There’s something magical about setting sail through the Caribbean. Aboard the Windstar Surf, my husband Brian, brother-in-law Gary, sister-in-law Rebecca, and I have been experiencing it all in the best possible way. This luxurious yacht is not just a vessel but a gateway to adventure, relaxation, and connection. Each day brings new destinations and unforgettable moments, and I couldn’t wait to start sharing this incredible journey with you.
Setting Sail from St. Maarten
Our adventure began as we boarded the Windstar Surf in St. Maarten. The excitement of embarking on this cruise surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean was the perfect start to what we knew would be a memorable trip.
Nevis – Pinney’s Beach and Warm Island Charm
Our first stop was Nevis, a picturesque island filled with charm. We tendered ashore and headed straight for Pinney’s Beach. The tranquility of the setting was everything I needed. I took a refreshing 30-minute swim in the crystal-clear waters, letting the soft waves ease me into vacation mode. Nevis was already working its magic.
Afterward, we enjoyed a laid-back lunch at Sunshine’s, a vibrant beachside spot known for its relaxed vibes and flavorful food. But the day didn’t end there—curiosity led us to the hot springs, where we soaked in the mineral-rich waters. It was fascinating to experience a natural phenomenon like this, and it left us ready to continue the day of exploration.
Dominica – A Day of Adventures with Cornell
Next, we docked in Dominica, a French island often referred to as the “Nature Island.” This destination called for deeper exploration, and we were lucky to have a private tour led by Cornell of Waytukubuli Tours. When we met him, we were in for something special.
We started at Champagne Reef, an underwater treasure where gas bubbles from an underwater volcano created a surreal swimming experience through natural “champagne.” It was unlike anything I’d ever seen before.
Cornell then guided us to the Botanical Gardens, where we saw a crushed school bus—an eerie yet fascinating remnant of Hurricane David. From there, we visited two stunning waterfalls, cascading waters surrounded by lush greenery. The adventure didn’t stop there; we went to Titou Gorge, where icy waters greeted us for a thrilling swim through a narrow cave to reveal another breathtaking waterfall. The day ended on a warm and soothing note at another hot spring—a perfect way to relax after so much excitement.
St. Lucia – A Beachside Paradise
The next day, we traveled to St. Lucia, where the crew of the Windstar treated us to a beach barbecue on Pigeon Island. With white sand, turquoise waters, and an atmosphere of pure serenity, it was one of those moments when time seemed to stand still.
I couldn’t resist another 30-minute swim in the gentle Caribbean waters, savoring every second of the experience. The barbecue lunch was delicious, and Rebecca and I indulged in massages on the beach. Talk about the pinnacle of relaxation! Afterward, we basked in the sun before returning to the boat feeling refreshed and utterly spoiled.
Le Saintes, Guadeloupe – Golf Carts and Hidden Gems
From St. Lucia, we sailed to Le Saintes, Guadeloupe, a charming archipelago in the French Caribbean. Brian and I rented a golf cart to explore the island leisurely, which quickly turned into an adventure of steep inclines and scenic views.
One of our stops was a historic fort, where we walked and took in the island’s history and stunning views. My knee began to act up as we navigated the inclines, reminding me to pace myself (something I tend to forget in the excitement of discovery!).
We continued driving, eventually finding a secluded beach on the Atlantic side. The waves were lively, and while I didn’t swim, I couldn’t resist jumping in to feel the cool water. It was a lovely break to soak in the energy of the ocean and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back.
St. Kitts – The Snorkeling Safari
We were eager to try something adventurous in St. Kitts, so we signed up for the three-hour snorkel safari offered by Windstar. At $100 per person, we hoped for vibrant underwater landscapes and schools of colorful fish. Unfortunately, it fell short of our expectations. Don’t get me wrong—the Caribbean waters were warm and inviting, and the boat ride was pleasant. But once we dove in, we found the sea life to be… sparse. The lack of exciting underwater sights made the excursion feel slightly overpriced and less thrilling than we’d hoped.
Once back on the tender to the ship, we decided to shake off the disappointment by indulging in the ship’s luxurious amenities. A delicious lunch onboard revived our spirits, followed by quick showers to freshen up. Feeling reenergized, we went ashore again to explore the town. This was actually the first time we took some time to shop on the trip. The streets were lively, with local vendors selling handmade crafts, spices, and souvenirs. It was a charming way to spend the afternoon, making up for the underwhelming snorkeling experience.
St. Barts – Luxe, Beaches, and French Delicacies
The following morning greeted us with a rocky boat ride into the exclusive allure of St. Barts. This island is famous for its high-end shops, luxury beaches, and French influences, and it lived up to its reputation. We explored the boutiques, but, as expected, everything was incredibly expensive. Still, the window shopping experience was fun, even if it didn’t result in many purchases.
The highlight of St. Barts was undoubtedly Shell Beach. The turquoise water sparkled under the sun, and though the waves were a little rough, it was still a great spot to cool off and relax. Lounge chair rentals were a whopping $100, so in true frugal traveler fashion, we brought towels from the ship and found a quiet spot away from the crowds. It was peaceful and picturesque, exactly what you imagine when you think of a Caribbean beach day.
After soaking in the sun, we headed to a quaint French restaurant for lunch. The menu was full of delicacies, and we decided to be adventurous. We tried snails for the first time, along with other classic French dishes. It was a memorable meal that truly captured the essence of dining on this chic island.
Back on the ship that evening, we ended the trip with dinner at Stella’s Bistro. The lamb chops were perfectly cooked, though I didn’t like the French onion soup. It used blue cheese instead of the traditional Gruyère, and I found the flavor a bit overpowering. Still, dessert was a delight as we celebrated Brian’s brother Gary and sister-in-law Rebecca’s anniversary with a luscious cake—an ideal way to close our time aboard the Windstar.
Reflections and Final Days in St. Maarten
After leaving St. Barts, we spent two peaceful days in St. Maarten before heading home. This gave us time to reflect on the entire experience. Each island offered its unique charm, from the golden shores and laid-back vibes of Guadeloupe to the glitz and postcard-perfect beauty of St. Barts. While not every activity, like the snorkeling safari, was a hit, the moments of relaxation, exploration, and fine dining made it all worthwhile.
Our Windstar cruise through the French Caribbean was an unforgettable adventure. It offered the perfect blend of discovery, indulgence, and time to reconnect with family. Whether lounging on pristine beaches, savoring the finest French cuisine, or simply strolling through island towns, we felt truly immersed in this vibrant and beautiful corner of the world. If you’re considering a Caribbean getaway, the French Caribbean—with its natural beauty and sophisticated allure blend—should be on your list.
