On January 2 we sail about 25 miles in a northerly direction to Iles de la Petite Terre. These are two extremely remote and unoccupied islands that are a national park and are not routinely visited by cruisers. Reportedly similar to the Tobago Cays, we are compelled to investigate.
The entrance is crazy wicked scary!! The waves crash over the narrow and shallow entrance and you pretty much have to shoot the surf to get in and out. I guess that is one thing when you have twin 250's on a go-fast something-something but another thing altogether with our much-loved and reliable 44 Yanmar. It is hard to hold a course when the waves are tossing the boat about like a toy but we make it through (Craig reigns supreme at the helm) and the trip is worth it. There is only room for about 15 boats in here and use of the mooring balls is required (free, though). There are still a couple of day charter boats upon our arrival but they leave in the late afternoon. By 5pm we have the entire place to ourselves….not one other boat, until about 930am the next day. It is Sunday and they arrive in droves, holiday weekend and all. Most of them leave in the afternoon and there are 3 other boats with us the next night. Our new favorite place ever.
Here is the entrance on the books (please note 7 foot depth) and an out-bound cat shooting through:
There is a lighthouse on one of the two islands, supposedly the oldest one in continuous operation, since 1828. The islands here are also known for the iguana population although they do not attack red-painted toes like they do in the Bahamas. We were also visited by a particularly audacious banana quit.
The other side of the island/lighthouse:
Antigua Bound!!
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