Exploring the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles: St. Martin to Montserrat

Island Hopping in the Lesser Antilles

• ✈️ Gary Arndt details his extensive island-hopping tour through the Caribbean, focusing on the Leeward Islands.
• 🗺️ The Lesser Antilles are divided into the Leeward and Windward Islands, with the Leeward group located to the north.
• 🏝️ Travel between islands can be challenging due to limited ferry services and a near-monopoly on inter-island flights by Liat.
• ☀️ Visiting during the low season offers a more relaxed experience, with temperatures often cooler than in many North American cities.

St. Martin: A Tale of Two Sides

• 🇫🇷🇳🇱 St. Martin is unique for being split between French and Dutch territories, offering distinct cultural and developmental differences.
• ✈️ A major attraction is Maho Beach, adjacent to the runway, where visitors can experience the powerful thrust of jet engines during takeoffs and landings.
• 🚢 Despite initial reservations about cruise ship tourism, the small size of many islands allows for a thorough experience in a single day.

Anguilla: Beaches and Serenity

• 🏖️ Anguilla, a raised coral reef island, boasts some of the best white sand beaches in the Caribbean, with a flat topography and no high points.
• 💸 It is considered one of the more expensive islands, with a reliance on imported food contributing to an "island tax."
• 💧 Water is primarily sourced from rainwater collection systems, often stored in cisterns.

Saba: The Unspoiled Volcanic Gem

• 🌋 Saba is a Dutch municipality and a fascinating volcanic island, home to the highest point in the Netherlands, Mount Scenery.
• 🚗 The island features a single, winding road and a remarkably short commercial runway at its airport, requiring specially trained pilots.
• 🥾 With no significant beaches, Saba is ideal for hiking and offers unique scuba diving experiences with volcanic sand.

St. Barts and St. Eustatius: Luxury and History

• 💰 St. Barts is renowned as the most expensive island in the Caribbean, attracting a high-end clientele and offering luxury accommodations.
• 🏛️ St. Eustatius, historically known as the "Golden Rock," played a significant role in early Caribbean trade and was the first to recognize the independent United States.
• 🚢 The island's primary industry is now an oil storage facility, and it has limited tourism with only a couple of hotels.

St. Kitts and Nevis: Colonial Past and Modern Opportunities

• 🇬🇧 St. Kitts, the "Mother Colony," hosts Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a former British naval base.
• 🛂 The country offers a citizenship-by-investment program, allowing individuals to obtain a passport through financial investment or property purchase.
• 🏝️ Nevis, the sister island, is known for its high-end hotels and is the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton.

Antigua, Barbuda, and Montserrat: Diverse Landscapes and Resilience

• ⚓ Antigua, with its irregular coastline, served as a major British naval base and is a gateway for flights from Europe and the US.
• 🏖️ Barbuda, a raised coral reef island, offers numerous beaches but receives less tourism than Antigua.
• 🌋 Montserrat is known for its active volcano and the destruction of its capital, Plymouth, by a pyroclastic flow, rendering much of the island unsafe and uninhabitable.
• 🚁 Helicopter tours offer views of the volcanic ruins, and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory is a key attraction.

Travel Tips and Reflections

• 💰 The Leeward Islands are not typically budget-friendly, and inter-island transportation can be complex.
• 🛥️ While boat travel is possible between some islands, a yacht may be necessary for others, and customs forms are required for each island transfer.
• 📸 Saba and Anguilla are highlighted for their photographic potential, offering stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches respectively.
• 🌍 Visiting multiple islands is highly recommended to experience the diverse feel and unique character of each destination.