Sailing the Caribbean

8 days
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3.5/5 Great
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Small Ship Cruise
Set sail aboard the magnificent four-masted Sea Cloud, and explore the lush islands and vibrant cultures of the Lesser Antilles. Hike in the mountainous rain forests of Dominica, explore an active volcanic crater in Saint Lucia, and glide on a catamaran in the idyllic Grenadines. Amid a spectacular tropical backdrop, enjoy opportunities to swim and snorkel at...
From$8,390
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Sail the sparkling Caribbean Sea
    • Aboard the historic square-rigger Sea Cloud.
    • Snorkel in pristine coral reefs
    • Swim in tropical lagoons
    • Explore secluded cays and beaches.
    • Go on historian-led walks in colonial towns infused with an intriguing mix of cultures.
    • Experience an array of natural wonders including volcanoes and rain forests teeming with birds and wildlife.

What's this trip about?

    Set sail aboard the magnificent four-masted Sea Cloud, and explore the lush islands and vibrant cultures of the Lesser Antilles. Hike in the mountainous rain forests of Dominica, explore an active volcanic crater in Saint Lucia, and glide on a catamaran in the idyllic Grenadines. Amid a spectacular tropical backdrop, enjoy opportunities to swim and snorkel at coral reefs and white-sand beaches, and discover the hidden corners that make this place so special.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBarbados
End CityBarbados

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Small Ship Cruise
  • Sailing

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Barbados
  • Dominica
  • Saint Lucia

Attractions

  • Caribbean

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Sailing
  • Snorkeling
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: U.S./Barbados

Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Barbados and settle into your cabin aboard the elegant Sea Cloud. Cast off this afternoon, and enjoy dinner and our first Caribbean sunset.

Day 2: At Sea

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Begin the morning on deck, where sailors climb the lines to raise the Sea Cloud’s sails by hand. Enjoy a full day skimming across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Relax with a book, photograph the ship and its exquisite details, and attend talks by our experts on the natural history of the islands we will soon explore.

Day 3: Dominica

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Spend the day exploring rugged Dominica, known as "the nature island" for its spectacular beauty and many protected reserves. Hike in a mountain rain forest where wildlife and birds abound, and discover waterfalls and hot spri...

Day 4: Iles des Saintes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Off the southern coast of Guadeloupe lie the French-speaking Iles des Saintes, a group of eight small islands. Dock in the beautiful bay of Terre-de-Haut, the largest island in the archipelago, and watch as fishermen unload th...

Day 5: Saint Lucia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rise early to watch as our crew trims the Sea Cloud’s 32,000 square feet of billowing sails. Conditions permitting, we’ll lower Zodiacs so that you can glide alongside the yacht and photograph it from new angles. This afternoo...

Day 6:  The Grenadines

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a splendid morning of sailing, arrive among the idyllic Grenadines, where pirates once raided merchant vessels. Today, these islands are known for their golden beaches, superb coral reefs, and relaxed and inviting atmosp...

Day 7: Bequia/At Sea

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Dock at tiny Bequia, and explore the charming waterfront steeped in a lively sailing tradition. Go snorkeling at a nearby reef, swim in turquoise lagoons, or visit a sea turtle sanctuary to learn about local conservation.This evening, toast our Caribbean adventure at a farewell dinner as we return to Barbados.

Day 8: Barbados/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,390
Price per day$1,049
Last Updated: 5/15/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

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Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Air transportation and related fees
    • Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
    • Passport, visa, and permit expenses
    • Medical expenses and immunizations
    • Baggage, accident, cancellation insurance
    • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
    • Any other items not specifically noted as included
Ship & cabin information
Sea Cloud
Once the private yacht of E. F. Hutton and Marjorie Merriweather Post, the four-masted square-rigger Sea Cloud was built in 1931. Appointed with precious woods, Carrara marble, brass fixtures, and antiques, the ship features 32 outside staterooms and cabins equipped with windows or portholes and en suite bathrooms. The two spacious Owner’s Suites (Cat. A), once the quarters of Hutton and Post, have sitting areas, decorative fireplaces, and walk-in closets, and were elegantly appointed by Mrs. Post herself. Common areas on the ship include a first-class restaurant, a bar and lounge, and two sun decks.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
nation-saithenat

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