We often hear of these infamous islands as an exotic and highly sought-after location by boaters from all over the world, but which islands are exactly part of it? Where are they located and why are they called “Windward”? We will try to answer these and other questions in this article, also imagining what could be an itinerary by navigating the route of the Windward Islands. Let’s start!
CONTACT US FOR YOUR CHARTER IN THE WINDWARD ISLANDS
Where are they located and which are the Windward Islands?
The Windward Islands, also called the Barlovento Islands, are the southernmost group of islands in the Lesser Antilles, that long strip that ideally separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea. They are in fact generally opposed to the Leeward Islands which instead constitute the north part.
Long dominated by the British Empire, today they consist of a series of autonomous or independent island states Martinique, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Why are they called this?
As it is easy to imagine, their name derives from the air currents that blow along these seas. They were named by the large sailing ships’ sailors that sailed the ocean from Africa pushed by trade winds and following a route that separated the Lesser Antilles into two parts. The islands south of this route were therefore named the Windward Islands.
The name Windward was also used to refer to the British Empire colony founded in 1833 and existed until 1960, which included these islands.
What is the best way to reach the Windward Islands?
This great archipelago’s main islands are Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent. Each one boasts an international airport with flights from the main world airports. However, it is necessary to take into account that you have to make one or more stopovers, depending on your place of departure.
What is the best period to visit them?
The ideal season to organize charters in the Windward Islands is more or less the same as in the Leeward Islands and runs from November to July when temperatures are very favorable and it is difficult to encounter bad weather. In the summer and autumn months, rough seas and monsoons are more frequent.
What could be a possible itinerary in the Windward Islands?
Here is what could be a possible 14-day itinerary dedicated entirely to these islands. We will fly to our marina in Martinique and then sail south, dedicating two full days to each destination. Below is a brief description of each place we will reach:
- Martinique
Martinique is one of the Caribbean pearls. With its almost perfect climate, an average of 28 degrees all year round, and trade winds blowing constantly from the Atlantic ocean, it is a perfect island to be discovered by boat.
This volcanic island is a mixture of different peoples and cultures resulting from different occupations that have followed one another over the centuries. The approximately 400,000 today’s inhabitants have European, African, and Indian derivations and the mixture of their ways of life has given rise to a rich in diversity and contradictions population but at the same time joyful and very welcoming.
Today Martinique is part of the overseas territories of France, the official language is French and the Euro is its valid currency.
It is possible to arrive here by air with direct flights from Paris. The island has indeed an airport near the capital, Fort-de-France.
- Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the eight independent islands of the Lesser Antilles and among its countless points of interest, you can’t miss the Piton mountains. Located southwest, these two mountains have become the island symbol worldwide. Although roughly only 800 meters high, their triangle shape has become iconic and panoramic. If you are a trekking lover, you cannot miss a walk among their paths, winding through the jungle of these two peaks.
Another point of interest is the picturesque town of Soufriere, which takes its name from the nearby volcano now extinct. Creole culture buildings with gingerbread finishes and balconies overlooking alleys and streets create here an Old World atmosphere.
On the coast, it is worth a visit to Rodney bay, a well-served marina surrounded by protected waters that offers visitors easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
In the nearby area, you can also reach beaches such as Reduit Beach or the picturesque Pigeon Island National Park surrounded by pristine waters.
- Barbados
Barbados is the easternmost island in the Caribbean. For centuries British rule, only in 1966, it obtained its autonomy from London but still today it is politically linked to Great Britain. Like other islands in this part of the Caribbean, Barbados is also a mix of British, African, and Caribbean cultures. Years of British colonial influence have given Barbados the title of “Little England”, but the inhabitants have been able to assimilate English customs and traditions while maintaining their uniqueness.
Among the best beaches, we certainly include Crane Beach, a jewel hidden among rugged cliffs made of golden sand and clear waters, defined by many as the most beautiful beach in Barbados. Bathsheba is located on the east coast and is perfect for quiet coastal walks. Here you can admire the beautiful landscape between lush vegetation and rock formations such as the Mushroom Rock, a bizarre mushroom-shaped rock.
The capital Bridgetown is the only true city on the island. Its sun-kissed streets are home to rum shops and numerous “chattel houses”, typical very colorful wooden houses.
- Mayreau
It is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines with a bay, Salt Whistle Bay, among the best that can be found in the Windward. Its crescent shape with fine golden sand and turquoise water is home to colorful fish.
Mayreau offers a good number of anchorages all along its coasts such as Saline Bay, Twassante Bay, and Carnash Bay.
If you are a diving lover, be sure to visit the shallow centuries-old wreck of the PURINI located just 12 meters underwater.
If, on the other hand, you prefer walking, you should know that in Mayreau there are no cars and it is, therefore, the perfect destination to be on foot or with e-bikes along its many paths.
- Tobago Cays
East of Mayreau is this exceptional nature reserve which is home to green turtles, hawksbill and leatherback turtles, sea eagles, and nurse sharks.
Tobago Cays are a group of five uninhabited islets (Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Jamesby, Baradal, Petit Tabac). They are part of the Grenadines archipelago and are protected by a large coral reef called Horseshoe reef and a second smaller reef called World’s End Reef. The pristine waters, abundant varieties of fish, and lovely beaches make the Tobago Cays home to the wonderful Tobago Cays Marine Park.
This is the quintessential postcard Caribbean spot. A location where you can relax and forget the time passing.
- Carriacou
We are talking about a small and quiet Caribbean paradise mostly unknown to tourists. Carriacou is surrounded by coral reefs and offers great snorkeling and scuba diving in waters teeming with reef fish, nurse sharks, barracudas, stingrays, spotted sea eagles, and even green turtles.
Contact now YBH Charter Brokers:
You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.
Have you ever heard about the Windward Islands? Discover these exotic locations with us!
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