The Best Places to Provision in the Caribbean

Sailing the Caribbean is a dream come true for many families who have chosen to leave the rat race behind and embrace the open sea. One of the most important aspects of this lifestyle is provisioning and shopping in foreign ports. In this article, we will explore the best places to provision in the Caribbean, providing you with practical advice and insider tips to make your shopping experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Bahamas
• The British Virgin Islands
• St. Martin
• Guadeloupe
• Martinique
• Grenada
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Conclusion

Introduction

Provisioning in the Caribbean can be a fun and exciting experience, as you’ll have the opportunity to explore local markets, discover new ingredients, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of each island. However, it can also be challenging, as you’ll need to navigate language barriers, currency conversions, and varying levels of availability for certain products.

To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to provision in the Caribbean, focusing on popular sailing destinations with well-stocked supermarkets, local markets, and specialty stores. We’ll also provide tips on what to expect, how to save money, and how to make the most of your shopping experience.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a popular starting point for many Caribbean sailing adventures, and provisioning here is relatively easy, especially in the capital city of Nassau. There are several large supermarkets, such as Solomon’s Fresh Market and Super Value, where you can find a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, meats, and dairy.

Tips for provisioning in The Bahamas:

• Shop early in the day, as fresh produce tends to sell out quickly.
• Be prepared for higher prices, as most items are imported and subject to import taxes.
• Don’t forget to stock up on local specialties, such as conch, guava jam, and Bahamian hot sauce.

The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is another popular sailing destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back vibe. Provisioning in the BVI is relatively easy, with several well-stocked supermarkets and specialty stores available on the main island of Tortola.

Tips for provisioning in the BVI:

• RiteWay Food Markets and Bobby’s Marketplace are the largest supermarkets on the island, offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices.
• For fresh produce, visit the Road Town Market on Saturday mornings, where local farmers sell their goods.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase locally-made products, such as BVI honey, rum, and hot sauce.

St. Martin

St. Martin is a unique Caribbean destination, as it’s divided into two distinct parts: the French side (Saint-Martin) and the Dutch side (Sint Maarten). This dual nationality offers a diverse shopping experience, with a mix of European and Caribbean products available.

Tips for provisioning in St. Martin:

• On the French side, visit Super U and Carrefour Market for a wide selection of French products, including cheeses, wines, and pastries.
• On the Dutch side, check out Cost-U-Less and Le Grand Marché for a more American-style shopping experience, with a focus on bulk items and familiar brands.
• For fresh produce, visit the Marigot Market on the French side or the Philipsburg Market on the Dutch side.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a French overseas territory, and as such, offers a unique blend of Caribbean and European culture. Provisioning here is a pleasure, with a wide variety of supermarkets, local markets, and specialty stores available.

Tips for provisioning in Guadeloupe:

• Visit Carrefour, E.Leclerc, and Leader Price for a wide selection of French and European products, as well as local Caribbean items.
• For fresh produce, visit the markets in Pointe-à-Pitre and Basse-Terre, where you’ll find an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
• Don’t forget to stock up on local specialties, such as Guadeloupean rum, accras (cod fritters), and bokit (a local sandwich).

Martinique

Another French overseas territory, Martinique offers a similar shopping experience to Guadeloupe, with a mix of European and Caribbean products available. The island is known for its lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, making it a popular destination for sailors.

Tips for provisioning in Martinique:

• Carrefour, Hyper U, and Leader Price are the main supermarkets on the island, offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices.
• For fresh produce, visit the markets in Fort-de-France and Le Marin, where you’ll find an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
• Be sure to stock up on local specialties, such as Martinique’s famous rhum agricole, accras, and boudin créole (a local sausage).

Grenada

Grenada, known as the “Spice Island,” is a popular destination for sailors due to its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and friendly locals. Provisioning here is relatively easy, with several well-stocked supermarkets and local markets available.

Tips for provisioning in Grenada:

• IGA Real Value Supermarket and Foodland are the largest supermarkets on the island, offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices.
• For fresh produce, visit the markets in St. George’s and Grenville, where you’ll find an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
• Don’t forget to stock up on local specialties, such as Grenadian chocolate, nutmeg, and rum.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a unique Caribbean destination, known for its vibrant culture, lively music scene, and delicious cuisine. Provisioning here is a pleasure, with a wide variety of supermarkets, local markets, and specialty stores available.

Tips for provisioning in Trinidad and Tobago:

• Massy Stores, Tru Valu, and Xtra Foods are the largest supermarkets on the islands, offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices.
• For fresh produce, visit the markets in Port of Spain and Scarborough, where you’ll find an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
• Be sure to stock up on local specialties, such as Trinidadian pepper sauce, roti, and doubles (a popular street food).

Conclusion

Provisioning in the Caribbean can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore local markets, discover new ingredients, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of each island. By following our tips and recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the shopping experience in each destination, ensuring that your sailing adventure is well-stocked and enjoyable.

Remember to always respect local customs, be open to trying new things, and embrace the unique flavors and experiences that the Caribbean has to offer. Happy sailing!