History and Culture Visiting Caribbean Jewels

Saint Martin, a gem in the Caribbean, is renowned for its dual French and Dutch heritage. This unique blend offers travelers a diverse cultural experience. In the French capital, Marigot, visit the bustling open-air markets and savor gourmet dining, while in Philipsburg on the Dutch side, indulge in duty-free shopping and lively beach bars. Maho Beach, famous for its low-flying planes, is a must-see spectacle.

For nature lovers, the island offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Loterie Farm provides an adventurous escape with zip-lining and hiking trails. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies like conch fritters and guavaberry liqueur, which reflect the island’s rich culinary traditions.

Marigot, the capital of the French side of Saint Martin, is a charming town known for its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and stunning waterfront. The town's colourful market, offers a variety of local produce, spices, and handcrafted goods, reflecting the island's rich cultural heritage.

The historic Fort Louis, perched on a hill overlooking Marigot Bay, provides panoramic views of the town and the Caribbean Sea, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Along the waterfront, visitors can enjoy a range of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that serve delicious French and Creole cuisine. With its blend of historical charm and lively atmosphere, Marigot offers a delightful experience on the island of Saint Martin.

Located 5 miles north of Anguilla, the twin islands of Prickly Pear East and West are separated by a narrow channel. Prickly Pear East consists of a huge white sandy beach and rocky outcrops offering excellent snorkelling possibilities. Behind the main beach, there is a small pool where the black-necked stilt comes to feed. The harder-to-access Prickly Pear West has a small beach of low limestone cliffs dotted with bushes. The waters surrounding the cays of Prickly Pear are protected by the Anguilla Marine Park. Green and Hawksbill sea turtles, endangered species, nest on these beaches. The island is also home to an indigenous iguana population as well as a colony of Anguilla laughing gulls. As you sail around Prickly Pear West, it will be easy to observe many birds along the cliffs, including red-billed tropicbirds, brown noddies, brown boobies and little terns. This is also where the only colony of brown pelicans nesting in Anguilla can be found: it is a species of regional importance.

Cherry red roofs, yacht-sprinkled bays and a sophisticated French flavour all add to the gorgeous Caribbean allure of Gustavia. St. Barthelemy's capital rolls around a horseshoe-shaped harbour, where gleaming yachts hover and fancy boutiques, bars and restaurants fizz with life. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Gustavia:

• go on a sunset cruise
• sail the coast of St. Barts
• explore the harbour in a semi-submersible
• drive the enchanting countryside
  

Charlestown is the laid back capital of the island of Nevis, which offers glorious golden beaches, fiery sunsets and verdant tropical backdrops. The city itself is full of Georgian-era structures and colonial features. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Charlestown:

• hike the Golden Rock Nature Trail
• go deep sea fishing
• play a round of golf at Four Seasons Resort
• visit the botanical gardens
• stroll along Pinney's Beach
• dive to explore the ship wrecks offshore
  

Located to the south of the island of Antigua and Barbuda, Falmouth Bay is home to a marina that is the perfect starting point for visiting Nelson’s Dockyard, where the former naval base and former home of the British Admiral Horatio Nelson can be found. This village was built in 1725 to act as a base for the squadrons of ships that used to patrol the waters of the West Indies to ensure British naval supremacy. It is the last naval dockyard of the Georgian period to be so well preserved and still active. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a collection of buildings and port facilities surrounded by a fortified compound.

During your port of call in Barbuda, an island influenced by British culture in the north of the Lesser Antilles, you’ll discover idyllic beaches of white powder-like sand bathed by turquoise waters of striking intensity.

The very British colonial atmosphere of English Harbour, a former Royal Navy base, mixes with creole culture in a happy union. This Eden, which has managed to stay calm and intimate, is brimming with very wild fauna and flora. Arts and crafts are present in the markets and shops, where you’ll find wooden statuettes, printed fabrics and very good rum produced in the island’s distilleries.

Iles Des Saintes or Les Saintes is formed by nine unspoiled islands, two of which are inhabited. Forest-coated island cones rise from the turquoise waters and crystalline tropical beaches line the shores of these heavenly Caribbean islands. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the island, Terre de Haut.

Top Things to Do on Iles Des Saintes:

• sail around the isles of Les Saintes
• explore the waters in a clear kayak
• hike to the summit of Mount Morel
• visit Fort Napoleon

Pointe-à-Pitre, located in Guadeloupe, is a dynamic city where Caribbean vibrancy meets rich history. Its streets are lined with colonial-era architecture, including the ornate Saint-John Perse Museum, which not only offers insights into the poet's life but also into Guadeloupe’s past. The bustling spice market, a sensory overload of colours, scents, and sounds, showcases the island’s culinary wealth.

The city’s location makes it a central point for exploring the natural beauty surrounding it. Just a short trip away are lush rainforests and the serene beaches of Grande-Terre. Pointe-à-Pitre's lively cultural festivals, such as the vibrant Carnival, bring the city to life with music, dance, and Creole traditions, offering an authentic immersion into Guadeloupe's festive spirit.