Highlights • Experience Dominica, the Caribbean’s “Nature Island,” on a hike to spectacular viewpoints, a boat ride on the Indian River, or a tour and tasting at a family-owned chocolate factory. • Go island-hopping in the mostly uninhabited French archipelago of Les Saintes, watching for wildlife and swimming and snorkeling. • Take a jeep tour of Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or sail a catamaran around neighboring islands. • Swim and snorkel or dive off the tiny island of Mayreau and in Tobago Cays Marine Park.
GUADELOUPE Caribbean Sea
Les Saintes Portsmouth
DOMINICA
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Port Elizabeth, Bequia Mayreau Tobago Cays
SAINT LUCIA VIEUX FORT BRIDGETOWN BARBADOS
GRENADA
The Pitons, St. Lucia
Cruising the Caribbean’s Windward Islands Aboard the 184-guest Le Dumont-d’Urville 9 days from $4,930* / Feb. 25–Mar. 5, 2023 Sail across the spectacular Windward Islands, exploring rainforests, snorkeling reefs, and encountering history and culture from Dominica to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Barbados and beyond. Itinerary Day 1 — Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia: Arrive in St. Lucia and board the ship in Vieux Fort. Day 2 — Portsmouth, Dominica: Explore the Caribbean’s “Nature Island” on a variety of excursions. Hike the Syndicate Nature Trail, view the cacao farms on the northeastern coast and enjoy a tour and tasting at a sustainable chocolate factory, or watch for wildlife as you cruise among the mangroves of enchanting Indian River. Day 3 — Les Saintes, Guadeloupe: Go sailing on a local boat amid the islands known as Les Saintes, and stop to swim and snorkel. Alternatively, take a guided tour of Fort Napoléon and Marigot Bay. Day 4 — Bequia Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Discover Bequia on a jeep tour, exploring picturesque Port Elizabeth, the ruins of 18th-century Hamilton Fort, and the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Or set off on a catamaran and drop anchor off a tiny island to snorkel and swim. Days 5–7 — Mayreau Island, Grenada, and Tobago Cays: During a day on tiny Mayreau, swim, stroll the beach, snorkel, or dive among the reefs; and enjoy a beach barbecue lunch. Discover 30
SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG/PONANT I 877.338.8687
the “Spice Isle” of Grenada, visiting a nutmeg cooperative and a rum distillery, and exploring Grand Etang National Park. Continue to Tobago Cays Marine Park for snorkeling and swimming among vibrant marine life within its fringing reef. Days 8 & 9 — Bridgetown, Barbados: Arrive in Bridgetown, the World Heritage-listed capital of Barbados, known for its colonial architecture. Go snorkeling and swimming among sea turtles, tour the plantation home of Clifton Hall and Codrington College, or take a historical tour of the island. Toast your Caribbean adventure with a glass of the island’s famous rum. Disembark the next morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Add a two-night extension in St. Lucia. *Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings. Smithsonian Journeys Experts Our experts on this cruise are Franklin Knight, a professor and lecturer with expertise in the Caribbean, and Ralph Nurnberger, an expert in international relations.
