Yacht Charter Itinerary
Popular Activities
Food & Drink
Yacht Charter FAQ
Explore the Leeward Islands by Yacht
Scattered from Puerto Rico to Dominica, the Leeward Islands combine calm waters, sheltered anchorages, anda rhythm of their own. On your yacht charter, you can move from the well-loved bays of Antigua and Barbuda to St Barts and the uninhabited Isle Fourchue.
Leeward Islands 7-Day Itinerary
St Martin
DAY 1: St Martin/Sint Maarten brings together two characters on one island. The French side has good restaurants and calm anchorages, while the Dutch side is livelier, with casinos, nightlife and duty-free shopping. Maho Beach is worth a stop for its low-flying planes, which pass close enough over the sand to make for a photograph you won’t get elsewhere.
St Barts
DAY 2: St Barts is known for its French cuisine and the boutiques of Gustavia. Start with a swim off Colombier Beach, then continue to Isle Fourchue, a rugged, uninhabited island with calm water for snorkelling and paddleboarding, and a picnic on the beach if the mood takes you.
St Eustatius
DAY 3: Statia is quieter and more intimate. Its marine park has volcanic reefs and shipwrecks for divers, and the historic town of Oranjestad is the place to learn more about the island’s history and culture.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
DAY 4: These twin islands pair natural beauty with colonial history. On St Kitts, the hike up Mount Liamuiga and a visit to Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are the highlights. Nevis is slower, with hot springs, lush hillsides and tropical gardens, and an island pace that is easy to settle into.
Barbuda
DAY 5: Barbuda is a haven of tranquillity with 11 miles of pink-sand beaches. Picture your yacht anchored in a secluded bay where the only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and seabird song. Spend your days exploring the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, savouring beach barbecues prepared by the yacht chef, or diving into vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life.
Antigua
DAY 6: Antigua is the heart of Caribbean yachting, home to English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its calm bays suit paddleboarding, jet-skiing and sailing, and there are stingray encounters for those who want them. Finish at Shirley Heights Lookout, where the view is at its best at sunset.
Anguilla
DAY 7: Anguilla is a place of calm anchorages and white-sand beaches, Shoal Bay among the best known. Swim in clear water, jump from the cliffs at Little Bay if you feel like it, and end the day with freshly grilled seafood on the beach.
Popular Leeward Activities
Each island in the Leeward Islands has its own character, making a Caribbean yacht charter adventure truly unique.
Snorkelling and Diving
The Leewards are as good beneath the surface as above it. Explore Barbuda’s coral gardens, Statia’s shipwrecks and Nevis’ reefs, where you will likely encounter turtles, rays and schools of tropical fish. Colombier Bay on St Barts has no road access, which makes the yacht the easiest way to reach it. The water is calm and good for snorkelling and swimming.
Hiking and Nature Exploration
For those who prefer dry land, there is the summit of Mount Liamuiga on St Kitts, the Quill volcano on Statia, and the coastal trails of St Barts, with hummingbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans to spot along the way.
Leeward Islands Food and Drink
Jerk Chicken Skewers
Tender skewers caramelised with pineapple, glazed with scotch bonnet and finished with a squeeze of lime, heat and sweetness in balance. Serve them with a cold Wadadli, Antigua’s own lager, or a Carib, whose light, crisp body takes the edge off the spice.
Fusion Cuisine
French finesse, Dutch tradition, and Caribbean boldness come together in dishes like Accras de Morue: golden salted cod fritters bursting with aromatic herbs and spices. Each bite a taste of island heritage.
Island-Inspired Cocktails
Rum punches, tropical fruit cocktails, and locally infused creations flow effortlessly, their vibrant flavours perfectly echoing the spirit of the islands and enhancing every meal. Best at the end of a day on the water.
Yacht Charter Leeward Islands Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to consider different entry requirements when visiting multiple Leeward islands?
Yes. The Leeward Islands include several different countries and overseas territories, each with its own immigration and customs requirements. Depending on your nationality and itinerary, you may need to meet specific entry conditions when moving between destinations. Moncada and your yacht captain can help clarify the requirements for your planned route, including any necessary documentation before departure.
What happens if the weather changes during a Leeward Islands yacht charter?
Your captain will monitor weather forecasts and sea conditions throughout the charter, adjusting the itinerary when necessary to prioritise safety and comfort. This may mean changing an anchorage, altering the order of planned stops or choosing a more sheltered destination. Keeping some flexibility in your itinerary helps make the most of the region without being tied to a fixed schedule.
What currency is used across the Leeward Islands?
The currency varies across the Leeward Islands, as the region includes several different countries and territories. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is used in destinations including Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis, while St Martin and St Barts use the euro on their French side. US dollars are also widely accepted in many tourism-focused destinations. Checking local payment arrangements before travelling can help when planning expenses ashore.
What type of yacht is best for a Leeward Islands yacht charter?
The best yacht for a Leeward Islands charter depends on your preferred pace of travel, group size, and onboard priorities. A motor yacht can suit guests looking for spacious accommodation, onboard amenities, and the flexibility to explore multiple destinations, while a sailing yacht may appeal to those who enjoy a more traditional sailing experience. Catamarans offer generous outdoor living areas and stability at anchor. Moncada can help identify the right yacht based on your itinerary, budget, and the experience you want to create.
