The calm waters off Jamaica's north coast
create ideal conditions for a variety of watersports, all of which
are offered at the various resorts. In line with the conservation
credo fostered by caring local activists, large marine parks dot the
coast and in these areas only non-motorised watersports are allowed.
Snorkelling is always fun with a rainbow world of
dancing fish waiting just below the surface, giant rays that drift
sedately by and wonderful corals and sea fans to admire.
The diving is amazing with wall dives, several excellent
wreck dives and an underwater wonder, the incredible submerged city
of Port Royal. In the devastating earthquake of 1692 the city slid
into the ocean and legend has it that if you listen carefully you
can still hear the church bell tolling...
The calm north coast offers many secluded bays ideal
for a variety of watersports. Click on the photo to the left to view
a lovely waterfront property complete with its own sheltered cove,
a perfect safe harbour.
In
Barbados for instance, Carlyle Bay has two excellent wrecks where
innumerable fish have made their homes. Reef and drift dive sites
abound and on the west coast a gentle turtle might tag along.
In
Grenada they claim the largest dive wreck in the Caribbean, an
Italian liner that caught fire and sank in St Georges Harbour in 1961.
To the northwest lies the tiny island of
Carriacou with its welcoming wonderland of turtles, brightly
decorated fish and fantastic reefs.
There are several excellent dive locations off the
leeward coast of
St. Vincent as well as all around Bequia, the largest of its
dependencies. Further down the chain Lagoon Bay and Britannia Bay
in Mustique
are popular dive sites.
St.
Lucia has recognised that its incredible marine life is a hidden
treasure and active environmental groups are ensuring its safety.
There are many magnificent sites to dive but perhaps none so spectacular
as the 200ft wall dive below Petit Piton where an incredible array
of marine life congregates.
Considered by many to be the diving world's best
kept secret
Dominica is a diver's paradise. The mountainous drop continues
steeply into the water giving sediment free, crystal clear vision.
The incredible diversity to be found underwater includes hot, fresh-water
springs, a diving experience that shouldn't be missed.
Caribbean
Sailing holidays
People have been enjoying the wonders
of the Caribbean since the Caribs first dipped the paddles of their
dugout canoes back in 1000 AD!
Today's adventurous sailor can catch the breeze at one of the many
sailing regattas held throughout the islands.
Sailing is a popular sport for visitors and locals
alike in
Barbados, while
St Vincent affords an excellent starting point for a cruise
through the Grenadines. Sailing off
Mustique or
Bequia Sail from
St Lucia to
Dominica where one can often have the privilege of spotting
dolphins and whales who traditionally return to these waters to
breed.
Calm and clear or powerful and challenging,
sailing in the Caribbean has it all,
along with a wonderful climate and delightful scenery!
