Places to avoid in Carribean

[PamlicoTraveler]

Nobody goes to the Caribbean anymore...it's too crowded.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Hud3

We spent two years cruising up and down the Lesser Antilles, visiting all but three of the islands, and enjoyed each of them for it's own unique characteristics. We had no bad experiences whatsoever, and thoroughly enjoyed all the friendly, welcoming people we met.

Nevis impressed us as a lovely, friendly place, so we sold our home in Virginia, USA, and bought a house on Nevis, living there full-time for six years. We made many friends, both ex-pats and locals. I have no idea why our experiences in the eastern Caribbean seem to be so radically different from those who talk about crime and unpleasantness.

I think we were one of two boats for 3 days at Nevis when we were there. Ditto for many other places.. There's a day sail from Jolly Harbor or from Nelson Harbor in Antigua where you will be secluded and the only boat with your own beach. Same thing in Guadeloupe. I think too many people follow the guide books and don't get away from the suggested popular anchorages.

[sailorboy1]

I think everyone should just go to Canada, a

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by PamlicoTraveler

Nobody goes to the Caribbean anymore...it's too crowded.

Can you post the lat/lon for this "Caribbean" place? Apparently its one specific location.

[CaptTL]

I'm surprised no one mentioned the BVI's. I'm sure there is crime there, but I have never heard of any directed at tourists or sailboat charters. Nevertheless, what I can tell you is it is crowded and expensive.

I have been going there since 1980 and it is a vastly different place today. In fact, it is vastly different from the 1990's. The crowd has really taken away the charm and allure of those islands, and so have all the mooring fields and beach bars.

[Matt sachs]

Originally Posted by tbodine88

......The people of St Kitts were wonderful to me.

Love love love St. Kitts. The Shiggity shack on Thursday nights is worth the trip!

[zboss]

Originally Posted by CaptTL

I'm surprised no one mentioned the BVI's. I'm sure there is crime there, but I have never heard of any directed at tourists or sailboat charters. Nevertheless, what I can tell you is it is crowded and expensive.

I have been going there since 1980 and it is a vastly different place today. In fact, it is vastly different from the 1990's. The crowd has really taken away the charm and allure of those islands, and so have all the mooring fields and beach bars.

One time, a while ago, I would have agreed with you. However, now that I accept that things change (and you cannot hold a people back), its not such a bad thing that there are more beach bars and people. I like meeting new people, locals and tourists alike, lots of people have interesting things about them. Some not so much... but still.

Yes, I do miss things about the "old days"... like spending all summer without seeing more than a handful of boats coming to the island. Reefs that were alive, water that was as clear as gin. When there was no electric or water service. No roads. When dinners at "fancy restaurants" were served by candlelight because that was the only option. When everyones kids would play at each others houses. A once-a-week ferry service.

But... you can't live in the past. As far as I am concerned, the water is still just as warm and inviting, the locals (at least the ones you want to be friends with) are just as happy and friendly, and the food and drink is better than ever. I can get IPA's now!

Yes, there are more people and more boats, but you just need to look past that.

Crime... there has always been major crime against "visitors" but for everyone but the victims, it was never talked about, for whatever reason.

[Mark1977]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I think everyone should just go to Canada, a

Yes, come here and get out of the Caribbean.....more room when i get there.

[dohenyboy]

Its like university, where 20% of the ladies had 80%of the dates.
Many places are less traveled like the aforementioned Great Inagua and Barbuda
Cat island, Rum Key now almost deserted since the marina is closed, San Salvador, the Berry islands
Montserrat, Saba yes you have to pick your window, Dominica
san Andres and Providencia
All places which are also lacking in provisioning and chandleries, that is the trade off.


Sent from an undisclosed location on the high seas or from the lounge chair by the pool, you decide.

[onestepcsy37]

Please don't tell anyone about Rum Cay.

Sent from my GT-P3113 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[bobconnie]

We have made pretty much the whole thing over the last 12 yrs, And the thing that's changed the most is the cost's of most everything !! LOL We have been staying mostly in the Mexico, Belize, Rio D, and so on. We find less boats in the anchorages, and way cheaper veggies and fruit! and in the cruiseing season your gonna have weather you can count on, and the winds pretty fair for good sailing! Being some of the Cheap Cruisers, less expensive fruit and veggies are important to us ! LOL

[Weathermelon]

Cuba rocks

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

Please don't tell anyone about Rum Cay.

Sent from my GT-P3113 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

Did someone mention Rum Cay? Technically not in the Caribbean but a nice quiet place and good reefs for diving and hunting.

[Mark1977]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I think everyone should just go to Canada, a

Oh and Don it's "ehh" not "a" ehh....

[CaptTL]

Originally Posted by zboss

Yes, I do miss things about the "old days"... like spending all summer without seeing more than a handful of boats coming to the island. Reefs that were alive, water that was as clear as gin. When there was no electric or water service. No roads. When dinners at "fancy restaurants" were served by candlelight because that was the only option. When everyones kids would play at each others houses.

But... you can't live in the past.

Yeah, you're right. Live reefs, gin clear water and uncrowded anchorages are a turnoff.