West Indies Explorer

Set out to discover the glorious mountain and seaside landscapes of St. Lucia’s northern half. Board your motor coach for a brief exploration of Castries before ascending to the suburb of Morne Fortune for sweeping views of the city, its harbor and the distant island of Martinique. Continue past the official residence of the Governor General and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, housed within a restored colonial-style building. See the Inniskilling Monument, erected to honor the British regiment that overtook the French in 1796, then drive through the Roseau Valley, home to the island’s largest banana plantation. Continue to the Benedictine Monastery, where you can take in the views as you stroll through its serene gardens, followed by an opportunity to engage with traditional Quadrille dancers. After refreshments, return to your ship.

Experience cultural and natural wonders of this island paradise from a coastal perspective. Embark on a scenic cruise by catamaran, heading south along St. Lucia’s western coast to Soufrière Bay and the iconic Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These two magnificent volcanic spires bookend Jalousie Bay and are more than 2,400 feet tall. After a photo stop, continue to Soufrière Bay. There, disembark and head through this quaint town to the Morne Coubaril Estate, a 17th-century plantation in the heart of the Pitons. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate and a delicious Creole buffet lunch. Afterward, meet your catamaran for a cruise up St. Lucia’s rugged west coast on turquoise waters. En route back to your ship, you will stop at one of the scenic bays for a swim, then continue on to Marigot Bay before returning to port.

Witness life in the canopy of St. Lucia’s lush rainforest from on board an open-air gondola. Meet your guide for a drive to Rainforest Adventures, where you will board your tram. Then, make a thrilling ascent into the forest preserve, rising to the majestic heights of gommier, chatannier and other tree species as you drift through the dense brush. A nature guide will be on hand to describe your surroundings, pointing out giant ferns, bright heliconia and the buttress-like root systems that support this forest cathedral. You might spot flitting hummingbirds and yellow-bellied bananaquits taking wing. Listen for the call of parrots and watch for their vibrant plumage. As you descend, admire the North Island’s sweeping green vistas. Afterward, hike through the Fern Trail and Hummingbird Garden, then enjoy refreshments and free time before returning to your ship.

Let warm Caribbean breezes carry you to one of St. Lucia’s most exclusive resorts during our private outing. Board your vessel near our berth and sit back as your catamaran skims the azure waters, taking in the magnificent vistas of Marigot Bay. As you cruise along the coast, the magnificent Pitons appear, a pair of towering conical peaks standing watch over the sea. Dock at Soufrière Bay and take a short motor coach ride to the Ladera Resort, nestled in the midst of a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop to savor a delicious lunch at the award-winning Dasheene Restaurant before rejoining your vessel for a cruise along the coast to a scenic bay. Here, you may use your free time to swim or relax on the shoreline and soak up the sunshine. Finally, you will sail back to Castries and your awaiting ship.

Embark on a journey of well-being during a yoga and tai chi session with practitioners Jimmy and Ellen James. The Jameses have more than 40 years of combined experience in teaching yoga and tai chi, and a passion for sharing their practice and healthy lifestyle with others. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome from your hosts and head to the Lotus Chi Garden for an introduction to tai chi. In an open air studio surrounded by lush greenery and chirping birds, Ellen and Jimmy will take you through simple routines that will rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. After class, join them on the balcony of their home, where you can talk more about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle while sipping on a cup of freshly made herbal tea and snacking on homemade cakes and sandwiches. Later, bid farewell to your hosts and return to your ship.

Admire the natural beauty of St. Lucia’s lush landscape and enjoy a taste of local cuisine. Enjoy the scent of tropical flowers and sweeping views of Castries as you stroll the grounds of the historic Pink Plantation House. Marvel at the beauty of the verdant mountains that surround the bay in Marigot, then travel to view the iconic Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These two magnificent volcanic spires bookend Jalousie Bay and are more than 2,400 feet tall. Learn about the island’s geothermal activity during a guided tour of Sulphur Springs Park, home to the Caribbean’s only drive-through volcano. Visit the Diamond Botanical Gardens in Soufrière and stroll the grounds as your guide describes the many different colorful flowers and plants. Later, enjoy a delicious lunch of Caribbean fare while listening to live folk music before returning to your ship via a scenic route.

Discover the secrets to making chocolate at Howelton Estate, one of St. Lucia’s premier chocolate makers. Meet your expert chocolatier and begin your master class with an introduction to the process. With mortar and pestle, learn how to grind the cocoa nibs until they transform into a rich liquid form. During the process, add your unique desired flavors to create your own signature bar. While your blended trinitario chocolate cools and solidifies in its mold, learn more about the fascinating health benefits for which dark chocolate is renowned as you take in the splendid views and enjoy a beverage at the Cellar Bar. Alternatively, stretch your legs and stroll through the on-site gift shop, where handmade chocolate treats are available for purchase. Return to the classroom to collect your prized tasty treat, which will be carefully foil-wrapped and ready to take home.

Immerse yourself in St. Lucia’s natural beauty during a scenic cruise to view the Pitons and Marigot Bay. Meet your crew and board your vessel, then sit back and relax as you sail from the port and watch the serene landscapes of St. Lucia unfold around you. Sail past the fishing villages that dot the coastline and gaze upon lush mountain ridges as you approach Gros and Petit Piton—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, these two magnificent volcanic spires bookend Jalousie Bay and reach heights of more than 2,400 feet. After circling Soufrière Bay, continue northward while enjoying complimentary beverages as you head to Marigot Bay, once described by American novelist James A. Michener as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.” Pause to appreciate its sheltered waters surrounded by verdant mountains, before beginning your return journey to shore and your ship.

Immerse yourself in nature during a tranquil rafting experience, then indulge in St. Lucia’s finest rum blends. Transfer to the Roseau Valley, the starting point for your rafting excursion. Meet your guide and receive a short briefing, then board your authentic St. Lucian bamboo raft and set off down the Roseau River, one of the country’s largest and longest waterways. Relax and admire the unspoiled beauty of this tropical paradise as your guide navigates these calm waters, keeping an eye out for local wildlife along the way. You will stop for refreshments at a traditional Creole house before continuing your serene journey through a majestic mangrove forest. At the end of your float down the river, travel to the island’s only distillery, where you will learn more about the art of making rum and enjoy a sample of the end results. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Walk through the village of Rodney Bay to taste an array of authentic island drinks and dishes. Drive to the north of the island, to the vibrant town Rodney Bay, where you will meet your expert guide, then set off on a stroll along streets lined with upscale shops and eateries to discover some of the finest St. Lucian cuisine. A mix of Indian, Caribbean and European flavors, St. Lucia’s food scene focuses on seafood and staple produce, including plantains and breadfruit. You will stop at some of the area’s most popular restaurants and a few hidden gems, immersing yourself in local culture along the way. Sample a variety of freshly prepared local and international drinks, accompanied by small plates made from tropical fruits and seasonal vegetables, herbs, spices and more, as you take in the sights and sounds of the town. Your appetite sated, return to your ship.

Travel by motor coach into the hills above Castries for a guided look at St. Lucia’s cultural and historic landmarks. Your journey begins with a drive past the residence of the Governor General, an important symbol of the island’s constitutional heritage. Next, continue to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, named for the island’s Nobel Prize–winning economist. Your guide will share insight into Lewis’s contributions to global economic policy and the college’s ongoing role in St. Lucia’s social and cultural development. Your drive continues past memorials honoring individuals who have contributed positively to St. Lucia’s national progress, and onward past former military sites before stopping at the Old Prison Cells. Here, you will have a glimpse into the colonial-era justice system. After, you may choose to visit the workshop of a local driftwood sculptor or return directly to your ship.

Board a luxury catamaran for a sail along St. Lucia’s west coast, with opportunities for snorkeling and swimming. Depart your ship and take a short stroll to board your vessel. Meet your crew and listen to a safety briefing, then set out on the water. As you cruise past fishing communities and rainforest-backed cliffs, your guide will share insights into the island’s culture, colonial history and iconic coastal landmarks. Continue south toward the Pitons, twin volcanic peaks recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and long associated with the island’s identity. Midway through your journey, you will drop anchor in a protected marine park with calm, shallow water. You may swim or snorkel among coral formations and tropical fish, or remain on board. After, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard before sailing back to port and rejoining your awaiting ship.