At
the southern end of the Caribbean chain, the Windward Islands are the best-kept secret in
the Caribbean tourism lore. Situated as the last links before Trinidad and South America,
the Windward's are lush and richly tropical volcanic islands green with palm lined sandy
beaches. Unlike the dry, scrubby Leeward's, the Windward's
are off the beaten path and in
that lies their splendor. Following is a typical itinerary for the trip of a
lifetime!
Arrive at St Lucia airport to be greeted and
transported to Rodney Ray Marina by the crew. Relax, unwind and unpack to settle in aboard
your new home for the next week. Rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle for some exploring or
hiking, stroll the shops or take an afternoon swim. Tomorrow is a big day.
Day 1: Awake and well fed, leave just
after breakfast for a short cruise to Soufriere, St. Lucia and the famous Pitons. For
sheer physical beauty, the area around here is outstanding. Soufriere is a small
picturesque town of French Creole ancestry. This is a huge day for photographers. The
Pitons are sheer mountains that start at the sea and tower 2600 feet almost straight
up.
Day 2: Today we leave St. Lucia behind
and travel at high speed for St.Vincent and the Grenadines. Home of the 3000' active Soufriere Volcano (not to be confused with the
town we just left). The daring in your group will hike the well-marked path
to the cone for lunch and enjoy breathtaking views. Others will enjoy a small boat trip to
the Falls of Baleine. We’ll spend the night anchored in Chateaubelair, the most
scenic anchorage in St. Vincent or Cane Garden near Kingstown, the capital ( and
shopping).
Day 3:
Leaving after breakfast we arrive at the island of Bequia. An old whaling island, Bequia
is a favorite among yachtsmen. Boats are still built by hand on the beaches there.
Descending from Scots and French, the inhabitants of Admiralty Harbor are proud people.
Diving is exceptional and can be arranged for you by the crew. A land tour is recommended
to appreciate this tropical Nantucket. The streets are lined with numerous shops
filled with local crafts and interesting cafes. Enjoy watersports along the soft powder
beaches of the south harbor, after dinner enjoy a local "jump up" with live
music!
Day 4-5: We’ll spend the next two
days in and around Mayreau in the heart of the Grenadine Islands. This small outpost of
islets consists of powdery beaches and the bluest water you will ever see. Two days of
watersports, beach parties, snorkeling, and exploring the wonders of this gem in the
Caribbean. The calm Tobago anchorage sits behind a huge reef protecting it. The only thing
between you and the coast of Africa is water.
Day 6: Leaving the splendor of the
Grenadines will be tough on you, but the famous island of Grenada awaits us. Lush green
mountains, waterfalls and golden beaches. Grenada is the "Isle of Spice" due to
the abundance of spice trees, not its lively history. Grenada is now a full democracy and
has embraced tourism fully. Today and tomorrow will only give you a taste of this island's
treasures ensuring your return. A Crater Lake, waterfall after waterfall, and the monkeys
all make touring this island a true safari.
Day 7: Today is your day. Spend it
anyway you like here in Grenada before you have to say goodbye and travel to the airport.
Revisit, shop or swim and snorkel. Its up to you because by evening you’ll be back
home relaxed and ready to attack the rat race again.
This itinerary is only a suggestion. It can be
redesigned to meet your needs and interests starting and ending from any of the islands in
the Windward Chain.
Courtesy of Capt. Brad Carpenter, M/Y Ragazza
|
