A portrait of Caribbean destinations: Leeward Islands - island hopping at its best
Andreas Fritsch
· 27.11.2023
- How to find us: ****
- Level of difficulty: ***
- Versatility: ****
- Infrastructure: ***
With a north-south extension of over 200 nautical miles, the Leewards are the most extensive and probably also the most varied area in the Caribbean. No other area unites so many and so many different island republics - which, however, also entail a lot of inconvenient clearing in and out. Tropical volcanic islands such as Guadeloupe, Dominica and Montserrat alternate with coral islands such as Barbuda and Anguilla. What they all have in common is their ideal location in relation to the north-east trade winds. This makes many half-wind courses possible, and even the way back from the south is more of an approach than a cross.
Some of the densely greened, gently mountainous islands are European in character, such as Guadeloupe, St. Barth, St. Martin and Marie-Galante (all French) or the Dutch Sint Maarten. Others are independent states, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica or the British-orientated Antigua and Barbuda. The distances are greater here. For crews starting in the north, Antigua is usually the southern turning point, for southern starters the northernmost.
Highlights
The enormous diversity of the region reflects the number of possible destinations: the French islands offer a very attractive mix of Caribbean lifestyle and savoir-vivre. Nowhere is the catering offer and infrastructure better, even croissants and baguettes are available. The volcanoes and rainforest on Guadeloupe, the sophisticated St. Barth - there is something for everyone here. The somewhat poorer and simpler islands of Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis offer fewer places to visit. The highlight in the middle is Antigua with the historic English Harbour and the many great reefs and bays in the east as well as the endless beaches of Barbuda.
Charter
There are larger fleets in Guadeloupe, St Martin and Antigua.
Journey
With Air France or KLM via Paris or Amsterdam to St Martin. Or the cheapest option: via Paris to Guadeloupe. A transfer in London is usually necessary to Antigua. There are no direct flights to the region from Germany.
