Blue Ocean Club
Blue Ocean Club cruising guide

Yacht charter in the Leeward Islands

Cruising the Leeward Islands on a crewed yacht offers varied sailing between distinct island territories. Routes often involve open-water passages across trade-wind channels, suiting charterers who appreciate active sailing alongside sheltered coastal stops. The region encompasses historic naval harbours, reef-protected bays, and low-lying coral atolls. It suits groups and families seeking a balance of offshore cruising, water sports, and shore excursions across contrasting islands including St Maarten, St Barts, Antigua, and Barbuda.

Best time to charter

The primary charter season runs from December to April, marked by reliable north-easterly trade winds of 15 to 25 knots and minimal rainfall. Peak demand occurs during the festive period and regatta weeks. May brings lighter breezes and fewer yachts, while the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, during which charter operations are significantly reduced.

Anchorages and harbours to know

Anse de Colombier, St Barts

A sheltered, uninhabited bay within the nature reserve featuring mooring buoys, clear water, and walking tracks to the headland.

English Harbour, Antigua

A deeply indented, historic harbour offering landlocked shelter, designated anchorages, and direct access to restored naval facilities.

Green Island, Antigua

An uninhabited island protected by an outer barrier reef, providing calm waters for tender use and water sports.

Simpson Bay, St Maarten

A broad roadstead anchorage and sheltered lagoon entrance providing well-protected holding and quick access to coastal services.

Low Bay, Barbuda

A long, open anchorage fronted by sand beaches, offering settled holding during typical easterly trade winds.

Practical tips

  • Getting there: St Maarten (SXM) and Antigua (ANU); St Barts (SBH) for small aircraft. Simpson Bay marinas are about 5–15 minutes from St Maarten airport; English Harbour and Falmouth are about 30–40 minutes from Antigua airport.
  • Fly into St Maarten (SXM) or Antigua (ANU); Simpson Bay marinas are 5–15 minutes from SXM, while English Harbour and Falmouth are 30–40 minutes from ANU.
  • Cruising between island nations requires clearing customs and immigration at designated ports of entry, with passports and ship documents presented by the yacht captain.
  • Provisioning is most extensive on St Maarten and Antigua, which have large supermarkets near key marinas, whereas smaller outlying islands have more restricted inventory.
  • Respect marine park zones by securing to designated moorings rather than anchoring on live coral reefs, and observe dinghy speed restrictions within harbour channels.

Yachts listed for the Leeward Islands

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