Lesser Antilles

Lesser Antilles

There’s nothing inferior about the eastern curve of The Antilles. While big-hitting islands such as Jamaica and Cuba dominate the Greater Antilles, the Lesser is all about post-stamp-sized stunners such as St Lucia, Martinique, St Croix and Barbados. There are so many lovely islands to drop anchor at that a Y.CO yacht charters becomes your essential partner in exploration.

Idyllic & Colorful

Idyllic & Colorful

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YACHT CHARTER ITINERARIES

INSPIRATIONAL ITINERARIES IN THE LESSER ANTILLES

Island-Hopping on the Caribbean Rim

Your Guide to the Lesser Antilles

Island-Hopping on the Caribbean Rim

REASONS TO VISIT

WHY WE LOVE THE LESSER ANTILLES

Unspoiled Natural Beauty

The Lesser Antilles, a stunning chain of islands in the Caribbean, often escape the heavy tourist traffic seen on more popular destinations, preserving their landscapes and ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy beaches, rainforests, and coral reefs without the crowds. The environment provides a perfect backdrop for activities like snorkeling, hiking, and bird watching. The tranquility and raw beauty of these islands offer a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.

Rich Cultural Heritage

The Lesser Antilles boast a rich cultural tapestry woven from a blend of African, European, Indigenous, and Asian influences. Each island has its unique traditions, festivals, and cuisine that reflect this diverse heritage. Local markets brimming with handcrafted goods and delicious island cuisine provide a taste of authentic Caribbean life. Exploring the Lesser Antilles offers not just a feast for the eyes, but also an enriching cultural journey.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LESSER ANTILLES

Blessed Barbados

There’s a reason Barbados is many sailors’ favourite Caribbean island. Actually, there are plenty. The famous Bajan charm hits you first, but there’s so much to back that up. Y.CO can take you to world-class beaches such as Bottom Bay, famed surf breaks like Soup Bowl and lens-loving historic settlements such as Speightstown. Those in the know also sail for the secluded coves and warm waters of the west coast.

Your guide to the lesser antilles

Sugar Beach, St Lucia

How to choose a favourite beach in the Lesser Antilles? So much clear water and fine sand,.But few combine these so delightfully as St Lucia’s Sugar Beach. Anchoring offshore, Y.CO can ferry you by tender to this white-sand wonder, nestled photogenically between the Gros and Petit Piton peaks. And if you fancy hiking to Piton Falls or the Tet Paul Trail, your charter will collect you wherever possible.

Your Guide to the Lesser Antilles

Rocher du Diamant, Martinique

Many Antillean islands could be called ‘gems’, but Martinique’s Rocher du Diamant really does look like a diamond. Rising abruptly from the clear waters southeast of the island, this 175m-high rock is a 24-carat attraction, reflecting light from its different facets at different times of the day. An important breeding ground for boobies, terns and other seabirds, it’s also a wonderful dive site to explore from your luxury Lesser Antilles yacht charter.

Lesser Antilles Yacht Charter FAQs

Where are the Lesser Antilles?

The Lesser Antilles are a chain of islands along the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea. They run in an arc just east of Puerto Rico down towards the coast of South America, creating a playground of dazzling blue waters caressed by tropical breezes that are perfect for a yacht charter.

Think of this route as a way to explore world-class dive sites and serene coves where time seems to slow, all while sailing against the idyllic, sunny backdrop of the Caribbean.

What islands are in the Lesser Antilles?

The Lesser Antilles is made up of dozens of islands, from renowned favourites like Antigua and Barbados to smaller, more secret-spot gems like Bequia and the uninhabited Tobago Cays. The islands include…

· Grenada

· St Kitts

· Nevis

· St Lucia

· St Vincent

· Antigua

· Barbados

· Dominica

· Mustique

· Canouan

· Mayreau

· Tobago Cays

What is the difference between the Greater and Lesser Antilles?

The Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles are both situated in the Caribbean Sea, but they differ in size and character.

The Greater Antilles, including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and Puerto Rico, are larger, mountainous islands with major cities and deep cultural histories.

The Lesser Antilles, by contrast, are a chain of smaller islands that curve south-eastward from Puerto Rico toward South America. These islands tend to offer intimate anchorages that are ideal for an island-hopping yacht charter itinerary.

What's the temperature in the Lesser Antilles?

In the Lesser Antilles, you can expect tropical warmth with refreshing trade winds year-round.

Daytime temperatures typically hover between the high 20s to low 30s°C, with evenings cooling enough to enjoy sundowners on deck. Unlike some Caribbean regions, the breeze here rarely quits, meaning even on warmer days you’ll feel a gentle Atlantic breeze on your skin.

Seasonal temperature changes are small, with the coolest months (roughly December–February) only a few degrees cooler than the warmest months (August–September). Sea temperatures in the Lesser Antilles are warm all year, averaging about 27–29°C. This keeps swimming and water sports comfortable in any season, making the Lesser Antilles a perennial favourite for sunseekers and snorkelers.

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