National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Push the boat out
While exploring the eastern Caribbean by yacht charter, the toughest decision is choosing which beauty spot to visit next. Here are three of the best
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St Lucia’s Pitons — two forested volcanic spires rising dramatically from the ocean on the island’s southwestern coast — form one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive skylines. Taking them in from the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea aboard a luxury chartered yacht, with a rum punch in hand, is a memorable way to appreciate these geological wonders. On board a crewed charter, all meals and drinks are catered for by a gourmet chef, with a focus on local ingredients and menus tailored to your palate.
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Sailing south through St Vincent and The Grenadines, enjoy sunrises accompanied by gourmet feasts whipped up by the chef, before stopping at Bequia, a tiny island in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Walk barefoot across white sands at Princess Margaret Beach, learn about boatbuilding traditions in Port Elizabeth, or sail to Friendship Bay. Come evening dine on lobster raviolo at Bagatelle restaurant or sip on soursop coladas at laid-back Jack’s Beach Bar.
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A horseshoe-shaped clutch of five deserted islands where green sea turtles glide through crystal-clear lagoons and parrotfish nibble on vibrant corals, unfazed by swimmers, Tobago Cays is one of the most sensational snorkelling destinations in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Spend a day here, swimming alongside tropical fish and birdwatching on uninhabited islets. Make for World’s End Reef to watch spotted eagle rays and stingrays gliding past, spot iguanas on a hike across Petit Rameau, then pick up the catch of the day from a fisherman for a seafood supper prepared by the crew back on board.