The Hidden Caribbean

Arrive in St. Thomas and transfer to the Crown Bay Marina to embark the Yorktown. Overnight aboard docked at the marina.

In the morning, relax aboard as Yorktown cruises through the Sir Francis Drake Channel en route to idyllic Jost Van Dyke, a sparsely populated island that offers some of the finest deserted
beaches and swimming in the Virgin Islands. Land at beautiful White Bay and enjoy the afternoon here before Yorktown sails to nearby Sopers Hole, at the western shore of Tortola, where the ship anchors for the night.

Early in the morning, the Yorktown will dock at Road Town, the main town of Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands. Dutch buccaneers arrived here in 1648, becoming the first European settlers in the island group. About 21 square miles, Tortola’s terrain includes lush rainforest and pristine white-sand beaches. In the morning, explore the Sage Mountain National Park for a hike through the rainforest. Mount Sage rises more than 1,700 feet, the highest point in the British Virgin Islands, and is covered with undisturbed rainforest vegetation, including mahogany and kapok trees, while the pathways are lined with elephant ears, ferns, mountain guava, and other vegetation. The views of the surrounding islands are superb. In the afternoon, explore quaint Road Town on your own, or enjoy swimming and snorkeling at one of the island’s superb beaches.

Sail early in the morning from Tortola to make the short crossing to Virgin Gorda, where your destination, the Leverick Bay Marina, is reached through a narrow entrance in Gorda Sound. Explore the island, including The Baths, the showcase of the island, a geological curiosity where enormous granite boulders lay scattered along the beach, with some partially submerged in the tropical waters, to form caves and grottos. Also, enjoy swimming and snorkeling at one of Virgin Gorda’s secluded beaches. For hikers, Virgin Gorda, at only eight square miles, offers good hiking opportunities.

In the morning, Yorktown will anchor off Cooper Island’s Manchioneel Bay, with its beautiful beach lined by palm trees, and coral reefs. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling to discover the rich marine world of this small island. Hikers may follow the trail that leads up the ridge from the island’s only hotel. Over lunch, sail to nearby idyllic Norman Island, reputed to be Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Yorktown will anchor at The Caves, an outstanding swimming and snorkeling area, with crystal-clear water, colorful corals, and other marine life.

Sailing from Norman Island in the early morning, Yorktown will cruise along the coast of St. John and anchor at a remote cove where you may enjoy a refreshing swim. Later, the ship will arrive at Cruz Bay, the island’s miniature, neat, and tidy capital. More than two thirds of this lush island comprises the St. John National Park, which you will explore to discover its rich flora and fauna. Some twenty walking trails cross the park to reveal its unspoiled beauty. In Cruz Bay, relax and shop along the waterfront’s boutiques.

In the morning, call at Great St. James Island, where its lovely Christmas Cove provides excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. This small island is also known for its wildlife. Over lunch, sail to nearby St. Thomas, where Yorktown will dock at Crown Bay Marina. Spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring Charlotte Amalie, the island’s capital, on your own, or join an excursion to the island’s historic landmarks, including the Estate St. Peter Greathouse & Botanical Gardens, with its 500 varieties of plants. Nestled high on St. Thomas’ peaks, Estate St. Peter offers wonderful views.

Disembark in the morning and transfer to the airport.