Tidbits from the islands, mon - October, 2008

It's October, and winter is approaching. The night temperatures are dropping and mornings are chilly. It is time to plan your "escape". Don't wait too long to book your dream winter vacation in the Grenadines, the best sailing and relaxing destination. It's cheaper than you think!

Rent a villa on Bequia, Union Island or Palm Island. We represent some of the most romantic, private villas and beach houses you will find. Or why not combine a yacht charter with a villa rental? Ask Erika's to help you organize the best vacation yet - in the Grenadines. We have the answers to your vacation questions.

See what others are saying about the Grenadines and Union Island in particular...

From the Globe and Mail, Toronto, 09 Feb 08
"It's the kind of island that puts the Turks and Caicos to shame." and "in the late afternoon you're more likely to see crowds of uniformed schoolgirls than packs of camera-wielding visitors ..."

Grenadines voted "Best Sailing Destination"

Over the past years, the Grenadines islands have received many world-class ratings. In 2003 the destination was awarded "The Yachting/Sailing Destination of the Year" by readers of Caribbean World Magazine. In 2004, it also received the Caribbean World Travel award "Best Sailing and Yacht Islands of the Year" and in 2005, the Caribbean World Magazine readers awarded the islands "Caribbean Sailing and Yachting Islands of the Year".

HotHotHotSpot – Wi-fi at Erika's!!! Surf the net from your own yacht in Clifton Harbour. Convenience, privacy and reasonable prices. Simply open a browser on your computer, then follow instructions when you see the HotHotHotSpot portal page.

Erika's is pleased to announce it supports Caribwx.com

Erika's has become a sponsor on the links page of Caribwx.com, the Caribbean's award-winning weather centre since 1993. As Erika's sponsors the weather report on the Union Island Cruisers' Net each day, we decided to throw some support behind this ever-popular site.

Escape the rush! Gridlock and deadlines are only a dim memory when you are in the Grenadines. Take a dip in the azure Caribbean sea - our beaches are quiet enough to make you think you are on your own private piece of paradise. Why not rent a beachside villa for a week and live your dream. Check with Erika's for Caribbean flights as well as villa and hotel availability.We can be reached by e-mail: info@erikamarine.com.

We visited Palm Island recently. What a lovely and tranquil place it is. Sandy lanes, views of unparalleled beauty from every vantage point and a group of charming beach houses, each with its own character – comfortable, private and situated on some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Erika's represents several of these villas. Check our "Hotels/Villas" page for information on renting a villa.

Erika's can also assist with chartering a yacht, either bareboat or crewed. If you want to sail the Windward Islands for a few days, or even a few weeks, Erika's has yachts available to suit your needs. Look on our "Charter a Yacht" page for more information. A variety of yachts is available through Erika's. Just ask us.

And by the way, take a day sail through the Grenadines on one of the wonderful sailing craft that Erika's represents. Just ask us and we will book a day sail that you will never forget.

Tobago Cays Marine Park – the perfect place to chill out

The Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) officially opened on 2 December, 2006. Good work was done in the first year, reinforced by a second year of hard work. This group of islets located adjacent to Union Island in the Grenadines is truly a paradise of clear water with world class reefs for diving and snorkeling, providing a degree of serenity hard to find anywhere else in the world. All yachts must pay a small fee to enter the park now. Rangers are on hand on the water in the park to collect the fees if you have not paid elsewhere – such as at the TCMP office in Union Island or yacht charter bases. The rangers also provide some security in the park; their area of surveillance will soon increase to include Clifton Harbour in Union Island. Proceeds from the collection of fees will go to maintain and improve the TCMP, keeping it in its pristine state with no buildings, marinas or other manmade structures there. After one full year of operation, the management of TCMP has improved many aspects of life in the park. They have actively protected the burgeoning turtle population from poachers, provided ongoing security for yachting visitors and planted over 100 coconut palms. It's heartening to know that this wonderful resource in our Grenadine islands has ongoing management.

Getting married soon? Why not think of having your wedding ceremony and reception in the Grenadines. You only have to be in this country for one day in order to be legally married here. And while here, you can stay on for your honeymoon. There are lots of venues for weddings. Charter a lovely old wooden schooner and sail through the Tobago Cays with your family and friends, celebrating your special day under a clear sky. Or sail to an uninhabited island and have the ceremony performed on the beach. There are churches of several denominations in Union as well. Ask at Erika's for ideas and possibilities. We have local knowledge and connections. Our event organizers are waiting to hear from you.

Union Island is located in the midst of the finest sailing area. The Grenadines, which are part of St. Vincent & the Grenadines in the Windward islands, are a series of volcanic islands set in the azure seas of the Eastern Caribbean. Constant trade winds make yachting a dream here. The airport at Union Island makes it a good jumping-off spot for people wanting to explore these fabulous islands. Whether you are an inveterate sailor, or simply want to explore some authentic Caribbean isles, Union Island is the place to start - or end! This is the genuine and original Caribbean you thought was lost – almost-deserted white sand beaches, old fashioned hospitality, charming small hotels and guesthouses.

Don't wait. Book Caribbean flights, charter yachts and/or accommodation now. Erika's travel services specialists, Heather and Chille, can look after all the details. E-mail: info@erikamarine.com