Stroll along quaint sun-baked streets, sip drinks in the ocean breeze, and explore hidden coves as you embark from St. Martin on your voyage through the Caribbean Isles. Multiple stops along the way offer glimpses into this unique region, with plenty of time to play on white sandy beaches.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
It's been some 300 years since the Dutch and French established a truce on tiny St. Martin (St Maarten), dividing the island into two delightfully distinct yet amicable parts. So amicable, in fact, that you can cross back and forth freely from one side to the other. Philipsburg is the vivacious capital of the Dutch half. Along Front Street, the citrus-colored buildings are home to gourmet restaurants, lively casinos and some of the best duty-free shopping in the world. Pause for a taste of the local guavaberry rum, listen to street musicians play on the broad boardwalk or head to the French-side village of Grand Case for conch fritters and quaint Creole architecture. Board your small ship, the Wind Spirit, and settle in for your upcoming Caribbean adventure.
Day 2-3: Falmouth, Antigua
Your first port of call on your Caribbean tour is Antigua. It's said that Antigua has 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. But this precocious former British colony also boasts a fascinating maritime history. We'll head for Falmouth Harbour in the south, across the island from the large cruise ship port of St. John's and much closer to the island's most famous attraction, Nelson's Dockyard. Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson spent the early days of his career here helping to protect England's sea trade. Today, it's the only working Georgian dockyard left in the world, and well worth a stroll through the museum and gracious 18th-century buildings that now house inns and shops. Along with beaches and history, Antigua's bounty includes a verdant rainforest, stately old sugar plantations and mills, and tempting English traditions such as afternoon tea.
Day 4: Sopers Hole, Tortola, BVI
Unlike many islands in the Caribbean, Tortola has kept growth in check, with no buildings taller than a palm tree and no fast food restaurants. Yet its natural attractions—including white sand beaches, a primeval rainforest, and water so clear it gives you vertigo—have turned this into a mecca for yachtsmen, snorkelers, and divers. Moor at Soper's Hole, much less crowded than Road Town where the big ships dock. Pirate history abounds here. Soper's Hole was the one-time hangout of Blackbeard the pirate, and nearby Norman Island is said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, Treasure Island. It's rumored that treasure still lies there waiting to be discovered. When it's time to depart, sail away at sunset through Sir Francis Drake Channel, once known as "Freebooter Gangway."
Day 5: Jost Van Dyke, BVI
Ask any yachtsman about Jost Van Dyke and watch his face light up. Known as the "Barefoot Island" for its laid-back lifestyle, Jost (rhymes with "toast") has a reputation that belies its tiny size. Covering just eight square miles and with fewer than 300 residents, The island only got electricity in 1995, yet it's world-famous for its parties on Halloween and New Year's Eve. Guests on larger cruise ships must ferry over from Road Town, but you'll anchor right in Great Harbour, the "commercial hub." Sip a Painkiller and dine on a flying fish sandwich at the Soggy Dollar, or visit Foxy's for some Calypso and barbecue. Head to the Bubbly Pool for a naturally effervescent soak. Go diving and hand-feed groupers. Come back aboard and count an infinite number of stars.
Day 6: Virgin Gorda, BVI
Virgin Gorda is where you'll find the most exclusive resorts in the British Virgin Islands, lured by its other-worldly beauty. With a draft of only 17 feet, Wind Surf gives you rare access, maneuvering through the gap in the reef to North Sound—a secluded part of Virgin Gorda usually reserved for much smaller yachts. Anchor just off Vixen Point on gorgeous Prickly Pear Island, a BVI National Park. Take a tender ashore and hike to North Beach, where turtles often nest. Venture south to The Baths, a labyrinth of Rubenesque granite boulders surrounding beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise grottoes. Or further north to mysterious Anagada Island, a flat limestone atoll boasting miles of white sandy beaches, the third largest barrier reef in the world, and hundreds of pink flamingos.
Day 7: Gustavia, St Barthelemy
When the rich and famous head to the Caribbean, like as not they head to St. Barts. Not a bad outcome for an island the French originally sold off as being too hilly, rocky, small, and dry to be profitable. Others did see potential here though—first French buccaneers and later Sweden, which turned it into a profitable free port during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France eventually bought the island back, but the free port status remains, making this a great place to shop for everything from the latest French fashions to island crafts. Have lunch at the infamous "Cheeseburger in Paradise" made famous by Jimmy Buffet. Watch for celebrities along the Rue de la République. Stand at the rail as you depart under the stars by sail power alone, without even starting the engines.
Day 8: Philipsburg, St Martin
Return to St Martin this morning and disembark after breakfast.
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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 135 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 135 reviews on
8 hours ago
The agent had great response to questions and coordinated well to create an itinerary that met our expectations.
Bob Sunshine
1 day ago
Very responsive to all questions
Teresa Cardoso
2 days ago
Kelly and Rhenee were excellent to work with on planning our trip. The logistics all worked smoothly and everyone was friendly and on time. Our accommodations were very good, particularly the incredible Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine! Our guides on every excursion were outstanding and made the hikes memorable! Overall we had a wonderful trip with incredible memories!
Scott Gibson
2 days ago
Adventure Life is definitely a first-class safari tour company, and our representative was Franny Friesz. First of all, she responded immediately after we contacted Adventure Life. We told Franny that we had never been on a safari, and she was more than eager to offer a mountain of information about the trip. She informed us fully about all the ups, downs, and all arounds! She even prepared a number of packages for us to review -- even after we made changes to the areas we wanted to explore. Friendly, helpful, professional, and extremely knowledgeable -- these words describe Franny, and what a wonderful trip she prepared! We couldn't have asked for better service than Franny of Adventure Life. We HIGHLY recommend her and her outstanding company! Bon Voyage!
Prima Burke
3 days ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.