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Leeward Islands Spanning some 200 miles in the Eastern Caribbean from Anguilla to Dominica, this archipelago offers plenty of wide-open sailing and enticing destinations. Beginning in the north, Anguilla boasts powder-white beaches and turquoise waters. Divers and snorkelers will relish the stunning wrecks, reefs and walls off the coast of Anguilla. Mead’s Bay and Shoal bay have two of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. St. Martin is divided into the northern French and the southern Dutch (Sint Marteen) halves. The island is known for fabulous shopping and exquisite cuisine. St. Bart’s, the cosmopolitan center of the chain, lies east of St. Martin. Just eight square miles in size, the island is home to some 32 golden sand beaches and a host of upscale restaurants. Enjoy the quaint harbor of Gustavia and bask in the beauty of Columbier Bay. The islands of Saba and St. Eustatia present unspoiled landscapes and some of the best diving locations this part of the world can offer. The sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are one country, gaining independence from Britain in 1983, separated by a two-mile channel. The landscape of St. Kitts is made up of low-lying sugar cane fields dotted with old brick towers. Nevis features the volcano of Nevis Peak surrounded by lush tropical rainforests. Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands and the center of yachting in the Caribbean. The historic Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbor recently has been restored and stands as it did when built by the Admiral in the eighteenth century. It now hosts Sailing Week, a premier ocean racing event and spectacle for all to enjoy. While there, make the trip up to Shirley Heights for a spectacular view of the Harbor. The Heights hosts a party every Sunday in which tourists and natives dance, dine and drink together. The sister island of Barbuda lies 26 miles to the north and is largely unaffected by tourism. Its long stretches of undisturbed beaches are perfect for a relaxing stroll. The butterfly-shaped island of Guadeloupe offers beaches and reefs on one wing and open lands surrounding a volcanic peak on the other. La Soufriere, the active but quiet volcano, is the highest point on the island. Underwater enthusiasts will want to dive or snorkel the Pigeon Island Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve. Seven miles south of Guadeloupe are The Saints, a collection of small volcanic islands teeming with fishing ports and markets offering fresh fish and exotic fruits and flowers. Christopher Columbus found a nature lover’s paradise when he landed on Dominica in 1493. The island is rich with rivers and waterfalls running through dense rainforests. Enjoy an inland hike and observe exotic species of birds and flowers. Emerald Falls Nature Trail and the Central Forest Reserve are just two of the many ecological escapes on Dominica. Indulge in the many temptations of the Leeward Islands. Contact Abiego Yacht Charters to discuss yacht and itinerary selections. |
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