what to expect

What To Expect

What to expect:

The first thing is to adjust your internal clock. Nothing happens fast in the Caribbean and the slower pace can restore the spirit if you let it. Don't rush it - the best things happen when you don't try to stick to a schedule.

You should plan on warm sunny breezy days and occasional thundershowers during the summer months. The wind typically drops 5 minutes after the storm has started and the rain flattens the waters but visibility is very poor. It is always best to anchor when a thunderstorm hits.

The people you will meet on the various islands are wonderful. Everybody is friendly and helpful. the local fishermen will come up to you boat and sell/trade for whatever they caught that day. Generally it is a great deal unless you already have dinner planned. In some of the anchorages, the locals will bring bread and fruit and other local items for sale out to your boat.

What to bring:

Make sure to bring plenty of shorts, tops, t-shirts, and swim suits. Ladies might enjoy having cotton scarves for wraps and a sundress. You'll want sandals most of the time, but bring sneakers for trekking and exploring. You might want to bring a pair of long pants to protect your legs when you explore any of the inland areas. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt for the evenings during winter.

Don't forget hat and sun glasses. And it's best to bring your own toiletries and medications - you can get almost anything, but since these items are imported they will be more expensive.

As for provisions, imported food is expensive and selection is limited. You might want to consider bringing some of your provisions, especially things that are not too heavy like spices, dehydrated soups and mixes. All the staples - rice, pasta, cornmeal, etc. are plentiful and inexpensive. Vegetables are inexpensive. Fruits are plentiful and excellent. Mangoes, pineapples, melons, limes. Local seasonings, hot sauce and concentrated beverage syrups are excellent and inexpensive.

The boat will come supplied with snorkel gear. If you prefer your own gear, or need prescription lenses, don't forget them. It also comes equipped with linens and paper products. It never hurts to have a few extra towels, since they always get salty.

Don't forget your camera and plenty of film if you still use an analog camera. And plenty of books to read and to trade. There are book exchanges around, but they don't usually sell them - you have to have something to trade. And bring plenty of pens and paper to write on - you might feel inspired to write some letters, a log or even a story. You might even discover the elusive answer to some problem that's been bothering you.