Antigua to the British Virgin Islands: Hidden Cays and Azure Seas Aboard Sea Cloud II

Embark <i>Sea Cloud II</i> late this afternoon. Make yourself at home, grab a glass of champagne and relax on deck, casting lines and toasting to your sail into the warm Caribbean evening. <b>Arrival Time: </b>Arrive before 4:00 p.m. local time.  <br /><b>Arrival City:</b> Philipsburg, Sint Maarten<b> </b> 

Your journey through the Caribbean begins as the crew of <i>Sea Cloud II</i> prepare the ship for the voyage ahead. As you finish breakfast, the crew will climb the towering rigging, setting a seemingly endless amount of sail—up to 29,600 square feet—by hand. Enjoy the play-by-play commentary from the captain, describing the crew's maneuvers, defining square-rigger terminology and sharing some lore of the sea. Sail the stunning Sir Francis Drake Channel en route to your first stop.  Go ashore in the British Virgin Islands, a group of over 60 islands that once harbored buccaneers and brigands. These lush, hilly islands, with their variety of coves, beaches and blue waters, provide us with options ranging from swimming and snorkeling, to hiking to beach combing. A beach BBQ is also on the agenda. In true Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic style, you'll let the spirit of exploration guide us. You might stop at Jost Van Dyke to visit the island’s lively White Bay, a wonderful place for a first snorkel or to imbibe at an iconic beach bar; or you may call on Norman Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s famed novel, <i>Treasure Island.</i> 

Known for its white-coral sand beaches and clear waters, Anguilla is the ideal island to experience the postcard-perfect essence of a Caribbean getaway. Take a dip in crystalline waters, snorkel vibrant reefs or venture out on a hike. Those preferring a more tranquil start to the day can relax on the island's pristine shores, settling into the laid-back, Caribbean pace of life.    Like yesterday, the captain and expedition leader will determine the best route for the day’s activities. That might include Prickly Pear Cays, identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, where you'll search for a panoply of wildlife, including red-billed tropicbirds, brown boobies, laughing gulls and Caribbean elaenias, reptiles like Anguilla Bank or anole and sea turtles which frequent the shores of the cays. You’ll have a chance to spot schools of goatfish, barracuda, angelfish, mangrove snapper and possibly even nurse sharks. Or you might sail to Cove Bay, where rain-filled salt ponds hold tiny wonders after a tropical shower. Here, look out for an array of birdlife, from great American egrets to gray plover, tropical king birds and pearly eyed thrashers plus snorkel and have a beverage at Smokey’s Bar.  Under sail this afternoon, enjoy impeccable service and cuisine and learn more about the region with lectures from your expert staff. Up on the Lido Deck, settle into comfortable steamer chairs to lounge with a drink in hand and watch the crew adeptly navigate clear waters as you enjoy the warm, balmy breeze. 

With a mountainous interior and rugged coastline of indented bays, St. Kitts is a striking island. A bit off the beaten path, the island has a very relaxed, local feel and is extremely accommodating to travelers. Spend the morning ashore exploring Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as Romney Manor Gardens and a Caribbean batik workshop. Back on board, enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner.    

Ashore at St. Barthélemy, or St. Barts, you may forget you're in the Caribbean, thinking you've landed instead on a quaint Mediterranean island off the coast of France. The architecture, culture and cuisine are all influenced by France’s colonial presence on the island. Gustavia, the main town, is a wonderful place to explore on foot. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a moped or hire a mini-moto (a very small, open-air taxi) to explore this tiny island. Or, choose to join the staff for a swim or snorkel at a welcoming beach.  You'll also have time to visit Fort Gustav, an historic fort built in 1787 by the Swedish that protected St. Bart’s port from invasion. Explore the remains of a loosely bottled lighthouse, tanks and cannons, alongside your knowledgeable guides. Take in a stunning panoramic view of Gustavia and the port.  Back onboard, choose from a variety of ways to relax as the warm trade winds gently push us to your next destination. Unwind with a massage in the spa, watch the captain skillfully chart courses on the Bridge, attend a presentation from the field staff and local experts or peruse the library and read up on some of the islands you’ve explored along the way. 

Spend the morning exploring the restored eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings of Nelson’s Dockyard. With help from the onboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photography instructor, capture incredible images of the sea of grand ships in the beautiful harbor, the historic sites and the unforgettable views at Shirley Heights. Or, soak up one last opportunity to snorkel in Caribbean waters at Deep Bay Beach where the wreck of <i>Andes</i> is found.  You’ll also have the opportunity to hike to Fort Barrington, built in 1779 as a safeguard for St. John’s Harbor. The fort played a significant role in the eighteenth century, serving as a signal station to alert forces throughout the island of impending attacks. It is also the only fort that saw military action in Antigua. This afternoon gives us a final opportunity to see the crew work the sails and to luxuriate in the grandeur of <i>Sea Cloud II</i>. Enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner this evening, a festive way to end the voyage.   

Disembark <i>Sea Cloud II</i> this morning after breakfast for flights home.   <b>Departure Time: </b>Depart anytime after 12:00 p.m.  <br /><b>Departure City: </b>Philipsburg, St. Maarten