Cruising the Caribbean's Windward Islands – with Smithsonian Journeys

Arrive in Vieux Fort on the southern coast of Saint Lucia and discover a town shaped by its role in the sugar trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Moule-a-Chique Lighthouse, a 200-meter-high landmark built in 1912 that stands above the coastline. Spend time on nearby beaches or explore the surrounding waters, where eagle rays and leatherback sea turtles can often be found. Walk along the waterfront, learn about the area's history, and experience one of Saint Lucia's key coastal destinations.

Discover Dominica, an island known for its mountains, tropical forests, hot springs, rivers, and waterfalls. Explore a destination protected by national parks and located between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean Sea. Cruise along the Indian River and pass through mangroves lined with ferns, forest trees, climbing plants, and large root systems. Experience one of Dominica's most notable natural attractions while viewing the island's diverse landscapes from the water.

During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands named "The Saints." Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long, shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkeling. On the island, don't forget to taste the local specialty, the "tournament d'amour," a cake made with coconut.

In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands comprising the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Enjoy the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island's main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens, and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer you a natural setting conducive to lovely walks and spending time on the beach.

Among the string of paradisiac islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkeling if you’d like to observe the colorful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.

Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.

Bridgetown, the bustling capital of Barbados, is located on the island's south-west coast. Its historic quarters are UNESCO World Heritage sites and contain prime examples of British colonial architecture, which you can see between the postcard-perfect fishing harbor and St Ann's Fort. Streets shaded by palms and flamboyant trees lead you to the Anglican cathedral church of St Michael, built from coral stone, the Barbados Museum, and George Washington House, a Georgian-style mansion. You can have plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town center.

Vieux Fort lies to the far south of the island of Saint Lucia. This town, which was a strategic location in the sugar industry from the 18th to the 19th centuries, derives its authenticity from its rich history. Renowned for its LCVIF and beaches typical of the Caribbean, it is also famous for its mythical Moule-a-Chique Lighthouse. Built in 1912 and standing 200 meters (656 feet) tall, this lighthouse will be visible as soon as you arrive on the Saint Lucian coastlines. The beauty of Vieux Fort is also reflected in the underwater kingdom that surrounds it. It is home to an abundance of marine species, such as eagle rays or leatherback sea turtles. Vieux Fort is most likely to evoke feelings of enchantment and it reserves a soothing welcome, paced by the rhythm of its waves, for each of its visitors.