Looking for South-to-North options/routes/price estimates.
Nov 25th, 2014, 03:42 PM
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Looking for South-to-North options/routes/price estimates.
Hey everyone, I`m planning a trip spanning from Argentina to the Arctic Circle. We have a general route in mind for most of the trip, but the Caribbean is the leg of the journey with so many options and islands which could become insanely expensive without a bit of planning.
To start off, I am NOT looking for all-inclusive resorts or any kind of getaway-packages. I am, however, looking to spend several months in the sea getting to know the culture, taking my time place to place. Ideally this journey will take place October/November. Initially, was planning on going through Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Barbuda, etc, over to DR, Haiti, and Cuba, then up to Miami. But it seems as though most of the smaller islands before DR are the more expensive destinations.
We havent decided where to leave the continent of South America, yet, however. If we tackled the smaller islands, Porlamar, Venezuela seems to be a good option. If we wanted to skip them and go straight to DR, Haiti, and Cuba, I`d like to leave from Cartagena, Colombia as it`s a city I`ve always had a desire to check out.
We are currently gathering a budget but are hoping to avoid any touristy destinations as the trip is also part research for an upcoming film.
One option we are considering is commissioning a boat and Captain for the to months to leave from the mainland and take us all the way to Miami. If there are any captains reading this, what is an estimated cost for such a trip. We would be a group of three.
The other option would be to find a boat island to island and just play it by ear.
Looking forward to hearing your ideas for routes/means of travel as I begin planning this exciting trip. Thanks in advance!
To start off, I am NOT looking for all-inclusive resorts or any kind of getaway-packages. I am, however, looking to spend several months in the sea getting to know the culture, taking my time place to place. Ideally this journey will take place October/November. Initially, was planning on going through Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Barbuda, etc, over to DR, Haiti, and Cuba, then up to Miami. But it seems as though most of the smaller islands before DR are the more expensive destinations.
We havent decided where to leave the continent of South America, yet, however. If we tackled the smaller islands, Porlamar, Venezuela seems to be a good option. If we wanted to skip them and go straight to DR, Haiti, and Cuba, I`d like to leave from Cartagena, Colombia as it`s a city I`ve always had a desire to check out.
We are currently gathering a budget but are hoping to avoid any touristy destinations as the trip is also part research for an upcoming film.
One option we are considering is commissioning a boat and Captain for the to months to leave from the mainland and take us all the way to Miami. If there are any captains reading this, what is an estimated cost for such a trip. We would be a group of three.
The other option would be to find a boat island to island and just play it by ear.
Looking forward to hearing your ideas for routes/means of travel as I begin planning this exciting trip. Thanks in advance!
Nov 25th, 2014, 04:24 PM
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Chartering a boat for a "several month" trip through the Caribbean will be VERY EXPENSIVE - think in terms of around $800US to $1200US per day for a relatively small sailboat and almost twice that for a small power boat. Keep in mind that the bigger the boat the more expensive it will be. That means chartering a boat & captain for a 2 month trip will run could run you a minimum $48,000US and that will be a "small boat" (think something around 35' in length - you'll probably want something bigger if you want "open water" stability.
Three other things to consider are 1) you'll be crossing a lot of open water so unless you and the members of your group are experienced "blue water sailors" you may find the ride to be a bit uncomfortable; 2) October & November is still Hurricane Season in the Caribbean so you route may have to change or delayed on short notice due to weather concerns and 3) You'll also have to pay the cost for the boat and captain to return to their home port.
Also, very few of the islands you mentioned are linked by commercial boats and ferries.
You'll be much better off flying between islands and if you do that you may find it necessary to "back track" several times in order to stop on all the islands on your list as many of the smaller islands have very limited air service.
You may need a professional travel planner to help with your routing if you want to visit all the islands you mentioned - they are not all easily accessible without going through major "hub" airports.
Good luck planning your trip.
Three other things to consider are 1) you'll be crossing a lot of open water so unless you and the members of your group are experienced "blue water sailors" you may find the ride to be a bit uncomfortable; 2) October & November is still Hurricane Season in the Caribbean so you route may have to change or delayed on short notice due to weather concerns and 3) You'll also have to pay the cost for the boat and captain to return to their home port.
Also, very few of the islands you mentioned are linked by commercial boats and ferries.
You'll be much better off flying between islands and if you do that you may find it necessary to "back track" several times in order to stop on all the islands on your list as many of the smaller islands have very limited air service.
You may need a professional travel planner to help with your routing if you want to visit all the islands you mentioned - they are not all easily accessible without going through major "hub" airports.
Good luck planning your trip.
Nov 25th, 2014, 04:47 PM
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Thank you for your informative response. It is definitely not necessary to visit all the islands mentioned. As I said, it`s for research for an upcoming film so we are looking for non-touristy stops throughout the islands, its all a matter of what`s most practical. Moreso location scouting than crossing off islands on a check-list.
In an attempt to avoid the more expensive/resort type islands, do you suggest we skip some of these smaller places and go right from Cartagena to Dominican Republic, or is it reasonable to think we could spend several weeks on say St. Vincent or Barbados without it costing a fortune?
We are aiming to be in the states in November so will most likely be in the Caribbean during the stormy season. Delays arent really a problem as the route will be extremely flexible and laxed. (I imagine rates are a tad cheaper during this time as well)
In an attempt to avoid the more expensive/resort type islands, do you suggest we skip some of these smaller places and go right from Cartagena to Dominican Republic, or is it reasonable to think we could spend several weeks on say St. Vincent or Barbados without it costing a fortune?
We are aiming to be in the states in November so will most likely be in the Caribbean during the stormy season. Delays arent really a problem as the route will be extremely flexible and laxed. (I imagine rates are a tad cheaper during this time as well)
Nov 26th, 2014, 03:15 AM
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Define what you mean by "not costing a fortune" - we have no idea how much YOUR FORTUNE is.
That said there are inexpensive guest houses on just about every island.
Yes, room prices in October & November tend be lower than in "High Season".
Getting to the Dominican Republic from St. Vincent and Barbados is probably going to require that you fly to San Juan or even back to Miami. It's not always easy to island hop between Caribbean islands - the distances are far and there isn't a great number of inter-island commuter flights.
You need to do a lot of research for the type of trip you are planning.
That said there are inexpensive guest houses on just about every island.
Yes, room prices in October & November tend be lower than in "High Season".
Getting to the Dominican Republic from St. Vincent and Barbados is probably going to require that you fly to San Juan or even back to Miami. It's not always easy to island hop between Caribbean islands - the distances are far and there isn't a great number of inter-island commuter flights.
You need to do a lot of research for the type of trip you are planning.
Nov 30th, 2014, 01:45 PM
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this page lists the various small airlines serving the islands. it might be helpful
http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/befo...nalAirline.htm
http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/befo...nalAirline.htm
Dec 1st, 2014, 02:06 AM
#6
Virginia, your link needs a disclaimer though! Small Caribbean airlines can take days to reach a destination!
For example, in Turks and Caicos, to get from st Croix to Provo, took 3 days! These small planes sometimes will find airport closed, have to fly to DR spend night, try puerto Rico, circle airports only to be sent back, then 2 days later with no warning try again.
Also common between Bahamas Out Islands
I consider it it part of the charm and adventure!
For example, in Turks and Caicos, to get from st Croix to Provo, took 3 days! These small planes sometimes will find airport closed, have to fly to DR spend night, try puerto Rico, circle airports only to be sent back, then 2 days later with no warning try again.
Also common between Bahamas Out Islands
I consider it it part of the charm and adventure!
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