Secrets of the Antilles: An Exclusive Caribbean Expedition cruise

Bridgetown→Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

08.05.27 - 14.05.27

Not open for booking

This voyage is not available to book

This departure is not on sale on our website — it may be a private charter, a partner programme or a technical sailing. The itinerary below is shown for reference. Our open departures are listed further down.

V1327050806SH VEGA

Ports7

Countries7

Nights6

Sail from Bridgetown to Philipsburg on a six night island hop through the Lesser Antilles. Expect a mix of small anchorages and character rich ports, with time to swim, explore, and settle into the rhythm of life in the Caribbean.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Seven days through the Lesser Antilles, from Barbados to Sint Maarten. Along the way you call at Mayreau for a quiet beach day, Soufriere for the Pitons and rainforest scenery, Saint Pierre for its dramatic volcanic history, Deshaies for Creole colour and botanical gardens, and Gustavia for a touch of St Barts style before Sint Maarten.

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1

Bridgetown

Bridgetown, the vibrant capital of Barbados, is a dynamic Caribbean city that merges historical charm with modern energy and a warm island welcome. Its UNESCO-listed historic district showcases colonial-era architecture, including the 1870s’-built Parliament Buildings. The bustling city offers colourful markets, duty-free shopping and Bajan restaurants. Bridgetown also has pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, such as Carlisle Bay

Day 2

Mayreau

Tiny Mayreau island in the Grenadines offers a special Caribbean retreat accessible only by boat. With just 250 residents and no airstrip, Mayreau remains unspoilt. Salt Whistle Bay's pristine sands rank among the Caribbean's top ten beaches. Mayreau provides all the ingredients for a secluded island haven with charming hillside villages, and divine beaches and bays for swimming and kitesurfing

Day 3

Soufriere, St Lucia

The towering twin volcanic spires of the Pitons dominate the scenery of spectacular Soufriere Bay. Below the peaks, Soufriere - St Lucia's original capital - is charming, with colourful wooden houses and a relaxed vibe. St Lucia's highlights include the 18th-century cocoa plantation Morne Coubaril, Sulphur Springs mineral-rich mud baths at a collapsed crater, and Rainforest Adventures where a zipline and open-air cable car glide over the trees

Day 4

Saint-Pierre, Martinique

St. Pierre, once dubbed the Paris of the West Indies, received a tragic blow in 1902 when Mount Pelée erupted, decimating the town. The Musée Volcanologique Franck Perret is a tribute to that event, housing artefacts and memorabilia from the eruption. Today, St. Pierre's resurgence is a testament to human resilience, with its historic ruins of the old town, including the cathedral, the prison and the library, museums and a captivating coastline

Day 5

Deshaies, Guadeloupe

Known for its colourful Creole architecture and cuisine, Deshaies is a picturesque fishing village on the western side of Basse-Terre Island in Guadeloupe. The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies hosts an impressive collection of lush tropical plants, exotic flowers and serene ponds. Grande Anse Beach lures beachgoers with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, often regarded as one of Guadeloupe's most picturesque coastal stretches

Day 6

Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy

The seaside town of Gustavia, Saint Bart's capital, was founded in 1785 by King Gustav III of Sweden. Among the world's most beautiful harbours, Gustavia is encircled by French-inspired boutiques, restaurants and bars along Rue de la République. On the western side of the bay, the remains of 17th-century Fort Karl is one of three forts that defended the island during Sweden's rule. Shell Beach is the only beach in town bordered by restaurants

Day 7

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Philipsburg, St. Maarten's Dutch capital, with colourful houses, a bustling bayside boardwalk, beachfront eateries and excellent duty-free shopping, provides an enchanting gateway to the island. Nearby, 17th-century Fort Amsterdam ruins grace a peninsula. Soft-sand beaches like Great Bay and Little Bay, featuring colourful reefs and shipwrecks, are within easy reach, and hiking trails lead to Geneve Bay's natural swimming pool and Guana Bay

Expedition highlights

Warm-water cruising built around real time in the sea, paired with island history and ports where nature and culture meet easily.

Reef Snorkeling

From coral reefs to island bays, this destination delivers real water time. Snorkeling and warm sea days are a core part of the experience.

Deshaies, Guadeloupe

Jardin Botanique de Deshaies

Wander through a lush hillside garden filled with orchids, palms, tropical flowers and birds, with peaceful paths and sweeping views over the bay.

Saint Lucia

The Pitons of Saint Lucia

Be mesmerized by the towering twin volcanic spires that rise above Soufrière, framing one of the most iconic landscapes in the Caribbean.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Bridgetown’s Old Town

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