Do I need to book inter-island flights in advance?

Yes, especially December-April. LIAT and small carriers have limited seats and routes. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season.

Can I island-hop by ferry only?

Partially. Express des Iles connects St. Lucia, Martinique, and Dominica, but doesn't serve Barbados or Grenada regularly. You'll likely need at least one flight.

Is one week enough time?

Yes, if you stick to 2-3 islands. More islands means more travel time and less exploration. A week allows 2-3 days per island, enough to see highlights without rushing.

What's the best island for first-time visitors?

Barbados or St. Lucia. Both have good infrastructure, reliable transport, and mix of beaches and culture. Dominica is stunning but more challenging for beginners.

Do I need a car on each island?

Not necessarily. Barbados has good bus service and taxis. St. Lucia and Dominica benefit from rental cars for flexibility, but tours and taxis work for shorter stays.

How to Plan a 1-Week Windward Islands Itinerary

Split your week between 2-3 islands to avoid constant travel. Fly into Barbados or St. Lucia for the best connections, then island-hop by ferry or short flights. Book inter-island transport in advance, especially during peak season (December-April).

Choose your base islands. Pick 2-3 islands maximum for a week. Good combinations: Barbados + St. Lucia + Dominica, or Grenada + St. Vincent + St. Lucia. More than 3 islands means you'll spend more time traveling than exploring.
Pick your entry point. Fly into Barbados (BGI) or St. Lucia (UVF) for the most international flight options. Both have good ferry and flight connections to other Windward Islands. Grenada works if you're starting from the south.
Map out inter-island transport. Book LIAT flights between islands (book early, they fill up) or use ferry services like Express des Iles for St. Lucia-Martinique-Dominica routes. Allow full travel days between islands - ferries run 2-3 times per week, not daily.
Plan around transport schedules. Check ferry and flight schedules first, then build your itinerary around them. Express des Iles runs Tuesday/Friday/Sunday between most islands. LIAT flights are daily but limited seats.
Book accommodations early. Small island hotels fill up quickly, especially December-April. Mix hotel types: beach resort for 2-3 days, local guesthouse for authentic experience, eco-lodge if visiting Dominica's rainforest.
Plan island-specific activities. Each island has different strengths. Dominica: hiking and whale watching. St. Lucia: Pitons and beaches. Barbados: rum tours and snorkeling. Grenada: spice tours and diving. Book popular tours in advance.

Do I need to book inter-island flights in advance?: Yes, especially December-April. LIAT and small carriers have limited seats and routes. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season.
Can I island-hop by ferry only?: Partially. Express des Iles connects St. Lucia, Martinique, and Dominica, but doesn't serve Barbados or Grenada regularly. You'll likely need at least one flight.
Is one week enough time?: Yes, if you stick to 2-3 islands. More islands means more travel time and less exploration. A week allows 2-3 days per island, enough to see highlights without rushing.
What's the best island for first-time visitors?: Barbados or St. Lucia. Both have good infrastructure, reliable transport, and mix of beaches and culture. Dominica is stunning but more challenging for beginners.
Do I need a car on each island?: Not necessarily. Barbados has good bus service and taxis. St. Lucia and Dominica benefit from rental cars for flexibility, but tours and taxis work for shorter stays.