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SailSC · 01-10-2015, 19:11

So it looks like I will be planning a one week bareboat charter trip with my wife, another couple and a few of our college age kids on spring break in April.

After past trips to the Abacos, BVI and Grenadines I would like to try someplace different.

We are looking for an even mix of bars/restaurants, good beaches and quiet harbors. Of course good sailing and diving conditions is a must and the water temperature needs to be reasonable in mid April.

Does anybody want to name their favorite Caribbean cruising area that is NOT the BVI or Grenadines?

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belizesailor · 01-10-2015, 19:19

Belize has world class diving, good sailing, and warm water year round. Most of the outer cayes are undeveloped so bar/resturant options are limited except in San Pedro/Caye Caulker/Placencia, but you can easily have picturesque anchorages, and even islands, all to yourself.

SailSC · 01-10-2015, 20:15

Thanks BelizeSailor! Belize is definitely on the list for consideration.

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**Hud3** · 02-10-2015, 05:12

You might look into chartering in St Martin. It's easy to get there by air, which is a real consideration with only a week's vacation. You'll find some great restaurants in Grand Case, and snorkeling or diving nearby at Roche Creole. A day sail to Saba will get you some excellent diving opportunities. Stop in Ile Fourchue for an isolated anchorage with some hiking and snorkeling spots, then on to St Barths for something entirely different from your BVI and Grenadines experiences.

SailSC · 02-10-2015, 06:07

Thank you Hud3. It sounds like St. Martin is another good place to consider.

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SaltyTanned · 02-10-2015, 08:37

Guadeloupe with les Saintes, Marie Galante or to the other side with Antigua Barbuda.

captmikem · 02-10-2015, 08:41

Tonga,
It is beautiful, islands are easy to sail in, navigation is easy, people are very friendly, and you meet lots of cruising folks. The locals will put on a pig roast (which is a feast), dance etc. Fantastic snorkeling, crystal clear water, no hassles. Only problem is you will want to stay.

Michael

Cheechako · 02-10-2015, 09:03

For an "even mix of bars, good restaurants " etc. You are going to have to stay to the more populated areas... BVI, ST Martin, etc.

Mithril Bham · 02-10-2015, 09:08

Love Guadeloupe. Want good food? Stay French. Remember conditions will not be as protected as BVI. Not cheap.

SailSC · 02-10-2015, 09:13

Tonga and the South Pacific is definitely on the bucket list but is too far for this trip. I'm in SC, USA. But thanks for the input!

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SailSC · 02-10-2015, 09:18

So in Guadeloupe how is the language barrier for us mono language Americans? Our group loves good food!

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Mithril Bham · 02-10-2015, 09:29

French is definitely the language in Guadeloupe but we had no problem speaking English only. Roads are great. Good produce since lots of water and farmland unlike most of the caribbean.