Jewels of the Windward Islands

Jolly old England comes to life in the city and its garrison, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Further afield, you’ll find historic sugar plantations and the fairyland magic of Harrison’s Cave.

The UNESCO site Pitons’ with their two majestic volcanic peaks and 24 miles of vibrant coral reef welcome you to St. Lucia. Nearby Pigeon Island National Park features impressive ruins of English forts, archaeological relics of Arawak Indians, and splendid beaches.

The capital and largest city of St. Lucia is a bustling port where shoppers flock.  Most of the city’s historic buildings were destroyed in major fires between 1785 and 1948 but you’ll see the beautiful, scenic backdrop of Morne Fortune (elev. 2,795 ft.) and the bustling harbor.  Visit the Castries Market for handicrafts, fruits and vegetables, see the murals painted by a local artist and housed in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and check out one of the many restaurants or Derek Walcott Square. 

Located near the town of Soufriere, St. Lucia the Pitons are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a spectacular landmark. Gros Piton is 2,619 feet high (798 meters) and Petit Piton is 2,438 feet high (743 meters). Gros Piton is home to at least 148 plant species and 27 bird species (5 of them endemic) and Petit Piton has 97 plant species with 8 rare tree species.

Charming Kingstown, the capital and main commercial center of St. Vincent & the Grenadines is known for its churches, cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and the St. Vincent Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765.  Steep hills surround the town, with Fort Charlotte sitting high on a ridge north of the city, offering panoramic views of Kingstown and the surrounding islands.  Other sites to see include St. George’s Anglican Cathedral, an 1820s structure adorned with stained glass windows, St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, built in 1823, with its lovely Gothic spires and Romanesque columns and arches.

With fewer than 300 inhabitants and miles of secluded beaches, it's easy to feel as if you're on your own private island. Saline Bay is a delightful anchorage that separates the Caribbean from the Atlantic - and a perfect place to play with some of the toys from the Watersports Platform.

Inhale the intoxicating aroma of the “Isle of Spice” as your eyes feast on what is widely claimed to be the most beautiful city in the Caribbean. Spend the day on 2-mile-long Grand Anse beach, and before you go, a taste of nutmeg ice cream is a must.

The only ships in port are those small enough to anchor alongside the yachts and fishing boats in Admiralty Bay. Bequia’s whaling heritage is on display in the museum in pretty Port Elizabeth, or watch the island’s famed model boat builders at work on their miniature masterpieces.

Time to say farewell.