Carribean charter with kids

PabloPicasso

PabloPicasso

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Where is the best place to charter a yacht in the caribbean for mum, dad, and a 5 & 6 year old?

Want to have a great sail, but keep kids entertained so we can all gave fun. Lots of shorter sails between islands etc?

If you sailed in the Caribbean with kids I'd love yo hear from you
 
We have sailed BVI's on flotilla and Grenada and Grenadines bareboat. I enjoyed the latter more, it was the "real" Caribbean, but the former felt easier and safer with young kids.

BVI's had shorter sails with plenty of options in a tight area.

However BVI's is all beach bars on great beaches with great snorkelling whereas we visited small townships and communities in the Grenadines. We had a full day tour of Grenada at the end of the trip which was a real highlight.

BVI's is full of massive catamarans shared by partying groups of couples, although in each case we went in August to benefit from much lower cost and less crowded anchorages. Weather was fine each time, but you have to accept that it is hot and humid.

Expect to pay £150 to £200 for 4 to eat out in BVI's: a third of that in Grenadines.

My experience dates back to 2008 and 2010. Things may have changed, and certainly the exchange rate is less favourable, so eating out in BVI's could be eye wateringly expensive now.

Final comment - you will enjoy either, go for it!!
 
We have sailed from St Lucia and BVIs with children from the age of 6 weeks. Most recent trip was last season with a 2 and 4 year old on board from St Lucia, down to the Grenadines and back.

The BVIs are easy sailing, flat-ish seas, short hops and lots of american-style shoreside facilities. Nice, but a world away from the "real" Caribbean of the Grenadines. My vote would go to for the Windwards - as long as you are up for a couple of longish sails there is lots of choice, and the ability to spend weeks idly pottering around relatively unspoilt smaller islands. We have never had a problem with the children, but they are seasoned sailors from birth....

Either way, a charter in the Caribbean is an absolute treat, irrespective of where you go. Children are adaptable and will have fun irrespective of location. I would base it on the grown-up's preferences.

James
 
>Canouan is a possibility. Short sails to the Tobago Cays Mayreau Union Island Palm Island Petit Martinique Carriacou Rond Island.

Agree. The BVI's are short hops but as said the food is not cheap, there are buoys in most bays at $25 per night and there is no space to anchor.

Pick up a boat in Canouan and the Tobago Cays are close and beautiful with little islands to potter around, plus climb to see the views. Restaurant are relatively cheap with good food. The bay on the west side of Union island is nice and often has no boats. Bear in mind the winds can be stronger in that area than in the BVI's but the sailing distances are short.
 
+1 for BVI.
Short hops, easy navigation (in fact just counting the islands you pass).
Might get crowded in high season but if you got the chance of going there beginning of November as we did last year not to bad.
For crowded moorings: just arrive early drop the hook or pick up a mooring, take the dinghy to go to the beach and enjoy watching the children playing.
Around dawn its time for the drinks (Painkiller for the adults, orange juice for the kids).
Enjoy your vaccation
 
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