Itinerary
- Day 1
St. John's
You'll arrive in St. John's and board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht. After settling into your cabin, you'll have time to get oriented and prepare for the week ahead exploring the Caribbean.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Reception & Dinner)
- Day 2
Barbuda
Head out to Barbuda to check out the beaches and local wildlife. The day includes visiting the historic Martello Tower and learning about Codrington's colonial past. You can explore Two Foot Bay's cave where ancient petroglyphs are carved into the rock, and if you're interested, there's an optional tour of the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Frigate Bird Sanctuary - guided tour through Barbuda's countryside and villages, visit historic Martello Tower (32-foot climb for views), explore Codrington (founded 1685), visit Two Foot Bay cave with Arawak petroglyphs, and motorboat trip to Frigate Bird Sanctuary with world's largest nesting colony (approximately 1,500 birds) - Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (must be pre-booked, extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Martello Tower Frigate Bird Sanctuary Two Foot Bay - Day 3
Îles des Saintes
Îles des Saintes offers eight tropical islands where French and Caribbean cultures blend together. You'll walk through colorful stone buildings and relax on white-sand beaches. Fort Napoleon with its historic grounds and Princess Caroline Garden are available as an optional tour if you want to dig deeper.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Fort Napoleon and views of paradise - guided tour including drive past multi-colored houses, Fort Napoleon grounds (originally built for defense against British invasions), Princess Caroline Garden with tropical flowers and panoramic views, local church visit, village stroll through picturesque streets with murals and boutiques - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Fort Napoleon Princess Caroline Garden - Day 4
Deshaies
This morning you'll spend time in the charming village of Deshaies in Guadeloupe. There's an optional visit to the Botanical Garden where you can see exotic flora like wax roses, ginger, bougainvillea, and orchids scattered throughout the lush grounds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tropical World Discovery - guided tour of Botanical Garden created by M. Michel Gaillard, located 10 minutes from pier, explore winding paths with exotic scents and vivid colors, admire collections of wax rose, red ginger, bougainvillea, and orchids - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Botanical Garden Deshaies - Day 5
St. Barthélemy
You're heading to St. Barthélemy, a French island known for its luxury feel and beautiful beaches with colonial charm. In Gustavia, you'll browse jewelry shops and fashion boutiques, grab lunch at one of the gourmet restaurants, and soak in the island's upscale atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Driving tour around the island - non-narrated private van tour at own pace, drive through capital Gustavia past harbors and boutiques, stop at scenic Colombier Viewpoint with panoramic coastal vistas, pass Flamands Beach (soft white sand), visit St. Jean Bay to see Eden Rock hotel and short-runway airport, explore Atlantic coast - Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (extra expense)
- Colombier Bay and Snorkelling - snorkeling adventure in crystal-clear waters, swim alongside colorful fish and coral formations in Colombier Bay, sail to Gros Ilets snorkeling spot at entrance of Gustavia for diverse marine species exploration - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours (extra expense)
- Catamaran Escape - glide along St. Barths' coastline, view rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, view majestic mega yachts anchored offshore, approximately 1 hour in Colombier Bay for lounging, swimming, or relaxing with refreshments, sail back to Gustavia for town exploration - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Colombier Viewpoint Flamands Beach St. Jean Bay Eden Rock hotel Gustavia - Day 6
Virgin Gorda to Norman Island
Virgin Gorda's most famous spot is the Baths, where massive granite boulders create pools and grottoes to explore. You can join the standard excursion or go for the EmeraldACTIVE option if you want something more active. After that, your yacht sails to Norman Island for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- The Baths - ride open-air safari wagons to natural wonder with sea caves and rock formations along beach, follow winding footpath to parking area, explore geological marvels up close, swim and relax in tropical paradise, ascend to Top of the Baths for refreshing fruit smoothie - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours
Optional Activities
- BBQ lunch on fully equipped beach with live band - fully equipped beach with lounge chairs and vibrant beach umbrellas, powdery white sand, delicious BBQ lunch with laid-back atmosphere and crystal-clear ocean views, live music from local band with Caribbean rhythms and soulful melodies (EmeraldPLUS)
- The Baths (EmeraldACTIVE) - ride open-air safari wagons to natural wonder, follow winding footpath to beach, explore geological marvels including wading through knee-deep water of sea caves crafted by colossal boulders, experience sunlight streaming through natural openings illuminating serene pools, learn about boulder origins and rock formation names, swim and relax, meander along sandy shore to Top of the Baths for refreshing fruit smoothie - Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 4 hours
Landmarks/POIs The Baths - Day 7
Norman Island
You'll spend the full day at Norman Island, an uninhabited area in the British Virgin Islands with dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches. The coral reefs are vibrant and the water is perfect for swimming. Marina toys are available if you want to get out on the water from the yacht.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Swimming off the yacht and enjoying marina toys
Landmarks/POIs Norman Island - Day 8
San Juan
After breakfast, a shuttle takes you to San Juan, Puerto Rico where cultural diversity runs through the city's bustling scene. You'll have time to walk around, try the local cuisine, and experience the Caribbean culture up close. Later in the afternoon you'll head back to re-board your yacht.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore San Juan at your own pace - discover cultural diversity, vibrant cultural scene, and local cuisine
- Day 9
Culebra to Vieques
A morning shuttle brings you to Flamenco Beach on Culebra, where white sand and active reefs make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. After lunch you'll sail to Vieques Island and the waterfront town of Esperanza. There's an optional night kayak trip to the bioluminescent bay if you're up for it.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Shuttle to Flamenco Beach
Optional Activities
- Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bay - kayaking adventure at Mosquito Bay, Vieques in double kayaks, paddle under night sky witnessing sparkling swirls of bioluminescent water created by paddles and darting fish leaving trails of light, learn about microorganisms creating magical glow and importance of preservation - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours (must be pre-booked, extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Flamenco Beach Mosquito Bay - Day 10
St. John
You'll explore St. John starting from Cruz Bay. The included excursion takes you to the 18th-century Annaberg Plantation Ruins, or you can choose EmeraldACTIVE for a guided hike through Virgin Islands National Park with swimming stops along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- St. John Island tour with Annaberg Plantation Ruins - board open-air safari transportation for comprehensive island tour, visit 18th-century Annaberg sugar mill ruins, stroll among stone remnants surrounded by vibrant greenery and flowers, learn about sugar production history and site significance - Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours
Optional Activities
- National Park Hike and Swimming - guided hike through Virgin Islands National Park starting from Cruz Bay village, hike along Lind Point Trail toward North Shore of St. John, learn about diverse plant and animal life in tropical paradise, arrive at secluded spot with crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand, enjoy ocean vistas, swim, or relax on beach - Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 3 hours (EmeraldACTIVE)
Landmarks/POIs Annaberg Plantation Ruins Virgin Islands National Park Lind Point Trail - Day 11
Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the main British Virgin Islands, only about 8 square kilometers, but it has character. You'll relax on White Bay Beach and experience the colorful local culture. A BBQ lunch with a live band is set up right on the beach where everything's fully equipped.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- BBQ lunch on fully equipped beach with live band - fully equipped beach with lounge chairs and vibrant beach umbrellas, powdery white sand, delicious BBQ lunch with laid-back atmosphere and crystal-clear ocean views, live music from local band with Caribbean rhythms and soulful melodies (EmeraldPLUS)
Landmarks/POIs White Bay Beach - Day 12
Philipsburg (Sint Maarten)
Philipsburg is a busy port town where Dutch and Caribbean influences blend throughout the architecture and culture. You'll see colonial buildings, check out the nice beaches, and browse the street market where local vendors sell cuisine, arts, and crafts.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Island tour - captivating journey through Saint Martin/Sint Maarten exploring both Dutch and French sides with distinct national flags, historical tour with knowledgeable local guide through picturesque vistas, charming towns, and significant historical landmarks, learn about ancestors' stories, island challenges, and origin of name 'Soualiga' ('Land of Salt'), visit up to ten historical sites narrating diverse heritage, see Border Monument symbolizing unique division, drive through Philipsburg (bustling capital of Dutch side) with lively waterfront and historic architecture, learn about colonial past and vibrant port evolution, explore Marigot (capital of French side) with lively market, charming colonial buildings, and stunning Fort Louis overlooking bay, immerse in blend of French and Caribbean cultures - Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Border Monument Fort Louis - Day 13
St. Barthélemy
Back to St. Barthélemy again, this time focusing on different areas. The mountainous landscapes and natural beauty are on full display. You'll explore beaches you might have missed, see historic wooden houses, and walk through neighborhoods with luxurious colonial estates in and around Gustavia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Driving tour around the island - non-narrated private van tour at own pace, drive through capital Gustavia past harbors and boutiques, stop at scenic Colombier Viewpoint with panoramic coastal vistas, pass Flamands Beach (soft white sand), visit St. Jean Bay to see Eden Rock hotel and short-runway airport, explore Atlantic coast - Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (extra expense)
- Colombier Bay and Snorkelling - snorkeling adventure in crystal-clear waters, swim alongside colorful fish and coral formations in Colombier Bay, sail to Gros Ilets snorkeling spot at entrance of Gustavia for diverse marine species exploration - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours (extra expense)
- Catamaran Escape - glide along St. Barths' coastline, view rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, view majestic mega yachts anchored offshore, approximately 1 hour in Colombier Bay for lounging, swimming, or relaxing with refreshments, sail back to Gustavia for town exploration - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Colombier Viewpoint Flamands Beach St. Jean Bay Eden Rock hotel Gustavia - Day 14
Montserrat
Montserrat offers something different from the typical Caribbean island since volcanic history shaped everything here. You'll see the haunting remains of Plymouth, the buried capital, and learn about what happened when the Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted in 1995.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Volcano Views, Plymouth & Montserrat Volcano Observatory - experience incredible Soufrière Hills Volcano from Plymouth port, often called 'Pompeii of the Caribbean', visit Montserrat Volcano Observatory to gain insights into life on island with active volcano, tour includes visit to Buried City (Plymouth) - once vibrant capital now buried beneath layers of volcanic ash and debris, walk through haunting yet awe-inspiring site witnessing devastating eruption impact and eerie stillness, view historical photographs of Plymouth before disaster showing striking contrast with current somber state - Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Soufrière Hills Volcano Montserrat Volcano Observatory Plymouth (Buried City) - Day 15
St. John's
Your yacht cruise ends back in St. John's. You'll say goodbye to the crew and other guests, then head to the airport for your return flight home.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Farewell Reception & Dinner)
