Wind Surf, Underwater Worlds of the Caribbean ex Cozumel to St Maarten

18 Night Cruise sailing from Cozumel to St Maarten aboard Wind Surf.

Highlights of this cruise:

Cozumel
Cozumel (Mayan: Island of the Swallows) is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The main town on the island is San Miguel where most of the population reside.
The choice of activities are boundless in Cozumel, golden beaches, turquoise waters, friendly people, festivals, scattered Maya ruins, great restaurants, duty-free stores, diving, golfing and more. Famous all over the world for its coral reefs, there are plenty of water sports such as diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. The center of the island is covered by jungle and swampy lagoons. Chankanaab National Park is a Cozumel icon located at the southern tip of the island. It includes Punta Celarain and its historical lighthouse, as well as the Colombia Lagoon, a shelter for many of the island's endemic species.

Port Antonio
Set on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful bays, Port Antonio is surrounded by the Blue Mountains. The town dates back to the 16th century, and is surrounded by sea rich in game fish. Sights include Mitchell’s Folly, a two-story mansion built by the American millionaire Dan Mitchell in 1905, and the ruins of the 60-room Great House. Rafting is available on the Rio Grande, comprising two-hour trips on two passenger bamboo rafts, which begin high in the Blue Mountains at Berrydale, sail past plantations of bananas and sugar cane, and end up at Margaret’s Bay. The scenic Somerset Falls nearby are a popular picnic spot. Beaches in the Port Antonio area include San San and), while the Blue Lagoon is a salt-water cove offering fishing, swimming and water-skiing and is considered one of the finest coves in the Caribbean.

St Maarten
St. Maarten is one of the most rewarding stops for a cruise-ship passenger. The island is divided between French St. Martin in the north and Dutch St. Maarten in the south. Each side manages to retain its own distinct flavor.

The French side (St. Martin), is certainly more relaxed and sophisticated. There are first-class resorts and secluded white sand beaches. Its capital, Marigot, is Mediterranean resort-like, with yachts in the harbor, and open-air markets and shops lining the waterfront. A bit to the north, Grand Case is known for the island's best restaurants.

The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) is a lively destination of white sand beaches, casinos, historical sites, shopping venues and lot of nightlife. Most ships dock in Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten. Its two main streets, Frontstreet and Backstreet, are bustling thoroughfares lined with shops and restaurants.

Roseau
Roseau is the capital city of Dominica, a small island nation that is known for its pristine beauty and unspoiled nature. It is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, with volcanic peaks, mountain streams and rivers, beaches of both black (volcanic) and golden sands, dense forests, quiet lakes, waterfalls, geysers and boiling volcanic pools.

Roseau is small, ramshackle and friendly, with a surprising number of pretty old buildings still intact. Some houses look a bit tatty, but there is still some attractive gingerbread fretwork in the traditional style on streets like Castle Street.

Gustavia
Saint-Barthélemy (St Barts) is a French island located in the Caribbean among the Leeward Islands. It lies near the islands of Saint Martin, Saba and Anguilla off the coast of Puerto Rico. Gustavia is the main town on St Barts, and has long been considered a playground of the rich and famous. It’s known for its beautiful pristine beaches, gourmet dining in chic bistros and high-end designer shopping.

Excellent shopping can be found on Quai de la Republique, Rue du General De Gaulle, and Rue Oscar II. The shopping is within easy walking distance of the tender wharf. The flea market and pastry stores in Gustavia are also a treat for tourists.

Exploring Gustavia you’ll find the St. Barths museum which is small, but somewhat interesting and the fort at the northern end of the harbor ( Fort Gustav III) offers great views of the harbor for photo opportunities. Shell Beach is popular for families with kids as it has little surf, and lots of tide pools.