7-night Windward Islands Discovery Cruise

Marigot is the French side of the magnificent island of St. Martin. Its amenities provide for one of the most exhilarating experiences in the Caribbean. Sailing buffs can join in a real race on a pair of multi-million dollar America's Cup Yachts, for a 12-meter "mini-regatta."

Marie-Galante is a popular day trip from Grande-Terre—regularly scheduled ferry and air service is available. It's different enough from the main islands in the archipelago, though, that it's worth an overnight stay. Marie-Galant is agricultural and rural, with a charm unspoiled by mass tourism. Most of the island is made up of sugarcane fields. Only one sugar mill is still active (at Grande Anse), but three rum distilleries are operating (you can visit both Bielle and Poisson and sample the wares). Many of the island residents are boatbuilders and fishermen.

A road circles the island and connects the three towns of Capesterre, St. Louis and Grand-Bourg. As you explore the island, you'll find golden-sand beaches rimmed by profusions of hibiscus, alamanda and bougainvillea. Charming little houses with colorful gardens and bright red roofs are terraced up the hillsides—there are even a few rare wattle houses still standing. You might even see traditional oxcarts transporting sugarcane for the production of rum. The ruins of windmills—72 in all—are everywhere.

In Grand-Bourg, see the Trianon and Roussel houses and the baroque 18th-century church. Also stop by the studio and gallery of Armand Baptiste, a sculptor whose works are in the collections of several French presidents and noted galleries throughout the world.

The Gueule du Grand Gouffre (Mouth of the Great Abyss) is a grotto on the northern coast formed by ocean waves. Other natural wonders include La Grande Barre (a high green ridge dividing the island) and the Trou au Diable (Devil's Hole), a sea-level grotto with stalactites. Hikers will enjoy relatively easy forays along the coast, as well as along the plateaus of the interior. Especially rewarding is a climb to the top of the highest point on the island, 670-ft/204-m Morne Constant, or just motoring along empty roads, discovering the tiny haunts and eccentricities of this timeless place. The local people are friendly and love to chat with visitors.

Rodney Bay consists of a man-made lagoon with numerous restaurants and hotels surrounding it. The bay is a center of for yachting and boating to other destinations on leisurely day trips to shopping areas and Pigeon Island.

Tossed like a tiny emerald among the Grenadines' 100 islands is Mayreau. In this idyllic spot there are no cars, just one tiny village and one resort, hidden away in the palms.

Made up of five small, uninhabited islands, Tobago Cays is a popular destination for anchoring cruise ships and yachts. Located in the Southern Grenadines, the archipelago is also the site of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, consisting of a large sand-bottomed lagoon and the vibrant Horseshoe Reef. The clear, warm waters and diverse marine life in the surrounding area, make Tobago Cays an excellent destination for travelers interested in diving, snorkeling and sport fishing.

The island’s capital, Bridgetown, is one of the Caribbean's major free ports, bustling with activity. Trafalgar Square features the monument to Horatio Nelson. Facing the square are handsome structures of the House of Assembly and the Legislative buildings. George Washington worshipped at St. Michael’s Cathedral during the only trip he made outside of the United States. Housed in former British military prison buildings, the Barbados Museum is divided into various galleries that feature exhibits depicting the history of Barbados from the pre-Columbian period to modern times. Built in 1816, Gun Hill Signal Station is the finest of several signal stations on the island. The white limestone lion behind the garrison is a well-known landmark. Barbados boasts excellent golf courses. A wide range of watersports is available at hotels and special watersports centers.