Why should I take my family on a sailing holiday in the Caribbean?
If you need to jet off somewhere warm and exotic with your family to get away from the stresses and strains of daily life, consider a yachting holiday in the Caribbean. With endless stretches of sand and calm oceans, your entire brood will love it here.
Throw in the fact you get to sail around the Caribbean on your very own luxury yacht, and you no doubt will book your charter as quickly as possible. Should you need any more convincing, below are some of the top reasons why this corner of the globe is perfect for a family break.
There is a lot to see and do
You certainly cannot get bored on a sailing holiday in the Caribbean. For a start, you have the freedom and flexibility to hop between a variety of islands, meaning you can see one, two or maybe even three new destinations each day.
St Martin is one country that should be at the top of your sailing agenda due to its wealth of cultural attractions. The Butterfly Farm is a great introduction to the beautiful wildlife of the Caribbean and little ones will be enthralled by the hundreds of winged creatures fluttering above their heads.
If your children love ruins, take them to Fort Amsterdam. Many foundations have been unearthed as a result of archaeological digs, with the fort dating all of the way back to 1631. Just two years after the Dutch built the majestic defence, it was taken over by the Spanish and then passed into several different hands over the years.
The sugar plantations of St Martin are also interesting to visit, with one of the best ones Saint Jean. While production of sugar halted in 1860, you can still see many remains, such as a purgerie and sugar mill.
Should you have always dreamed about going to the Bahamas, there is plenty to do there aside from sunbathing on mile upon mile of dazzling white sand - not that this will ever get boring! Head to Marsh Harbour on Great Abacos Island and you can go diving at the Abacos Train Wreck and the Adirondack, which young and old alike will find intriguing to explore.
The Pelican Cays National Park is also a short boat journey away and is home to drop-offs, undersea caves and coral reefs. Of course, not all of your family will be old enough or interested in diving, and simply splashing about in the water or snorkelling is just as good. You should still catch a glimpse of the brightly-coloured aquatic life.
The sailing conditions are gentle
There is no need to be concerned about your family getting tossed from one side of your yacht to the other when sailing in the Caribbean. The conditions here are perfect for taking to the water, especially if you decide to sail around the British Virgin Islands. In the summer, the wind speed is a gentle 10 to 15 knots, lifting to up to 25 knots during the winter. The distances between its islands are also short, so don't worry about little ones getting impatient at sea. Its sheltered anchorages are another reason why the British Virgin Islands is perfect for a family yacht charter.
The sailing conditions in Grenada are also fantastic, with an average temperature of 20 degrees C and a typical wind speed of around 15 to 25 knots. It is perhaps best you visit between late autumn and the middle of the summer if you want to increase your chance of avoiding rainfall.
The bars and beaches are family friendly
Bring your children to the Caribbean and they will be met with huge smiles and hugs wherever they go. The beaches are perfect to spend the day relaxing, with the majority boasting tranquil surroundings and gentle rolling waves.
St Martin has 37 beaches across its 70 km of coastline. Dawn Beach is one of the top stretches of sand to head to and is found at Oyster Pond. It is surrounded by hills and the dazzling lagoon, which make it a really pretty place to while away a few hours building sandcastles.
Long Bay is another St Martin beach and happens to be one of the longest on the entire island. In addition, it tends to be fairly quiet, so you can enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. Like the rest of the Caribbean's beachside bars and cafes, you will all be welcomed should you need to take a break from the sun and refuel with mouth-watering local cuisine. While mums and dads can enjoy one of the famous rum cocktails, youngsters can ask the barman to make up an alcohol-free version for them.
