Adventure Sailing & Nomad Lifestyle Intro | Grenada to Martinique

Windward Islands, Caribbean

ON
Ocean Nomads
  • Email address verified
3 reviews
Dec 28, 2022 - Jan 4, 2023
Group size: 1 - 10
Adventure Sailing & Nomad Lifestyle Intro | Grenada to Martinique
Windward Islands, Caribbean

Ocean Nomads
  • Email address verified
3 reviews

Dec 28, 2022 - Jan 4, 2023
Group size: 1 - 10

About this trip

Sailing Expeditions With Impact, Adventure & Community

Sail The Caribbean With Us! Travel By Sail To Multiple Island Nations, Discover Freediving, Kitesurfing, Fuelled By Coconuts And Fellow Adventurers

Leg 5 Grenada - Martinique ((& Islands in between) | +/-300 NMN


Best for:  

- Multi-adventure experience (Freedive / Kite / Hike / Sailing) 

- Sailing together with Atlantic ocean sailors  

- Experience the remote Grenadines island Archipelago

- Diverse Destinations

DESTINATION

The image you have in mind from the Caribbean gets beyond confirmed once arrived.  The islands are blessed with tropical rainforests, stunning reef drops, waterfalls and adventure potential. It is as scenic above as below the surface. The Caribbean is a truly amazing part of our planet, full of character!  Scenic wise with all the happy coloured buildings, the tropical flowers and happy bird sounds. But the real characters are the people.


With dozens of authentic and unique island nations, the Caribbean calls for exploration time. The ONLY way to explore the Caribbean is by sail! With the trade winds from the east and the island chain going from north to south, turquoise waters and thousands of islands, bay and inlets, sailing conditions are just perfect.  You have to take the sea route to get the best sense of place and exploration spots.

ROUTE

This trip we’ll be sailing the Windward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. The windward islands are the Southern end of the eastern Caribbean island chain. From Martinique to Grenada. They are called windward because you had to beat to windward to get there from other islands. They lie across the easterly trade winds which makes it easy and pleasant to sail north and south. That’s what we will do. 


We set sail from Grenada and explore the islands north from there. On the route we find St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Martinique. Three different island nations all deserving months of exploration on its own. 


On purpose, we don’t plan out the route in detail (but departure and arrival destination is fixed). Our crew has extensively explored the Caribbean by sail and know about the best and most remote anchorages to choose from. We make the best possible route, with for sure having the Grenadines part of the itinerary. We will go after remote turquoise bays in the Caribbean that can only be reached by sail. We’ll be sailing, riding and exploring the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean seas, where the crowd can’t reach!


Distances between the islands are short. You can usually see the next one already lying ahead of you. That said, we will sail a few hundred miles to make the most out of this expedition. 


On Route we find:


Grenada 


Everywhere in the Caribbean people are friendly, but Grenada, called ‘Greenz’ by the locals, really tops it. Everyone says good morning or good afternoon. People are genuinely interested in stopping for a chat. The food is amazing - we could eat callaloo soup the rest of our lives and still feel vibrant at 100! Grenada is comprised of one main island and six smaller ones. The ‘mainland’ has rainforests, mangroves, marine parks, an underwater sculpture park and giant leatherback turtles. Carriacou is a small, idyllic Grenadian island with great diving. It’s also called the “spice island”. Cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, cacao, moringa, and vanilla are available in abundance! Cool town: St. Georges, the capital.Must do: Hash Run on Saturday, Grenada Sailing Week, and a chill-out session in Carriacou.Must eat: Oil down, callaloo soup, roti and local made organic chocolate.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The water cannot get more turquoise than in the Grenadines. Because of its many islands scattered throughout the Caribbean Sea, and the logistical challenges of reaching them, this is where we definitely want to sail! The Tobago Cays are a spectacular protected marine park and legendary for kitesurfing.Cool town: Clifton in Union IslandMust do: sailing and kitesurfingAwesome Beach: Jack Sparrows beach on ‘Petit Tabac’Must eat: Coconuts and red banana.

St. Lucia

This is one of the busier islands in the WindWard Islands. Rodney Bay on St. Lucia is the most advanced location for recycling facilities and waste disposal. Must do: Anchor, dive, hike, and have a chillax session at the hot springs around the PitonsCool town: Soufriere. The vibe is a lot busier and more commercial in the north, while the south is much more authentic and absolutely gorgeous.  

Martinique

As it is French territory, you'll spot people walking around with the stereotypical baguette under their arm. It’s a well-developed island with plenty of shops and facilities, making it a popular place for provisioning and sourcing things. Martinique is one of the islands we have not personally explored inside out. We'd love to do that together with you!

ADVENTURE, ACTIVITY & LIFESTYLE ON BOARD

Imagine jumping into warm turquoise waters just seconds after you wake up. Eating a freshly chopped papaya for breakfast, having consistent 15-20 knot breeze when sailing to the next island, and if we’re lucky spotting a whale or dolphins, hiking up a hill for the view, climbing a palm tree for a coconut, and enjoying a sunset chillax with that coconut and green flash on the horizon. You can work on your swimming skills immersed in the evening bioluminescence, with the starry sky above you making wishes.


That’s just one example of a day on board SV Twister in the Caribbean. Each day you’ll experience something new, whether it’s landing a new trick, discovering a new island or trying some of the best local Caribbean cuisine.


Ocean Nomads trips are beyond ‘the usual’ sailing holiday. It’s and adventure experience aimed at making the dream lifestyle reality, not just for the time with us but beyond all that. Incorporating the Ocean Nomads values, of community, exploration, and positive impact into the elements of the trip. Ocean Nomads trips are always hands-on, everyone helps with the running of the ship. Read more about that on the big Expedition ON overview page.


On this route we find the islands where the traditional Caribbean wooden sloops are being build: Carriacou and Petit Martinique. We will carry out field visits for those interested to learn more about that beautiful but vanishing craftmanship.


We’ll touch remote islands that can’t be reached any other way than by boat. Wherever we go we leave the places cleaner than we find it. Beach clean ups are part of the routine, not ‘just’ incorporated as an event.


This is a muti-adventure trip. But ofcourse, you’re always welcome to chill and read a book or just do nothing, but BEing.

WEATHER

A consistent 15-20 knots is present pretty much all days. The water temperature is around 28 degrees and makes board short and bikini kiteboarding and snorkeling possible. Is it a dream? Yes, and one to make real!

FREEDIVING & SAILING

This voyage our Suzy will also be on board. She’s a certified Freedive Instructor and happily teaches some freedive basics to level up your underwater exploration time and experience.

KITESURFING & SAILING

From beginner to advanced kitesurfers are encouraged to join. Jonatan is our on board IKO kitesurfer happy giving you an introduction kitesurf course. We have a strong outboard and big tender to bring and pick you up fast, where necessary. We can launch easily from a beach close, or from the boat. Your expedition leaders are experienced kite surfers, and also the Twister crew is happy helping out.  Recommend KiteSizes: 8-14. We recommend to bring your own kite gear. 

The Vessel: Classic Schooner SV Twister

Sailing Vessel Twister is a ship of +100 years that still sails the oceans, safely! Isn’t that amazing in itself? No plastic push buttons or winches on this vessel.


She’s beautiful. She’s solid. She’s big. She’s spacious. She’s super comfortable. She’s got soul. She lasts. She has proven her worth and seaworthiness. 


Sailing ship Twister is a schooner built in 1902, with an impressive story to tell. Originally a fishing boat built out of wood, fifty-five years later, her wooden hull was replaced for a steel one so she could continue to fish. She now features all safety equipment, modern comforts, and all licenses and certificates to take you safely offshore. She sails under the highly regarded Dutch flag.

Her current owners are driven to sail her far, and with purpose. The aim is to facilitate memorable expeditions that people will treasure for life, and contribute towards a better planet.


Last season she we sailed with her offshore, conditions ranging between champagne sailing and 9 Beaufort, totalling 5000 NM. The only thing we broke were two plates. Given the success of last expedition we now go all in and all around the Atlantic!


The size of the ship allows us to bring more people together in a place. Through Twister we can have you experience offshore sailing as safely as possible. Twister focuses on safety and seamanship competence. Ocean Nomads on the community, content, and organization. Many certificates are obtained and complied with to pass the safety checks and requirements. This comes with a cost but the rewards are priceless. Teaming up with Twister allows us to combine professionalism, safety, and adventure, impact and community facilitation. 


Home port : Harlingen, Holland

Year built : 1902

Displacement : 88 tonnes

Length overall : 36m/118′

Draft : 2.8m/9’2″ Beam : 6.2m/20’3″ Rig : Schooner

Sail area : 332.5m/1090’8″

Number of sails : 6

Engine : Mercedes Benz 300 PK

Total number of berths : 22

Bathrooms : 2

A tour of SV Twister

Who's joining?

It’s the people who make the adventure. This is the main message Suzanne learned after having sailed 30.000 miles on +50 different boats. We carefully curate a diverse, multi-skilled crew who share a similar mindset, to create a powerful team mix. It makes the difference.

We live beyond the status quo or desire to do so. We care for the planet. Minimize, simplify and cut down on our environmental footprint where we can. We lift each other up and support each other when in need.


Ocean Nomads Expedition Leader

Every leg an Ocean Nomads expedition leader will be on board, representing the Ocean Nomads values and to make sure you get the most out of this trip. Most of them are Trip Alumni who previously joined and never returned. Now shining their light and experience on the journey! Maybe it’ll be you our next trip!


Explore this page further to see who'll be there to welcome you this trip!


Proffesional Crew & Instruction

Twister is managed by a professional crew including a captain, first mate and one or two deckhands. This is required by law on a vessel this size. You’ll be in safe, qualified and experienced hands. This doesn’t mean you only sit back and relax (thought on this trip you can if you want). Generally ON voyages are hands-on voyage involving everyone in sailing and operation of our little floating village.


You?

Adventurer & explorer

Alternative lifestyle seeker

Striving to do good

Excited to share skills and stories

Eager to learn, share and care

Hands-on mindset

Ambitious

Saying Hell Yeah that’s me when reading more about the Ocean Nomads community

What else is good to know?

Learn more about sailing with Ocean Nomads in the Caribbean

Our Trip Terms

Cancellation Policy

Our FAQ page with more questions answered

Explore the Ocean Nomads website to explore vibes and values

Explore the Twister website for more photos of the vessel. 

Discount codes:

- 10 percent discount for Ocean Nomads members (From 65 euro / year) 

- EXTRA discount when joining 2 trips (Book your first trip and automatically receive a 10% discount code for the next one)

Stories, Testimonials & Transformations

Join the Ocean Nomads Network and/or read book Ocean Nomad to learn who you're jumping on board with, and to start the adventure already.

The vessel is already on its way. Follow us on Instagram for life trip updates.

Our voyages have always been full. If you're considering joining, do not wait too long;)

What to Bring?

“The adrenaline and stress of an adventure are better than a thousand peaceful days.” – Paulo Coelho

Less is more; less is more; less is more! But packing for time at sea, not being sure what the weather will do, what a regular day will look like, and what the next adventure will be? What to bring?


For this trip you really do not need much. Swimming gear, a hat, sun protection, a towel or sarong and a few sets of clothes.


What we have for you to use: boattoys (SUPs, surfboards, snorkel gear (to be shared),  a bamboo straw for the coconut zipping, a guitar and other small instruments, and a large on board library of sailing, natural living, ocean, conservation book to read.


See here a Holiday Sailing Packing List made by Suzy for more considerations.

You'll live out of your backpack / duffelbag. While not sleeping you keep your bag on your bed. You’ll have a little shelve next to your bed for tiny items.


If you’re looking to bring extra sports gear (like surfboards / kitesurf gear / diving gear / bicycles) we can facilitate to a certain extend. There is limited space so please ask permission in advance. Music instruments are always welcome.

What does previous crew say?

"It’s amazing how many awesome friends you can make, and how much just one week on an ON trip can change your life" - Marcin from Poland

“The most unforgettable week. The trip preparation and the crew members turned what would otherwise be an adventure into something a special. I took part in two ocean nomads trips so far. To say it was life changing sounds dramatic but it really was. Being able to share time and experiences with people with different backgrounds but of a similar mindset was incredible. I like to think that I can have and help contribute to a similar experience for myself and others as a member of the Flotilla crew.”  – Ben Clipstone from Australia


“In my opinion Ocean Nomads sailing adventure are: 1. A reward for the senses by discovering incredibly beautiful places and breathtaking sceneries. 2. An unbeatable way to get introduced into the world of a sailing lifestyle 3. An open window to learn watching our world and the people from another more conscious perspective. I see Suzanne as an inspirational person who, with her example, inspire others with ideas and proposals to define or redefine life projects and use inner energy for more noble purposes. Our oceans need strong committed people like her to advocate for our natural resources and leave them intact for the generations to come.”  – Jose Perez from Spain 


"My lifelong dream has been to spend time outside of the US, explore different places, meet , new people and just live somewhere different than what I grew up with. If you told me this time last year that I would have spent the better part the last 365 days sailing around The Canary Islands, surfing in Ireland, sleeping in a van ALONE in England and writing this newsletter on an island in the Adriatic Sea, I would have rolled my eyes at you.  But after joining Ocean Nomads on SV Twister a little over a year ago my life has done a complete 180° ( in the best way possible) and I have the network and so many of you to thank for that! – Brianna SV Twister '21


"The experience on twister with other Ocean Nomads was just really beautiful and I felt connected for the first time in decades, I felt part of a community and had companionship. I was so happy that it’s so all inclusive of gender race religion nationality and most importantly age. It has connected me with like-minded people of all ages and being very transformational personally because my life has been incredibly isolated as a single parent Who works from home. I can honestly say October and November I felt happy and free for the first time in maybe 22 years.  It gave me everything I was looking for. It has opened up so many possibilities to meet new people with similar vibes, including connection, companionship, purpose and being one with nature." - Cay, SV Twister '21


Check our more Stories, Testimonials & Transformations

on our website or on our Facebook page.

What’s included

  • Adventure Sailing
    Sail to different Caribbean Countries
  • Sail instruction
    Being taught the ropes of the ship & seamanship
  • Food
    Vegetarian - We share cooking on board
  • Drinks
    Water, Tea (incl. lots oh herbal teas), Coffee, Lemonade (No alcahol)
  • Intro to Freedive
    Discovery Freedive clinic
  • Intro to Kitesurfing
    Discovery Kitesurf clinic
  • Marina Fees & Fuel
  • Bed Linen
    Pillow and blanket
  • Proffesional Crew
    Professional qualified and experienced Skipper & Crew
  • Adventurous Shipmates
    A unique and curated mix of adventurous & impact-driven salty souls
  • EcoMinded Elements
    As zero waste & chemical free as we can
  • Use of BoatToys
    SUPs, Surfboards & Snorkel Gear

What’s not included

  • To & from the boat
    Transport to and from the boat destination
  • Personal Insurance
    Personal travel insurance
  • Personal expenses ashore
  • Ocean Nomads Membership
    Receive a 10% discount code + many more Member Perks
  • A valid Passport!
    Check check double check

Available Packages

Trip Price
€1,815
Deposit: €900

Available options

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome Day
Arrival Day

At 15.00 we welcome you on board. We pick you up with our tender boat. Exact location to be decided. This day is all about settling in, making your self at home, getting to know each other and have your first swim around or underneath the boat. This day we will not set sail just yet.

Your Organizer


ON
Ocean Nomads
3 reviews
With Ocean Nomads we connect ocean people, vessels, projects, and environmental action to facilitate sailboat travel, adventure, impact, and a nomadic and ocean-conscious way of life. Ocean Nomads trips connect people to each other and to the ocean. Nothing transforms more than actual experience. We add nature and adventure into the mix, and we have a recipe for creating a big dose of positive energy, life changing epiphany moments & accelerating change for a common good. Here's a little intro video: https://oceannomads.co/about/

Reviews

We had a great time, reasonably comfortable accommodations for a sailboat, absolutely top level professionals on crew. We got very lucky because we didn't have to wait out any storms or anything, giving us extra time from the very beginning. The Captain was very accommodating and extremely experienced, this being his 35th Atlantic crossing, several times on ships much larger that the Twister. Twister herself is very beautiful and well maintained, and being very well-fitted for ocean crossings.
By David D for Your invitation for Azores - Netherlands| Leg 13 on May 03, 2023
Martinique hiking up the volcano, Dominica visiting a farm style chocolate factory, hiking to a boiling lake and sulphur bubbling pools, amazing swimming in waterfalls and discovering the lush landscape. Ending at Le Saintes in Guadeloupe, the prettiest town in the Caribbean I have seen. All with fabulous vegetarian food, great company and a fabulous tall ship to do it from, a wonderful experience!!
By Cay C for Sail Martinique - Dominica - Guadeloupe | Full ON Nature Exploration on Feb 21, 2023
Visiting Le Saintes was amazing, beach bonfire, homemade pizza and singing songs to guitar on a deserted island, hot springs in the ocean at sunset, hikes to waterfalls and swimming in fresh pools. Scooter tour of Marie Galant was a hoot. All with wonderful like minded adventurous people, great food and a fantastic tall ship to do it all on. Doesn’t get better! Thank you Ocean Nomads!! Thank you Twister ⛵️
By Cay C for Sail Guadeloupe Islands | Full ON Nature Exploration on Feb 21, 2023