7-Day Yachtsman's Caribbean

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

The capital city of Puerto Rico, San Juan
is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean and home to a third of
all Puerto Ricans. Nearly every visitor to the island arrives at
San Juan, many on cruise liners. It's one of the largest home-based
cruise ports in the world, hosting many vessels with more being
added each year.

San Juan is divided into three distinct
districts: Old San Juan, the historic walled city; the beach and
resort area; and the outlying suburbs. Tourists mainly visit Old
San Juan, the site of most restaurants, shops, entertainment venues
and some exquisite beaches.

The old city is linked to the new by the
largely residential barrio of Puerta de Tierra and a series of
modern highways leading to the Condado beachfront, which is
reminiscent of Florida's Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels and
apartment blocks.

It is not only tourism that keeps the
financial mills grinding in San Juan. The city is an important
centre for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling,
and the manufacturing of cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products
and tobacco products.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle,
there are numerous attractions in San Juan to amuse, entertain and
interest many tourists, and the city is a perfect base for
exploring the rest of what this small Caribbean island has to
offer.

Frenchman's Cay

Frenchman's Cay is a picturesque island located at the western end of Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Known for its breathtaking landscapes, exclusive resorts, and tranquil atmosphere, the cay is a small paradise that attracts travelers seeking a blend of adventure, luxury, and seclusion. With a land area that spans just a few hundred acres, Frenchman's Cay is connected to the main island of Tortola via a short bridge, making it easily accessible while still providing an aura of privacy and exclusivity.

The island's history is rich with stories of pirates and settlers who were drawn to the natural beauty and strategic location of the cay. Today, Frenchman's Cay maintains its historic charm while embracing modern amenities, ensuring a unique and comfortable experience for visitors and residents alike.

One of the island's most notable features is the Soper's Hole Marina, set on its southern shore, which serves as the gateway to Frenchman's Cay. This bustling marina is a hub for yachting enthusiasts and the charter boat industry. Colorful local shops, boutiques, and eateries line the waterfront, creating a vibrant atmosphere that contrasts with the otherwise peaceful island. The marina also provides essential services for boaters, including customs and immigration for those coming from international waters.

Accommodations on Frenchman's Cay range from intimate beachfront villas to luxurious vacation rentals and high-end resorts like the Frenchman's Cay Hotel. These accommodations are designed to maximize the stunning ocean views and provide privacy and comfort to guests. Often adorned with lush tropical gardens and private pools, they offer an idyllic setting for relaxation and contemplation.

Beyond the indulgences of its resorts, Frenchman's Cay is surrounded by some of the clearest and bluest waters in the Caribbean, making it an ideal spot for water sports and outdoor activities. Activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and fishing are popular, with abundant marine life and coral reefs waiting to be explored. Several dive shops and charter companies operate in the area, offering equipment rental and guided excursions for both beginners and experienced divers.

For those interested in terrestrial adventures, the island has a number of trails for hiking and nature walks. The surrounding hills provide panoramic views of the Caribbean sea, the BVI archipelago, and the nearby US Virgin Islands. The island's relatively untouched environment is home to a variety of tropical wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and plant species unique to the Caribbean region.

Frenchman's Cay also offers a culinary journey with restaurants featuring both local and international cuisine. Fresh seafood is a staple of the island's gastronomy, and many dining establishments boast locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a delicious and authentic taste of the Caribbean.

Despite its small size, Frenchman's Cay plays a significant role in the local economy of the British Virgin Islands. It is a prime location for real estate investment, with many expatriates and investors drawn to the exclusive properties and potential for high-end vacation rentals. The island's infrastructure supports a comfortable lifestyle while maintaining the natural beauty and charm that make it a sought-after destination.

In conclusion, Frenchman's Cay is a jewel of the British Virgin Islands that offers an enchanting combination of luxury, seclusion, and adventure. With its stunning natural beauty, excellent marina facilities, upscale accommodations, and myriad of activities both on land and in the water, it's no wonder that this little island has become a prestigious retreat for those looking to experience the best of the Caribbean lifestyle.

South Friars Bay

South Friar's Bay is a bay in Saint George Basseterre Parish, Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is one of the two bays that stretch along the coast of the isthmus connecting the Southeast Peninsula, with the rest of the island of Saint Kitts. It is longer than its northern neighbour (North Friar's Bay). At their closest, the two coasts are less than one kilometre apart.

Trois-Ilets

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Martinique is an overseas region of France and one of the many islands that make up the Lesser Antilles island group affectionately referred to as the 'Breezy Islands'.

The destination enjoys a rich and diverse history, as showcased through attractions such as the quaint little cottage of La Pagerie, which honours a family of the same name. Josephine, a daughter of that clan, became the Empress of Napoleon. The 600-foot (182m) pinnacle of Diamond Rock rises majestically from the sea and was once a strategic garrison during the Napoleonic wars. Today, the spectacular caves and coral reefs around the pinnacle attract scuba divers from all corners of the globe.

The majestic volcano, Mount Pelee, sits smoldering above the former capital Saint-Pierre, a once booming town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902. The twin peaks of Carbet and Mount Pelee dominate the island, rising above Martinique's legendary tropical rainforest. Unlike so many exotic island locations, this area of unspoilt beauty has not yet been fully discovered by tourists.

There is something for just about everybody on Martinique. The active and adventurous can enjoy kitesurfing, yachting, diving, surfing and sailing as well as mountain biking, hiking, and cliff jumping. For the less adventurous, warm sunny days can be spent lazing on the sandy, white, palm-fringed beaches, many of which are truly magnificent.

Port Elizabeth, Bequia

Stunningly beautiful and pleasantly laid-back, Port Elizabeth in St Vincent and the Grenadines is an unmissable Caribbean gem. This charming coastal town owes its beauty to the array of turquoise waters, golden beaches, verdant mountains, and brightly colored architecture. Nestled within the serene Bequia Island, the second-largest island in the Grenadines, it promises an enchanting experience to every discerning traveler.

As you step onto the sun-kissed shores, you're greeted with the sight of quaint waterfront eateries, local shops, and a bustling harbor filled with boats ranging from small fishing smacks to luxury yachts. The town's charm lies in its simplicity and small size; it carries an air of unspoiled authenticity which can be enjoyed leisurely on foot.

The Belmont Walkway is a beautiful seafront promenade in Port Elizabeth that stretches around much of the bay. It serves as a lovely path to explore the town at your own pace while soaking in the stunning vistas. The walkway is dotted with a medley of local restaurants and bars from where you can try out some of the best culinary delights that St Vincent and the Grenadines offers, including freshly-caught seafood paired with locally-grown vegetables and exotic fruits.

Whaleboner Bar and Restaurant, located at one end of Belmont Walkway, is worth a special mention. With its entrance fashioned from two whale jawbones and serving exceptional lobster pizza, it's certainly a unique feature of Port Elizabeth.

Beyond the limits of the town, one can enjoy spectacular views from the top of Mount Pleasant. Breathtaking scenes of beaches, reefs, and neighbouring islands like Mustique and Canouan are visible from here making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

For water-lovers, there is an array of activities to indulge in. From diving amongst vibrant coral reefs and exploring underwater caves to sailing across the sparkling blue waters and visiting nearby islands, it's a paradise for adventurers. The Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay Beach are among the favourites, offering warm sand, clear waters, and tranquillity.

Port Elizabeth is not just about nature and beauty; it also hosts lively local events that showcase the rich culture of the region. The Bequia Music Fest held annually in January or February is a popular attraction that fills the air with music ranging from reggae and calypso to blues and rock.

Port Elizabeth's marketplace is another place where the town's pulse can be felt. Packed with stands selling fresh produce, local spices, artisan goods, and handmade crafts, it's a vibrant spot to experience local life. 

Visiting this charming town in St Vincent and the Grenadines blends the allure of pristine beaches, turquoise seas, fascinating local culture, and flavourful cuisine into an unforgettable Caribbean experience. The friendly residents put the cherry on top of your visit, greeting you with warm smiles and helpful advice to make your stay even more enjoyable. In all its simplicity and charm, Port Elizabeth exemplifies the essence of the Caribbean in a way few places do.

Saint George's

Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa those heady aromas fill the air in Grenada (pronounced gruh-nay-da). Only 21 miles (33½ km) long and 12 miles (19½ km) wide, the Isle of Spice is a tropical gem of lush rain forests, white-sand beaches, secluded coves, exotic flowers, and enough locally grown spices to fill anyone's kitchen cabinet. St. George's is one of the most picturesque capital cities in the Caribbean, St. George's Harbour is one of the most picturesque harbors, and Grenada's Grand Anse Beach is one of the region's finest beaches. The island has friendly, hospitable people and enough good shopping, restaurants, historic sites, and natural wonders to make it a popular port of call. About one-third of Grenada's visitors arrive by cruise ship, and that number continues to grow each year. Grenada's capital is a bustling West Indian city, much of which remains unchanged from colonial days. Narrow streets lined with shops wind up, down, and across steep hills. Brick warehouses cling to the waterfront, and pastel-painted homes rise from the waterfront and disappear into steep green hills. The horseshoe-shaped St. George's Harbour, a submerged volcanic crater, is arguably the prettiest harbor in the Caribbean. Schooners, ferries, and tour boats tie up along the seawall or at the small dinghy dock. The Carenage (pronounced car-a-nahzh), which surrounds the harbor, is the capital's center. Warehouses, shops, and restaurants line the waterfront. The Christ of the Deep statue that sits on the pedestrian plaza at the center of The Carenage was presented to Grenada by Costa Cruise Line in remembrance of its ship, Bianca C, which burned and sank in the harbor in 1961 and is now a favorite dive site. An engineering feat for its time, the 340-foot-long Sendall Tunnel was built in 1895 and named for Walter Sendall, an early governor. The narrow tunnel, used by both pedestrians and vehicles, separates the harbor side of St. George's from the Esplanade on the bay side of town, where you can find the markets (produce, meat, and fish), the Cruise Ship Terminal, the Esplanade Mall, and the public bus station.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown originally called 'Indian Bridge' is the capital and commercial centre of Barbados with about 80 000 inhabitants. It is a busy port with a natural harbour inlet known as the Careenage and is well utilised by pleasure craft and fishing boats.Bridgetown has a long and colourful history as a British settlement from the 17th century. A bustling city with many attractions for travellers its mix of modern and historic buildings are interspersed with markets monuments and a number of lush gardens.The main street Broad Street is where one finds banks department stores and duty-free shops. At the top of Broad Street is the Parliament Building (the Barbados Parliament is the third oldest in the Commonwealth dating from 1639) facing National Heroes Square. Bridgetown is home to a number of historical buildings that will interest visitors including the Garrison Historic Area which is a must-visit for military history buffs.Another attraction in Bridgetown is a massive Baobab tree (said to have been brought to the island from Guinea Africa around 1738). It takes 15 adults with outstretched arms to encircle the trunk.Tourists in Bridgetown will find much to see and do: cricket games at Kensington Oval which hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup; the Barbados Derby at the racetrack in the Garrison area; and many other events and activities. A range of duty-free shops near the harbour sell staples like Mount Gay Rum while more colourful shopping options include the Cheapside Market and the Swan Street pedestrian mall. Local restaurants in the Careenage serve up fresh lobster and fish with Caribbean flair.