Discover the enchanting lesser-visited isles of the Eastern Caribbean, calling at quaint ports and tiny islands that larger cruise ships simply cannot access. Step back in time as you explore historic forts, constructed to protect important trade routes with Europe. Stroll along peaceful plazas and sleepy lanes where graceful colonial buildings harken back to the heyday of the 19th-century sugar-boom. Join naturalists on nature hikes to discover a variety of colorful birds, including several endemic species. Far from modern shipping lanes, snorkelers and divers find healthy coral reefs and a wealth of dazzling tropical fish.
Highlights
Identify endemic bird species in each port of call
Hike Grenada's dense forest to view an idyllic waterfall
Snorkel Tobago Cays' sloping walls and multiple ship wrecks
View a myriad of underwater wonders at St. Barth's Marine Reserve
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Martinique is home to a fascinating and dynamic mélange of French traditions and Caribbean Creole culture. Birders depart early for Presquile Caravelle National Park to search for such island endemics as the Martinique oriole and white-breasted thrasher. Or, choose to visit Balata Church, a miniature version of the Basilica Montmartre in Paris, then continue to Domine d’Emeraude, a botanical garden and interpretive center devoted to the island’s natural history. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a short drive through the ruins of St. Pierre, which was destroyed in 1902 during a massive volcanic eruption. The tour ends in Fort-de-France with a visit to the fascinating Pre-Columbian Museum and free time to peruse the shops or take a walk along the scenic Promenade. Board Le Ponant this afternoon.
The main island of the Grenadines, volcanic St. Vincent offers beautiful white-sand beaches, lushly forested interiors, and excellent snorkeling and diving. Birders take a walk along the Vermont Nature Trail passing through the southwestern tip of the St. Vincent Parrot Reserve, where you may spot this colorful endemic bird. A cultural tour takes in the old-world charm of Kingstown, St. Vincent’s historic capital. Enjoy stunning views of the town and the southern Grenadines from the ramparts of Fort Charlotte, built in 1806, and visit the oldest botanical gardens in the western hemisphere.
St. George, the quaint, bustling capital of Grenada, sits on a supremely scenic horseshoe-shaped bay. Wander through the maze of narrow streets to admire colorful colonial buildings, forts, and churches. Enjoy a hike along densely forested trails to view an idyllic waterfall.
These five small, uninhabited islands are part of Tobago Cays Marine Park. With pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and deserted white-sand beaches, this area is renowned for some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean, with vertical and gently sloping walls and multiple wrecks.
Be on deck as the ship approaches St. Lucia for stunning views of the Pitons, two volcanic peaks rising more than 2,400 feet from the turquoise sea. Birders seek the St. Lucia parrot, St. Lucia oriole, and St. Lucia pewee. An active hike to the summit of Gros Piton offers splendid views over the island, or choose a tour that visits the Diamond Falls botanical garden, a mineral bath, and a cocoa plantation.
Birders depart early for a hike to Syndicate Falls to search for Dominica’s two endemic and endangered birds — imperial and red-necked parrots. A historic tour explores Fort Shirley, built by the British between 1770 and 1815. Both groups return to the ship for lunch with an afternoon of snorkeling or diving in a marine protected area. Or, choose a full-day cultural tour of Carib Territory, a reserve where approximately 3,000 native Kalinago reside. Learn about their customs, history, and culture, with the chance to view exquisite handicrafts, including baskets, wood carvings, and canoes.
Eight small islands make up Les Saintes, endowed with superb beaches, gorgeous bays, fascinating historical sites, and exceptional snorkeling and diving. Spend the morning enjoying the underwater delights, then go ashore to visit one of the tiny French-flavored villages.
Towering 3,000 feet above sea level, Montserrat’s Soufriere Hills Volcano slumbered uneasily for at least a century before erupting violently in 1995. Covering the capital city of Plymouth with pyroclastic flows, the southern two-thirds of the island are still off limits. Learn more about this devastating event at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and enjoy grand views of the volcano and surrounding areas. Birders search for the Montserrat oriole, green-throated carib, brown trembler, forest thrush, and bridled quail-dove.
Popular with the yachting set, Barbuda boasts pretty pink beaches and an easygoing attitude. It is also home to a large magnificent frigatebird colony. Other species you are likely to find here include tropical mockingbirds, pelicans, ibis, oystercatchers, herons, a variety of ducks, and the endemic Barbuda warbler. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or diving in the local marine reserve.
Take a stroll around the sole town and capital, Oranjestad, with its collection of Caribbean-style cottages and elegant colonial buildings in various states of disrepair. Soak up history and sweeping views from the extensively restored Fort Oranje, a mighty citadel complete with cannons, triple bastions, and cobblestone parade grounds. Or, hike to the top of the Quill, a dormant volcano with a lush cloud forest occupying the crater.
Saba’s volcanic peak rises majestically from the water like the tip of an emerald iceberg. In Saba Marine Park, protected since 1987, explore volcanic pinnacles encrusted with corals and sponges, which are frequented by nurse sharks, parrotfish, barracuda, sharks, stingrays, and turtles. In the afternoon learn about local handicrafts with displays of hand-blown glass and Saban lace.
Take a stroll through Gustavia, the relaxed capital, and visit the 17th-century forts, or browse the town’s many duty-free boutiques. View marine life while staying dry during a thrilling ride in the Yellow Submarine. This afternoon, hike along the Colmbier Beach Trail, where there is a good chance of seeing nesting red-billed tropicbirds. Or, enjoy the myriad underwater wonders of the St. Barth’s Marine Reserve.
Day 13: St. Martin | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Board your independent homeward flight at the Saint Maarten Airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Mistral Stateroom
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Mistral Prestige Stateroom
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Alizé Stateroom with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Mistral Junior Suite
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Prestige Alizé stateroom with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Mistral Prestige Suite
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Alizé Privilège Suite with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Grand Privilège Alizé Suite with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
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Owner's Suite with balcony
Individually controlled air conditioning, double bed or twin single beds, depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises), mini bar, flat screen TV, satellite channels, bose™ Bluetooth Speaker, desk with writing supplies, electronic safe, selection of Dyptique Paris bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, direct phone line via satellite, 110/220 volt outlets, 24-hour room service, Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.