WINDWARD ISLANDS
The Windward Islands are the southern group of the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies, curving generally southward for about 300 miles from the Leeward Islands towards NE Venezuela.
The Windward Islands are southeastern islands of the Caribbean and include Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada - nature's priceless pearls of the West Indies.
MARTINIQUE
Area: 417 sq miles
Second largest island in the French West Indies .
Capital: Fort-de-France
Language: French, Creole
Population: 415,000
Martinique referred to as the “isle of Flowers” famous for hibiscus, frangipani and bougainvillea is also home to pineapples, bananas and sugarcane.
A sailing paradise, Fort-de-France has one of the safest, most beautiful bays in the Caribbean. Martinique’s capital has long been a favorite port of call with yachtsmen and sailors. Over the years, as the islands popularity in the yachting and sailing world has grown, marinas have opened in other parts of Martinique as well: at Pointe du Bout across from the capital, in Le Robert and Le François on the Atlantic, in Sainte-Anne down south, and most notably in Le Marin, also in the south, whose “Port de Plaisance” is now the island’s largest and best-equipped marina.
You can easily spend a whole week cruising the coast of Martinique from Sainte-Anne, the southernmost village, to Saint-Pierre, famous for the 1902 volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée, sail near HMS Diamond Rock and explore the many wonders the island has along her shores.
Martinique is truly "a little bit of France in the Caribbean Islands." Martinique exudes a distinctly French feeling in the excellence of its Caribbean cuisine, the beauty of its language, the grace of its streets and gardens. Yet Martinique has a cachet all its own, an endearing West Indian warmth in its personality, a special spice in its Caribbean music and dance, its local dishes, and its way of life. Martinique is an island with style.
ST. LUCIA
Area: 238 sq miles
Capital: Castries
Language: English, Creole
Population: 160,000
Faces - St Lucia
St. Lucia is the sort of island that travellers to the Caribbean dream about - a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown.
It’s little wonder that St Lucia has become one of the most popular honeymoon destinations worldwide. This romantic idyll offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation with its secluded covers and white sand beaches.
In natural beauty, St. Lucia seems like an island plucked from the South Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal peaks, the Pitons, soar 2,000 feet up from the sea, sheltering magnificent rain forests where wild orchids, giant ferns, and birds of paradise flourish. Brilliantly-plumed tropical birds abound, including endangered species like the indigenous St. Lucia parrot. The rainforest is broken only by verdant fields and orchards of banana, coconut, mango, and papaya trees.
Yachting in St Lucia is an unforgettable experience. Imagine the crystal clear, warm waters. Picture the fine white sand beaches, lined with gently swaying palms.
Magnificent, lush scenery, particularly in the south and around Soufrière, makes St. Lucia one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands.
ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Area: 150 sq miles
Capital: Kingstown
Language: English, French patois
Population: 118,000
St. Vincent is a rugged volcanic island with a 4000 foot volcano that dominates the northern third of the island. Very little of the island is flat, perhaps only the air strip, the shopping area of Kingtown, and a few isolated areas of beach are truely level. The Central and Southern sections of the island fall from 1000 - 2000 foot mountains quickly to the sea.
The Windward (east) side of St. Vincent is rugged and wild. Exposed volcanic rock cliffs topped with vegetation that leans to the west from constant exposure to the strong Atlantic sea breezes alternate with long stretches of black sand beach sprinkled with huge volcanic rocks and headlands with crashing surf. Most of the island's coconut and banana plantations are found on the Windward side.
The Leeward (west) side of St Vincent is lush and green, again with cliffs alternating with black sand beaches. On the leeward side the cliffs are often dripping with green vegetation. The Caribbean sea is calm and flat on the Leeward side. There is no road that travels around the volcanic north end of St. Vincent. To get from the northern Leeward side to the northern Windward side, one must travel back to Kingstown and make the journey north again.
South of St. Vincent, the small chain of islands called The Grenadines extends for more than 64km (40 miles). The islands have romantic-sounding names as Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, and Petit St. Vincent.
Sailors and the yachting set have long known of St. Vincent and The Grenadines, and until recently it was a well-kept vacation secret. Even if you've not been here, you may have seen its scenery in “Pirates of the Caribbean”, starring Johnny Depp.
You visit St. Vincent for its lush beauty, and The Grenadines for the best sailing waters in the Caribbean.
St. Vincent has a distinct lack of large animals, surly attitudes, gambling, and cruise ships. If you’re searching for a relaxing destination with good water clarity, interesting marine creatures, terrific food, and a welcoming atmosphere, this just might be the place for you.
GRENADA
Area: 132 sq miles
Capital: St George’s
Language: English
Population: 100,000
Not only does the 'Spice Island' produce nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, this rugged land of mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and secluded beaches has also given birth to an intriguing history and people.
The capital, St George's, is located on Grenada Island and has one of the prettiest harbor settings in the Caribbean. Carriacou is dotted with traditional East Caribbean towns and friendly locals, while Petit Martinique offers the chance to unwind in a little-known corner of the world.
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