The islands of the Caribbean offer more than just turquoise waters and powdery white beaches. Among these amazing shorelines you’ll also find fascinating culture dating back to the 15th century. Windstar’s premier collection of Caribbean shore excursions will take you to some of the best of them, plus lots more amazing experiences for each type of traveler. Check them out.
The Explorer
Crusoe Island Escape on a Privately Owned Island
Falmouth Harbour, Antigua (available on Yachtsman’s Caribbean)
From your yacht, travel to your private island for the day, “Prickly Pear Island,” where you’ll be greeted by an open bar as well as snacks like fried plantain, boiled sliced ham, crisps, and freshly baked bread. The stunningly clear waters are great for swimming and snorkelling. Take an underwater tour and search for local turtle families or just swim, relax, and soak up the rays from your shaded sun chair. Explore the island by taking a short stroll up the hillside with its wild flowers, onto the grassy top, and down the other side to the extraordinary “moonscape,” where sea birds love to perch, with rock pools, blow holes, and plenty more to explore!
The Naturalist
Island Traditions & Herbal Remedies
Roseau, Dominica (available on Flavors of the Caribbean)
Connect with Dominica’s roots as you visit three local sites that highlight traditional farming practices and herbal remedies of the island. First travel to the community of Bellevue Chopin, located at the base of Morne Canotte and Morne Anglais, two of Dominica’s nine geologically active volcanoes. Here you will meet an organic herbal farmer who will take you into his world and fascinate you with many tried and true age-old herbal remedies. Your next stop will be the Geneva Heritage Park. Take a short tour of a facility that produces all natural hand-made cosmetics, primarily soap. At your third and final stop, tour a 100% organic subsistence farm where you will learn more about traditional composting and farming practices that make for healthy living and healthy eating. Pick a fruit or vegetable, plant a tree or gain information to inspire your next backyard project.
The Insider
Creole Park & Views from Stony Hill
Pigeon Island, St. Lucia (available on Flavors of the Caribbean)
Connect and take part in St. Lucian traditional practices at one of their Heritage Sites – Fond Latisab Creole Park. Experience local traditions such as cassava breadmaking, cooking on macambou leaves, authentic two-handed sawing to the rhythm of a Shak Shak band, and taking part in the Creole Folk Dance. A truly “kweyol”experience. Drive through the countryside with views of rolling hills and lush vegetation, and a glimpse of the Atlantic Coast, before arriving at the family home of the Soni’s – Stony Hill Great House, a private home situated on a high ridge surrounded by a garden full of bright tropical flowers, fruit trees, and more. Savor the beautiful panoramic view of Rodney Bay or take a leisurely walk along multiple pathways in the three-acre garden.
The Foodie
Around the Isle of Spice
St. George’s, Grenada (available on Jewels of the Windward Islands)
Discover the scents and aromas of the “Isle of Spice” on this full day sightseeing tour by motor coach. Your driver will follow the picturesque west coast, rich in history and color to Dougaldston Estate where you will receive an introduction to the famous spices that make this island one of the top spice suppliers in the world. At the nutmeg factory in Gouyave you will be shown the seasoning, processing, and sorting of nutmegs and mace. Continue northward where you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Grenada’s Grenadine Islands. Your next stop will be the River Antoine Rum Distillery: the place is as antique (1785) as the rum is strong (75% alcohol – ouch!) Enjoy a delicious Creole lunch at Belmont Estate, a plantation house dating back to the 1940s. Leaving the restaurant, you will return to the pier through the rainforest over the mountains with a stop at Grand Etang, home of the mona monkey, and Annandale Falls where you can take a stroll in the stunning gardens.
The Seafarer
Fast & Fun Seafari Complete Island Tour
Gustavia, St. Barthélemy (available on Yachtsman’s Caribbean)
Enjoy an island tour on board the Fast N’ Fun boat, a 30-foot-long boat that can reach speeds up to 42 knots. Sites include Shell Beach, Pointe de Gouverneur, the beautiful valley of Grand Fond, and the highest mountain on St. Barts, the 938-foot-high Morne Vitet. As you travel to the north side of the island see the famous Pointe Milou and its famous billionaires’ villas. Stop in the bay of Rockefeller Beach to enjoy a bath in the warm waters of the bay or just relax and take in the surroundings. Then, return to the harbor at full speed.
The Beach Lover
Beach Relaxing at Bois Joli Hotel
Les Saintes, Guadaloupe (available on Flavors of the Caribbean)
Your guide will accompany you to the Bois Joli Hotel, situated at the beautiful bay of Pain de Sucre. Bring along your snorkeling equipment from the yacht’s Watersports Platform to enjoy an array of tropical fish in the crystal clear water or simply relax in the shade at the hotel pool. During your visit at the Bois Joli drinks and snacks with a local touch will be served.
The Underwater Adventurer
Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
Nevis, St Kitt’s (available on Flavors of the Caribbean)
This leisurely cruise under billowing sail follows the leeward coast of Nevis, passing palm-fringed sandy beaches such as Pinney’s Beach, then across the Narrows, a two-mile channel separating Nevis from St. Kitts. Arrive at Shitten’s Bay for a day of snorkeling. This calm and pristine location is only accessible by sea and shelters an abundance of marine life, with several varieties of reef fish and beautiful coral formations. After this snorkeling adventure, the sails are hoisted once more for the final tranquil trip back to the ship in Nevis. Enjoy an open bar serving ice-cold beer, rum punch, and soft drinks.
Which shore excursion will you book with your Caribbean cruise?
