Sail along with the tall ship Blue Clipper as it island-hops through the Caribbean, from… St. Lucia to Antigua, with explorations of the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe along the way
Discover the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe from St. Lucia and end your journey in Antigua. Enjoy traditional sailing on a tall ship, island-hopping, wildlife spotting, and relaxing on tropical islands. This adventure offers something for everyone: from perfect sailing on the trade winds to exploring secluded anchorages and colorful Caribbean villages, far away from the busy tourist resorts
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.
The journey
Martinique – a blend of French charm and Caribbean nature
Your first stop is the rugged and volcanic Caribbean island of Martinique. This is an overseas territory of France, with a culture that forms a delightful mix of French and West Indian influences. The northern part of the island is mountainous and is home to Mont Pelée, an active volcano surrounded by dense rainforest. The beaches in the north have silvery-gray sand, a result of historical volcanic ash. The southern part of the island, on the other hand, is known for its iconic white-sand beaches and is home to the largest city, Fort-de-France. This city features steep hills, picturesque narrow streets, and the beautiful gardens of La Savane, surrounded by shops and cafés. In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed here after a 21-day crossing using the trade winds and named the island Martinica.
Island-hopping via Dominica and Guadeloupe
From Martinique, you sail northwards, island-hopping via Dominica and Guadeloupe, before ending your journey in Antigua. Guadeloupe is a French overseas territory with a main island shaped like a butterfly, featuring the Salée River, hilly landscapes, long beaches, and sugarcane fields. The Parc National de la Guadeloupe includes highlights such as the Carbet Falls and the volcano La Grande Soufrière. Dominica is a mountainous island covered with rainforest reserves teeming with wildlife, with highlights including 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.
Experience the Caribbean authentically from the sea
The beauty of traveling by ship along these breathtaking islands is that we can take you to the untouched, authentic Caribbean, far away from crowded resorts and beaches. Experience the true Caribbean culture, from small fishing villages to vibrant, colorful carnivals. The crew aims to give you the freedom to explore the islands your way, with stops at harbors and anchorages in secluded bays. Feel the sand between your toes, immerse yourself in the lively Caribbean culture, snorkel among incredible marine life, or simply relax on the beach. Jump into the turquoise waters straight from the ship, swim, and make use of the Blue Clipper’s kayaks and SUPs.
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 and Antigua can be reached from Europe by plane via London Gatwick and London Heathrow (Airlines: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic). Antigua also has a direct flight connection with Frankfurt am Main.
