in many of the former English islands. 

What you need to know about traveling to the Caribbean?

We hope that soon, thanks to vaccinations, the influx of tourists and vacationers (especially on yachts) will increase. Let's say a few words about route planning to get more positive emotions from the trip! 

This tip is suitable for any type of travel - whether it's your own boat, bareboat charter or crewed yacht charter with skipper and chef.

The eastern Caribbean is made up of hundreds of islands in an arc 500 nautical miles from the Virgin Islands to Grenada. 

It may even be advisable to explore the entire eastern Caribbean in one winter season. But you can stretch it for a lifetime! After all, you will want to stay at each anchorage for a week or two or even a month. 

A one week charter can include one or two islands, or you can do it in two weeks. There are eight island groups that must be visited:

• Virgin Islands: Anguilla, Saint Martin and Saint Barts
• Antigua: 365 beaches and two dozen anchorages
• Greater French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique
• Dominica: a few days on the shore
• Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent
• The Grenadines: from Bequia to Union Island, including the Tobago Islands.
• Grenada and Carriacou

The best time of the year to visit is late autumn and late winter until spring, when the weather is more stable and bareboat charter rates are lower. To plan your itinerary properly, you will need Chris Doyle's Guide to the Windward and Leeward Islands (doyleguides.com). Doyle updates his travel guides annually with detailed information on coastal amenities, trekking, shopping and services.

30.10.2021