Dates

Overview

An itinerary to the heart of the most enchanting islands in the Caribbean Sea. Board Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise combining long stretches of white-sand beach, idyllic turquoise waters, and the laid-back island way of life. Expereience UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Pitons of St. Lucia and Historic Bridgetown in Barbados. Discover Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, considered one of the world’s most stunning archipelagos. Snorkel in in crystal clear waters with Exceptional seabeds and reefs with the possibility to observe turtles, barracudas, spiny lobsters, and parrotfish.

Expedition Highlights

• A voyage specially tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
• Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
• UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Pitons of St. Lucia and Historic Bridgetown in Barbados.
• A true picture-perfect sampling of the West Indies: endless white-sand beaches, colorful reefs, idyllic turquoise waters, and the laid-back island way of life.
• A discovery of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, considered one of the world’s most stunning archipelagos.
• A barbecue lunch on your private beach on the island of Mayreau.
• Opportunities to sample local specialties, such as chocolate, spices, and rum.
• Exceptional seabeds and reefs with the possibility to observe turtles, barracudas, spiny lobsters, and parrotfish.
• Myriad opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
• Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board (additional cost).

Itinerary

Day 1 – Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia

Embarkation from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure at 6:30 PM

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 lush nature 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.

Day 2 – Portsmouth, Dominica

With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Protected by several national parks, this little-known land, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between Guadeloupe and Martinique, will inspire adventure and exploration. During your port of call, do not miss out on discovering the enchanting landscapes of the Indian River: navigating through this dense mangrove, in which creepers, ferns, forest trees and giant roots are interweaved, is a magical experience, a fascinating voyage into the heart of an almost mystical natural universe.
 

Day 3 – Les Saintes

During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he 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 “tourment d’amour”, a cake made with coconut.

Day 4 – Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island

In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. You will love 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 that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.

Day 5 – Mayreau Island

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.

Day 6 – Tobago Cays

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 snorkelers.

Day 7 – Bridgetown, Barbados

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 will 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. There’ll be plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town center.

Day 8 – Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia

Disembarkation at 8:00 AM

Return home, or stay to enjoy Saint Lucia.