Historically invaded by European powers, there's plenty of fascinating history to explore from colonisation to piracy and independence, all of which has left its unique mark on the culture and food of each island. Visiting the Lesser Antilles will satisfy all Caribbean cravings: pristine beaches, ice-cold cocktails, stunning views and amazing wildlife is all waiting to be enjoyed. Below, we have listed the ports visited by the major cruise lines in this area to help you decide on your perfect Caribbean itinerary.
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Barbados
Bridgetown
Barbados has just one cruise port, which can be found in its capital - Bridgetown. It's a busy, buzzing port year round, catering well to cruisers who are ready to get off the ship and explore this stunning island. The beaches all live up to the hype, with their pristine waters and miles of white sand. Brownes beach is the easiest option and is a paradise for snorkelers, with many shipwrecks just offshore. Other beaches to enjoy include Pebbles Beach, with its excellent food stalls, and Bathsheba - the surfer-paradise. There's plenty of opportunities to get close up with the native wildlife in the sea and on land. Many cruisers head out on a catamaran to swim with turtles, whilst those who prefer to keep two feet on the ground can go to Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where birds and monkeys freely roam the forest. Bridgetown itself is bursting with history from its days as a British colony. The Parliament Buildings look like they have come straight out of the English countryside and the Barbados museum building, the former British Military Prison, holds half a million objects, which tell the island's unique story. There's also George Washington House, where the former president resided with his brother before he changed world history.
British Virgin Islands
Road Town
The British Virgin Islands are a fascinating cruise destination. Their astounding history, beauty and wealth make an exciting trip for anyone looking to explore a different side to the Caribbean. Road Town, the country's capital, on the largest island of Tortola, was once a pirating haven, with its undulating coastline and deep, lush forests making it a perfect place to hide. Today, visitors to the island also come from the sea, but have swapped pirate ships for million-pound yachts. Cruisers visiting here can have a slice of this luxury by visiting one of the best beaches in the Caribbean - Cane Garden Bay. Here, there's everything you need for a day of Caribbean bliss - soak up the sun and the sound of the waves, get your heart pumping with your choice of watersports and grab a famous rum punch outside the iconic Quinto's bar. Divers will be in their element on the British Virgin Islands. The RMS Rhone Shipwreck just to the south of the island is the site of a Royal mail Steamer that was hit by a hurricane in the 1800s and still has its engine, canons and propeller ready to explore. Back onland, the J.R. O'Neal Botanical Garden holds four acres of palms, waterfalls and tropical flowers, whilst in Sage Mountain National Park, you can climb to the tallest point on the island to find the best view in the country!
Dominica
Roseau
Dominica is home to some of the most stunning natural scenes on Earth. With your choice of waterfalls, hot springs, rainforests and swathes of white sandy beaches, this island gem is not to be missed. Trafalgar Falls is one of the most popular natural sites on the island. There are hikes for all abilities in this region, with natural pools offering must-needed respite as you head through the forest. Other great hiking options include Titou Gorge and the Jaco Steps, which showcase more of what the island has to offer. There are nine active volcanoes on Dominica, meaning plenty of hot springs. Ti Kwen Glo Cho comes highly recommended, with its close proximity to Roseau, healing minerals and all-important bar. After a day of exploring, Rousseau will welcome you back with a variety of local dishes; think fresh fruit, fish and game, all with a touch of Caribbean spice! It also has a local crafts market, botanical gardens, national museum and fantastic views from Morne Bruce.
Grenada
Saint George's
Saint George’s on Grenada (otherwise known as Spice Island) is known for its natural beauty and Caribbean charm. The locals are hugely proud of the spice harvest, especially of nutmeg, which can be brought whole or in the form of jelly or jam. Cinamon, allspice, turmeric and cloves are also grown on the island and are a great souvenir to bring home to remember your trip. The cruise port lies right within the city, where there’s plenty to do. Explore the winding streets and cathedral, or head over the hill to the Carenage, a quaint harbour where Caribbean life plays out in front of your eyes. For amazing, yet easily accessible views of the town, head to Fort George to learn about Grenada’s colonial history and watch the waters lap the harbour, or head closer to the sea to Grande Anse Beach for perfect Caribbean sands, plus plenty of bars and restaurants. Heading out from the city, an excursion to Annandale Falls is extremely popular. It’s very accessible, but being high in the mountains, it feels like stumbling upon a hidden oasis of vines and tumbling water. For those looking for more adventure, the underwater sculpture park can be seen by glass-bottomed boat, snorkelling or diving. Designed by Jason deCaires Taylor, it’s considered one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic. There are 75 works to explore, all sitting within natural rock formations where they camouflage into their new marine home.
Guadeloupe
Pointe-a-Pitre
Pointe-a-Pitre is Guadeloupe's main cruise port. It's found on Grande-Terre, the largest of the country's two main islands. Guadeloupe is an overseas department of France, fusing together French and Caribbean cultures, so you can eat your crepe whilst staring at the Caribbean Sea! The city offers a fascinating combination of traditional wooden houses and huge colourful tower blocks, with fantastic street art being a common theme throughout. To immerse yourself in the culture, head to Saint-Antoine market, where local women sell local produce whilst being serenaded by traditional Gwo Ka music. To learn more about the islands, there's a good choice of museums. We recommend Musée Schoelcher, which tells the story of abolition on the island, and Mémorial ACTe, which follows the journey of Guadeloupe's slavery in the setting of an old sugar factory. If you'd prefer to spend your day watching the waves gently lapping on the white sands, Plage de la Caravelle is possibly the prettiest beach on the island and is accessible by taxi from the cruise port. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, head to Parc National de la Guadeloupe, where jungle and waterfalls meet under the La Soufrière volcano, one of the highest peaks in the Caribbean.
Still unsure which island is for you? Explore more island insights here.
Martinique
Fort-de-France
Stop at Martinique's capital to delve into a wonderful mix of Caribbean hospitality and French flair. Bakeries and ornate French architecture mix with palm trees and street art to make Fort-de-France a unique Caribbean destination. The island has so many perfect beaches to choose from, including one right in the city centre - Plage de Francais, which is perfect for a quick dip in the sea under the palm trees. In the city, there are several fascinating buildings to explore: St Louis Cathedral with its unique iron tower; the gorgeous Schoelcher Library and the fort, which tells the history of the island and is today home to a colony of green iguanas. Excursions from the city include Jardin de Balata, which offers some of the best scenery in the Caribbean. Filled with the most beautiful flora and fauna the Caribbean has to offer, the garden sits atop an extinct volcano and is a great place to relax away from the excitement of the city.
Puerto Rico
San Juan
As the most northerly island in the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico is a very popular destination on cruise itineraries. This isn’t just due to its geography, but also its offer of amazing excursions. Although invaded by the Spanish in the sixteenth century and later coming under American rule, the traditions and charm of the native Taíno people live on today. The old town of the capital, San Juan, offers a whole day of exploration for those who love to get lost on cobblestone streets and take leisurely strolls down scenic promenades. The Mercado Agrícola Natural is a great place to find local dishes and Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico offers a break from the sun to see wonderful local artwork. Heading out of the city, the distillery tour at Ron del Barrilito offers cocktails and history combined into the perfect excursion. To explore more of the island’s past, there are a wide range of sites to visit: the Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a Spanish citadel which protected the city for centuries; the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is a beautiful resting place by the sea, home to Puerto Rico’s greats and Catedral de San Juan is the a beautiful church, the second largest in the Americas.
Sint Maarten
Philipsburg
St Maarten, a Dutch island, is known for its natural beauty and great shopping. If you're looking for a bargain to take home from Philipsburg, the island's capital, head straight to Front Street, where there are several duty-free shops to explore. Pick up items from your favourite brands whilst enjoying the bright coloured facades and towering palm trees. The area also has plenty of unusual museums: there's the Yoda Museum filled with Star Wars memorabilia and the GuavaBerry Emporium, where you can learn about the importance of the island's cultural fruit. Once you're exhausted from all that exploring, hit the beachfront for a range of bars and restaurants on the gorgeous turquoise sea. Great Bay Beach offers everything you need for a beach day along its boardwalk. The cuisine on the island is as varied as its colonial past, with options including Indian, Italian and American, plus Caribbean seafood and callaloo soup. To explore the natural side of St Maarten, a visit to Loterie Farm offers hiking and zip-lining through the tropical forest or a climb to the top of Mount Paradise rewards with a panoramic view of the whole country!
St Kitts and Nevis
Basseterre
Once a British colony, St Kitts and Nevis is now a beautiful independent Caribbean island with so much to offer. If you're looking to get a sense of this beauty, the Sugar Train Tour comes highly recommended. This three-hour train ride takes you through the rainforests and past mountains on the former sugar cane line. Amazing views and free rum punch - it's a great option to really soak in everything the island of St Kitts has to offer. If you would prefer to explore on foot, the cruise port is ideally located to get straight into town. The Circus, named after Picadilly Circus in London, is easily found and has a range of local craft stalls. Venturing further, Timothy Hill is a popular excursion on the south of the island. Climbing to the top rewards with a view of the narrowest point of St Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the distance. With white beaches, turquoise seas and developing rainforests, it really is a stunning panorama. Climb down and head to the close by South Friars Bay, where an array of beach bars and a gang of local monkeys will be waiting to greet guests.
Charlestown
Charlestown on the island of Nevis is a small settlement and easy to explore on foot. It's famous for being the birthplace of USA founding father, Alexander Hamilton, and it's possible to learn all about him at Alexander Hamilton House. Other fascinating buildings in the town include the old Nevis Slave Market ruins, the many churches and the traditional court house. If you're staying on the island for more than a few hours, it is worth heading on an excursion to experience more. It's much quieter than St Kitts, offering peace and tranquillity to those who wish to explore. Pinney's beach is just a short walk from Charlestown and has relaxed bars and, most importantly, four miles of stunning beach. If you're willing to hire a car, the well signposted Heritage Trail takes you to twenty-five important sites, including Fort Charles and the spice plantations in Gingerland.
St. Lucia
Castries
Castries is the only cruise port on the island of St Lucia. It lies in the north but with the country's small size, it's possible to explore anywhere and everywhere within a day. The city itself has been ruled by both the French and British and both languages are spoken today. Most cruisers who head to St Lucia want to see the Pitons, the two iconic coastal peaks. It's possible to climb to the top of the highest, Gros Piton, but this is only recommended for experienced hikers as the rainforest terrain is tough. A better option for the majority is the shorter Tet Paul Nature Trail, with its magnificent views, or a boat tour to see them from the water. Those who stay in Castries are rewarded with the Central Markets filled with local produce and crafts on offer throughout the morning. Continuing into the city, Derek Walcott Square offers lush greenery and colourful houses, making it a great place to grab lunch. If you're looking for the best local beach, Vigie Beach offers the perfect white sands and turquoise waters and, more unusually, a beach-side cemetery. Another great option is Pigeon Island, accessed by a single road, which is excellent for snorkelers.
St Vincent and Grenadines
Kingstown
Kingstown, on the island of St Vincent, is a lesser-known area of the Caribbean waiting to be explored. There are several exhilarating excursions to experience for those who feel up to the challenge. A 9-mile hike to the top of La Soufriere volcano offers phenomenal views of the whole island, but with its active crater and steep ascents, it must be done with a trained guide. Heading in the other direction, Tobago Cays, where small islands mingle in the perfect Caribbean sea, is one of the best sites in the whole Caribbean to snorkel among corals, turtles and stingrays in their natural habitat. For those looking for something a little less adventurous but still as fun and unique, the town's botanical gardens offer palms, ferns, agave trees and parrots. The town itself is accessible from the port by foot and offers fantastic hospitality, with food combining influences from the Caribbean, Portugal, Britain and France. The seafood is fresh and delicious and the produce from the land is ripe with volcanic goodness - plus the rum is amazing too! After lunch, there's plenty of places to shop, with both local, handmade crafts and duty free offers, or get in a taxi to Fort Charlotte, a former British garrison, now a museum telling the history of the island with spectacular coastal views.
Port Elizabeth
Fully off the tourist road map, Port Elizabeth lies on the island of Bequia within the Grenadines, a set of thirty islands south of St Vincent. There's no mass tourism here; instead you will find local Caribians going about their daily lives. The beaches everywhere in the Caribbean are great, but those on this island offer unparalleled beauty. Both Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay Beach offer a day filled with perfect tranquillity. With fewer facilities, these areas offer a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for everyone. For those looking to explore the marine life of the island further, the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary is a great place to visit with a guided tour. Visitors learn all about these amazing creatures and the conservation efforts of those looking to help them. In Port Elizabeth itself, there are local crafts on sale in the market and the smells of delicious grilled lobster coming from the restaurants. There's a Heritage Museum telling the stories of the island and, for something truly unique, head to Moonhole, a community village constructed from recycled and natural materials, such as stones, whale bones and living trees, overlooking the magnificent Moonhole rock arch.
Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain
Port of Spain sits in the Northern quarter of Trinidad, the largest island in the country and one of the most metropolitan areas in the Southern Caribbean. The Caribbean houses and colonial buildings cling to the sea, with a magnificent backdrop of rolling, green hills. Whilst exploring the capital, there are some key locations to visit. Queen's Park Savannah is a huge green space with plenty of trees for shade. Here, you may see locals playing games or flying kites, and the food stalls offer traditional food at dusk. Independence Square is a great insight into the lives of locals - this buzzing area has fascinating architecture and plenty of shops selling Caribbean delicacies. To the north of the city, the botanical garden offers a tranquil contrast, with its amazing flowers and local flamingos and hummingbirds. The food on offer on the island has its own style due to the many influences from the Americas, Asia and Europe. Try to sample doubles, chickpea filled dough parcels with chutneys and pickles, and pelau, a coconutty, chicken and rice dish.
Scarborough
Scarborough lies on the small island of Tobago. Whilst Trinidad offers crazy, busy adventures, Tobago is far more laid back, with wonderful hospitality, amazing food and stunning natural scenes. Upon arrival, most cruisers head to Fort King George, which sits high above the town with panoramic views and a fascinating museum within. Other excursions within walking distance of Scarborough include the botanical gardens and central market, which sells both food and crafts. Heading out of town, there are several beaches to explore, the most popular being Pigeon Point, lying in the far western corner of the island, and it's not hard to see why! Turquoise waters, white sands and palm trees, plus enough facilities to keep everyone happy throughout the day, but not too many to spoil the relaxed vibe. From here, it's possible to hire a glass-bottomed boat to see Buccoo Reef's amazing corals and creatures. On the other side of the island, Argyle Falls is a stunning set of waterfalls encased in gorgeous jungle. There's an easy hike here to see the natural beauties and swim in the pools below. For those looking for a longer excursion, a trip to Main Ridge Forest Reserve offers a range of hiking routes in the Western hemisphere's oldest legally-protected rainforest.
US Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie, on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, is one of the most glamorous destinations in the Caribbean. It's the capital of the three islands that are all part of US overseas territory, making English the main language spoken. The name though derives from the Dutch for 'beer halls', referring to the crazy reputation the island once had as a pirate haven! For those interested in the island's history, the Annaberg Plantation ruins guide you through the colonial era of the country with stunning views all around. When departing the ship, many cruisers head to Havensight Mall, which primarily sells duty free goods from luxury retailers. A little further from the port lies Main Street, filled with former pirate warehouses, which now house big brands and smaller island boutiques. The shopping opportunities don't end there! Mountain Top, aptly sitting on St Thomas' highest point, sells local and branded goods, with an amazing view and reportedly the best banana daiquiri in the whole Caribbean! If cruisers are looking for even more stunning views (and cocktails), a cable car to paradise point is an excellent photo opportunity and a chance to taste the island's signature chocolate pina colada. After all the shopping, a tranquil beach is the perfect tonic. Trunk Bay has been called the 'most beautiful beach in the world' and it's easy to see why. It has a small admission fee and offers rental for beach chairs and snorkelling gear.
Christiansted
Christiansted can be found on the island of St Croix, which lies around forty miles south of the other US Virgin Islands. It's the largest island in the country and there's plenty to do, but it's still relatively undiscovered, making it a wonderful addition to any cruise itinerary. Protestant Cay is a highly recommended beach, named after an ancient burial ground, and today it's a calm, pristine wonderland for swimming and relaxing. For those looking to explore deeper into the sea, Butler Bay is one of the top diving spots in the world, with its plethora of shipwrecks and fish, including barracuda, snapper and butterflyfish. Back on land, within the town, Captain Morgan's rum distillery is an excellent excursion choice, as is St George village botanical garden, which has been lovingly developed with more than a thousand species from a former sugar plantation. For history lovers, a great option is Fort Frederik, originally built to protect the island from invaders and pirates. The exhibitions inside tell tales of these times, as well as the liberation of slaves and transference of the island to the USA. The food on the island is reportedly the best in the US Virgin Islands, with the smells of fresh and flavoursome chicken and seafood wafting around the town and lingering at beach stalls. The shopping opportunities are just as exciting; head away from the port and into the town centre for local produce such as perfume and jewellery.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals . Search for your perfect Caribbean cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
