Why are they called the windward islands. Vincent, the Grenadines and Grenada.

Why are they called the windward islands. They’re called the Windward Islands because they are exposed to the wind (“windward”) of the northeast trade winds (the northeasterlies) from the Atlantic Ocean. Within the Windward Islands is a chain that includes many of the smaller islands in this group. See full list on worldatlas. View of southern tip of Dominica The islands of the Lesser Antilles are divided into three groups: the Windward Islands in the south, the Leeward Islands in the north, and the Leeward Antilles in the west. From 1763, the Governor of Barbados acted as Governor-General of the Windwards, e. Vincent, Tobago and Trinidad, which are among the larger of the Lesser Antilles islands. There are drawbacks and benefits to both. … The Windward Islands got their name because they’re exposed to the wind (“windward”) of the northeast trade winds (northeasterlies). Aug 31, 2018 · Between the islands of the Greater Antilles and those of the Windward Islands are the Leeward Islands. Windward and Leeward: Sides of the Islands Every Hawaiian island has a leeward side and a windward side. The Windward Islands are so called because they were more windward to sailing ships arriving in the New World than the Leeward Islands, given that the prevailing trade winds blow east to west. [5] Windward Islands Countries and Islands Why is it called the Windward Islands anyhow? The reason is that they are more windward than the Leeward Islands, given that they lie closer to where the prevailing winds come from. ’ In ancient times, traders would take ships across the sea to new places and were navigated by the wind. When the British gained control of many of the Lesser Antilles, they designated Antigua, Montserrat, and the islands to the north as the Leeward Islands. Oct 20, 2023 · Those islands account for 90% of the land area of the West Indies, according to Britannica. Lucia, St. The West Indies is an island subregion of the Americas, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, which comprises 13 independent island countries and 19 dependencies in three archipelagos: the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Lucayan Archipelago. Located approximately between latitudes 10° and 16° N and longitudes 60° and 62° W, they extend from Dominica in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south, and lie south of the Leeward Islands and east of Leeward Antilles. These areas receive abundant rainfall, resulting in lush rainforests and vibrant vegetation. Guadeloupe and the islands to the The Windward Islands in the southeastern Caribbean are a breathtaking collection of primarily volcanic islands including favorites like Barbados, Martinique, St. The history of British, French, Spanish, and Dutch colonialism in the region has left its stamp on the islands’ language and culture as well as on many of the Feb 11, 2025 · The trade winds interact with the unique topography of the Hawaiian Islands, which include high mountain peaks and volcanoes. These islands are the ones you'd find if you turned around and faced the direction the wind is coming from. They are referred to as the Windward Islands due to their location on the path of Northeastern trade winds. Jul 2, 2025 · Though the islands of Trinidad and Tobago geologically are an extension of the South American mainland, they are often considered to constitute the southern end of the Windward group. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, between the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola. In 1838, Trinidad (gained in 1802) and St. Why are they called this? Is the Leeward Islands part of the Windward chain? Within the Windward Islands is a chain that includes many of the smaller islands in this group. The Windward Islands are composed of 4 islands et one atoll (Tahiti, Moorea, Maiao, Mehetia, and Tetiaroa atoll). Vincent, Tobago, and Barbados. 344. Jan 28, 2025 · The Windward Islands (1833-1958) Barbados was the most windward of the Windward Islands and well outside the chain of the Eastern Caribbean Islands. They are on the path of the northeastern trade winds, otherwise known as ‘windward. The southernmost of the Windward Islands, Grenada is directly south of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and about 100 miles (160 km) north of Trinidad and the South American mainland. While not every island's or country's indigenous name is known, you can learn most of them here. Kitts), Nevis, Anguilla, and the Virgin Islands, among others. These islands face the brunt of the trade winds, receiving more direct wind and weather systems. Vincent and the Grenadines. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada. Mar 26, 2023 · British sailors called these islands “Windward Islands” because they had to beat to windward to get there from their other possessions. Europeans reached this chain of islands sailing downwind across the Atlantic under the "trade winds", the prevailing easterlies. The main island groups include the Windward and Leeward Islands; these names reflect the importance to the region of the prevailing easterly trade winds. The southern part of the Lesser Antilles chain is called the Windward Islands. This small fact explains why the eastern coast of every Hawaiian island called the Windward side. These terms are also used in meteorology, civil and military aviation. To the east lies the The islands south and east of Puerto Rico were called Islas de Barlovento, meaning "windward islands". Apr 16, 2021 · They are in fact generally opposed to the Leeward Islands which instead constitute the north part. The southeastern islands of the Caribbean, Dominica, Martinique, St. The societal islands are divided into two groups: the Windward Islands and the Southern Islands called the Leeward Islands. They include the islands of Martinique, St. The Windward Islands The line of islands in the West Indies constituting the southern arc of the Lesser Antilles, at the eastern end of the Caribbean Sea, are called the Windward Islands. The Windward Islands are the southern islands of the West Indian Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. These terms are extremely important in naval warfare as well, which is the reason why they are extensively taught to the students in military and naval training schools. Jul 22, 2025 · Leeward Islands, an arc of West Indian islands that constitute the most westerly and northerly of the Lesser Antilles, at the northeastern end of the Caribbean Sea, between latitudes 16° and 19° N and longitudes 61° and 65° W. It sits at the northernmost end of the Windward Islands, with first the French island of Guadeloupe and then Antigua & Barbuda neighbouring it to the north, and with the islands of Martinique (also French-owned) and St Lucia to its south. In the West Indies, the prevailing winds, known as the trade winds, blow from the southeast to the northwest. Tradewind Surf off Makapuu Waimanalo Here we are Discover the lush green valleys of the islands, learn about their miltary past, explore the treasures that lie beneath the waves and immerse yourself in the ancestral culture. The Leeward Islands (Caribbean Islands) - they're away from the wind ("lee"). They are where the Caribbean Sea meets the western Atlantic Ocean. As you can see, the tradewinds are really honking today. Jul 31, 2025 · The West Indies is a crescent-shaped group of islands separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north. Jan 21, 2021 · Is Trinidad and Tobago a Windward island? The Windward Islands comprise Barbados, Grenada, the Grenadines, Martinique, St. After progressing through the islands most to windward, which came to be known as the Windwards, these ships rounded off their voyages with the islands most to leeward--Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Windward means upwind from a given reference point and leeward means down wind from a given reference point. The Caribbean was originally inhabited by indigenous people, who migrated through the islands from Central and South America. The Windward Islands and Barbados (Caribbean Islands) The Antilles were called multiple names before their current name became the norm. Mar 14, 2025 · Broadreach students preparing to shore dive in Bonaire The ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—are located just off the coast of Venezuela and stand apart from the lush, tropical landscapes of the Windward and Leeward chains. Collectively these islands are often referred to as the West Indies. They… Why are they called leeward and Windward Islands? Call 1. ) to the E. The Society Islands are separated into two groups: The Windward Islands to the East and the Leeward Islands to the West. 6118 These islands are called Windward because they are more windward to arriving Caribbean cruise ships than the Leeward Islands in the North of the Lesser Antilles. This location, Dominica and Martinique, becomes the rough dividing line between the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands. Eventually, the British came along and designated Antigua, Montserrat and islands to the north as the Leeward Islands. They are known for their diverse geography, from volcanic terrains to pristine beaches, and their rich history influenced by indigenous cultures, European colonization, and African heritage. The island republic of Dominica is one of the Windward Islands in the Americas, which themselves are part of the Lesser Antilles chain. If the predominate wind is coming out of the north east, shouldn't this make the windward the Northern Chain and the leeward the Southern Chain? Instead these chains are seemingly named the opposite. This is often called the Windward Chain and here they are listed from north to south. Feb 14, 2022 · Attempts at Unification up to 1962, Reasons for Failure and the Results The Leeward Islands- early groupings In the 17th century, the British Government was in favour of groups of colonies because they were easier and cheaper to administer. Windward and leeward directions (and the points of sail they create) are important factors to consider in such wind-powered or wind-impacted activities as sailing, wind-surfing, gliding, hang-gliding, and parachuting. As trade winds blow across the ocean, they pick up moist air from the water. Imagine standing on a beach, feeling the wind blow towards you. Oct 29, 2023 · Good to know: the Windward coast In Hawaii, the wind and weather typically come in from the east/northeast. Also, since less colonial officials May 12, 2024 · Here we are on the Windward side of Oahu. The trade winds blow from the northeast of the Hawaiian islands to the southwest. If the wind is blowing from east to west, these islands are on the “leeward” side, meaning they are more sheltered from the wind. The Leeward Islands are the northern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain of islands, parts of the West Indies. What is The east-west chain of islands close to the South American coast, sometimes called the Leeward Antilles, is arid because the trade winds drop their moisture on the Windward group. Well, my friend, it's because these islands are situated upwind or on the side that the wind is blowing from. Choose among the multitude of activities and experiences on land and at sea, and above all, relax and enjoy being a cherished visitor to our islands. The northeastern sides of the islands, such as Maui and Oahu, face the prevailing trade winds and are considered windward. Once the damp air makes landfall on an island, it ascends hills and mountains to form condensation, clouds, and precipitation. The Lesser Antilles consists of all the other islands in the Caribbean that are not a part of the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles or an island belonging to a continental nation. Vincent, the Grenadines and Grenada. These islands are called Windward because they are more windward to arriving Caribbean cruise ships than the Leeward Islands in the North of the Lesser Antilles. The Greater Antilles consists of a group of large islands located in the western region of the Caribbean Sea. As a group they start from Dominica and reach southward to the North of Trinidad & Tobago. They were also called the Forward Islands by 18th-century British. The principal islands are the American Virgin Islands [5]; the French island and overseas dept. v. With a total of 9 islands and 5 islets, the archipelago is divided into two groups: In 1833, the Windward Islands officially became a union called the Windward Islands Colony. They are a short distance . Geography and Climate The geography and climate in the Caribbean region vary widely. As the air reaches Hawaiʻi it drops most of its moisture along the eastern coast as it gets blown over The ABC islands is the physical group of A ruba, B onaire, and C uraçao, the three westernmost islands of the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. [4][5] The subregion includes all the islands in the Antilles, in addition to The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Jun 1, 2025 · The Caribbean is made up of three main archipelagos: The Greater Antilles, the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. Jul 20, 2024 · Understanding the Windward Islands requires appreciating their individual characteristics and collective significance within the Caribbean. Formerly called the Sandwich Islands[a] by Europeans, the present name for the archipelago is derived from Grenada[b] is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. ” Jul 7, 2022 · The Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands make up the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. (By the way, you’ll likely hear locals refer to the trade winds, simply as “the trades”) The trade This area became the dividing line between what are now known as the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands. They are located away from the trade winds. Grenada consists of the island of Grenada itself, two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and several small islands The Society Islands (French: Îles de la Société [il də la sɔsjete], [2][3] officially Archipel de la Société [aʁʃipɛl də la sɔsjete]; [4][5] Tahitian: Tōtaiete mā) [6] are an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean that includes the major islands of Tahiti, Moʻorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Huahine. They are referred to as the Leeward Islands due to their location away from the trade winds. Politically, they are part of French Polynesia, an overseas country of the French Windward Islands, southern group of the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies, curving generally southward for c. g. Why are they called British Virgin Islands? The official name of the Territory is still simply the "Virgin Islands", but the prefix "British" is often used to distinguish it from the neighbouring American territory which changed its name from the "Danish West Indies" to "Virgin Islands of the United States" in 1917. Oct 17, 2024 · What is the difference between windward side and leeward side? The terms windward and leeward are used in reference both to sides (and climates) of individual islands and relative island locations in an archipelago. An island’s windward side faces the prevailing, or trade, winds, whereas the island’s leeward side faces away from the wind, sheltered from prevailing winds by hills and mountains. The backside of Catalina, which faces open ocean is considered the windward side. The windward side of an island is subject to the prevailing wind, and is thus the wetter (see orographic precipitation). Each had its own Assembly. The leeward side faces South or West and is hot, dry, and sunny. May 9, 2018 · Leeward Islands (lōō´ərd, lyōō´–, lē´–), northern group of the Lesser Antilles [1] in the West Indies [2], extending SE from Puerto Rico [3] to the Windward Islands [4]. Jul 23, 2025 · Lesser Antilles, long arc of small islands in the Caribbean Sea extending in a north-south direction from the Virgin Islands to Grenada. Mostly small islands, they are called the Leeward Islands because they are away from the wind ("lee"). ) to the SE or Barbados (q. The side that faces the mainland is the leeward. The Windward Passage (which means "Passage to the Wind" in French and "Passage of the Winds" in Spanish) is a narrow stretch of ocean. The Leeward Islands are called that because they are located in the direction where the wind usually goes. The Lesser Antilles are further grouped into the Windward and Leeward Islands. The western Leewards are the Virgin Islands. Why is the Windward Island called Windward Islands? The Windward Islands include the southeastern islands of the Caribbean. May 27, 2020 · The prevalence of rain on windward sides of islands promotes the growth of vegetation whereas the leeward side flora is acclimated to a drier climate. With an area of 395 km 2, the Leeward Islands (Îles Sous-le-vent) form the western portion of the Society Islands archipelago. The Windward group includes the islands of Martinique, St. What are the Leeward and Windward Islands? Alternatively, you may hear of a storm threatening the same region but denoted as Leeward and Windward islands. We're just off Makapuu, which is kind of the southern most of the Windward side and we're going to be making our way up the coast today to talk about the pros and cons of living in Windward Oahu. But what makes these islands so enthralling, and why are they called the Windward Islands? This article delves into the geography, history, and attractions of this West Indian paradise. , Bora Bora, Raiatea) known for their luxury tourism, Instagram-pictures and postcards. The early Spanish explorers called Puerto Rico and the islands to the west Sotavento, meaning "leeward". Together, they exemplify the Caribbean's dynamic nature, showcasing a harmonious blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural diversity that underscores regional and global importance. Leeward and windward are considered to be the same as downwind and upwind in meteorology. These islands offer a different kind of Caribbean experience characterized by arid desert landscapes and a distinct Dutch influence. These islands have a shared political history and a status of Dutch underlying ownership, since the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814 ceded them back to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as Curaçao and Dependencies from 1815. This has historically influenced their climate, vegetation, and seafaring An arc of islands in the West Indies that constitute the most westerly and northerly of the Lesser Antilles are called the Leeward Islands. Long dominated by the British Empire, today they consist of a series of autonomous or independent island states Martinique, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. Apr 9, 2008 · You may hear the words leeward and windward to describe areas of the island, but not know what that means. For example, colonial officials tended to give trouble by opposing the British Government’s policies and decisions. With the exception of Martinique they were all formerly part of the British West Indies, but do not include Trinidad and Tobago (q. The Windward Islands are the southern, generally larger islands of the Lesser Antilles, within the West Indies. The windward islands are exposed to the trade winds coming from the East, therefore navigation from north to south is facilitated there. The two main groups are the Windward Islands in the south and the Leeward Islands in the north. Grenada and the Grenadines, St. The Windward Islands are the southern, generally larger islands of the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean islands or the West Indies. Why is it called Windward Islands? The Windward Islands are the southern islands of the West Indian Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. There's a reason why they call it the Windward side. Aruba is known for its white Now, you might be wondering why they're called the "Windward Islands". Catalina island is no exception to this rule. As the trade winds encounter these landforms, they flow around the mountains, creating distinct windward and leeward sides on the islands. May 19, 2021 · The Windward Islands group is composed of the islands of Maiao, Mehetia, Moorea, Teti'aroa, and Tahiti. With each island so close to the next, it’s the perfect spot to hop around and enjoy a variety of unique experiences. So, these islands get less wind compared to the Windward Islands, which face the wind more directly. Both the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands are island chains that are part of the Lesser Antilles (together with the Leeward Antilles islands of Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Tortuga and Isla "Windward" means upwind and "leeward" means downwind, crucial for a sailing vessel, but what is up- or downwind depends entirely on your reference point. Lucia (gained in 1814) were added to the Windward Islands Colony. It also explain why the windward side of O‘ahu is such a lush and beautiful place. Renwick Rose of the Windward Islands Farmers Association speaks about why the theme of ‘Unlocking the Power of Many’ is very relevant to farmers and workers in the Windward Islands. Dominica: The northernmost island, the British government held this territory until 1978 and considered it part of the Leeward Islands. The Leeward Island of Bora Bora is well-known as a tropical tourist destination. The windward side faces North or East and is moderate, lush, and green. The islands south and east of Puerto Rico were called Islas de Barlovento, meaning "windward islands". " This side typically experiences calmer Mar 30, 2016 · Ironically, they don’t include Barbados, either, which is the most windward of all the Antilles, and which was once part of a now-defunct political entity, the British Windward Islands. They lie at the northeastern end… Nov 4, 2015 · The Windward Islands are the south-eastern islands of the Caribbean and simply called windward because they're exposed to the wind of the northeast trade winds. 2 days ago · Seven countries make up the Windward Islands. Kitts, and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, and the Virgin Islands. However, even in modern usage in languages other than English, notably Dutch, French, and Spanish, all of the Lesser Antilles from the Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Tobago are known as the 'Windward Islands' (Bovenwindse Eilanden in Dutch, Îles du Vent in French, and Islas de Barlovento in Spanish). Why are the Windward Islands called by that name? The Leeward Islands are situated to the west of the prevailing easterly trade winds in the Caribbean Sea, while the Windward Islands are located to the east, where they face the full force of the trade winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean. The Windward Islands are located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea and form the southeastern boundary between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. Because the leeward side has less rain, it is less green. However, even in modern usage in languages other than English, notably Dutch, French, and Spanish, all of the Lesser Antilles from the Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Tobago are known as the 'Windward Islands' (Bovenwindse Eilanden in Dutch, Îles du Vent in French, and Islas de Barlovento in Spanish). Jul 7, 2022 · Why is it called the Lesser Antilles? The Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands make up the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. Jul 15, 2024 · The Leeward Islands are a group of islands in the northeastern Caribbean within the Lesser Antilles. They lie south of the Leeward Islands, between latitudes 12° and 16° N and longitudes 60° and 62° W in one definition. Examples of Leeward and Windward One notable example of leeward and windward is the Hawaiian Islands. Why are they called the Windward Islands? The Windward Islands get their name from their location. Why are they called Leeward Islands? Feb 1, 2025 · Want to know what to expect from the Society Islands? Check out the video below! KEY MESSAGES: 🌍 Geography: The Society Islands are split into two groups— Windward Islands (e. Geologically the Windward Islands belong entirely to an inner, volcanic arc and are mostly constituted of andesitic lavas and tuffs. The Windward Islands are called such because they were more windward Apr 25, 2017 · Within the Lesser Antilles, the islands can be divided even further into two groups: the Leeward Islands (away from the wind) and the Windward Islands (exposed to the wind). Why are they called the Leeward Islands? Though both archipelagos are located east and south of Puerto Rico, where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet, the Leeward Islands are the more northerly in the group, and the Windward Islands are located farther south. Dominica is the dividing line between the Windward and Leeward islands. 800. The islands stretch 1,200 miles southeastward from Florida, then 500 miles south, then west along the north coast of Venezuela. 300 mi (480 km) from the Leeward Islands toward NE Venezuela. They are divided into the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands. The Windward Islands are so called because they were more windward to sailing ships arriving in the New World than the Leeward Islands, given that the prevailing trade winds blow east to Mar 21, 2018 · Both the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands are island chains that are part of the Lesser Antilles (together with the Leeward Antilles islands of Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Tortuga and Isla Jul 1, 2024 · The Spanish called Puerto Rico and islands to the west, leeward islands. Christopher (hereafter, St. Why are the Windward Islands called such? The Windward Islands are called this because they faced the wind for ships heading to the New World: making it easier to dock. May 4, 2024 · Leeward islands are named as such because they are located on the side of an island that is sheltered from the prevailing winds, known as the "leeward side. As the May 19, 2021 · The Windward Islands group is composed of the islands of Maiao, Mehetia, Moorea, Teti'aroa, and Tahiti. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada, are known as the Windward Islands. Society Islands: The Society Islands are a set of Pacific Islands currently controlled by the Republic of France. Early Spanish visitors called them the Windward Islands (today having a narrower definition). The Hawaiian Islands (Hawaiian: Mokupuni Hawaiʻi) are an archipelago of eight major volcanic islands, several atolls, and numerous smaller islets in the North Pacific Ocean, extending some 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from the island of Hawaiʻi in the south to northernmost Kure Atoll. The majority of the population of Französisch Polynesia lives on the Society Islands. , Tahiti, Moorea) with a wetter climate and Leeward Islands (e. com Jul 7, 2022 · The Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands make up the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. You find more about French Polynesia’s history here. In a nutshell, they essential describe how much rain an area gets and how tropical or arid an area is. The Leeward Islands are Antigua, Barbuda, St. Apr 25, 2017 · The Spanish named all islands east of Puerto Rico as Islas de Barlovento which translates to “windward islands” while the islands south of Puerto Rico were referred to as “Sotavento” meaning “leeward islands. hhsygtb erjc zcouc ljl twyi nht brggadja nuce tnqsga ukmcmlm