One of the many joys of a Caribbean sailing holiday is the opportunity to visit unspoiled, authentic destinations away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Our voyages to the Caribbean aim to visit new anchorages nearly every day, providing fantastic opportunities to experience the islands like never before. Where you anchor can make all the difference to your holiday, and our experienced skippers and crew know the best secret Caribbean anchorages, ensuring you the most enjoyment both from the boat and ashore.
Discover deserted islands lined with rainforests, sail through volcanic bays in the wake of pirates, and dive right off the boat into pristine waters filled with magnificent coral reefs. Although sailing with the wind means no anchorage can ever be guaranteed, we’ve compiled our top ten Caribbean anchorages, beaches, and bays below.
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Les Saintes Bay, Guadeloupe
Les Saintes Bay, named by UNESCO as one of the world’s most beautiful bays, is located in the volcanic island chain of Îles des Saintes, in Guadeloupe. Flanked by 18th century forts, this Caribbean anchorage provides a blend of old world historical charm with quintessential tropical scenes, where coconut trees and white sands abound. The area is renowned for its historical usage by pirates and buccaneers. This is easy to imagine when aboard the traditional windjammer Eye of the Wind, who often finds herself at this picture perfect Caribbean anchorage.
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Loubiere, Dominica
A small bay on the island of Dominica, Loubiere offers easy access to all the main attractions of the island. Anchor close to the shore, where the sounds of Dominican music and singing in the streets will drift across to the boat, tempting you to shore. The bay is a short distance to the main port city of Roseau. Here you can immerse yourself in the colourful local culture, and experience the delights of the local markets.
Another highlight of Dominica is the renowned Champagne Reef, a natural wonder sure to leave you speechless. As you snorkel through beautifully coloured coral and fish, bubbling waters erupt from volcanic thermal springs on the ocean floor. When the bright Caribbean sun hits the microscopic bubbles, they crackle and explode in the water like tiny diamonds, hence the name Champagne reef. If you’re looking for a Caribbean anchorage with easy access to snorkelling, local markets, and culture, Loubiere is sure to delight.
Dominica is a potential Caribbean anchorage for luxury classic yachts Rhea and Chronos on their voyages surrounding the islands of Antigua, Dominica and Guadeloupe.
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Tyrell Bay, Carriacou, Grenada
Tyrell Bay lies on the small island of Carriacou, forming part of the country of Grenada. Named the ‘Gateway to the Grenadines’, it’s a popular Caribbean anchorage for our voyages with historic brigantine Florette. Set off from the boat and make use of the onboard kayaks to explore inlets filled with mangrove trees, with oysters living in the dense protective branches. If island exploration is on the cards for the day, hop ashore to journey around the island of Carriacou, perhaps stopping off in some of the infamous local rum bars!
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St George’s Harbour, Grenada
Grenada is home to so many of our favourite Caribbean anchorages that we simply couldn’t resist adding it to the list twice!
Located on the southern end of the island, many consider St George’s Harbour to be the most picturesque Caribbean anchorage and it’s easy to see why. Awaken at sunrise to take in the scenery surrounding the boat, with the island’s rolling green hills dotted with splashes of brightly coloured villages and settlements. Spend the day exploring the island further, swimming in waterfalls, trekking around crater lakes and sampling the local rum. St George’s Bay is a frequent starting point for our Caribbean voyages, and we truly believe there’s no better place to start your sailing adventure in Grenada!
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Pitons Bay, St Lucia
One of the most iconic anchorages in the Caribbean, and a favourite of luxury yachts Chronos and Rhea on their Caribbean sailing holidays. Anchor beneath the ancient volcanic wonders known as the pitons, which dominate the island’s skyline. The bay is part of a protected region that has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. As a result, the area is teeming with vibrant marine life, from parrotfish and angelfish to some of the rarest turtles in the world. Soufrière, a laidback, idyllic town with authentic Caribbean charm and appeal, is easily accessible from the mooring.
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English Harbour, Antigua
A natural harbour, with a long naval history as a strategic port, English Harbour lies on the southernmost tip of Antigua. Along with a thriving international boating community, the area is also home to a wide variety of local cafes and restaurants, ready and waiting to tempt you to shore. If relaxation is on the agenda for the day, the plentiful beaches surrounding the harbour make for a great visit. Unwind on the soft white sand as turquoise water laps at your feet, looking out over the lush green mountains that dominate the landscape. Falmouth Harbour is within walking distance and often a starting point for Caribbean voyages with luxury yachts Rhea and Chronos.
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Colombier, St Barthélemy
Only accessible by boat or on foot, the secluded and coveted beach of Colombier is a popular anchorage on our voyages around the island of St Barths. Utter bliss and calm, rugged beauty reigns supreme in this quiet corner of the island. Although there aren’t as many amenities as other anchorages, this simply highlights the varied nature of sailing in the Caribbean. From one day to the next you could be celebrating in busy beachside bars, or unwinding on a seemingly private beach with nothing but the waves crashing at the shore. Due to the island’s volcanic origins, there is an abundance of unique wildlife, as well as many shallow reefs ideal for snorkelling.
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Road Town, Tortola, BVI
Road Town, a bustling harbour and the main hub of the island of Tortola, is a frequent Caribbean anchorage for traditional tall ship Eye of the Wind and historic brigantine Florette. Views of the luxuriantly green surroundings will greet you as you anchor here, and the streets are lined with vibrant restaurants and shops. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the beach during the day, perhaps taking part in some of the water sports available on shore such as snorkeling and scuba diving. As night falls, head to the neighbourhood bars and restaurants, where locals congregate for live music and dancing.
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Cumberland Bay, St Vincent
One of the lesser-known bays in the Caribbean, Cumberland Bay is a popular anchorage for luxury yachts Chronos and Rhea. Situated on the verdant island of St Vincent, this anchorage showcases the very best of the island. A tranquil bay, surrounded by a luscious forest of coconut palms, it is the ideal location to decompress and enjoy the water sports available on Chronos and Rhea. A wonderful spot for swimming in protected waters after jumping off the bowsprit!
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Anse Noire, Martinique
If you’ve seen enough crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, head to Anse Noire on the island of Martinique for a change of scenery. Jade green waters and black volcanic sand make for an anchorage straight out of a dream. A small, secluded cove lined with palm trees, it is a place of reflection and tranquility. Head underwater to get up close with the local marine life, including sea turtles that often visit to rest on the seagrass that lines the bay. A possible stop off the boat for many of our Caribbean voyages, Anse Noir is a must see if the winds allow!
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Find out more about sailing in the Caribbean
If any of theses anchorages have tempted you, find out more about sailing holiday charters in the Caribbean with our extensive fleet. Whether it’s luxury classic yachts Chronos and Rhea, windjammer Eye of the Wind or historic Florette, there’s a Caribbean adventure to suit all!
