The Greater Antilles, to the north of the Caribbean Sea, is a mountainous range of biodiverse, rugged islands with a unique melting pot of culture. Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic create a destination with unique blend of characters.
A Greater Antilles yacht charter offers a seductive mix of jungle waterfalls and sugar-white beaches, teeming coral reefs and vibrant culture. Colorful food markets sit by old plantation houses, and the sounds of salsa and reggae drift from rum bars on sandy beaches and in historical cities alike. Although previously less popular with cruising yachts than the Lesser Antilles further south, a Greater Antilles yacht charter is a great way to get off the beaten track to find secluded, stunning anchorages.
Adventurous charterers happy to forego the polish of more upscale destinations will be richly rewarded by diverse Cuba. Pristine beaches and abundant sea life in more remote spots are perfectly complemented by Havana’s exciting, raw energy and enchanting culture.
Dance salsa in sides-street nightclubs, taste authentic local rum straight from the distillery’s barrels or walk the streets where Hemingway found inspiration. As yacht charter regulations relax, superyacht cruising is opening up, and this is fast becoming one of the hottest Greater Antilles yacht charter destinations.
Although the Dominican Republic rarely – and rather unjustifiably – used to get little more than a cursory nod from Captains en route to more popular yacht charter destinations, the tides could be turning for the friendly and diverse country.
With more luxury amenities springing up as well as a huge variety of natural beauty to explore, not to mention superyacht-ready marinas, the Dominican Republic is the insider’s secret for those looking to avoid the more crowded spots of the Caribbean.
Having long been a Caribbean haunt of the glitterati – from film stars to European royals – Jamaica holds a special place in the hearts of those who visit. Once the largest city in the Caribbean, Port Royal in the south was a 17th Century hub for pirates.
Today, you will find barefoot luxury resorts alongside ramshackle beach huts, with an abundance of beautiful raw nature to explore. It’s no wonder Jamaica is becoming increasingly popular for yacht charters in the Caribbean.
From big-wave surfing and tropical rainforest tours to swashbuckling tales of piracy and colonial pillaging, Puerto Rico has something for everyone.
Old San Juan was founded in 1521 and is the oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas; its troubled past was literally written on the walls of the fortresses battered by ancient cannonballs. A US territory lying to the west of the more regularly chartered US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico is emerging as a fantastic addition to your Caribbean yacht charter itinerary.
