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Why not (re)set sail for the West Indies on your next cruise?
Dear Sir/Madam |
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Have you ever sailed the West Indies?
You'll find trade winds blowing daily from east to west, heavenly islands and nature reserves, secluded coves, year-round warm water and an underwater life well worth the detour.
We were lucky enough to return this summer aboard a Lagoon 40 catamaran. Here are a few tips to help you choose your departure base in the West Indies. |
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Video and photos from our Caribbean cruise |
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The starting bases to discover the West Indies! |
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Here are the starting bases we recommend for organizing your trip from Switzerland or France. |
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Easily accessible by plane from Paris, a departure from Le Marin allows you to visit the leeward coast, or to explore Dominica, Guadeloupe and Les Saintes if you have two weeks to spare. Heading south, a round trip to the Grenadines via St. Lucia is also possible in a minimum of 10 days. |
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Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) |
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Also perfectly served from Europe, a departure from Pointe-à-Pitre allows you to discover the magnificent island of Les Saintes, the wild, animal-rich anchorage (turtles, sharks, rays, iguanas) of Petite-Terre, the leeward coast (Deshaies, Réserve Cousteau) and the south coast if you like windy sports (Ste-Anne, St-François). If you have a couple of weeks to spare, you can take your adventure as far as Antigua and Barbuda. The latter boasts a nature reserve and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. |
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The former English colony of Antigua is the chic destination that the British and Americans love. And a departure from English harbor is a must. You'll be in the heart of Nelson's Dockyard, a beautifully restored former British shipyard, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The "island of 365 beaches", as they call it, offers a breathtaking coastline where every day of the year could be devoted to discovering a new beach. Crystal-clear turquoise waters surround Antigua, inviting you to swim, snorkel or sail.
From here, don't miss the crossing to Barbuda, an unspoilt natural sanctuary famous for its pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and immense bird sanctuary, home to one of the world's largest colonies of frigate birds. |
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Further north from St. Martin, you can discover St. Barth, the luxurious island renowned for its chic ambience, attracting celebrities and travelers in search of refinement and serenity.
Finally, a departure from Grenada (the spice island) in the south takes you to the idyllic archipelago of the Grenadines in just a few hours. |
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Many thanks to Reynald and Jean-Pierre for this original photo taken during their cruises on two sailing boats in Croatia. |
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Interested in a sailing or catamaran adventure? Don't hesitate to contact us for all your sailing vacation plans.
We look forward to seeing you soon,
Fabienne |
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