Leeward Islands

There's nothing between the Leeward Islands and the west coast of Africa but the Atlantic Ocean, so the trade winds blow a little fresher than in the BVI. A mix of cultures have contributed to the uniqueness of the Leeward Islands and visitors can enjoy everything from busy towns and remote villages, to sandy coral islands and lush rain forests. Because volcanoes created most of the Leeward Islands, giant craters and other remnants can been see throughout the chain.

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

For nearly 350 years, the French and the Dutch have politely shared this paradise and somehow managed to maintain their cultural clarity. The Dutch side is a busy commercial area bustling with trade and tourism. The French side offers luxury resorts, high fashion, fine dining, and beautiful beaches for secluded relaxation. Stand in just the right spot in Oyster Bay and you can actually be in France and the Netherlands at the same time!

Grande Case, St. Martin

On the northwest coast of the French side of the island is a far-reaching beach surrounding a beautiful open bay. Grand Case itself is simply one very long street lined with flamboyantly painted buildings and restaurants. Near the mouth of the bay lies a great snorkeling opportunity. Roche rock rises a conspicuous 100 feet out of the northern end of the bay and makes a perfect dive and snorkel site attracting a wide variety of colorful Caribbean creatures.

Marigot, St. Martin

Built in 1767 to protect the settlement at Marigot, Fort St. Louis remains the most impressive historical monument on St. Martin. The steep climb to the top is rewarded with a breathtaking bird's eye view of the island and surrounding waters. A busy open-air market lines the wharves up and down the Boulevard de France where local merchants present a colorful display of spices, fresh fish, and homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Ile Fourche

The goats are long gone and with them went the landscape on this tiny little deserted island.  So why stop here?  Ile Fourche is situated between St Barths and St. Martin making it a convenient anchorage.  Visitors can enjoy a swim or snorkel in the warm surrounding waters or hike high up the barren terrain to experience one of the most beautiful Caribbean sunsets before heading down to St. Barths.

St. Barth (St. Barthelemy)

You'd be forgiven for thinking you're in the French Riviera when you arrive in Gustavia on St. Barths.  Visitors will enjoy the quaint architecture, chic boutiques, rich French culture, and amazing cuisine.  Rental jeeps can be used to explore the island's narrow, winding roads, pristine beaches, and stunning overlooks.  A stop at Airport Beach will be quite unforgettable as planes fly just overhead to land right behind the beautiful white sandy spot.  

Saba

What drew the Dutch to a rock like Saba may seem baffling, but when visitors hike through the clouds and come to the summit of Mt. Scenery, they completely understand.  This island is the highest point in the Netherland Antilles, and its picturesque villages seem to cling to clefts in the rock. A taxi ride up the mountain will bring visitors to Saba's main town called "The Bottom".  An artistic glass bead studio, the gubernatorial mansion, and Wilhelmina Park are worth exploring.  Ambitious visitors can join the locals as they walk down the 400 steps to Ladder Bay to enjoy a nice swim and relaxing picnic.  Visitors interested in diving should also take the time out to dive as Saba offers some of the most remarkable diving in the Caribbean.  

Statia (St. Eustatius)

It is hard for visitors to imagine that this quiet Caribbean island was once a major hub for transatlantic trade.  Now, Statia is most known for its remarkable snorkeling and diving sites. Underwater volcanic fissures, canyons, living walls, and tangled shipwrecks create an extremely diverse diving environment.  Hiking is also a must for visitors as the north end boasts the hilly remnants of an old volcano while the south end is home to a younger, perfectly formed volcano known as The Quill.  The Quill soars 2000 feet into the air and is covered in lush vegetation.  Visitors making it to the top are in store for views that are otherwise unimaginable.

St. Kitts (St. Christopher)

When you approach St. Kitts it's nearly always topped by a big cloud covering the summit of its extinct volcano. Today, the volcano is a thriving rainforest. It was the volcanic soil made this island rich. In the 1700s sugar was the most important crop in the world and St. Kitts was a major producer with 68 plantations growing sugar cane. Production has nearly stopped today, but the remnants of the industry are everywhere to be seen. Old smokestacks rise high into the sky, windmill bases dot the landscape, and narrow tracks for the tiny train cars criss-cross the island. Brimstone Hill Fortress, which is situated 800 feet above sea level, is a beautiful historic site with one of the best views in the Caribbean.  Romney Manor where Tegereman, a Carib Indian chief, once had his village is now a lush tropical garden setting.  It is home to Caribelle Batik, where artists use ancient techniques to create beautifully distinctive fabrics.

Nevis

Snow in the Caribbean?  No way!  It's just the clouds dripping down the sides of Nevis Peak. But, it inspired Christopher Columbus to name it "Nuestra Senora del las Nieves" whish translates to "Our Lady of the Snows".  Whether visitors are looking for rainforests full of playful monkeys, beautiful lazy white sand beaches, or ancient sugar mill ruins with tales of the past, Nevis has a lot to offer!  For a beach try the famous Pinney's.  At several miles long, it is the perfect spot for beach volleyball, swimming, and snorkeling.