Setting sail, sun on our faces, freedom in our hearts: from Martinique via St Lucia and St Vincent to the Tobago Cays, we experienced turquoise seas, reggae, rum and lobster on the beach – a Caribbean adventure full of magic, wind and unforgettable moments.

Sailing area: Caribbean
Country: Martinique, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Departure: Martinique Le Marin
Destination: Martinique Le Marin
Route: Martinique - St Lucia - St Vincent - Grenadines - Bequia - Mayreau - Union Island - Tobago Cays - Martinique
Nautical miles: 364
Travel dates: 20.01.2024 – 03.02.2024
Sailing yacht: Monohull, Elan 514 Impression, 51 foot
Charter company: sunsailing.ch
Organiser: sunsailing.ch

Caribbean adventure on the high seas

Our home harbour was in Le Marin on Martinique – a sheltered bay full of life, surrounded by gentle hills, swaying palms and the scent of salt, sun and adventure. The moment we cast off and set sail, we were seized by a feeling of boundless freedom. The trade wind filled the sails, the sea sparkled in countless shades of blue and turquoise, and the sun bathed everything in golden light. Past the Robinson Club with its endless palm-fringed beach, we glided out onto the open sea – course set for St Lucia

The crossing was a dream. Waves danced against the hull, spray splashed across the deck, and every breath tasted of salt, freedom and adventure. We stood on deck, gazing into the distance, and felt that untamed sense of freedom that only the sea can give.

Arriving in Rodney Bay, we were greeted by a picture-perfect marina: elegant yachts, colourful fishing boats, music drifting from the bars and the tempting aroma of freshly grilled fish. The evening belonged to the Caribbean way of life – in the streets people partied and danced into the small hours.

The next morning nature called again, and unfortunately so did the hangover from the rum punch. The majestic Pitons, St Lucia's landmark, towered from the sea into the sky like watchtowers. We explored the island on foot: hiking through dense jungle, plunging into cool waters beneath roaring waterfalls, feeling the breath of the still-active volcano and enjoying a soothing mud bath. Visiting a rum distillery and a chocolate factory, the aromas of sugar cane and cocoa merged into an intoxicating sensory experience – pure Caribbean in all its facets.

Then we set sail again – St Vincent lay ahead. The wild coast came into view, green and mysterious, like something from a pirate film. No wonder – scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were shot right here. We put into Wallilabou Bay, where old film sets still sway in the wind to this day. Among palms, wooden huts and dusty barrels, we felt like explorers from another time. In the evening we enjoyed an authentic Caribbean dinner at Zico's under a starlit sky, accompanied by the sound of the sea.

With strong winds we sailed on to Bequia. As we entered the bay, the water glittered like liquid silver. The island radiated calm and grandeur – no wonder Queen Elizabeth once took a royal dip here. Naturally, we too couldn't resist a swim in the turquoise waters.

South of Bequia, Mayreau beckoned: white beaches, colourful houses, reggae rhythms, laid-back people. Pure Caribbean vibes. Here, time seemed to stand still. Every sunset painted the sky in gold and purple, and at the beach bars people danced, laughed and celebrated the Caribbean joie de vivre into the night.

Shortly afterwards we reached Happy Island, a tiny bar built on corals in the middle of the turquoise sea. With a rum punch in hand and music in our ears, we gazed out at the sparkling water – paradise felt within reach.

Finally we reached the Tobago Cays, the highlight of our sailing trip. A lagoon of light, colours and life, where turtles swam curiously past us and the water was crystal clear. We jumped into the sea, snorkelled with the turtles among colourful fish and graceful rays, and savoured the moment of perfect freedom. In the evening lobster was grilled on the beach, the fire crackled, the sky glowed, and barefoot in the warm sand we raised our glasses – to life, the sea and the magic of the Caribbean.

As we sailed back across the islands to Martinique, the wind blew gently through the sails, the sea sparkled as it had on the first day. We were changed – enriched by experiences, stories and impressions. The Caribbean had enchanted us: sun, wind, waves and a hint of pirate romance would resonate within us for a long time to come. And as Le Marin came back into view, we knew: this was only a brief pause until the next adventure calls.