A once-in-a-lifetime experience…which we’ve done twice, and will do again!! This is the only way to see the Caribbean – off the beaten track of the cruise liners, visiting deserted palm fringed beaches, and colourful villages and towns.

Kalimba tours follow broadly the same route, but Pete the captain - who has excellent local knowledge - was happy to vary the itinerary to fit with your preferences. The sail from St George up to the Grenadines is a great way to shake off the jet/travel lag, and slow down to the Caribbean pace of life, chilling to Bob Marley. As its international travel, there are various immigration formalities at Carriacou and Union Island, but all these are taken care of by the captain – you don’t even have to leave the boat.

A stop at the classic Caribbean postcard location of Sandy Island, off Carriacou, is a highlight - a great place to snorkel over beautiful and varied corals, amongst thousands of colourful fish, in the crystal blue warm waters. Kalimba is well stocked with snorkelling and other watersports equipment. Another great photo op is the stop at Mopion island – a tiny sand island, whose only landmark, at its highest point (3 metres), is a windswept palm umbrella. On Union Island, don’t miss the burgers at Big City, overlooking the harbour, and if you’re lucky go to the Full Moon Party on the Kite-Surfing beach…where the rum and cokes get bigger through the night!

Once you’re in The Grenadines most of the legs are an hour or two, and some hops are even shorter – giving you enough of a blast to experience a proper sailing holiday, but ample time to enjoy the highlights of islands…our favourites were around Mayreau: swimming with turtles at Tobago Cays; getting away from it all on Petit Tabac; finding huge iguanas on Baradal Island; climbing to the viewpoint above Saltwhistle Bay; and a leisurely sunset walk up to the old chapel on Mayreau for views over Tobago Cays, and then drinks at Robert Righteous’ bar. If you’re feeling extravagant, the local ‘Boat Boys’ will cook you fresh lobster on the beach; alternatively, most islands have more reasonably priced restaurants, or Kalimba has a spacious and well kitted out galley for those preferring to cook …there is even a BBQ.

We didn’t have time to fit in the more Northerly islands of Bequia, Canouan and Mustique; but certainly plan to next time – as our last trip certainly left us yearning for more, and we can’t wait to get back on Kalimba!!!