Today, The Octopus takes you on a journey to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean for a truly special adventure! We had the privilege of speaking with Christian, a passionate Navily boater who left everything behind with his partner to sail through the Caribbean with no return date.
It all began in France, where Christian and Cathy, newcomers to sailing, became co-owners of a Lagoon catamaran lovingly named MOJITO, shared with fellow sailing enthusiasts. This sailboat, more than just their first vessel, became their floating classroom, opening the door to a dream: one day setting sail for the Caribbean. In 2022, when the co-ownership came to an end, the couple decided to make this dream come true.
Join us as we dive into their adventure, from Guadeloupe to Martinique, with stops in Dominica, Saint Lucia, and even the British Virgin Islands. Let yourself be inspired by Christian’s favorite spots and valuable tips as you discover idyllic anchorages and unforgettable experiences!
Setting sail for the Caribbean!
Sailing in the Caribbean with Christian
Christian’s Tips for Sailing the Caribbean
Stay safe and monitor the weather
Sailing in the Caribbean can be incredibly enjoyable, but only if you avoid taking unnecessary risks. Be cautious of katabatic winds at anchorages and rely on weather apps like Windy or PredictWind to stay informed.
Take your time
If you have just one year for your journey (a decent but somewhat short timeframe, according to Christian), starting in Le Marin isn’t mandatory. You could begin your adventure in Grenada after crossing via Barbados, work your way up to Saint Martin, and then head back to the Azores, for instance!
Staying connected
Christian chose a Starlink subscription, allowing him to have internet access wherever he goes! This is very important to him as it allows him to get live updates of weather changes, and to also stay in touch with his family and friends.
Guadeloupe
After an emotional and relatively smooth transatlantic crossing (with a few minor technical hiccups nonetheless), Christian and Cathy finally reached land in Guadeloupe! Upon arrival, they realized just how exhausted they were—completing their very first transatlantic voyage had been no small feat. This long-awaited journey, which had consumed Christian’s thoughts for four years, ended more quickly than they had anticipated. In their eagerness to finish, they hadn’t fully enjoyed Cape Verde before departure, and their crossing took only 15 days instead of the planned three weeks.
In Guadeloupe, they stayed for two months, initially to decompress after the journey, but primarily to adapt to their new way of life. It was during this time that they truly realized the difference between weekend sailing and living aboard full-time. Adjusting to the Caribbean rhythm presented its own challenges, especially with the constant heat and humidity. According to Christian, taking a step back and letting go of a strictly European perspective is crucial for adapting to life in the Caribbean. What made this transition easier for them was the connections they formed with other sailors. For Christian, that is what sailing is all about: mutual support and the sharing of experiences among fellow boaters!
The incredible diversity of Guadeloupe’s landscapes, combined with the freedom of having no return date, encouraged them to fully embrace the island’s beauty.
Christian’s Recommendations
- Les Saintes: A highlight due to the warm welcome from locals, who always took the time to talk and share their history.
- Marie-Galante: Praised by Christian for its authenticity.
- Malendure: Perfect for exploring the marine park and restocking supplies easily.
Pro Tip: Rent electric bikes to explore the islands!
Must-Visit Anchorages and Moorings
Anse du Bourg
Baie de Saint Louis
Anse Canot
Malendure - Réserve Cousteau
Dominica
With its waterfalls, lush forests, volcanoes, and a river for every day of the year, Dominica captivated Christian and Cathy. Although the island isn’t known for its anchorages, Christian recommends Portsmouth. This sand-bottom anchorage offers the perfect base to explore the island’s breathtaking interior and connect with the incredibly kind Dominican people.
Christian’s Tip: Avoid staying on the main strip—venture into town to find more authentic local restaurants!
To fully experience the island, the couple hired a guide and took a car tour, enriching their stay immensely. What stood out most to them was Dominica’s stunningly diverse landscapes. Thanks to their guide, they had the opportunity to visit less touristy areas, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the authentic beauty of Dominica.
Must-Visit Anchorage
Prince Ruperts Bay S-Entrance
Martinique
After exploring Dominica’s lush nature, Christian and Cathy set sail for Martinique! While the southern part of the island, known for being less welcoming to sailing, offered a mixed reception, the couple was enchanted by the north with its unspoiled landscapes and rich culture. As newcomers to the region, they initially stuck to the more popular spots, which are often crowded with other boaters. However, venturing further afield, they discovered quieter, more authentic locations where they could truly appreciate the island’s serenity and natural beauty.
The windward coast also stands out for its rugged beauty, but it’s challenging to access and more exposed to winds and sargassum. Christian and Cathy chose to explore this area by car, and the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and wild coastline proved well worth the effort!
Christian’s Recommendations
- Mount Pelée Museum in Saint-Pierre: Learn about the 1902 eruption that devastated the city.
- Balata Gardens: A journey through history via tropical plants that trace Martinique’s colonial past.
- Anse Couleuvre: A tranquil anchorage where you can catch a glimpse of the famous Rocher de la Perle!
Must-Visit Anchorages and Moorings
Anse Couleuvre
Rade de Saint-Pierre
Grande Anse d'Arlet
Grande Anse des Salines
Saint Lucia
Christian and Cathy’s next stop was Saint Lucia! This island, with its deeply rooted values, left a lasting impression on them. The iconic spot of Saint Lucia is none other than the vast Rodney Bay. The anchorage in the bay is very convenient, offering spectacular views of the island. You also have the option of mooring at the marina, where you can easily stock up and complete your clearances. Don’t miss exploring the town once you step out of the marina! The Friday Nights, lively street parties that animate the town of Gros Islet every Friday, are a must-do at least once. There, you can immerse yourself in Saint Lucian culture and cuisine and meet and mingle with the locals.
Christian’s Recommendations
- Rodney Bay: For its anchorage, marina, and proximity to the vibrant part of Saint Lucia. It’s also where you can withdraw Caribbean dollars (the currency widely used in most Eastern Caribbean states). It’s important to note that ATMs are not everywhere in the Caribbean, so plan ahead to avoid running out of cash!
- Soufrière Bay: Hire a taxi and explore the northern part of the island.
- Anse des Pitons: This striking anchorage offers an unbeatable view of the country’s iconic twin volcanoes!
Must-Visit Anchorages and Moorings
Rodney Bay South
Anse des Pitons
Soufriere Bay
Anse Cochon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
After Saint Lucia, the crew of the MOJITO sailed down to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, anchoring at Cumberland Bay. Once ashore, they were warmly welcomed by the locals. The couple had the most contact with Cass, who gave them many recommendations for exploring the region.
According to Christian, Saint Vincent is the island where communication with the local population was the easiest and most welcoming. For him, it wasn’t so much the island of Saint Vincent itself that left a lasting impression, but rather the people who made all the difference!
To access the island of Saint Vincent, Christian recommends anchoring at Young Island. From there, you can take a bus to reach the capital, Kingstown, which is harder to access by boat.
Christian's recommendations
- Bequia: Not widely known on Navily (you can change that by adding your contributions 😉), it’s a fantastic anchorage, perfect for staying a while.
- The Tobago Cays: A must-visit! This national reserve has an entry fee, but it’s well worth it. There, you’ll have the chance to observe a rich marine life: turtles, rays, and numerous fish species protected from fishing.
- Mayreau: Christian’s favorite due to the authenticity of the local population! Unfortunately, the island suffered greatly due to Hurricane Beryl in 2024…
- Petit Byahaut: Christian’s top pick because of its tranquility!
Must-Visit Anchorages and Moorings
Cumberland
Bequia
Petit Byahaut
Young Island
Grenada
Christian and Cathy continued their journey and made a stop in Grenada. Although Martinique is the most famous island for boat maintenance, Christian recommends Grenada instead. In fact, maintenance at Carriacou is much cheaper, and there are far fewer crowds compared to Martinique. In Carriacou, Christian was touched by the employees at the technical yards, who were always helpful and friendly, and with whom he enjoyed conversing.
Unfortunately, Carriacou was also heavily affected by Hurricane Beryl, and Christian was impressed by the resilience of the local merchants. Yachting is strongly encouraged here, as it helps support local businesses as they recover!
As for the anchorages, Grenada offers many beautiful spots, both on the windward and leeward sides:
- Northern anchorages: Sandy Island, Saline Island, and Sauteurs Bay.
- Heading leeward to reach Prickly Bay, where you can do your clearance!
Saint Barthelemy
Due to the preconceived notions about Saint Barthelemy, Christian was initially reluctant to visit. At first, he wanted to go there to pay tribute to his late brother, who was a fan of Johnny Hallyday (as the singer is buried in Saint Barthelemy). However, he was pleasantly surprised! On the one hand, they were “welcomed as if we were a megayacht” at the Gustavia marina. On the other hand, he found the anchorages beautiful and the people friendly. All of these experiences helped him break through the stereotypes of the island and enjoy it to the fullest!
Christian's favorites:
Anse du Colombier
Île Fourchue
British Virgin Islands
To finish on a high note, The Octopus presents Christian’s ultimate favorite, the British Virgin Islands! According to Christian, the postcard view of the Caribbean is found there, with low mountains dropping into turquoise waters and endless sandy beaches. For him, the BVI are like a precious setting to sail through, where only the most precious gems of the Caribbean are visible!
Christian’s most unforgettable memory is undoubtedly his arrival in the BVI, at Necker Island. As MOJITO approached the shore, a whale cleared the path and accompanied them all the way, a deeply emotional moment for Christian and Cathy! The rest of their stay on Necker Island was just as cinematic, and for Christian, this island is a gem within the jewel.
Navigation in the BVI is easy, with anchorages located right next to each other, and sailing is often done with just the genoa, or even by dinghy in some places. In one month of sailing, Christian and Cathy barely managed to visit half of the anchorages listed on Navily!
In Anegada, Christian felt as though he was alone in the world, incredibly fortunate, with endless views of beaches and turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye could see. The highlight of their journey was here, in the British Virgin Islands, a place they’d gladly return to without hesitation to explore more of the archipelago’s anchorages!
Christian's top picks
Long Bay
Little Dix Bay
Cooper Island
Deadman Bay
A Parting Thought from Christian
“Living on my boat for the past 4 years has truly taught me to focus on the essentials and to be even more humble in the face of the elements. It has also made it easier to help fellow sailors, just as we hope to be helped when we face a problem. I also hope I’m a better sailor now than when I first set out!”
Unfortunately, this marks the end of our article on Christian’s unforgettable journey through the Caribbean! We hope this trip through the turquoise waters of this paradisiacal region has inspired you. Christian’s experience shows us that what makes a journey unforgettable is not only the landscapes, but also the encounters and the bonds we create with local communities that truly make the difference!
Sailing is a school of life, teaching us to be open-minded and humble, to listen to nature, and to adapt to the unexpected.
A big thank you to Christian for sharing his story, and we wish him all the best for his future adventures!
