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The Leeward Islands in the northeastern Caribbean are a year-round destination. December to April offers sunny weather and festivals, while May to November brings fewer tourists and lower costs. Explore these islands on small cruise ships Caribbean journeys for the best mix of culture, beaches, and local charm.

The varied cuisines that travelers enjoy while cruising the Leeward Islands reflect the diverse cultures from which they come, featuring a broad palate of seafood dishes drawing from local Caribbean and African, French, Dutch, British and Asian influences.

The Leeward Islands, a geographical grouping with an essentially shared history, have developed over time into six separate nations. They have a common interest in tourism, and in economic and cultural advancement for their ethnically diverse but essentially harmonious populations.

Along with the Windward Islands, the small Leeward Islands form the Lesser Antilles on the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea. The geography of the Leeward Islands is comprised primarily by coral and volcanic islands. The soil on the coral islands is not well suited to agriculture, making these countries' primary economic engine tourism.

The cultures of the Leeward Islands are as diverse as the people that inhabit them, coming from many countries in western Europe (like France, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and others) and Africa. Much of the culture ties back into the region's colonial European roots, but there is also a notable presence of unique local Caribbean traditions.