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Caribbean Sailing Holidays |
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Caribbean sailing holidays are sure to leave travelers in awe of the beauty of the Caribbean's cruising islands. This is one destination that offers a unique mix of relaxation and adventure.
Two main island groups comprise the Caribbean: the Leewards in the north and the Windwards in the south. Pristine waters surround this string of volcanic and coral islands.
Virtually everyone can enjoy the islands. The forest hillsides and waterfalls are simply breathtaking. Diving and snorkeling sites are definitely a must-see for the wide range of colorful corals and fishes that abound underwater. Accenting Caribbean's charm are its quaint fishing villages, deserted white sand beaches, historic forts, and vibrant markets. The weather is also ideal for sailing as it is seldom too hot and never cold.
Caribbean sail boat charters and luxury yacht charters will not find it difficult to entice sailing enthusiasts to go for the Caribbean experience. Each island group, in fact, is more than enough to explore for one holiday.
Typically, the islands are only a few hours sailing away from one another. However, the long years of foreign influences from the British, French, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, and the Americans have given the islands diverse characteristics.
Yacht hubs - Considered as primary charter yacht hubs are the Virgin Islands, Antigua and St. Martin.
The Virgin Islands (Read more about sailing in the Virgin Islands) are divided between U.S. and British territories. St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands while the British Virgin Islands are grouped around the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
The stunning physical beauty of the Virgin Islands has earned it its almost unrivaled popularity. This part of the Caribbean is often called a paradise on earth for its crystal clear waters that teem with marine life and coral reefs. The beaches of the Virgin Islands also serve as ideal cruising ground. Visitors of the islands can definitely enjoy sheltered sailing conditions and protected swimming and snorkeling in the area.
The recognized birthplace of the charter industry in the Caribbean is the Antigua. The island is located on the northeast shoulder of the island chain between Montserrat and St. Kitts and is the largest of the British Leeward Islands. Antigua prides itself with its rich historical heritage with Nelson's Dockyard English Harbour used as base by the British Fleet in the West Indies in the 18th century. The island now serves as the seasonal home of many fine luxury yachts. Antigua is also a good take-off point to sailing trips, with its many scheduled international and inter-island flights.
Another favored yacht charter destination is St. Martin/St. Maarten. It offers a unique combination of Dutch and French cultures in one stop. Popular water activities that are done here include water skiing, windsurfing, diving, and snorkeling.
One of the most popular package holiday and cruise ship destinations of the Eastern Caribbean, St. Martin offers visitors large resorts, duty free goods, casinos, and fast food chains. It is also a good starting point for sailing to nearby islands such as Saba, Statia, Anguila and St. Barthelamy.
Yacht charters sailing in the Caribbean usually offer seven-day and fourteen-day packages.
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