Costa Rica to the Caribbean Small Ship Cruise

Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

We will check out in the late morning and drive to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. After lunch we will embark the MS Hebridean Sky in Puerto Limon and moor overnight.

After breakfast we head to the Cahuita National Park. The area is filled with wildlife that includes howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons, sloths, otters, coatis, agoutis, armadillos and porcupines. Several avian species also live in the swamp forest including the green ibis, the green kingfisher, the yellow crowned night-heron, the frigate bird and the boat-billed heron, among others. Our naturalist guides will lead us through the trails of the rainforest, sharing their vast knowledge of this fragile ecosystem. Alternatively, take a boat ride through the scenic Tortuguero canals, known as the ‘Costa Rican Amazon’, as the surrounding rainforest supports a wide range of flora and fauna. Here we can hopefully sight waterfowl, monkeys, lizards, sloths and toucans. We return to the ship via a banana plantation where we learn about this staple of the local economy.

After a morning at sea, we arrive in Colombia at San Andres. Due to its location in the far southwest corner of the Caribbean Sea and its relatively undeveloped tourism infrastructure, this island is not on the usual ‘cruise run’. The island and its keys are beautiful, and we will spend the afternoon exploring the Botanical Gardens and West View Ecological Park, with good opportunities to see indigenous plants and enjoy birdwatching. Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a swim from one of the palm fringed beaches.

Often referred to as ‘Old Providence’ in English, Providencia is a beautiful Colombian island that is little known and relatively untouched by tourism. Along with its smaller sister island of Santa Catalina, it is enclosed by an extensive barrier reef system of some 35 kilometres in length, making it one of the most significant reefs in the world. Captured twice by Henry Morgan and his buccaneers, who aimed to make it a British possession, it nevertheless ended up under Spanish control and is now a remote Colombian island. We have a whole day to explore on an island tour, take a nature walk, or enjoy a swim from the beach.

Spend a leisurely day on board as we cross the Caribbean Sea. Perhaps join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck to relax.

This morning we arrive on the north coast of Jamaica at the small, bustling port of Port Antonio, renowned as the world’s banana capital and once home to Errol Flynn, who described it as a ‘paradise unspoiled by human hands’. This morning, you may opt to join a rafting trip on the Rio Grande, where skilled raftsmen will impart their local knowledge about the native flora and fauna, history and people of the area, as we take in the wonderful natural surroundings. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic drive to Reach Falls situated in the lush Montane Forest. We will have time to enjoy the falls and walk in the surrounding forest which is home to many species of fern as well as a variety of birds. Enjoy a swim in the emerald pool at the foot of the falls before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to stroll around Port Antonio or relax on a local beach.

Spend the day at sea as we cruise towards the island of Hispaniola.

Sailing along the northern coast of Hispaniola, we arrive in the Dominican Republic this morning. We will berth in Puerto Plata from where we will head inland to Santiago de Los Caballeros which was founded in 1495 by 30 Spanish aristocrats and became the country’s first capital. Here we see the ‘Monumento a Los Heroes de la Restauracion’, dedicated to those who fought for independence from Spain in 1865 and now the city’s social hub. At the Centro Cultural Leon we will see exhibits showcasing Dominican history, arts and culture, as well as learning about the city’s main industry of cigar production. After lunch in the city, we return to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.

Arrive this morning at the Samana Peninsula, renowned for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and lush mountains. It is also a centre for migrating humpback whales, which are usually resident in the Marine Mammal Sanctuary from January to March. If conditions permit, this morning we will use the Zodiacs or local boats to view these amazing creatures. Alternatively, visit Los Haitises National Park, where we will explore magnificent limestone caves covered in Taino Indian art and we will also visit Bird Island to learn about the many migratory and indigenous birds that inhabit the mangroves. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board cruising to the British Virgin Islands.

The British Virgin Islands are recognised throughout the seafaring world as one of the finest sailing areas. The 36 islands and cays sit in a dazzling turquoise sea surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. We have a day and a half here, during which we will drop anchor and use our Zodiacs to explore. We may call at the islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, allowing ample time for nature walks, to relax on the beautiful beaches and swim in the clear waters.

In the 18th century, the port of Oranjestad was a major player in the trade between Europe and the new world. Today the island maintains a low key existence and has avoided the modernisation and development of its neighbours. We will explore the small town, including the 17th century fort and the museum, with information on slavery, colonial relics and historical artefacts. Meanwhile, those feeling active may wish to take the strenuous hike to ‘The Quill’, the 600 metre hill that dominates the landscape. This afternoon is at leisure for further exploration, or perhaps take the opportunity to swim from the nearby beach.

The eight island Iles des Saintes archipelago dots the waters off the southwest coast of Guadeloupe. In 1782, this was the site of one of the greatest naval battles of the sailing era, in which the tactics used by the British Admiral Sir George Rodney foreshadowed those used 20 years later by Nelson at Trafalgar. We will tender ashore and walk up to Fort Napoleon to visit the museum, which focuses on the Battle of the Saintes. This afternoon is free to explore the town or relax on one of the local beaches.

Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will always be high on the list. During our guided tour of the island we will learn about the indigenous flora and fauna at the Botanical Gardens before visiting the volcano observatory to see how the islanders coped with the devastation caused by the damaging volcanic eruptions of 1995 and 2010. From Richmond Hill we can see the impact of the eruption before walking through the buried city of Plymouth itself. We will also see some of the untouched areas, which are as beautiful as ever. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we sail this evening.

We will disembark after breakfast for an island drive which will include the beautifully restored 18th century dockyard in English Harbour where we will see the impressive collection of restored historic buildings which were occupied by the British Navy from 1707 until 1899. After lunch in a local restaurant, we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Arrive today.