Windward 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.

Windward Islands

The southern, larger Lesser Antilles islands within the West Indies.

Barbados “Little England“

Perfect for multigenerational travelers seeking a tropical destination with a British flare to enjoy fishing villages, golf, history, horseback riding, little gardens, nightlife, polo, rolling hills of sugarcane, sailboarding, stone parishes, surfing, white sand beaches, and windsurfing.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Bamboo candles, baskets, beauty products, gemstones, glass art, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, jam, rum, rum cake, soaps, sunglasses, wire sculptures, wood carvings, and woven goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bakes (fried dough). Bajan (pepper sauce). Barbecued Pig Tails (BBQ ribs). Black Cake (dessert). Conkie (snack). Cou Cou (cornmeal dish). Fried Flying Fish. Pepperpot (stew).
• Local Drink to Try: Banks (beer). Ginger Beer (nonalcoholic) Mauby (cholesterol benefits). Rum Punch (cocktail). Sorel (blood pressure benefits).

By the Way

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• Embrace the British tradition of afternoon tea, cricket, and polo.
• Experiences infrequent natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and hurricanes.
• Ocean beach swimming on the east coast side is not advised considering the strong current.
• The western coast is best for beach swimming.
• Surfers go to Bathsheba for the “Soup Bowl” style waves.
• You may enjoy reading, The Castle of My Skin written by George Lamming.
• Inspire your visit by watching, The Tamarind Seed (1974). 
• No nude beaches and topless sunbathing is illegal.
• Avoid flashing wealth.
• Drug use is illegal including marijuana.
• Without prior express consent from the Barbados Government do not enter with ammunition and/or firearms.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Illegal to wear camouflage clothing.
• Same sex sexual relations is punishable to life in prison.
• Not considered a mobility friendly destination.
• Ambulance Emergency Responders are prohibited from applying lifesaving techniques during transport.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika.
• Traffic moves to the left side of the road.
• Hurricane Season is June – November, given their location slightly outside the principal hurricane zone.

At Glance

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

Dominica “Nature Isle of the Caribbean“

Not the widely tourist destination island but ideal for eco-travelers wanting unspoiled natural beauty with beautiful lakes, birdwatching, boating, diving, fishing, hiking, hot springs, kayaking, mountains, rain forests, snorkeling, wellness, whale watching, waterfalls, and water sports. 

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, canned jams, coconut crafted goods, jewelry, leather goods, perfumes, pottery, rum, soaps, and spices.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Agouti (delicacy). Callaloo (soup). Manicou (delicacy). Mountain Chicken. Sancocho (soup).
• Local Drink to Try: Mamajuana (cocktail). Sorrel Punch (cocktail).

By the Way

• Ferry service connects to  Guadeloupe, Martinique and St Lucia.
• Not the ideal “beach destination” because of ease to access them.
• You may enjoy reading, The Orchid House written by Phyllis Shand Allfrey.
• Island lacks large resorts, museums, nightlife, and shopping.
• Still recovering from Hurricane Maria (2017).
• A paradise for Bird Lovers with nearly 200 species to include the rare Amazonian Parrots.  Jaco and Sisserou are only found there.
• It’s illegal to wear camouflage clothing.
• Amongst the Karifuna people the ancient craftsmanship of basket weaving, canoe building, and wood craving still exist, available for purchasing.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Without prior express consent from the Dominican Government do not enter with any ammunition or firearms.
• Consensual same sex conduct is illegal.
• Medical Care does not meet our Western Standards.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, & Zika.
• Traffic moves to the left hand side of the road.

At Glance

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

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

Martinique

Luxury travelers whom are beach lovers, foodies and naturists seeking beautiful beaches, culture, dormant volcano, fishing villages, golfing, history, lush green mountains, mountain climbing, nightlife, relaxation, sailing, shopping, snorkeling, tennis, tropical forest, waterfalls, water sports and windsurfing.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee, hats, perfume, rum, soaps, and spices.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Blanc Manger au Coco (dessert). Boudin (sausage). Chatrou (octopus dish). Dorade (grilled fish). Féroce d’Avocat (appetizer).
• Local Drink to Try: Shrub (liquor). Ti Punch (cocktail).

By the Way

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• A ferry connects to neighboring islands of Dominica, Guadeloupe and St Lucia.
• Well populated with bougainvillea, frangipani, hibiscus and wild orchids.
• Few locals speak English outside of the tourist areas.
• Local rum uses sugarcane juice rather than molasses prevailing a richer rum.
• You may enjoy poem, Notebook on Return to My Native Land written by Aime Cesaire.
• Movies that may inspire your trip, The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) and To Have and Have Not (1994).
• Semiprecious stone “jasper” is found on the southern part of the island.
• Topless sunbathing is common on the beach and around pools. No nudity, though.
• After dining, be sure to ask for your bill/check. Otherwise, the premature offer is locally considered rude and rushing diners. 
• Minimum car rental age is 21.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: March
• Humid & Hottest: July -August
• Peak Season: December – April
• Shoulder Season: June – November

Saint Lucia “The Land, the People, the Light“

A tropical destination for bird watching, diving, fishing villages, forests, exotic wildlife, hiking, history, kite sailing, mountains, plantations, sailing, shopping, snorkeling, yachts, water sports, and windsurfing. 

By the Way

• A popular Honeymoon Destination.
• Daylight savings time not observed.
• The economy is based on agriculture, some manufacturing, and tourism.
• A ferry connects neighboring islands of Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Trinidad.
• Atlantic Coast beaches are difficult to access, rugged with rough waters.
• Do not swim in freshwater pools due to Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis), an infection caused by a parasitic worm.
• Sulfur Springs will discolor your swimwear. So, avoid wearing your favorite swimsuit.
• Rodney Bay is one of the most popular beaches. 
• You may enjoy reading, Don’t Stop the Carnival written by Herman Wouk.
• Movies that may inspire a trip, Pitons & Superman II (1981) and Doctor Dolittle (1967).
• The Bus System is inexpensive for getting around.
• Between March – July on Grand Anse Beach Leatherback Turtles lay eggs.
• Do not wear camouflage clothing, it’s illegal!
• Great souvenir shopping at Anse La Raye Market, Castries Market, and Soufriere Market.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
• Consensual same sex activity is illegal, and punishable up to 10 years in prison.
• Not considered mobility friendly.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika.
• Traffic moves on left side of the road.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: May – September
• Peak Season: December – April
• Shoulder Season: June – November

St Vincent & Grenadines

By the Way

• Daylight savings time not observed.
• Ferry service between St Vincent & Bequia.
• Some areas offer few to no commercial restaurants.
• On St Vincent, the west coast offers the most sights and the east coast boasts dramatic scenery.
• Bequia is popular amongst cruising yachts given their boat building and repair expertise.
• You may enjoy reading, City of Arches written by Vivian Child and Wild Majesty: Encounters with Caribs from Columbus to Present written by Peter Hulme and Neil Whitehead.
• Movie to inspire your travels, Pirates of the Caribbean (2003).
• Grenadines is not recommended for limited accessible travelers.
• Watchout for Sea Urchins. Quick treatment, urinate on quill infected area.
• Blackouts are common in Grenadines. 

At Glance

• Coolest Season: December – April
• Humid & Hottest: June – July
• Peak Season: December – April
• Shoulder Season: May – June and November

St Vincent

A great tropical escape for the adventurous traveler not requiring pampering with cultural courtesy to enjoy beautiful white sand beaches, culture, fishing villages, hiking, lagoons, sailing, waterfalls and water sports.

Grenadines

A great tropical escape for the adventurous yachting traveler not requiring pampering with cultural courtesy.

Grenada “Spice Island“
Travelers seeking a distinctive culture to enjoy deep sea fishing, diving, fresh spices, hiking, history, mountain waterfalls, unspoiled landscapes, picturesque seaports, sailing, snorkeling, thick forest, water sports and white sand beaches.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, chocolate, fudge, jam, jewelry, rum, spices, and stamps.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Callaloo (soup). Coconut Drops (snack). Curry Goat (popular). Lambi (conch dish). Nutmeg Ice Cream (dessert). Oil Down (national). Pelau (chicken dish). Sweet Potato Pudding (dessert).
• Local Drink to Try: Carib (beer). Cocoa Tea.

By the Way

• Offers small rivers with waterfalls flowing from the mountains into the sea.
• Situated on the southern edge of the hurricane belt.
• Popular island day trips to Carriacou & Petite Martinique.
• On Carriacou a fire truck meets all incoming flights.
• Storytelling is a tradition you may hear tales about, “Anancy”, a trickster spider (originating from West Africa), “La Diablesse”, the well dressed drive and “Ligaroo”, the werewolf (both French inspired).
• You may enjoy reading, Island in the Sun written by Alec Waugh.
• To inspire your trip you may enjoy watching, Heartbreak Ridge (1986) and Island in the Sun (1957).
• Known for the collectible postage stamps.
• Home to five chocolate factories.
• Daylight savings not observed.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and safety do not commonly occur. 
• Possession, trafficking, or using illegal drugs are severe with fines and long jail sentences.
• Most hotels and restaurants accept USA currency; change tends to be in local currency.
• Consensual same sex sexual relations is illegal and punishable up to 10 years’ in prison.
• Traffic moves to the left side of the road. 
• Seat belts are mandatory, violators are fined 1,000 XCD ($400USD).

At Glance

• Coolest Season: January – February
• Humid & Hottest: April – September
• Peak Season: December – April
• Shoulder Season: June – November

Depending on who you ask, Barbados and Guadeloupe could be bundled with the Leeward Islands.