St. Lucia, Dominica and Martinique
Join Blue Clipper for a Caribbean tall ship vacation along the Windward Islands. This round-trip from St. Lucia combines sailing with time ashore, amidst volcanic peaks, rainforest coasts, and tranquil turquoise anchorages.
This trip is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed sailing experience with the option to get involved. You can help with handling the sails and steering, or simply enjoy the warm trade winds, clear waters, and laid-back island life. No experience is required, and participation is always optional.
St. Lucia itself is a feast for the eyes: majestic volcanic peaks towering high above the turquoise bays, surrounded by fishing villages with black and golden beaches. Beneath the water’s surface lies a world of coral reefs and tropical fish. Inland, you’ll find dense rainforest with hiking trails for every level — perfect for an exploration before boarding the Blue Clipper.
Where can we sail to?
Martinique
Your first stop is the rugged, volcanic Caribbean island of Martinique. It is an overseas region of France, with a culture that reflects a charming blend of French and West Indian influences. Martinique is an island of striking contrasts: the northern part is mountainous and dominated by the active volcano Mont Pelée, surrounded by dense rainforest. The beaches in the north have silvery-gray sand, formed from historic volcanic ash.
In contrast, the southern part of the island features its iconic white sand beaches and the largest city, Fort-de-France. The city is characterized by steep hills, picturesque narrow streets, and the beautiful La Savane Gardens, surrounded by shops and cafés.
Dominica
From Martinique, you sail north, island-hopping toward Dominica. Dominica is a mountainous island largely covered by rainforest reserves teeming with wildlife, featuring remarkable natural wonders such as the Boiling Lake, hot springs, and the Trafalgar Falls. Roseau, the capital of Dominica, is known for its colorful wooden houses and beautiful botanical gardens.
Dominica is one of the most unspoiled islands in the Caribbean. With its mountain trails, natural hot springs, and green river valleys, the island offers excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and swimming in clear, sheltered bays.
Discover the authentic Caribbean paradise from the water
The beauty of traveling by ship along these breathtaking islands is that we can take you to the unspoiled, authentic Caribbean, far away from crowded resorts and beaches. Experience the true Caribbean culture, from small fishing villages to lively, colorful carnivals. The crew aims to give you complete freedom to explore the islands your way, finding harbors to dock at and secluded bays to anchor in.
Feel the sand between your toes, immerse yourself in the vibrantly colorful Caribbean culture, snorkel among the amazing marine life, or simply kick back and relax on the beach. Dive from the ship and swim in the turquoise-blue waters, and take advantage of Blue Clipper’s kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
A typical day on board:
After a hearty breakfast, the crew starts preparing the sails and discusses the plan for the day with the guest crew. After checking the charts and raising the anchor, the sails are set in search of a scenic anchorage, preferably off the beaten track. From hoisting the sails to steering the ship, you are cordially invited to participate in all sailing activities on board. After a few hours of sailing, the anchor is dropped and guests can explore ashore or just relax on the ship with a book – the choice is yours.
The Blue Clipper also features 3 kayaks, 3 paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment for guests, allowing you to explore closer to the shore while the ship is at anchor.
The beauty of exploring the coast from the comfort of a sailing ship is that you can reach remote, hard-to-access destinations, far away from the tourist crowds.
On board the Blue Clipper, there is also a dedicated chef, so after a day of sailing in the salty sea air, you don’t have to worry about cooking. Think locally sourced ingredients, fresh fish, and homemade bread, with hearty, home-cooked meals and, of course, plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!
Tip: St. Lucia can be reached from Europe by plane via London Gatwick and London Heathrow (Airlines: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic).
