Reverie under sail in the heart of the Lesser Antilles

Marigot, Saint Martin, delivers the Caribbean at its most authentic—stunning waters, vibrant culture, and cuisine that blends African, European, and indigenous traditions into something boldly distinctive. Don't miss the local food scene and the exceptional snorkeling. Best experienced December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Ponant feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Sandy Island is an uninhabited coral cay off Grenada's Carriacou Island, offering a pristine Caribbean experience of white sand, coconut palms, and crystal-clear snorkeling waters protected as a marine reserve. Must-dos include reef snorkeling directly from the beach, spotting hawksbill turtles, and pairing the visit with cultural exploration of nearby Carriacou. December through May provides the driest weather and clearest underwater visibility.

Spanish Town is the laid-back capital of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, gateway to the Baths—a labyrinth of cathedral-sized granite boulders, grottoes, and turquoise tide pools that is one of the Caribbean's natural wonders. Must-dos include exploring the Baths, sailing the North Sound, and grilling fresh lobster at a waterfront restaurant. November through May offers the best weather, with steady trade winds and temperatures in the comfortable seventies and eighties.

Cooper Island is an undeveloped gem in the British Virgin Islands, home to a single solar-powered eco-resort with the BVI's only microbrewery, surrounded by pristine snorkeling reefs where sea turtles and eagle rays glide through crystal-clear waters. Must-dos include snorkeling Cistern Rock, tasting on-island craft beer, and enjoying grilled mahi-mahi on the beach at sunset. December through May offers the driest, calmest conditions.

Norman Island, an uninhabited gem at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands, is the reputed inspiration for Stevenson's Treasure Island, offering Caribbean snorkeling at its finest in sea caves teeming with tropical fish. Must-dos include snorkeling the Caves at Treasure Point, hiking to ridgeline views of the Drake Channel, and anchoring in the Bight. December through May brings ideal sailing and snorkeling conditions.

Beef Island is the gateway to the British Virgin Islands, home to the BVI's main airport and the beloved Trellis Bay with its monthly Full Moon fire sculpture parties. Must-dos include kayaking Trellis Bay, catching a ferry to the Baths on Virgin Gorda, and diving the famous RMS Rhone wreck. November through May offers ideal sailing weather with steady trade winds, while March–April brings the festive BVI Spring Regatta.

Jost Van Dyke is a tiny, uncommercialised island in the British Virgin Islands named after a Dutch privateer, celebrated for its pristine white-sand beaches, legendary beach bars, and barefoot Caribbean culture. Visitors should not miss savouring a Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar on White Bay and exploring the granite grottos of The Baths on nearby Virgin Gorda. The dry season from December through April offers the most radiant sailing conditions and calm turquoise waters, making it the ideal window for a luxury small-ship call at this intimate Caribbean gem.

Dog Islands, British Virgin Islands, delivers the Caribbean at its most authentic—stunning waters, vibrant culture, and cuisine that blends African, European, and indigenous traditions into something boldly distinctive. Don't miss the local food scene and the exceptional snorkeling. Best experienced December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Ponant feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Marigot, Saint Martin, delivers the Caribbean at its most authentic—stunning waters, vibrant culture, and cuisine that blends African, European, and indigenous traditions into something boldly distinctive. Don't miss the local food scene and the exceptional snorkeling. Best experienced December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Ponant feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.