CARAIBES - infos intéressantes !

J'ai pensé que ce bref résumé des Caraibes saurait intéresser plusieurs navigateurs. Capt Glen a fait paraître ceci sur Cruisers Network online



Every island in the Caribbean has it's own unique personality. Which islands you may find preferable can be highly dependent on what appeals to you. After 15 years living aboard full time in the Caribbean, I am happy to share some of my personal opinions.

Vieques - Still a remarkably undiscovered gem. The south coast offers great gunkholing. Many secluded coves have fabulous beaches that are either completely inaccessible by land, or very isolated.

Culebra - Thumbs up.

St. Thomas - Best enjoyed from the east end. Great provisioning and jumping off point for the BVI.

St. John - Past it's prime in recent years. Massive overdevelopment, due to an influx of expats. Very limited anchorages. That said, definitely enjoy a week or two in the National Park, where moorings are readily available. Maximum stay = 14 days (unless that has changed recently).

St. Croix - Cheap fuel. Interesting land activities. Limited appeal to cruisers.

BVI - Massively overcrowded with charter boats (Sundance used to be one of them). But, still the best cruising grounds in the Caribbean. Don't miss Anegada, and be sure to stay a few days to get the vibe.

Anguilla - Lovely island. Good for foodies. Need to base out of Sandy Ground unless you care to pay for an expensive cruising permit.

St. Martin - Overdeveloped. Still, lots of anchorages. Excellent provisioning, as are all the French islands. No shortage of restaurants, bars, and entertainment. This is the party island. Many "cruisers" never leave.

St. Bart's - Beautiful! Unique. Chic. For me, a must. If you go, spend a couple nights anchoring in front of Anse Columbier.

Saba - Only tenable in good conditions. A worthwhile experience.

Statia - Limited appeal. The highlight is hiking up to the rim of the volcano and descending into the crater.

St. Kitts - Not one of my favorites. Although, I have also had enjoyable experiences.

Nevis - Old world charm. If you go, check out some of the old plantations, or you have missed the charm of the island. Monkeys! Better and friendlier than St. Kitts.

Antigua - Lots of anchorages. Nelson's Dockyard is a highlight. Very popular with cruisers. But, not real high on my list.

Barbuda - Amazing deserted beaches that stretch for miles. Bermuda stole the idea of pink beaches from here. Unlike Bermuda, Pink Beach really is!

Guadeloupe - My favorite island. The one destination that delivers the quintessential image of the Caribbean: awesome beaches, tropical rainforest, active volcano, great hiking, creole cuisine, friendly, colorful locals, rum distilleries, abundant tropical produce, etc., etc. Hightlight - Iles des Saintes; for the rum connoisseur - Marie Galante.

Dominica - The nature island. Hands down the best island for hiking, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Martinique - More crowded, less friendly, and not as scenic as Gaudaloupe. But, not without it's charms. Last good provisioning until Trinidad.

St. Lucia - Potentially, a lot to offer. Loved by many. After 8 visits and 6 months working there, I still have failed to be impressed. Pitons are gorgeous!

St. Vincent - I also enjoy this island. However, I will no longer take the boat there, due to aggravatingly aggressive boat boys and crime issues. I would anchor in Bequia and take the short ferry ride for a day trip.

Bequia - Long a perennial favorite, escalating crime deters future visits.

Grenadines - Good cruising grounds. Passages not as pleasant as the BVI. Lots to explore.

Grenada - Simple, enjoyable destination. Lots to offer. Always happy to check-in at Georgetown.

Tobago - Spectacular! Best reached on one hard tack from Bequia. Hiking, birding, unique diving.

Barbados - My second least favorite island, and hard to reach.

Trinidad - A love/hate relationship. Love the people, the food, and lots of other things. Interesting land excursions. Very limited cruising. The hate part comes from the potential security issues, a couple robberies, and three and a-half years refitting Sundance there.

Venezuela - At present, a no-go zone, as far as I am concerned.

Bonaire - Best and easiest diving in the Caribbean. Laid back vibe. Very enjoyable.

Curaçao - Least favorite island.

Aruba - Most Americanized island. More so than the US islands. New regulations make it difficult to visit.

Fair winds and following seas,

Glen