Wind Spirit, Hidden Gems of the Caribbean ex St Maarten Return

17 Night Cruise sailing from St Maarten roundtrip aboard Wind Spirit.

Highlights of this cruise:

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.

Mayreau
Mayreau is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and lies in the middle of the Grenadines, close to the famous Tobago Cays. It is the smallest island of the Grenadines, all inhabitants live in the village on the south-west side of the island. There is a trail from Saltwhistle Bay to the village that is currently being improved. The village boasts four bars and restaurants and colorful local rum shops with domino tournaments and pool tables.

Two beautiful anchorages will satisfy those cruising the islands. Salt Whistle Bay has a sweeping half moon beach, and the Salt Whistle Bay Club is tucked away behind it. A sailboat and motor boat is available to charter to the nearby Tobago cays for some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent. Hiking trails abound throughout the island with spectacular views of the neighboring Grenadines from Captains Hill.

Bequia
Bequia is located about 100 miles west of Barbados and 60 miles south of St. Lucia. The nine sqm island is part of the republic of St.Vincent & the Grenadines in the Lesser Antilles. A popular port-of-call for yachts from around the world, Bequia has lately become equally well known for being a first class diving destination.

Bequia is considered the perfect small Caribbean island: beautiful sandy beaches, lush green hillsides, attractive little villages, well run hotels and guest houses and hardly any traffic.

Bequia offers several ocean front bars and restaurants with the most popular being Frangipani Bar and Restaurant on Admiralty Bay. Adjacent to Frangipani's is a number of local establishments that one can enjoy as they make their way around the quaint ocean front walkway that encircles much of Admiralty Bay.

Jost Van Dyke
The British Virgin Islands, about 60 (mostly uninhabited) islands and cays, are one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. Jost Van Dyke is a casual island with protected anchorages, fine beaches and beachfront restaurants and bars. It is said to have been named after an early Dutch settler, a former pirate.

At Great Harbour, Little Harbour, and White Bay there are safe, protected anchorages and unspoilt beaches shaded with coconut palms and seagrape trees. Discover inviting restaurants, bars, and small shops selling local treasures.

Parties here are legendary, especially at Foxy's. This bar and its owner are known to travellers from around the world for the New Year's Eve and Halloween parties, when Great Harbour fills up with yachts.