Nicholson Yacht Charters & Services - Worldwide yacht charter and brokerage with history and experience
The Virgin Islands
US & British Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands should be everyone's choice for a first charter. It is without a doubt, the most popular cruising area in the world.- St-. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgins, plus Tortola and the multitude of surrounding islands of the BVI, are all within close proximity to one another. The variety of anchorages and the great number of diving and snorkeling sites can easily be incorporated into a one-week itinerary.
The visibility for snorkeling and diving is excellent. Water sports abound, including windsurfing water skiing, wake boarding, ski tubing, kite boarding, and more. Jet skis and wet bikes are banned in BVI waters; likewise in National Parks areas in St. John.
Island tours are worth doing on Virgin Gorda, and a rather strenuous trail through the boulders at the Baths is a must. This can be done from the yacht or from land. Two thirds of St. John is National Park, with some of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean.
The VI are blessed with nearly perfect conditions year round. During the winter months the prevailing wind is from the NE at 15-20 kts. The fabled "Christmas Winds" (Dec. to Mar.) can produce winds of 23-35kts. for several days at a time. Temperatures average 75-85 degrees year-round.
With more anchorages than any other Caribbean island, and 365 beaches, it's not surprising that Antigua gave birth to the yacht charter industry. Home of the now famous Antigua Race Week and Classic Yacht Regatta. Falmouth Harbour has excellent dockage facilities at the Antigua Yacht Club marina, Falmouth Marina and Catamaran Club Marina. Nearby, the English Harbour Dockyard is steeped in history. There are fine marina facilities, good restaurants and it is within reach of lovely beaches and hiking trails.
Dominica is a rugged island with and excellent anchorage in Prince Rupert Bay. From here, hikers and nature lovers will enjoy exploring Fort Shirley or taking a boat trip up the Indian River.
Inland adventures include exploring the island's many waterfalls and rainforests with a wide variety of fruit trees.
This island half French, half Dutch, offers marinas for smaller yachts and mega yachts,.
French St. Martin is famous for its restaurants and fabulous beaches - including clothing optional beaches and resorts. Marigot is the heart of the French side and has many wonderful boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
Dutch Sint Maarten has a long history of taxfree shopping with a multitude of shops catering for any needs.
As most of the Caribbean islands, St Martin has its own carnival well worth to participate in.
There are over 30 beautiful islands in St Vincent and The Grenadines. The Grenadines are a sailing paradise, with exhilarating passages and wonderfully protected coral reefs and Islands which make for some of the world's best diving.
In the links below you will find a sample itinerary of a cruise through this area and further information from Distinctive Yachts
