Cruise to the Grenadines Islands and Venezuela
Arrival at the Fort de France airport and transfer to the port, where we will stay on board of our catamaran.The next morning departure for the Grenadines Islands, a paradise for lovers of water sports and sailing. This archipelago is made up of many small islands scattered in the South of the Caribbeans, distinguished by the colorful marine life,the coral floor,sea temperature at 25 degrees, white sand beaches, protected bays,natural harbors and animated surrounded by colored wooden houses.We will do the first call in SAINT LUCIA. Among the natural beauties of this island, the mountains are typical in the shape of sugarloaf: the Morne Gimie (950 meters)and the two twin volcanic cones Grand and Petit Piton. Near the capital Castries is located Marigot Bay, often used as a set for filming. It's worth visiting the nearby waterfalls of Diamond Falls and the old town centre of Soufriere (in the South of the island),from where you can reach a volcano unique of its kind in that you can drive straight through its crater. Possibility of arranging excursions, more or less difficult, along the trails and horse riding. We leave SAINT LUCIA bound for BEQUIA and precisely for Port Elizabeth, the main centre of the island and a favorite harbor for all the sailing enthusiasts. The place was once famous for whaling, as witnessed by the local museum "Whaling & Sailing".We sail from BEQUIA to get to MAYREAU, the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines with a population of about 250 people.Clear waters and white sand beaches are the elements that make this paradise. From Saline Bay (named after the nearby salt lake), 10 minute walk is enough to climb the hill and reach the small village with its charming church from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of TOBAGO CAYS, CANOUAN and UNION ISLAND. And right at TOBAGO CAYS, known as "the crown jewel" is where we will land. These desert islands surrounded by coral reefs and a turquoise sea of exceptional clarity, are a dream for all divers. The TOBAGO CAYS, considered a national park, are one of the most popular destinations in this area. Next stop: GRENADA, "The Spice Island", is the second largest producer of nutmeg. There are more spices in GRENADA per square meter than anywhere else on the planet. The state of GRENADA, which includes the islands of CURRIACOU and PETIT MARTINIQUE, is located in the most Southerly part of the WINDWARD ISLANDS. The Island's capital, St. George's is a very colorful Caribbean city that overlooks the port, founded on a volcanic cone collapsed into the sea. The Saturday market is one of the most lively and picturesque in the Caribbeans. Along the coast there many coconut palms, breadtrees and waterfalls, including the great Concord Falls. Inside, the island has a lush rainforest crisscrossed by rivers, waterfalls, lakes and lagoons.It's mostly rocky with many quiet bays with white sandy beaches, among them Grande Anse, which stretches for several kilometers. Worth a stop, the town of Gouyave, famous for its production of nutmeg. More to the East there is the great Grand Etang National Park, well known to birdwatchers. We sail from GRENADA to the Venezuelan islands of LA BLANQUILLA and LOS ROQUES. As for the return flight, you can board from the international airports of GRENADA and CARACAS,according to your own needs.LA BLANQUILLA, called "the white island" for its white sandy beaches, is located 100 km North-East of the Island of MARGARITA, with an area of 53 km2 and its maximum height of 30 meters from the sea level. Pristine island, almost uninhabited and rich in fish, thus ideal for fishermen from MARGARITA,who move here for short periods of time. Its crystal clear sea, its coral reefs in shallow waters and rich marine life are elements that make LA BLANQUILLA an ideal diving place. Its reefs are characterized by the presence of black coral, hard to find in the rest of the world, which is used to make jewelry.The vegetation of this island, typical of a dry climate, is marked by the presence of cacti, prickly pears and hawthorns. You can also do some pleasant encounters with these animals: iguanas, parrots, lizards, wild donkeys, goats, owls, frigates, eagles and hermit crabs.The last leg of our cruise, but unquestionably one of the most memorable,is the LOS ROQUES Archipelago located 130 km from the port of CARACAS (La Guaira), declared a national park in 1972 for its beauty and ecological importance. The archipelago consists of about fifty islands and only the most important "Grand Roque" is predominatly populated, has an airport and is the largest marine park in the Caribbean Sea. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful natural areas of Venezuela which has 61 species of corals, 200 species of crustaceans, 140 species of molluscs, 45 species of echinoderms, 60 species of sponges, 280 species of fish and 92 species of birds, 50 of which are migratory.You can appreciate all these marvels of the nature in the park. Turism (first in importance) and fishing are the major economic resources of this archipelago. It's possibile to stay in Grand Rogue in one of the 60 inns on the island,obviously there are no hotels! The Archipelago of LOS ROQUES attracts many tourists for the various sporting and recreational activities and therefore you can enjoy: fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing, kite surfing and much more...
