St. Maarten & the Virgin Islands on Windstar Cruises

The Story

There’s a reason the rich and famous head to the British Virgin Islands when they want peace and privacy. These islands combine European sophistication with a casual laid-back attitude, plus some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. Activities here prioritize recreation and relaxation over commercial amusements, and the islands are less developed than many – making this one of the world’s favorite yachting destinations and a perfect place to explore on one of Windstar’s unique small ships.

These craggy volcanic islands may be a bit sleepy, but with their lush rainforests, crescent beaches, and turquoise water, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. Kayaking, sailing, wilderness hiking, and snorkeling are just a few of the ways to explore these bays and harbors, and you never know when you’ll encounter something unexpected. Even the largest of these islands has only 20,000 residents, so you can still find hidden beaches, protected coves, and secluded beach bars that are often accessible only by boat. And with Windstar’s Watersports Platform, you can enjoy this watery wonderland without ever going ashore.

Insider Tips:

• The Baths on Virgin Gorda are a must. Giant granite boulders form a series of plunge pools and hidden grottoes on the beach – one of the most scenic spots in the Caribbean.

• Since a volcano destroyed its capital in 1995, Montserrat has been mostly off the tourist radar. But not for lack of attractions. Rainforest still covers much of the island, and the abandoned buildings buried in ash are like visiting a modern Pompeii.

• Beach bars are synonymous with the Caribbean, but none are quite like those on Jost Van Dyke. If you visit the Soggy Dollar Bar you must try a Painkiller – a unique rum drink that also comes in a virgin version.

• St. Barts is known as the best shopping spot in the Caribbean, and one of the top ten shopping areas in the world. Shop for duty-free bargains on French perfume and liquor in Gustavia where you’ll also find designer boutiques like Cartier, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Bulgari.

• If you’re into photography, take your camera for spectacular views found at UNESCO site Brimstone Hills Fortress National Park on St. Kitts and 1,716-foot high Sage Mountain amidst a tropical rainforest on Tortola

Live the Experience You’d Love to Tell...

ITINERARY

DAY 1St. Maarten 7PM

DAY 2Basseterre, St. Kitts 8AM - 10PM

DAY 3Gustavia, St. Barthelemy 9AM - 10PM

DAY 4Little Bay, Montserrat 8AM - 4PM

DAY 5Soper's Hole, Tortola 8AM - 10PM

DAY 6Jost Van Dyke Great Hrbr, B.V.I. 8AM - 11:59 PM

DAY 7Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. 8AM - 5PM

DAY 8 St. Maarten 6AM

ITINERARY

DAY 1 St. Maarten 7PM

DAY 2 Basseterre, St. Kitts 8AM - 10PM

DAY 3 Gustavia, St. Barthelemy 9AM - 10PM

DAY 4 Little Bay, Montserrat 8AM - 4PM

DAY 5 Soper's Hole, Tortola 8AM - 10PM

DAY 6 Jost Van Dyke Great Hrbr, B.V.I. 8AM - 11PM

DAY 7 Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. 8AM - 5PM

DAY 8 St. Maarten 6AM

Day 1 Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Philipsburg is the capital of Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the Caribbean island Saint Martin. Beachfront bars line the boardwalk along Great Bay. Voorstraat, or Front Street, has duty-free shops and casinos. The St. Maarten Zoo is home to parrots, monkeys and a playground. Sint Maarten Museum displays artifacts from the indigenous Arawak people. The ruins of 17th-century Fort Amsterdam stand on a nearby peninsula

Day 2 Basseterre St. Kitts

Basseterre is the capital of the Caribbean island federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It’s the gateway to popular Saint Kitts beaches like South Friars Bay. At the city’s heart, Independence Square has an Italian-inspired fountain. Just off the Circus traffic circle, with its Victorian Berkeley Memorial Clock Tower, is the National Museum. In the stately Old Treasury Building, it explores the islands’ colonial past

Day 3 Gustavia, St. Barthélemy

Affectionately known as St. Barts, the Caribbean’s most chic island adds a French flair to Riviera-like beaches and duty-free boutiques. Walk past gingerbread cottages in search of celebrities, shop for designer fashions, or sip the island’s signature ti punch as kite surfers fly by.