To be able to explore the warm turquoise waters, white sands and relaxed vibes of the Caribbean is one of the main reasons many owners decide to buy a superyacht in the first place. With hundreds of islands to choose from, the options are as varied as they are endless, limited only by time.
Virgin Gorda is where the billionaires head in the BVIs, and there are several marinas to choose from, including the newest, Oil Nut Bay. Avoid the crowds at Jost Van Dyke and order your painkiller from Pirates Bight, Norman Island, instead. After an invigorating dip in the Baths at Gorda, head to Anegada and hire a Moke for the short drive to Cow Wreck Beach to while away an afternoon playing games in the sand.
In the Bahamas, jump off from Albany Marina in Nassau, which can accommodate 71 boats up to 91 metres. Make like a local and dance in the sand at the End of the World Bar in Bimini, freedive the 202-metre-deep Blue Hole on Long Island, swim with the pigs at Big Major Cay in the Exumas and join the kiteboarders along the five-kilometre-long Treasure Cay Beach in the Abacos.
Steeped in history, and named after Horatio Nelson, who was stationed there from 1784 to 1787, Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua is one of BOAT International contributor Eddie Jordan’s favourite marinas – the owner of 45-metre Perini Navi Blush lunches at Jackie O’s or Catherine’s Cafe in English Harbour. With its French cuisine, Leeward Islands stablemate St Barth is a big draw for foodies. Leave the boat at Port de Gustavia to dine on lobster at La Langouste in the Bay of Flamands.
Down in the Windwards, St Lucia’s lush interior is well worth a visit. After hiking up the famous Gros Piton peak, tap into the vibe at the weekly fish fry and Jump Up street party in Gros Islet, near the 250-berth IGY Rodney Bay marina, or lime at peaceful Marigot Bay, where the spa offers treatments tailored to the phase of the moon.
It can be tempting to linger in the Caribbean Sea, but to do so would be to miss out. There are superyacht-capable ports as far south as Chile – 63-metre SuRi used Oxxean Marina while cruising Patagonia. The Galápagos has made a call for support from superyacht owners in the wake of Covid-19, and Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz provides a base for exploring this remarkable natural habitat.