Leeward Islands

We have been very fortunate to have visited most of the Caribbean Islands and look forward to returning onboard M/V Soul Mates.

The Caribbean consists of the Caribbean Sea, islands and the surrounding coasts in the Americas region. Regionally comprising southeast the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America.

Not in the Caribbean but, thought to be amongst many travelers is Bermuda, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos. Bermuda, located in the North Atlantic area, consists of isolated islands. A chain of islands and coral reefs Turks & Caicos is located Southeast of Florida and north of Cuba in the Atlantic Ocean.

Leeward Islands
A group of islands located where the Caribbean Sea (northeast) meets the Atlantic Ocean (west).

Anguilla “Eel“

Luxury travelers seeking beautiful beaches, beach bar dining, bird watching, caves, culture, fine dining, golf, relaxation, uncrowded, sailing, scuba diving, seclusion, snorkeling, upscale resorts, turquoise waters, views, walks,  and windsurfing. An ultra high end destination is known to be a getaway destination for celebrities and wealthy.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art pieces, glass blown pieces, hand carved model ships, liquor, needlework, pottery, sculpture items, stamps, straw goods, and wooden goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Callalloo (stew). Jonny Cakes (fried snack). Stewed Oxtail. Tamarind Balls (snack). 
• Local Drink to Try: Mauby (soft drink).

By the Way

• The island has no bus system, campsites, casinos, large shopping centers, mountains, rivers or streams.
• Nude or topless sunbathing is illegal.
• Gambling is illegal.
• There are no Jet Ski rentals, it’s illegal.
• You may enjoy readingOut of Crowded Vagueness, written by Brian Dyde.
• There is no citizenship of Anguilla, the island’s natives are British citizens.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Ammunition and firearms require express consent from the British government. 
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, & Zika.
• Traffic moves on the left hand side of the road.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: December – February
• Humid & Hottest: August – September
• Peak Season: December – April
• Shoulder Season: May – November

Antigua “Land of 365 Beaches“

Offers a sophisticated atmosphere to enjoy bird watching, bone fishing expeditions, deep sea fishing, pink or white sand beaches,  rich history, sailing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, tennis, and tubing. For travelers who have been to The Bahamas or the Virgin Islands wishing to further explore the Caribbean Islands, this can be a great next destination.

Barbuda

Great for a day trip, otherwise an island destination offering true solitude and quietness to enjoy bicycling, bird watchers, hiking, pink or white sand beaches, and wilderness.

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

The British Islands consist of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, over 50 smaller islands and cays. A favorite destination for sailors, scuba divers, snorkelers, and luxury upscale resort lovers. Also, a known hideaway of the unpretentious rich and famous!

By the Way

• Sailing Schools can be found on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
• Movies that may inspire your visit: Virgin Island (1995) and BVI’s (2103).

At Glance

• Coolest Season: January – March, and December
• Humid & Hottest: August – September
• Peak Season: December – April
• Shoulder Season: November and June

Tortola “Turtle Dove“

Known for beautiful beaches, coral snorkeling,  lush mountains, relaxation, and seclusion.

Virgin Gorda “Fat Virgin“
Known for white sand beaches, historical ruins, natural geologic formations, pristine water, and snorkeling.

Anegada “Drowned Land“

Known for beaches, premier bone fishing, clear springs bubbling, coral reefs, history, relaxation, sport fishing, seclusion, snorkeling, and wildlife.

Jost Van Dyke “Little Jost“

Popular bars, beach combing, bird sanctuary, dolphins, snorkeling, whale watching, and yacht anchorages.

Guadeloupe

Ideal for the adventurous independent traveler wishing to island-hop the offshore island while enjoying active volcano, architecture, diverse culture, fishing, hiking, hot springs, lush rainforests, luxury products, natural wonders, nightlife, nude sunbathing, rugged mountainous coastline, sailing, scenic views, shopping, snorkeling and walking.

• Souvenirs to Buy: African dresses, bamboo hats, dolls, lace, madras cotton goods, minature wood carvings, paintings, patchwork tapestries, rum, and spices.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Accras (codfish fritters). Blaff (seafood soup). Boudin (blood sausage). Cabri (goat dish). Colombo (stew). Crabes Farcis (stuffed crabs). Matete (rice dish).
• Local Drinks to Try: Bonifieru (coffee). Ti Punch (cocktail).

By the Way

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• The summit is often cloudy or fogged.
• English is not widely spoken.
• If you buy a madras fabric hat; do be mindful of the underlying message. Simply meaning, “one point” means your heart is available, “two points” means your heart is already taken, “three points” means your heart is taken, but you’re still open to offers!
• In the National Park’s it’s illegal to fish, hunt, pick flowers or use a radio.
• At the waterfront, Marche de la Darse do buy something before taking any pictures without permission.
• Hippodrome Karukera (Anse-Bertrand) periodically hosts horse races.
• Legal drinking age is 18.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Hyperbaric Chambers is available at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (Abymes) and at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (Fort de France, Martinique).
• Hurricane Season is June – November, their impact usually occurs during September.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: January – February
• Humid & Hottest: July – November
• Peak Season: December – May

Montserrat “The Way the Caribbean Used to Be” & “The Emerald Isle”

Most ideal for travelers not seeking the traditional tropical vacation but rather a “quieter” destination to enjoy birdwatching, charter boats, diving, hiking, shoreline caves, turtle watching, volcano observation, water sports,  yachts.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Hot sauces, jewelry, photography art, and sea island cotton goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Cassava (flatbread). Duckna (sweet potato dish). Goat Water (stew). Johnny Cakes (muffin). Saltfish (traditional). Souse (pork dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Montserrat Rum Punch

By the Way

• Visitors are not permitted on the southern half of the island’s “exclusion zone” area.
• Has no four lane roads, international chain stores, neon signs, or traffic lights.
• Said to resemble coastal Ireland. 
• Known for their Irish folk culture, shamrock decorations, Irish names, and Irish step dance. 
• Much of the southern end of the island is uninhabitable.
• Legend says anyone drinking the spring water from Runaway Ghaut Fountain will be drawn to repeatedly return to the island.
• Buses can be irregular and considered unreliable.
• Ferry from Antigua arrives at Port Little Bay (island north).
• You may be interested to read, Living with the Unexpected (written by A.K. Possekel).
• There are only 2 gas stations on the island.
• Not all businesses accept credit cards.
• Only has 1 bank (Bank of Montserrat).
• Exchangeable currencies are: Barbados Dollar (BBD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Pound Sterling (GBP), & US Dollar (USD).
• Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
• Air Ambulance services are available to Antigua and neighboring island Flymontserrat.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Do not enter with ammunition or firearms without prior express consent from the British government. 
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya & Dengue.
• Traffic moves to the left hand side of the road.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: July – November
• Peak Season: December – June

Nevis “Queen of the Caribees”

The traveler seeking a quieter island destination to enjoy bird watching, golf, diving, fishing, hiking, history, lush tropical greenery, rain forest, shopping, spa, uncrowded beaches, volcanic landscape, water sports, and zip lining.

By the Way

• Taste the island and treat yourself to a CSR & Ting (Cane Spirit Rothschild with local grapefruit). A liquor produced from the remains of sugarcane production roots stemming from South Africa.
• You may enjoy readingA History of St Kitts written by Vincent K Hubbard.
• Movie to inspire your travel, Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1995).
• Of the two islands, Nevis has better beaches.
• It’s illegal to wear camouflage clothing!

At Glance

• Coolest Season: January – February
• Humid & Hottest: June – October
• Peak Season: December – April
• Shoulder Season: May – June

Saba “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean”

Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast seeking a slower pace in charming small inns, dramatic views, hiking, mountains, rain forest, relaxation, seclusion, snorkeling, tranquility, tropical plants, and wildlife. In addition, participating with local crafts such as canvas painting, cooking, glass art, jewelry making, Saba lace, and tie-dying.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Handmade tropical wear, lace, rag dolls, rum, silk screen fabrics, spices, tropical clothing, and watercolor artwork.

By the Way

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• Island has no beaches, fast food chains. or traffic lights.
• Has 1 gas station, 1 road, 3 jail cells, 4 street sweepers, and 4 towns.
• Roads are very narrow, steep, and winding. 
• Ferry Service connects to Sint Maartin and St Barts. Anticipate choppy waters.
• Given the underwater tower depth of volcanic rock starting at 300 ft down and rise to about 85 feet beneath surface; deep dives are possible. The Saba Conservation Foundation also operates a hyperbaric chamber in the event of any emergency.
• Rough ocean waters makes it not conducive for beginner snorkelers.
• Mandated by Saba Law, the charming gingerbread-style houses must be painted white with red, sloping roofs and green shutters. 
• Dinner service tends to be between 7PM – 10PM.
• Lacks sandy beaches.
• Hitchhiking is common.
• Due to frequent falling rocks avoid the temptation to swim at Wells Bay. 
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
• Prevalent Diseases: Dengue & Zika.
• Medical care does not meet our western standards.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: December – February
• Humid & Hottest: July – October
• Peak Season: December – April

Saint-Barthelemy “Heaven on Earth“

For the affluent Luxury Traveler seeking ATV adventure, beautiful white sand beaches, boating, designer boutiques, diving, duty-free shopping, French ambiance, leisure fine dining, hilly landscape, open air jeeps, snorkeling, Swedish vibes, uncrowded destination, and yachts.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, cigars, cosmetics, crystal, designer clothing, flower essences, handcrafted straw goods, jewelry, liquors, mahogany reproductions of colonial furniture, natural haircare products, perfumes, porcelain, pottery, watches, and wine.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Accras (cod fritters). Fangui (cornmeal dish).

By the Way

• Daylight savings time is not observed.
• Gustaf III was ranked the world’s third most popular airport on The History Channel, Most Extreme Airports program.
• Sint Maarten is a short ferry ride, however, strong currents can make for rough water crossing.
• Nude and topless sunbathing is permitted.
• Whales Migrate Season is May – April and August for sea turtles.
• French is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
• Windsurfing is popular on windward beaches.
• Restaurant Bar, Le Select is said to be Jimmy Buffett’s inspiration for the song “Cheeseburger in Paradise” song.
• You may enjoy reading Case et Cuisine – Traditional Living & Fine Dining in St Barthelemy.
• Movies that may inspire your visitArthur (1981), Arthur II (1988) and Salt (2010).
• Volleyball is the most popular sport on St Barts.
• Restaurants tend to add a 15% service charge. 
• Taxi drivers expect a tip of 10% of the fare.
• There are public bathrooms.
• Has no rivers or streams.
• La Ligne de St Barth is locally sourced products from the island consisting of flowers and plants.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya & Dengue.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: January – March
• Humid & Hottest: June – September
• Peak Season: December – April
• Shoulder Season: September – October

Saint Kitts “Sugar City“

For travelers seeking a tropical destination for bird watching, golf, diving, fishing, hiking, history, lush tropical greenery, rain forest, shopping, spa, uncrowded beaches, volcanic landscape, water sports and zip lining.

Saint Martin (French Side)

Ideal for the sophisticated traveler seeking boutiques, foodies delight, french vibe, horseback riding, less commercial developments, lush vegetation, nude sunbathing, outdoor markets, relaxation, volcanic mountains, white sand beaches, and yachting.

Sint Maarten(Dutch Side)

Known for beautiful beaches, casinos, deep-sea fishing, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, jet ski, kayaking, kite surfing, lush vegetation, marine reserve, multi-cultural, native rum-based guava berry liquor cocktails, nightlife, sailing, shopping, surfing, volcanic mountains, wakeboarding, white sand beaches, windsurfing, and yachting.

By the Way

• One island shared by two countries: French (St Martin) and Dutch (Sint Maarten).
• Daylight savings time is not observed.
• The island has no rivers or streams.
• Nude and topless is permitted (St Martin).
• You may enjoy reading Portrait of an Island written by Madeleine Greery.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: December – March
• Humid & Hottest: June – October
• Peak Season: Mid April – Mid December
• Shoulder Season: April – October

Sint Eustatius

Great for eco-travelers desiring an uncrowded island to enjoy beaches, culture,exotic birds, hiking, history, relaxation, scuba diving, tropical rainforest, volcanic mountains, walking. 

• Souvenirs to Buy: Crochet goods, handcrafted wood necklaces, and hand sewn clothing.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bolo Pretu (cake). Carnistoba (goat stew). Funchi (porridge). Pan Bati (pancake).

By the Way

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• Not the recommended destination if the beach or nightlife is your primary interest.
• There are no high rises, luxury resorts, or timeshares.
• The island has 2 decompression chambers.
• You may enjoy reading The First Salute – A View of the American Revolution written by Barbara Tuchman.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: July – September
• Peak Season:  December – April