Hiking and Diving and Whales (Oh my!) photos of Guadeloupe
In the past we always sailed at Thanksgiving, to save money and avoid the crowds. But, because both Christmas and New Years are on Thursdays this year—meaning you may only have to use two vacation days to take a week—I decided to look into going in season. We've also only chartered a catamaran once before because of the premium you pay for its stability and roominess. Yet when I added up the cost of a cat, at peak season, with an extra day, it came to…. $65 more per person than our trip to the BVI last Thanksgiving! (breakdown of costs.) While I wouldn't want to scramble for moorings in the BVI at Xmas, Guadeloupe gets nowhere near as crowded. So it’s a go—the deposit is down! 10% discount to the first French speaker!
As always, the fee includes your berth on the boat, all its operating costs, and all expenses aboard including food and drinks (even boat drinks)! Your only expenses will be airfare and a few dinners ashore. The yacht sleeps 10 (Yacht layout and photos), but I’m limiting it to eight others. Unfortunately, this catamaran does not have single berths, but it may still be possible to accommodate singles-- ask. $400 will hold a berth for you, with the remainder to be paid by Oct. 27. I’ll refund the full deposit if you need to cancel and I can fill the berth, half ($200) if I can’t (I’ve never had to keep a deposit). Call or e-mail me for details or with any questions.
Edward edsml@juno.com 407-417-4967
Catamarans also have the trampolines, so they’re great if you just want to lie out (we even change the scenery for you!), but this one strikes me as a great active trip; the hike to the boiling lake, for example, is three hours. Another advantage to a cat is that they are much easier to dive from, and there will be great dives—
“See rare seahorses and flying Gurnards; other sea creatures commonly seen in Dominica include Scorpion fish, red banded lobsters, Banded coral shrimps and Sea Turtles.”
The snorkeling will be great, too--there is a site with gases bubbling up in just ten feet of water, called “Champagne”. If you’re not certified and want to be, I can make arrangements for you to become certified on this trip, for less than at home. Do it soon; I’ve already seen the effects of bleaching on some of my favorite reefs.
I’m very excited about this trip; many very distinct islands. On Guadeloupe, they say at times you’ll feel as though you’re in Paris; on Marie Galante, as though you’ve gone back in time 200 years; on Dominica, 20,000. Because it has no direct flights or white sand beaches (volcanic black sand), Dominica is largely untouristed. And due to its mountains and rainforests, it’s described as being more similar to Hawaii than the Caribbean, or feeling as though you’ve just entered "Jurassic Park". It’s the only remaining island with Carib Indians. And if you’re into lists, two of the islands we will visit on this trip are in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. There are also two UN World Heritage sites here (I was doing really well checking off that list, but they keep adding to it!). I’ll send many more details to those interested in going, but here's a taste of what I’ve found: (click on the links)
The Islands