Caribbean Sailing Vacations

The best way to appreciate the immense beauty of the Caribbean islands is sailing. It can be said that the Caribbean islands were made expressly for the purpose of sailing vacations. The tiny Caribbean islands are within miles of each other. As you leave each island on your yacht, boat or catamaran, you can see the other island in the distance. The island grows from a speck on the horizon to a whole landmass as you approach it.

Caribbean islands have plenty of coves and small islands on which you can anchor during your sailing vacation. Hence, a sailing vacation in the Caribbean is not just about sailing; it is about discovering a whole new land. There are myriad possibilities on the islands - sailing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, sunbathing on its pristine beaches, reading with the sun overhead, etc. The list could go on.

Sailing also is the chief economy of the natives of the Caribbean islands. Local natives provide sailing packages such as boats and yachts. Catamarans and even the trimarans are available in good number. The natives also provide sailing instructions to those who wish to know. They also may work as skipper or crew on board.

The most popular destination in the Caribbean for a sailing vacation is the British Virgin Islands. These islands have good marine life as well as advanced facilities on their beaches. Tortola is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands and it also has a small airport. The British Virgin Islands are always crowded throughout the year and the population of sailors has increased here in the past decade.

The Grenadines are also extremely popular. These islands are inhabited by French-speaking people for whom boating is a way of life. In fact there is no other mode of transport among the Grenadines except boats. The Grenadines are also very crowded almost throughout the year.

People also throng other islands of the Caribbean like St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, etc. It is difficult to even find a mooring on most of these islands in the peak season. The best period to go to the Caribbean is before the onset of the winter, i.e. in November or in the season between March and May. The Caribbean Islands are relatively less crowded then.

Sailing vacations have become a big business along Caribbean beaches. Most resorts and hotels provide stay-sail facilities. There are many other attractions like folk dances, native food, etc. which becomes a part of the entire sailing package.

Caribbean Cruises - Visit the Beautiful Island of St Lucia

Visitors to the Caribbean island of St Lucia will confirm that the island is one of the most beautiful islands in the region- if not in the world. It's the kind of island that holidaymakers dream about: a small beautiful gem of an island which is still relatively unknown, unlike Jamaica and Barbados, its more famous cousins. It's in the middle of the islands of Eastern Caribbean; it's 24 miles long and 14 miles wide, and in terms of shape it looks a lot like an avocado.

St Lucia stands out among the islands of the Caribbean for its outstanding natural beauty: travelers to the island will see breathtaking rainforests teeming with wild orchids, giant ferns and beautiful birds of paradise. You can't help but notice and marvel at the grandeur of the Pitons, the 2000 feet high peaks that tower above their beautiful surroundings.

Another magnificent natural structure is the Soufriere volcano. The value of this attraction has not been ignored; it is the not just the first, but the only drive-in crater in the world.

As you would imagine, an island like St Lucia has a wide variety of exciting activities for visitors to Caribbean. It has very steep coastlines and reefs of magnificent beauty, which are enjoyed by thousands of divers and snorkelers every year. Keen hikers and birdwatchers can indulge in their favorite pastimes to their hearts' content, and of course there are excellent facilities for golfers and those who are passionate about sailing.

St Lucia has an enviable calendar of major events and festivals: in addition to the spectacular calypso and carnival celebrations, St Lucia also hosts international tennis tournaments and welcomes the cream of the jazz world to its annual St Lucia Jazz Festival, a four day celebration of emerging and established musical talent.

Whatever your tastes are, whether or not you visit the island as part of a Caribbean cruise vacation, your sure to find much to make your stay in St Lucia a memorable, pleasurable experience!

Caribbean Cruise Holidays - Experience the World of Exotic Surprises

If you are thinking of a perfect holiday or a special treat for yourself and your family, why not consider a cruise in the Caribbean? Cruise holidays will give you the opportunity to explore the exotic world of the many picturesque islands under 'one roof' of a luxury vessel. Combining the dining experience and entertainment on board with the beach life and cultural exploring of the variety of islands is a unique way of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday working life. On a cruise holiday you can immerse yourself in the wonderful world of palm lined powdery sand beaches on land or discover the underwater life of the surrounding reefs. And, in the evenings, sail off to the amazing sunsets whilst sipping your favourite cocktail on the top deck. The morning on your cruise is sure to bring many more ports and exotic surprises...

While you cruise the Caribbean, you can enjoy the comforts of your well equipped luxury cabin, take walks on the well designed promenades, sample various international cuisines, watch variety shows, play tennis, swim and even experience the thrill of climbing walls. Travelling with kids? Many cruise ships will take care of them in the professionally run kids clubs where they can take part in competitions, parties and lots of creative activities on board of the ship. Being on board of a cruise ship is an excellent opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Whether you are in Barbados, St Lucia, Tobago, Antigua, Grenada or the Dominican Republic, you will get a chance to discover the unique traditions and varied cultural life of the islands representing a fusion of the English, French and Dutch influences. Cruise the Caribbean and combine it with stay at one of the exotic islands, this will only enhance your holiday or could be a great idea for a perfect honeymoon.

Booking your Caribbean holiday at the last minute will provide you with some amazing discounts and bargain holidays. The all inclusive concept on board of your cruise liner is an excellent way of giving you peace of mind and the extra saving. Just imagine the round-the-clock buffet style and a la carte dining whether it is fast food or more exclusive culinary delights. It is always great to have your glass constantly topped up and to experience superb world class service. A Caribbean cruise is a truly unique holiday experience which is likely to have you return for more. There are hundreds of imaginatively designed itineraries ready to satisfy all tastes and budgets.

Caribbean Calling - Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a lovely island located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea. Located in the Lesser Antilles, the island Saint Lucia was formed by a volcano. But fear not, that volcano has long been dormant.

Volcanic activity also formed the long mountain range that runs the entire length of the island. That's where the twin Pitons are found. Some say that they are Saint Lucia's most famous landmark. The Gros Piton and Petit Piton are twin peaks along the southwest coast and they are a must-see for all tourists.

Saint Lucia has more mountains than most of the Caribbean islands. Its peaks rang well over 3000 feet. The mountainsides are covered with tropical rainforests and give the island a lush, green look.

Saint Lucia, one of the Windward Islands, was named for Saint Lucy of Syracuse. The first European visitors came in the year 1500 and first colonized successfully by France. France and England fought over the island often, changing rule 14 times. The British finally took complete control of the island in 1814. However the Frence influence is still apparent in the names of some places and culturally in their cooking.

St Lucia's top temperatures are quite consistent year-round, running between 81 and 85 degrees.December thru May is considered the dry season. From June to November you are more apt to see rain. Humidity ranges from 76% in February to 83% in November.

The sharp coastlines and beautiful reefs are great for snorkeling, scuba diving, water-skiing or para-sailing. The rainforest preserves of St. Lucia's mountains are one of the Caribbean's most beautiful areas for birdwatching. Of course, there are also excellent facilities for golf and tennis.

You can also go horseback riding along the coast or hiking in the Rainforest Reserve. A tour of the Botanical Gardens features a world of native plants and waterfalls. Don't forget your camera.

You must see Pigeon Island National Park to believe it. The heritage landmarks and amenities include:

* Ruins of military buildings used during the battles between the French and the British.
* An Interpretation Center describing the rich history of the island.
* Two beautiful beaches.
* A restaurant featuring local cuisine.
* A pub and restaurant with a historical theme.
* A lookout point at the top of the Fort which gives a panoramic view of the Northwest coastline.

The island of St. Lucia is for travelers seeking fun and enrichment. The wonder of the undiscovered, the adventure of the unfamiliar, the freshness of the unspoiled and the stimulation of the exotic. It is a tropical paradise. Don't miss it.