Chasing the Winter Sun in the Caribbean

Explore the Caribbean superyacht season, from the Antigua Charter Yacht Show and must-see yachts to emerging destinations for winter charter.

There is no better time to escape the cold and dark in search of some much-deserved winter sun. From December through to early April, the Caribbean becomes one of the world’s leading superyacht destinations, offering a perfect warm climate, turquoise seas and an incredible variety of islands to explore.

From the established superyacht hubs of St Barths, Antigua, St Martin and the British Virgin Islands to the dramatic landscapes of St Lucia and Grenada and the secluded anchorages of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Windward Islands, each destination brings something different to a Caribbean charter. Glamorous restaurants and beach clubs can be combined with quiet bays, exceptional scuba diving and seemingly endless opportunities to island-hop.

The Caribbean Season Starts in Antigua

Held in early December with over 70 yachts making an appearance, the Antigua Charter Yacht Show returns to Nelson’s Dockyard for its 65th anniversary. One of the longest established events in the charter calendar, the show brings together charter yachts, captains, crews and brokers from around the world at the start of the winter season.

For Yomira, it is an invaluable opportunity to inspect the yachts that will be cruising the Caribbean over the months ahead. Crucially we meet their captains and crews and check out everything from the onboard atmosphere and service to the food, facilities and water toys first-hand. Ultimately a key occasion to select the “best in show” to recommend to our clients.

Yachts to Watch

Among the yachts heading to Antigua this year, these are four that are firmly on our must see list.

Caribbean Hotspots

Jumby Bay Island

Jumby Bay Island is one of the world’s most luxurious destinations, offering a more private and refined alternative just off the coast of Antigua. As a Yomira partner, guests can pair a stay on the island with a bespoke sailing experience, including a personal estate butler transfer to the yacht, a choice of historic sailing vessels with professional crew and a private chef. Unlimited water sports, family-friendly activities and a signature itinerary from Jumby Bay to Green Island, Barbuda and Little Jumby Island make it a particularly appealing addition to a Caribbean charter.

Anguilla

While the Caribbean’s established superyacht hotspots remain firm favourites, a number of less familiar islands are beginning to attract more attention from charter guests looking to venture beyond the usual favourites.

Anguilla has long been known for its beaches, but its strong food scene is giving charter guests even more reason to spend time ashore. Its 33 beaches and excellent beachfront dining, including Blanchards on Meads Bay, Elvis’ Beach Bar on Sandy Ground and Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay. Its proximity to St Martin and St Barths also makes it particularly easy to include within a Leeward Islands charter.

Dominica and Grenada

Further south, Dominica and Grenada offer something quite different from the Caribbean’s better-known beach club destinations. Dominica’s rainforest, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, diving and whale watching make it particularly suited to adventurous charter itineraries, while Grenada combines beautiful anchorages, lush scenery and an increasingly interesting restaurant and hospitality scene.

Quieter Cruising Grounds

There is also a growing appetite for quieter cruising grounds. Anegada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and the Out Islands of The Bahamas among our picks for escaping the region’s busier destinations. For superyacht charter guests, these islands offer exactly what travelling by yacht does best: access to remote anchorages, uncrowded beaches and the flexibility to discover places that can be much harder to reach from land.

Caribbean Superyacht Charter with Yomira

We are looking forward to returning to the Antigua Charter Yacht Show and seeing the yachts, crews and destinations set to shape the season ahead. If escaping to the Caribbean for a superyacht charter this winter sounds appealing, please get in touch with the Yomira team and we would be delighted to help you find the best yacht and tailor the perfect itinerary.