The Caribbean Sea is a semi-enclosed sea of the Atlantic Ocean situated between Central and South America, as well as the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The numerous islands within the Caribbean Sea offer a real paradise, comprising an ideal blend of natural and man-made wonders, and a rich heritage of the colonial past in the form of house museums and grand mansions that perfectly complement the exotic landscapes. Here, the lush greenery of tropical forests alternates with volcanic landscapes, while vast expanses of coffee plantations give way to thickets of sugarcane and bananas.
The Caribbean is made up of the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The Greater Antilles consists of four large islands: Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. The Lesser Antilles form a long chain of small islands that create an arc, starting from the island of Aruba in the southwest and extending east to the island of Trinidad, before turning north and northeast and ending on the eastern corner of Puerto Rico. The islands give the impression of a mountain range that has been torn apart by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with isolated peaks protruding above the water’s surface.
For yachting enthusiasts, the Caribbean Islands are a true winter paradise. From December to May, they offer a great alternative to the cold and snow-covered Europe. We have prepared a brief guide to all the regions within the Caribbean that offer yacht and catamaran rental bases.
Yachting in Cuba
Yacht charter bases in Cuba are available at Cienfuegos on the South Coast. However, yachting in Cuba is recommended for experienced yachtsmen due to its high level of difficulty. The waters have strong tidal currents and coral reefs, shallow depths, difficult navigation, and strong currents. Large passages and the yachting infrastructure is not well-developed, hence provisions for the yacht must be ordered in advance. The lateral system B is applied, where the lights and signs on the right side are red, and on the left, they are green.
The climate in Cuba is tropical, with little temperature fluctuation. From December to May, the air temperature ranges from +25, while the water temperature is +23. From June to November, it is the rainy and hurricane season. The most favorable time for yachting in Cuba is from December to May, with the peak season being February to March. The winds predominantly come from the northeast at 15-25 knots, but they can change under the influence of tropical depressions, sometimes reaching up to 40 knots. On the south coast, the wind generally blows from the east and southeast.
Yachting in Puerto Rico
Fajardo, located on the east coast of the island, is one of the yacht bases for a yacht charter in Puerto Rico. The level of difficulty for yachting in Puerto Rico is medium, with tidal water areas (with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm) and coral reefs, with wave heights of 1-2 meters. There are several well-equipped marinas in Puerto Rico, protected anchorages in bays near the islands, and buoys for mooring yachts. The lateral system B is applied, where the lights and signs on the right side are red, and on the left, they are green.
The climate in Puerto Rico is tropical with little temperature fluctuation. The average annual air temperature in summer is +28, while the water temperature is +25. In the southern part, the temperature is slightly higher than in the north. The rainy season is from April to November. The most favorable time for yachting in Puerto Rico is from December to May.
The winds predominantly come from the northeast trade winds of 15-20 knots from November to January, and in December, they can reach up to 30 knots. Since February, the eastern direction prevails, and in the summer, it comes from the southeast. The hurricane season is from August to October.
Yachting in Belize
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Belize:
Southeast Coast – Placencia
Features of yachting in Belize:
Moderate difficulty level. There are many sandy bays for anchorages off the coast of Placencia, but a strong rolling wave rises with a northerly wind. To avoid pitching, it is better to anchor on the north side of the lagoon. There are dangerous shallows off the coast right in front of the entrance to the lagoons. The conditions for yachting within the barrier reef are not difficult, but only experienced yachtsmen should venture into open waters due to the many difficult reefs to navigate, especially near Tom Owens Island. Lateral system B is applied – red lights and signs are on the right side, and green on the left.
The season is characterized by a tropical climate with alternating dry and wet seasons and high humidity. The air temperature in summer does not fall below +30, and the water temperature is +25-27. Temperatures can drop significantly at night. From June to October, there is a rainy season with powerful tropical cyclones. The most favorable time for yachting in Belize is from December to May.
Winds – Northeast trade winds of 15-20 knots prevail in winter. In summer, the winds weaken and change direction to the southeast. During the daytime, the wind usually blows as scheduled from 10 am to 6 pm.
Yachting in the British Virgin Islands
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands:
Southeast Coast of Tortola – Road Town, Hogs Bay
Features of yachting in the British Virgin Islands:
Moderate difficulty level. The area has tidal waters (with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm) and coral reefs, with waves ranging from 1-2 meters. The British Virgin Islands have a well-developed yachting infrastructure with many comfortable and well-equipped marinas, protected anchorages in bays near the islands, and small passages between the islands. After strong winds, there can be strong waves in many bays. The lateral system B is applied – on the right side, the lights and signs are red, and on the left, they are green.
The season has a tropical climate with little temperature fluctuation. The average annual air temperature ranges from +25-28 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is around +25 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from April to November. The most favorable time for yachting in the British Virgin Islands is from December to May.
Winds – northeast trade winds of 15-20 knots prevail from November to June. In December, the wind can reach up to 30 knots and blow for several days without stopping. The hurricane season is from June to October.
Yachting in Saint Martin
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Saint-Martin:
The west coast of the island – Fort Louis
The north coast of the island – Anse Marseille
Features of yachting in Saint Martin:
Yachting in Saint Martin is of medium difficulty level due to the tidal water area (with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm) and coral reefs, with waves ranging from 1-2 meters. The island has several well-equipped marinas, but other parking lots are only available on barrels (buoys with moorings), which require the assistance of locals for an additional fee. Sunken yachts are marked by small yellow buoys, with many of them present after Hurricane Irma. It is essential to note that there are no drinking springs on the island. Lateral system B is applied, with red lights and signs on the right side and green on the left.
Season – Saint Martin has an equatorial climate with sunny and warm weather throughout the year. The average annual air temperature in summer is +28, and in winter it is two degrees lower, with the water temperature averaging +25. The wettest periods occur during late summer and early autumn. The most favorable time for yachting in Saint Martin is from December to May.
Winds – Northeast trade winds of 18-20 knots prevail from December to May, with intermittent rains possible. The cyclone season occurs from June to November, with southeasterly winds ranging from 10-25 knots.
Yachting in Antigua and Barbuda
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Antigua and Barbuda:
Antigua West Coast – Jolly Harbour
Features of yachting on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda:
Medium difficulty level. The tidal water area (with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm) and coral reefs create waves of 1-2 meters. Antigua has a well-developed infrastructure, with several well-equipped marinas, protected anchorages in bays near the islands, and buoys for mooring yachts. The lateral system B is applied – on the right side, the lights and signs are red, and on the left, they are green.
The season is characterized by a tropical climate with little temperature fluctuation. From December to May, the temperature can reach +30°C during the day, while at night, it can be cooler at around +20°C. The water temperature is around +25°C. June to November is the rainy season. The most favorable time for yachting in Antigua is from December to May.
Winds: From November to May, a northeasterly steady wind of 18-20 knots prevails, and intermittent rains are possible. Sometimes, rolling waves come from the north at some sites. From June to November, the wind is southeast at 10-25 knots. Late July to October is the tropical hurricane season.
Yachting in Guadeloupe
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Guadeloupe:
Southeast coast of the island – Pointe-à-Pitre.
Features of yachting in Guadeloupe:
The difficulty level is medium. The area has tidal waters (with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm) and coral reefs, with waves ranging from 1 to 2 meters. Guadeloupe has a well-developed infrastructure, with several well-equipped marinas, sheltered anchorages in bays near the islands, and buoys for mooring yachts. Routes along the Atlantic coast are recommended for experienced yachtsmen – big ocean waves and dangerous coral reefs. The lateral system B is applied, with red lights and signs on the right side and green on the left.
The season has a tropical climate with little temperature fluctuation. From December to May, the temperature can reach +30°C, while the nights are cooler at +20°C. The water temperature is around +25°C. June to November is the rainy season. The most favorable time for yachting in Guadeloupe is from December to May.
Winds:
From November to May, a northeasterly steady wind of 18-20 knots prevails, with intermittent rains. Rolling waves from the north can occur at some sites. From June to November, the wind is southeast at 10-25 knots. Late July to October is the tropical hurricane season.
Yachting in Martinique
Yacht charter bases in Martinique:
Le Marin, located on the south coast of the island
Features of yachting in Martinique:
Yachting in Martinique requires a medium level of difficulty due to the tidal water area (with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm) and coral reefs with waves between 1-2 meters. The south coast is home to the largest marina in the Caribbean, Les Marines, while there are numerous bays for anchorages and mooring buoys along the west coast in the Gulf of Fort-de-France. However, the east coast is heavily indented, and most of the bays’ entrance is blocked by reefs. The lateral system B is applied, with red lights and signs on the right side and green on the left side.
The season in Martinique has a tropical climate with little temperature fluctuation. From December to May, the average air temperature is +28, while nights are cooler at +20, and the water temperature averages at +25. May to August is the rainy season, and the most favorable time for yachting in Martinique is from December to May.
Winds in Martinique are steady from November to May, with a northeasterly direction of 18-20 knots, and intermittent rains are possible. Some sites might experience rolling waves from the north. From June to November, the wind changes direction to the southeast, with speeds ranging from 10-25 knots. Late July to October marks the tropical hurricane season.
Yachting in Saint Lucia
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Saint Lucia:
The north coast of the island – Rodney Bay
Features of yachting in Saint Lucia:
The difficulty level is medium. The area has tidal waters (with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm) and coral reefs, with waves of 1-2 meters. Rodney Bay, located in the north of the island, is a closed bay with a well-equipped and comfortable marina. There are many bays for anchorages and mooring buoys along the west coast. On the east coast of the island, the wind is stronger, and there are more ocean waves than on the western coast, with poor navigation markings. Lateral system B is applied – on the right side, the lights and signs are red, and on the left – green.
The season is a tropical climate with little temperature fluctuation. From December to May, the average air temperature is +28°C, the nights are cooler at +20°C, and the water temperature is +25°C. From May to August, it is the rainy season. The most favorable time for yachting in Saint Lucia is from December to May.
Winds – from November to May, a northeasterly steady wind of 18-20 knots prevails, with intermittent rains possible. Sometimes, rolling waves come from the north at some sites. From June to November, the wind is southeast at 10-25 knots. The late July to October period is the tropical hurricane season.
Yachting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are located on the south coast of the island, in Calliagua.
Features of yachting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines include a medium difficulty level, a tidal water area with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm, and coral reefs with waves ranging from 1-2 meters. The well-equipped Blue Lagoon marina on the south coast of St. Vincent provides all yachting infrastructure, with protected anchorages in closed bays and mooring buoys available. The lateral system B is applied, with red lights and signs on the right side and green on the left.
The season is characterized by a tropical climate with little temperature fluctuation. From December to May, the temperature can reach +30, with cooler nights at +20 and a water temperature of +25. June to November is the rainy season. The most favorable time for yachting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is from December to May.
Winds range from a northeasterly steady wind of 18-20 knots with intermittent rains from November to May. Rolling waves may come from the north in some areas during this time. From June to November, the wind is southeast, ranging from 10-25 knots. Late July to October is the tropical hurricane season.
Yachting in Grenada
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Grenada are located on the southwest coast of the island, near St. Georges.
Features of yachting in Grenada:
The level of difficulty is medium. The area has tidal waters with a small tide amplitude of 30-45 cm, coral reefs, and waves of 1-2 meters. The transitions between stops are small. Grenada has a well-equipped modern port, protected anchorages in the bays near the islands, and also barrels (buoys with moorings) which can be boarded only with the help of locals for an additional fee. Lateral system B is applied, with red lights and signs on the right and green on the left.
The season in Grenada has a tropical climate with little temperature fluctuation. From December to May, the temperature can reach up to +30°C during the day, while the nights are cooler at around +20°C, and the water temperature is around +25°C. June to November is the rainy season. The most favorable time for yachting in Grenada is from December to May.
Winds in Grenada prevail from November to May, with a northeasterly steady wind of 18-20 knots, and intermittent rains possible. Sometimes, rolling waves come from the north at certain sites. From June to November, the wind is southeast at 10-25 knots. Late July to October is the tropical hurricane season.
