Your Caribbean Dream Awaits

A seven-day Caribbean cruise around the Eastern Caribbean islands offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, and culinary exploration. December through April is the best time to cruise the Caribbean, with stable trade winds, warm waters, and minimal rainfall, outside hurricane season – ensuring smooth sailing from one stunning anchorage to the next.

Setting sail to Anguilla

St. Martin/St. Maarten stands as one of the Caribbean's premier cruising hubs, split between French and Dutch governance, offering unparalleled access to the region's most spectacular destinations. This unique island serves as the perfect launching point for a seven-day sailing adventure.

Begin your journey at Simpson Bay Marina on the Dutch side (St. Maarten) or Marigot Marina on the French side (St. Martin), depending on your departure preference. Both marinas offer fully serviced facilities and easy access to the surrounding islands for your seven-day cruise.

Your first destination is Anguilla, a short sail of approximately 2–3 hours under steady trade winds. Anchor at Road Bay, near Sandy Ground, known for calm waters and easy entry. The island is renowned for having some of the world's best beaches with powdery white sand. 

Popular dive sites include the Ooster Diep Wreck, at depths of 50-90 feet, and Sandy Deep Reef where you might spot garden eels, turtles, and occasional reef sharks. 

Take a walking tour through Anguilla's historic sites, including the 18th-century Wallblake House and the Old Court House perched on Crocus Hill. Later, sample fresh lobster and conch prepared in traditional Caribbean style for an authentic culinary experience. 

Anguilla to St. Barthélemy (St. Barth)

Sail approximately 15 nautical miles south to the chic island of St. Barthélemy. This journey typically takes 2-3 hours under normal conditions. Anchor in Gustavia Harbor or at the secluded Anse de Colombier, accessible only by boat or hiking trail. 

Colombier Beach, part of the Marine Reserve, offers pristine turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles, rays, and barracudas. The shallow reefs provide excellent visibility for underwater exploration.

Visit Fourchue Island, a protected nature reserve between St. Martin and St. Barth featuring volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear waters where you'll often be alone. Shell Beach near Gustavia is renowned for its unique seashells and calm waters ideal for snorkeling and a relaxing swim. 

Climb to Fort Karl for breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding islands. The fort's location offers stunning sunset vistas over the turquoise sea against orange cliffs. St. Barth is known as the 'French Riviera of the Caribbean'. Enjoy waterfront dining, where French and Caribbean flavors beautifully merge.

St. Barth to Pinel Island and Orient Bay

Return to St. Martin's eastern coast, anchoring near Pinel Island. This picture-postcard destination features turquoise waters and white sandy shores accessible only by water. Follow the Pinel Island Marine Trail, marked with white buoys, to spot colorful reef fish, stingrays, and sea turtles. 

Orient Bay, known for some of the Caribbean finest beaches, offers excellent anchorages at Green Cay (south) and Pinel Island (north). Enjoy beachside dining with fresh seafood at one of Orient Bay's beach clubs. Traditional dishes include accras de morue (salted cod fritters), crispy, fluffy bites seasoned with Caribbean spices.

Exploring Grand Case and Marigot Bay

Sail along St. Martin's northern coast to Grand Case, known as the 'gourmet capital of the Caribbean'. Anchor in Grand Case Bay, noting that waters can be a bit rolly. The main street fronts onto the beach, offering easy access to exceptional dining and good bars.

Continue to Marigot Bay, the capital of French St. Martin, which offers well-sheltered anchorage. This is the perfect place to indulge in French-Caribbean fusion dishes and enjoy a traditional Caribbean rum punch of aged rum, tropical juices, and grenadine.

Dawn Beach and Philipsburg

Navigate to Dawn Beach on St. Maarten's eastern coast, one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island. Afterwards, anchor in Great Bay, the main commercial port, if you wish to visit Philipsburg. 

Walk through Philipsburg's iconic Old Street with its brightly colored buildings and visit the historic Courthouse. Explore the Guavaberry Emporium to sample the famous local Guavaberry Punch and visit Fort Amsterdam for panoramic views and local history.

Maho Beach and Simpson Bay

Experience the famous Maho Beach, where airplanes land extremely close overhead. The best time to visit is early afternoon when flights are most frequent. The beach also offers nice waves perfect for bodyboarding.

Anchor in Simpson Bay that features diverse dining options and vibrant nightlife. Sample a Bushwacker, a decadent frozen cocktail combining chocolate, rum, and Kahlúa, or try a Painkiller, a classic Caribbean favorite.

Return to base and final exploration

Spend your final day exploring areas you might have missed or revisiting favorite spots. Consider a morning at Mullet Bay, a peaceful and relaxing alternative to busier beaches. 

For those interested in adventure, visit Loterie Farm for ziplining through the tropical canopy or hiking to Pic Paradis, the highest point of St. Martin, rising just over 1,300 feet above sea level. The three-mile trail takes 2-3 hours round trip and rewards hikers with jaw-dropping panoramic views.