The SailAway Yacht Charter Group’s Picks for
Best Secret Beaches in the Caribbean
* Lameshur Bay Beach, St. John
* Happy Bay, St. Martin
* Palm Beach, Barbuda
THE STORY
For years, travel agents and yacht charter brokers have promoted the British Virgin Islands as “Nature’s Little Secret.” Unfortunately for luxury sailing charter travelers seeking solace and quiet anchorages, the secret is out. While the BVI and most of the Caribbean remains a fantastic sailing destination, there’s no denying it – it is getting harder and harder to anchor off the shore of a quiet beach.
The good news is that there are still undiscovered beaches in the Caribbean — blissful hideaways where tourism hasn’t yet eclipsed the local culture.
THE STORY CONTINUES
The most experienced Caribbean yacht charter skippers know these secret beaches but are reluctant to disclose their locations. Fortunately, our loyalties are to our charter clients – and we are more than willing to share these hidden gems with our readers!
TOP 3 SECRET BEACHES
First, Lameshur Bay Beach, St. John, USVI
While the bareboat yacht charter crowd is anchored off the Baths in Virgin Gorda, BVI, we like slide across Drake Channel to the US side of the Virgin Islands and go ashore on the secluded southeast coast of St. John, at Lameshur Bay beach. At the end of the cobblestone beach at Lameshur is a more isolated, sandier strip known as Donkey Bight. Snorkelers love this beach, as it leads to Beehive Cove, a warren of caves and tunnels filled with coral and sea sponges and teaming with fish.
Physical fitness buffs can also enjoy a 1.2 mile hike up a trail to the 1,000-foot peak of Bordeaux Mountain, which overlooks the bay below.
SECOND TOP SECRET BEACH
Happy Bay, St. Martin
Located on the French side of St. Martin, Happy Bay is an underpopulated stretch of crème-colored sand. Thick underbrush surrounds the beach and serves as a challenging barrier to most shore-based tourists. The privacy of this beach has made it a popular spot forclothing optionaltourists. Snorkelers marvel at the vast numbers of tropical fish in the crystal waters.
THIRD SECRET BEACH
Palm Beach, Barbuda
While nearby Antigua flaunts bustling beachside hotels, Barbuda offers quiet beaches with pink sands, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and only a handful of resorts. Antigua is a great place to begin a superyacht charter (international airport, and excellent megayacht marinas) but do yourself a favor after your board. Cruise over to Barbuda and enjoy the solitude.
The vacation (on sail catamaran DREAMING ON) was absolutely amazing!!! It was such a magical experience and Geoff and Iza are two of the main reasons for that.
I can’t say enough about the hospitality they offered, their kindness, the comfort – they are the ultimate in hosting this type of trip.
To say that they exceeded our expectations is an understatement.
COMMENTS CONTINUE
The food was a 15 out of 10…every meal was better than the last. Homemade bread every day!!!! Iza made sure that all of our requests were met when it came to the menu. She was even considerate enough to remember which one of us didn’t like eggs and also made the portion sizes perfect for each individual. The four of us all love to eat and enjoy good food and her food was above and beyond. I have requested all of her recipes but I don’t think I will be able to replicate her touch when it came to preparing our meals.
The boat was always clean and unfortunately Geoff and Iza spent quite a bit of time picking up after us….
AND CONTINUES
We found the boat to be the perfect size for us, the best part was the front bow with the trampolines. Laying out there when the sails were up and we were crashing into the waves was an experience we will never forget.
I should also mention the hammock and being able to drink a mimosa while laying out there in the morning sun was wonderful. The cabins were clean and bathrooms were always clean.
HAPPY CLIENTS, HAPPY VACATION
The outside dining table was the only place we ate. It is shaded and out of the sun. The seating so comfortable. Oh, and I would be re-missed (sic) if I didn’t mention the table settings that she had…the thought, the time, the effort that was put into our vacation is unmatched.
Geoff was a wonderful captain. Our itinerary was perfect and it allowed us to see what we wanted; the only flaw was that we didn’t have more time to continue our journey.
FINAL COMMENTS
We can’t wait to book our next trip with Geoff and Iza. [We want to] see some of the other islands we weren’t able to squeeze in this trip. I have traveled all over the world. Between the four of us on this trip we have covered most it. This was by far the best vacation I have had.
I have a villa booked in St. John for a week in January. We are trying to figure out a way to cancel and stay with Geoff and Iza instead. If we can’t cancel, we will be with them. Specifically, for at least two nights and go to the full moon party.
I think this summarizes our experience…
LASTLY
Bottom line – Geoff and Iza are the best of the best! The trip wouldn’t have been half as wonderful if we had a different crew. There hasn’t been a day so far that we haven’t said “I miss Geoff and Iza”.
Name: Donna R
EDITOR’S NOTE
Crewed catamaran sailing yacht DREAMING ON is one of the most popular vessels offering crewed charters. She is a 2003 build refit in 2009. This Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel accommodates 6 guests in 3 cabins with ensuite baths.
WATERTOYS
Onboard watertoys include towable toys such as a wakeboard, kneeboard, and a ski-tube, along with fishing and snorkel gear.
GO GREEN INITIATIVE
Eco-friendly yacht. As part of the fleet’s ongoing GREEN initiative, the yacht is equipped with wind scoops to limit the need for air conditioning. Solar panels provide clean electricity. The crew also purchases earth-friendly paper products, biodegradable cleaning products, and local organic produce when available. When not on charter, Geoff and Iza have been spotted helping with reef and beach clean-up projects.
RATES
Available for Caribbean yacht charters, the yacht is based in the British Virgin Islands. Her rate is $11,000 per week for 2 passengers. Subsequently, $12,250 per week for 4 passengers. Finally, $13,250 per week for 6 guests. Rates are inclusive of meals and ship’s bar.
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