See full version: Islands in the carribean off the beaten path
Just beyond the twin statues of Cambodian dragons that flank the gate to the Nevis Botanical Gardens lies a tranquil oasis of stunning and delicate flora hailing from all over the world. Wrapped around the ruins of a lost temple, this five-acre rainforest conservatory features waterfalls, lily ponds, a bamboo grove, a tropical fruit garden, over 100 species of palms, and a vibrant orchid collection that’s recognized as one of the largest in the Caribbean. more
As St. Kitts tapers off into a thin peninsula on its southern end, a stark duality can be observed at Friar’s Bay where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Just a thin strip of land separates the sprawling, choppy Atlantic from the calmer Caribbean, and observing the contrast of the two bodies of water is spectacular on its own. Add to that the choice of two pristine beaches and some of the island’s best snorkeling opportunities, and you’ll be hopping back and forth to savor the unique characteristics of each. here
Photo: Fred Hsu via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY here
After a short, two-mile ferry ride from Nevis across “The Narrows,” you’ll find the volcanic island of St. Kitts. With an economy dependent on the exportation of sugar cane up until 2005, the island is relatively new to the tourist industry. What this means for visitors, at least for the time being, is that St. Kitts remains a unique enclave replete with authentic and unfettered local Caribbean culture. here
In case you didn't get the memo, there is much more to the Caribbean than just Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. In the shadow of these popular islands are a host of (relatively) untapped destinations, where the beaches are just as gorgeous and prices remarkably more affordable. more
A mere 17 miles east of Puerto Rico, hugging a curving coastline is the island of Culebra. This secret Caribbean island is all about the low-key vibe and powdery white sands—seven-miles of virtually untouched stretches with clear views of PR. Stay at the hilltop Club Seabourne, a string of white plantation-style cottages with private terraces and hammocks perfect for lounging the day away. Or, go for a snorkel near the marine reserve, where you'll spot tropical fish and sea turtles (it's an important nesting site for the majestic creatures thanks to the establishment of a National Wildlife Refuge), then watch the sun go down at Culebrita, the Caribbean's oldest lighthouse. here
The white sand and crystal clear water of many Caribbean islands are dotted with honeymooners, spring breakers and family vacationers year round. To experience the quiet charm and natural wonders of the Caribbean, you’ll have to venture off the beaten path. Traveling to a quieter Caribbean island may take a bit more planning, but skipping the resort towns popular with other tourists is worth it. These crowd-free Caribbean islands offer travelers secluded accommodations, cute coastal cities, mountainside hikes, beautiful beaches, and wildlife throughout the trees and reefs. more
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6) Virgin Gorda/Gorda Sound – Drake’s Anchorage here
On the north side of Virgin Gorda is the enormous, and protected on all sides, Gorda Sound. One can spend many days here bouncing from bay to bay, and we did! Moorings abound, but there are many places to anchor in solitude, if you don’t mind sometimes being as far as 2 miles from bars and restaurants. Our new favorite is Drake’s Anchorage, on the northwest side of the sound, east of Richard Branson’s private Mosquito Island. The large reef to the north and east provides protection in even the strongest winds. We had this place all to ourselves, except for the occasional boat delivering workers to the island. [links]
You can see The Caves on the left of the bay. We anchored on the far right, all alone. (photo credit: BareboatsBVI.com)
The numbers on the map correspond with the numbers of each written section, and approximately mark the anchorages described.
The Rhone is a protected marine reserve, so enormous snapper like this are plentiful more