Sample Itinerary – 10 days
Day One: Arrive in St Maarten, a mildly hilly island rimmed with flawless beaches interrupted only by coves and bays cut into the coastline. After being met by the crew at The Princess Juliana Airport, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon dockside as you join the yacht at The Princess Yacht Club or Isle del Sol Marina. Spend the afternoon amid the paparazzi on Orient Beach, or take the 5 minute boat ride to near by Marigot to do some world class shopping. Once back at the yacht allow your crew to arrange for a spa treatment at the resort or lounge around as our award winning chef prepares dinner for you and your guest.
Day Two: Wake to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and muffins. Enjoy breakfast on our large aft deck and take in a beautiful view of the mountains just off our stern. Relax as your crew prepares for an 11 AM departure for the short one hour cruise to Marigot Bay on the French side of St Martin. Once anchored take a ride on the wave runners. After lunch take the short drive to Phillipsburg, or Grand Case also known as the French Riviera of the Caribbean. Enjoy an evening at anchor with a great view of St Martin, and Anguilla in the distance.
Day Three: Wake to the sound of the yacht in motion as you depart St Martin and steam towards The British Virgin Islands. Enjoy breakfast and lunch aboard during this 7 hour cruise. The destination today is Spanish town, the capital of Virgin Gorda. The planned arrival time is 3PM. Once docked at the popular Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, venture ashore to take in some shopping or perhaps some fresh baked goodies at an island bakery, all located at the marina.
Day Four: Enjoy breakfast dockside as your crew prepares the tender for a trip to “The Baths”, located on the southwest tip of Virgin Gorda. Get ready to do some of the best snorkeling in the world at these most unusual formations of large granite boulders. The sea washing in between the huge rocks, have created large pools, where shafts of light play upon the water, creating a dramatic effect. Join the yacht back at the yacht harbor for lunch as the crew prepares for departure. Today’s destination is the “Bitter End” located on the northern tip of Virgin Gorda, a short 45 minute cruise away. Hike to the top of Virgin Gorda Peak and take in a breath taking view of the Sound, or choose to swim in the calm, protected waters at Bercher’s Bay Beach. Meet up at the Bitter End Resort for Rum Punches and listen to the steel drum band.
Day Five: Take in a final view of Virgin Gorda as you depart the sound and head for Tortola via the Sir Francis Drake Channel. A one hour cruise brings you to Roadtown, the capital of the British Virgin Islands. There are many shops that feature local items such as spices, rums, soaps and lotions, and even Haitian art. There are numerous clothing boutiques, and fresh fruit stands. By the waterfront is a small kiosk that makes fresh fruit drinks for a few dollars that can be quite refreshing. Once back aboard you will depart and run across the channel to anchor overnight in Peter Islands Great Harbor. This is a well protected overnight anchorage offering visitors great snorkeling and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Day Six: After breakfast allow your crew to plan a snorkeling trip on the North end of the harbor. The water here is dead calm and crystal clear. Once back aboard, relax as the yacht heads toward White Bay on the south side of Peter Island. The bay gets its name from its beautiful white sand beach. This will be the setting for a great lunch anchored within a short swim to the beach. Depart at 3 pm and steam towards Norman Island also known as Treasure Island. Legends of Norman Island are resplendent with stories of buried pirate treasure. A letter of 1750 stated, “Recovery of the treasure from Nuestra Senora buried at Norman Island, comprising of $450,000 dollars dug up by Tortilians”. There is an excellent place for snorkeling here just off Treasure point. The water is calm making for great kayaking, and swimming. There is a great bar and grille called Pirates which features nightly entertainment along with an anchored pirate ship that serves visitors hot dogs and hamburgers along with island drinks. The ship has a diving board on top that youngsters enjoy jumping from into the crystal clear water.
Day Seven: After breakfast and maybe even a morning swim, depart Normans and head towards a small island to the north of St Johns called Jost Van Dyke. There is always something going on ashore here during the weekend. The harbor is well protected.
Day Eight: Take in the beautiful view as you enjoy breakfast on the aft deck. Relax and get some sun as you depart and head towards St Johns. This being US, requires clearing in at customs and immigration. No Worries! Cruz Bay is the place to do it dockside with the yacht. After, take a walk into town and do some shopping or maybe even choose to have lunch ashore. Save room for dinner though. This is great night for the ever popular beach party. That’s right! The yacht anchored off a private beach with a tiki torches, music, complete with a reggae theme and dress. This is one barbecue that you will never forget.
Day Nine: Wake to the smell of fresh Pecan Pie. After breakfast take a boat ride into the Caneel Bay Resort or simply lounge around the yacht. Depart at 2PM en-route for St Thomas. The travel time is a short 1 hour cruise. Once there and docked at the Crown Bay Marina, take a stroll at the marina complex, loaded with shops, restaurants, and boutiques.
Day Ten: After a delightful breakfast take in a final stroll ashore or lounge around as the crew prepares for your departure. As you cast one long lingering around, you smile, knowing this has been your best holiday yet.
(Thanks to International Yacht Collection for the above itinerary):