Best arrival point into northern Caribbean after an Atlantic crossing

[GhostChaser]

Hi, am hoping to get some views on the best place to arrive into the northern part of the Caribbean in mid-December after an Atlantic crossing.

This will be the start of a cruise south through the Caribbean and onto Panama in March before the Pacific crossing back to Australia.

Am thinking Antigua but also possibly the Virgin Islands.

Would be interested in any views around best the destination with respect to
- cheap chandlery
- provisioning
- marine services
- general thoughts on location

Thanks

[MarkJ]

St Martin, half way between the BVIs and Antigua has the best chandleries in the WORLD... and duty free.

its the best spot to land in the Caribbean and is civilized, great food, low prices, great provisioning all in a dinghy right from your boat.

[sy_gilana]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

St Martin, half way between the BVIs and Antigua has the best chandleries in the WORLD... and duty free.

its the best spot to land in the Caribbean and is civilized, great food, low prices, great provisioning all in a dinghy right from your boat.

Seconded

[GhostChaser]

Thanks for the replies.

Am hoping to start further north and then go south (not keen on backtracking). St Lucia will now be a must see destination!

Any suggestions for the best landing further north BVI, VI, Antigua, St Martin, St Barts etc

[neilsty]

St Martin - no better place.
It is at the north end of the islands, so you can head over to St Barths or down to Antigua and then further south.
Simpson Bay is the best place in the islands for boat parts, plus lots of very good and reasonable proved boat techs for whatever you need done. Plus great provisioning and probably one of the best places to fly people in and out of the caribbean. Great anchorage just outside the Dutch side draw bridge at Simpson bay.

[neilsty]

meant reasonably priced not proved - apple spell correct error again

[GhostChaser]

Thanks all. You just made my decision easy.