Charter – The Caribbean
Tailored sailing vacations to the Caribbean include The Bahamas, the BVIs, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Antigua.
The Bahamas Sailing Trip
Intro
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Must See
- Isla Harbor is the location of the Pink Sands Beach. The sand originates from crushed shells as opposed to crushed rocks like traditional beaches
- Great Guana Cay is another boating destination. Snorkelling and spearfishing are must-do activities here.
- The quaint Norman’s Cay was the scheduled destination for the infamous Fyre festival and is an essential diving destination.
- Big Major Cay is home of the famous Bahamian pigs. The pigs are very friendly and often swim with tourists. It is unclear where the pigs came from but they are the sole inhabitants of the Cay.
- Picturesque Allen Cay is home to a unique species of Bahamian iguana.
- Although not a physical location, Junkanoo is a traditional Bahamian festival showcasing the local dance, song and culture of the community. It takes place every Christmas period and is truly unique to the Bahamas.
Turks & Caicos Sailing Trip
Intro
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Must See
- Kiteboarding has become increasingly popular particularly in Provo. The area features a good mix of novices and experts.
- For adrenaline junkies, Cliff diving in Split Rock and Pirate Cave is essential with peaks of close to 50 feet!
- For a more laid back experience, East Cay and Big Sand Cay are two completely uninhabited islands. They are accessible only by boat and are remarkably untouched.
- Diving in the Turks and Caicos is unlike anywhere else in the world. There are shipwrecks to explore in Provo as well as over 14 miles in coral reef located in Smith’s Reef and Gibbs Cay.
Cayman Islands Sailing Trip
Intro
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Must See
- Stingray City near Rum Point is essential viewing for any wildlife enthusiast.
- Starfish Point is also nearby and is a true natural wonder. For those less experienced in unique wildlife, your jaw will drop. Starfishes of all difference colors and sizes are in abundance here.
- The Mastic Hiking Trail features plants, trees and animals all unique to the Cayman islands.
- Finally, and perhaps most spectacularly, the bioluminescence in the Caymans is near perfect. The green glow in the water is caused through contact with an object. Owing to Azizam’s catamaran shape, there is no vessel better suited to experience this natural phenomenon.
St Barts Sailing Trip
Intro
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Must See
- Lorient Beach is the best place to witness the Sea Turtles of St Barts. Snorkeling equipment is provided onboard.
- Petit de Anse is another location to view some unique wildlife. Alongside sea turtles, you will also find parrotfish whose colors have to be seen to be believed.
- St Jean Beach is one of the most popular beaches on St Barts. It is also the best location for water sports on the island given its sheltered location and low winds.
British Virgin Islands Sailing Trip
Intro
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Must See
- The Bubbly Pool, based on Jost Van Dyke island, is a cove which fills with salt water and creates a salt water pool depending on tide.
- Scrub Island is well known location for scuba diving and snorkling. Coral reefs and tropical wildlife are a given here.
- Anegada is a natural wonder as it is an entirely coral island. As a result, the island is mostly flat making it easy to explore the secluded island in a day.
Barbados Sailing Trip
Intro
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Must See
- Pamir is a highly recommended diving wreck of beginner divers. For those interested in testing the waters, this is your chance.
- Rum and sailing have been associated together forever. The Mount Gay Rum Distillery is essential for all sailors, rum drinkers and everybody in between.
- Shark Hole is a stunning, tiny cove on the South East of the island. Because it cannot accommodate large groups, you will often find yourself alone the beach as the water washes onshore.
Jamaica Sailing Trip
Intro
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Must See
- Dunn River Falls and Reich Falls are two waterfalls whose beauty cannot be over stated. Depending on the time of year, one may be more busy than the other but don’t miss your chance to witness nature in motion.
- Salt River is a small town which used to function as a sugar plantation. Walking through this town is like taking a walk back in time.
- Blue Hole is another waterfall which features a 30-foot cliff jump. It is a must-do for those looking to push their limits.
Puerto Rico Sailing Trip
Intro
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Must See
- Aqudilla is one of the main surfing beaches on Puerto Rico. The beach is perfect for beginner surfers. Rincón is a beach more suited to experienced surfers and features dreamy swell.
- Viegues is a small island off the south-east coast. It features blue/green bioluminescence and wild horses roaming the countryside. Most people rely on a ferry but Azizam will visit at your own time and pace.
- El Yunque National Park is a tropical rain forest located in the north-east of the country. Featuring stunning waterfalls and dense forestry, El Yunque is a truly spectacular location.
Dominica Sailing Trip
Intro
Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is an island in the south-east of the Caribbean. It has numerous cultural influences including French, Spanish and British. Compared to many other Caribbean islands, Dominica is still relatively untouched and undeveloped. Visiting here feels like visiting a much different world. Dominica is surrounded by dramatic nature. The island includes 8 volcanoes, waterfalls and boiling-water lakes. The winter temperatures, 24-26°C (75-80°F), combined with a humid climate, makes it perfect for exploration.
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
Located in the north-west of the island, Portsmouth is the second largest town in Dominica. It is a quaint town and is also the beginning of one of the island’s nature trails. The surrounding area contains general amenities with stores, restaurants and bars. The nearby beaches feature spectacular coral reefs. Roseau Bay is the capital of Dominica and is located on the south-west of the island. Although it is the capital city, it is certainly not built up like others. It is a wonderful place to take in the Dominican say of life. The port is the main trade port in the country with many fresh vegetables often found in local markets. In terms of sailing, the west coast is generally more built up but the east coast could also be a secluded getaway.
Must See
- Boiling Lake is the second largest of its kind in the world. The water in the lake is heated by the surrounding volcanoes. This is an incredibly unique natural phenomenon.
- Whale & Dolphin Watching many companies offer whale and dolphin tours but you are just as likely to catch swimming alongside Azizam whilst underway
- Champagne Beach is a beach known for its snorkelling. Alongside the reefs, you will find sea turtles and other sea critters
- Middleham Falls is a waterfall trail in the forest. Don’t forget your swimsuit
Dominican Republic Sailing Trip
Intro
The Dominican Republic is a country on the island of Hispaniola. It is one of the only Caribbean islands home to two countries with Haiti governing the west side. The Dominican Republic is one of the most visited countries in the Caribbean which results in infrastructure and amenities which are more developed than its neighboring islands. Golf courses are one such example of this development. Like many other surrounding islands, however, the Dominican Republic features much natural beauty and nature preserves which keep these areas from over-development. As a result, the country enjoys a mix of busy tourist areas alongside secluded beaches. The temperature in the winter ranges from 25-27°C (77-82°F).
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
The Dominican Republic is known for its steady breeze which feeds into sports like sailing, windsurfing and kite-boarding. Punta Cana should be your first port of call as it is home to much of these activities. Located on the eastern most tip of the country, Punta Cana is a healthy mix of land and sea-based activities with huge areas of open water to play in. Located on the south-west coast, Playa las Agues is located in one of the country’s national parks. It features an 8km (5 mile) stretch of beach which is recognized as one of the most beautiful coastal locations in the world both locally and abroad. This area is ideal for using Azizam’s water toys to explore. Finally, Samaná Bay is a bay located on the east coast. It is located close to Malecón town which features a waterfront strip with wonderful bars and restaurants. It is also very close to the island of Cayo Levantado (see below).
Must See
- Cayo Levantado is a tiny island which can be difficult to enter without a pre-scheduled ferry. It is surrounded by crystal blue water and sprawling, palm lined beach trees.
- The Colonial Zone is located in Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the first ever church, castle and monastery in the Americas.
- Humpback Whales breed and swim just off the coast of the Dominican Republic every year from December to March. Don’t miss this incredible site from the decks Azizam.
- Cabarete Beach on the north coast, is often regarded as a surfers paradise. With warm water and waves of all sizes, it is ideal for beginner and advanced surfers alike.
St Martin Sailing Trip
Intro
Saint Martin is an island comprising 2 countries. The northern side is ruled by France (Saint Martin) and the southern end by the Netherlands (Sint Maarten). Although you may cross country lines on your trip, there are rarely border checks and certainly none to be concerned about. The French end of the island is considered more European culturally and features several nude beach and shopping markets. The Dutch side of the island is more known for its nightlife and its casinos. The temperatures in Saint Martin are steady around 26-28°C (78-82°F). Traffic has become increasingly difficult to navigate on the island so boat is certainly the most convenient mode of transportation.
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
The wind in Saint Martin can pick up in the winter months. This combines nicely with the geography of the island however as many passages take longer than surrounding islands. Grand Case is a town on the north west coast of the French side. It has a strong French influence in terms of culture and cuisine. It also features a gorgeous strip of beach with restaurants and bars to boot. Just south of Grand Case is Marigot which is the capital of the French Saint Martin. As
with many capitals, Marigot is well established in terms of amenities and is the best place to fully experience the traditions of the French side. Guana Bay, located on the south east coast of the Dutch side is a small, rural village. It features a number of excellent hiking trails and is one of the best places to explore nature on the island.
Must See
- Casino Royale located near Marigot is an enormous casino with a European twist. It features several games tables and is perfect for those looking to test their skill and luck
- Pinel Island is a small island located off the east coast. It is relatively remote and renowned for its snorkeling. It is the perfect place around the island to play on Azizam’s water toys
- The ParrotVille Bird Sanctuary is located on the Dutch side near the east coast. It features
scores of tropical birds who can be fed and perch on your arm
Antigua and Barbuda Sailing Trip
Intro
Antigua and Barbuda is a country consisting of two main islands and surrounded by many more. Antigua is by far the larger island both physically and in terms of population. Antigua is known worldwide for its yacht market. Boat and yacht sales make up a huge percentage of the country’s overall exports. In April and May every year, Antigua hosts its Sailing Week where boats from around the world compete. In December, Antigua hosts the annual Charter Yacht Show. Boat makers and brokers from around the world come to display their latest models. Although severely damaged by hurricane Irma in 2017, Barbuda is still a quaint island. It is most popular for its beaches and its fishing. The temperatures in Antigua & Barbuda range from 26-30°C (78-86°F) during the winter.
Main Ports & Sailing Conditions
As one would imagine from a sailing hotbed, the winds in Antigua are ideal for cruising. Jolly Harbor is located on the west coast of the island. It features sprawling, white sand beaches and a small town filled with restaurants and bars serving an international selection of food and drink. Falmouth Harbor, located on the south coast was the first British settlement on the island of Antigua and is tucked away in a horseshoe bay. English Harbor is located in the extreme south of the island. The village there features a very unique English pub serving traditional British cuisine. It is also home to two fortresses from the initial settlement of the British. Duty-free shopping is abundant here.
Must See
- Great Bird Island is located off the north-east coast of Antigua. It is easily accessible by boat and is home to several wild Caribbean birds. Bring your hiking shoes as the trails are stunning.
- Montserrat is another small island off the south-west coast of Antigua. The island experienced a large volcanic eruption in 1995. This resulted in several black sand beaches and many ruins to explore.
- St Johns is the capital of the country and also the main port. The city features a number of historical museums and plantation sites. Local markets are also commonplace during the weekends.