Where to go in the Caribbean this winter – and the yachts to charter there

Although hurricanes devastated parts of the Caribbean earlier this year, 70% of the region fortunately remains unaffected and very much open to visitors. A superyacht charter with Yachting Partners International (YPI) is the best way to discover these islands – with total privacy and every element, from itinerary and activities to cuisine, tailored to individual preference.

We select the best yachts for charter in the Caribbean and unmissable itineraries created by the Charter experts at YPI. These itineraries are suggestions, and as with every aspect of your yacht charter, can be tailored to how you want to spend your time onboard!

The Windward Islands combine mesmerising natural sites and sealife with fabulous beaches and iconic hotspots. Grab a snorkel or paddleboard from your yacht’s garage to explore The Pitons, two volcanic spires climbing more than 2,500ft into the air. See baby hawksbill turtles in Bequia and play golf with stunning waterfront views on the 18-hole Grenadines Estate Golf Club on Canouan.

On Mustique, enjoy a Sunset Jazz evening at Basil’s Bar or a sophisticated dinner and wonderful views at Firefly. The Windwards offer great snorkelling and scuba diving – try Mayreau for colourful coral gardens, the Tobago Cays wildlife preserve with sea turtles and schools of colourful fish, or Carriacou with nurse sharks, barracudas and stingrays. Take a look here for a full suggested itinerary.

Red Square

For the first time, this exceptional 72m yacht is available in the Windward Islands. With a huge aft swimming pool, a bridge deck Jacuzzi with swim-in bar, and a spa using products by The Organic Pharmacy, AXIOMA is ideal for your Caribbean escape.

Launched in June 2017, brand new yacht SEVEN SINS is available for charter on her first Caribbean season. Head to the yacht’s vast ocean-level beach club to take in views of the Caribbean Sea from the fold-down ocean-level balconies. After a day of island exploration, cool off in the glass-edged pool.

Designed for long-range cruising with no compromise on comfort, OCEAN’S SEVEN combines light, contemporary interiors with inviting outdoor deck spaces including a sundeck with Jacuzzi, electric barbecue and bar.

With over 700 islands and 2400 cays fringed by colourful coral, the Bahamas & Exumas offer a different paradise every day. Snorkel the famous downed plane at Norman’s Cay. Swim with the fish at Thunderball Grotto, made famous by a scene in the eponymous James Bond movie.

Take your yacht’s tender to Big Major Island, where wild pigs swim out to greet you. See the skeleton of a 53ft whale at Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. At Allen’s Cay, feed the rock iguanas indigenous to the island. Take a look at the full itinerary here.

With a cruising speed of 27 knots and a top speed of 30 knots, ARION is the ideal yacht for island hopping the Bahamas. Dine on freshly caught seafood on the yacht’s spacious aft deck, or head up to the sundeck to sunbathe and enjoy sunset cocktails. ARION is packed with toys, including a jetski, waverunner, wakeboards and stand-up paddleboards.

With expansive spaces indoor and out, 61.7m MARY-JEAN II offers a fantastic toy collection for the Bahamas, including clear-bottomed kayaks and Seabobs ideal for exploring the islands’ underwater world. With 7 staterooms accommodating 12 guests, highlights include a large swim platform and a sundeck with Jacuzzi, bar, dining and sunbathing area.

While parts of the Leeward Islands remain damaged, this less explored, off the beaten track route takes in some of the island chain’s best and lesser known spots.

Explore volcanic Montserrat and visit the Soufriere volcano or the partially buried city of Plymouth, the Caribbean’s answer to Pompeii. Dive or snorkel at the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve, home to hundreds of sea turtles. Cruise to the unspoilt island of St Kitts, with pristine beaches and the 18 hole Royal St Kitts Golf Course, right on the water’s edge. Explore Guadeloupe, a butterfly-shaped island divided into Grande Terre, flat with white sand beaches, and Basse Terre, mountainous with lush vegetation and beautiful bays.

Head to Les Saintes, a collection of small picturesque islands with a French atmosphere. Terre de Haut is a popular island with boutiques, French bakeries, art galleries and great restaurants, and you can dine on fresh seafood and locally caught lobster at La Paillote, right on the beach. Take a look at the full itinerary here.

Experience the best of the Leewards’ fantastic sailing conditions onboard ELEONORA, built to an exacting standard following the original lines of legendary racing schooner WESTWARD. Equally suite to fast racing or relaxed family cruising, she features wide, uncluttered decks for al fresco dining and sunbathing. Guests are looked after by a captain with 18 years of professional sailing experience and a passionate crew.

To book your Caribbean charter, contact charter@ypigroup.com

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