Barefoot Break in the British Virgin Islands

Pastel-colored buildings and shops filled with tempting souvenirs herald your arrival to bustling Philipsburg. Situated near the harbor on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, Philipsburg owes its discovery to Christopher Columbus in 1493. Today, celebrated Front Street is home to a number of local Creole restaurants as well as jewelry stores, stylish boutiques, and lively casinos for visitors seeking an upbeat island experience.

Arrive at the boardwalk of Pusser’s Landing and mingle with other yachtsmen in the utterly charming marina at Soper’s Hole. Find a deserted stretch of beach to kick back and ponder this tiny port’s rich heritage of romance, pirates, and adventure. An evening departure features a once-in-a-lifetime romantic sunset Sail Away. 

For an island comprised of a mere eight square miles, it’s amazing how much there is to do on Jost Van Dyke. Visit the national park on nearby Diamond Cay, snorkel among swaying sponges and angelfish at Sandy Spit, or pilot your own boat around Sir Francis  Drake Waterway. After all that, you’ll be ready for an evening drink on the beach — where you can admire your Windstar ship aglow in the harbor.

For an island comprised of a mere eight square miles, it’s amazing how much there is to do on Jost Van Dyke. Visit the national park on nearby Diamond Cay, snorkel among swaying sponges and angelfish at Sandy Spit, or pilot your own boat around Sir Francis  Drake Waterway. After all that, you’ll be ready for an evening drink on the beach — where you can admire your Windstar ship aglow in the harbor.

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<li><strong>The beautiful Bank Barrier coral reef wavers just beneath you as your ship makes the break to the bird sanctuary of Prickly Pear Island, so named because it is dotted with prickly pear cacti. Although uninhabited, it does have a beach bar and water sports facilities. Not far away lies the curious assembly of house-sized boulders called &ldquo;The Baths,&rdquo; which form huge underground pools and caverns.</strong></li>
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<strong>Please note: only guests with shore excursions booked through Windstar can be tendered to Gun Creek.</strong>

Affectionately known as St. Barts, the Caribbean&rsquo;s most chic island adds a French flair to Riviera-like beaches and duty-free boutiques. Walk past gingerbread cottages in search of celebrities, shop for designer fashions, or sip the island&rsquo;s signature ti punch as kite surfers fly by.