Sailing in the Caribbean: 5 Idyllic Islands Only Accessible by Boat

The Caribbean is a true boater’s paradise, and not just because of its crystal clear waters, pristine landscapes, and untouched coral reefs. When you choose to experience the Caribbean via yacht, you gain exclusive access to islands that can only be reached by fellow sailors. For a relaxing holiday that immerses you in the authentic Caribbean experience, there’s no other way to travel!

With 7,000 islands to explore, the hardest part of planning a Caribbean sailing holiday is choosing where to visit. Ready to make the most of your freedom? 

Here are five spectacular Caribbean islands that reward those who make the journey by sea:

• Tintamarre, St. Martin
• Jost Van Dyke, BVI
• Anegada, BVI
• Tobago Cays, Grenadines
• Shroud Cay, Exumas

Keep reading to discover which Caribbean islands’ sailing spots are best for your holiday and how to access them from a Dream Yacht Charter base.

Sailing the Hidden Caribbean: Islands Only Accessible by Boat

Tintamarre, St. Martin

There’s only one way to describe the beauty of Tintamarre: frozen in time. Because it’s both uninhabited and protected as a nature reserve, the small island is filled with untouched natural attractions everywhere you look.

Tintamarre is also conveniently located less than one hour off the northeast coast of the much larger St. Martin. For easy sailing, leave from our Dream Yacht Charter base in Marina de L’Anse Marcel. When you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice is a stunning stretch of powdery white beaches – all blissfully free from crowds!

If you love hiking, you’ll love trekking the island’s diverse terrain, which spans rocky cliff tops overlooking azure water to great grassy plains. Marine enthusiasts will also love Tintamarre for its exceptional snorkelling, especially along the island’s western edge. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish, all set against the backdrop of the island’s vibrant reef system.

To end your Tintamarre day on a high note, catch the sunset from the western shore. 

Jost Van Dyke, BVI

If you picture yourself adventuring through the Caribbean like storybook explorers, Jost Van Dyke is the island for you. Though it’s just six square kilometres, this tiny island packs enormous personality, natural beauty, and plenty of old-timey charm.

The island’s most famous attraction is White Bay. Unlike the uninhabited islands on this list, here you’ll find charming local beach bars nestled between swaying palm trees. The Soggy Dollar Bar is especially well-known for inventing the Painkiller cocktail.

For a less indulgent activity, head inland to trek Jost Van Dyke’s iconic hiking trails. Many lead to panoramic viewpoints, so be sure to bring your camera!

Jost Van Dyke is located just 3 miles northwest of Tortola, so simply sail directly from Dream Yacht Charter’s Tortola base in Hodges Creek Marina. 

Anegada, BVI

While many islands in the British Virgin Islands formed from volcanoes, Anegada is a flat coral atoll. It rises just 28 feet above sea level at its highest point, making Anegada a geographically unique getaway that true boaters will appreciate.

With a distinctly different landscape from the rest of the BVI, visitors can explore salt ponds, shallow swimming holes, and the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. It’s considered a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise, especially if you love exploring historical shipwrecks!

Anegada is also renowned for serving up the Anegada lobster at its many beachfront restaurants. A bit more inland, you can also rent a moped or Jeep to traverse the island’s incredibly scenic roads. 

To reach Anegada, sail about 2-3 hours from Dream Yacht Charter’s Tortola base.

Tobago Cays, Grenadines

Picture yourself sailing between five untouched Caribbean islands, surrounded by a perfect horseshoe-shaped coral reef – and having all of that beauty entirely to yourself. That’s what you can expect from the Tobago Cays, a protected marine park with white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and extraordinary marine biodiversity.

Anyone can find something to love in Tobago Cays, but snorkelling enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the islands. The Cays’ pristine coral reefs create the perfect conditions for world-class snorkelling, including shallow, clear waters and an array of marine life. Above water, hikers can enjoy small, relaxing trails leading to stunning panoramic viewpoints. 

Dream Yacht Charter travellers can reach this dreamy destination from our base in Martinique. With plenty of stops along the way, the journey alone will be worth it!

Shroud Cay, Exumas, Bahamas

Nature enthusiasts hoping to experience true Caribbean wilderness will feel at home in Shroud Cay. The northern gateway to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park, this uninhabited island features protected ecosystems of winding mangrove channels. 

The best part? Visitors can explore this interior waterway network on a dinghy or kayak. As you head deeper into the island, you’ll feel uniquely immersed in the wild Caribbean jungle. For sweeping views of the Exuma Sound, head to Camp Driftwood on the eastern creek. You’ll find a viewing platform perfect for panoramic photography. 

But the channels aren’t the only highlight of this island. Marine enthusiasts also love exploring the surrounding waters thanks to their exceptional clarity and white sand bottoms. 

Sailors with Dream Yacht Charter can access this hidden gem from our base in Nassau. Though it requires careful planning, Shroud Cay rewards anyone who makes the journey with an unforgettable natural experience. 

Your Caribbean Sailing Adventure Awaits

Ready to explore the Caribbean’s hidden treasures aboard a pristine yacht charter? No matter your boating experience, sailing with Dream Yacht Charter unlocks exclusive access to idyllic islands and customisable itineraries. 

Contact us today to start planning your sailing adventure to these exclusive island gems. With Dream Yacht Charter bases strategically located throughout the Caribbean, your dream holiday awaits!