caribbean overview

Caribbean Cruises by small ship explore up close

In the Caribbean we like to say that less is more because you will cruise this paradise far away from tourist crowds.  Cruising with AdventureSmith Explorations is quite different from the typical big cruise ship experience.  You will travel aboard specially outfitted expedition ships, in small numbers, to secluded areas away from the crowds.  Zodiacs and small craft allow for up close exploration and access to pristine remote beaches.  Come face to face with the iridescent turquoise parrotfish, relax on a postcard perfect white sand beach and sail in the wake of pirates and explorers. Choose from a spacious small ship with all the amenities or sail, with all its sense of freedom, aboard a 21st century classic tall ship. 

Sail through islands strung along the blue sea like jewels on a necklace.  Our itineraries include the most popular islands like St Thomas, St Johns, St Kitts, St Lucia, but also venture to more remote islands like Tobago, Virgin Gorda,  Iles des Saintes, Salt Island and Norman Island (reputed to be the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island). Idyllic bays, secluded coves and white sand beaches are perfect for our style of up close exploration.  As you explore you’ll relish the sense of seclusion only a small ship can bestow.  Gorgeous vistas unfold deserted shores, uninhabited islets, and crystal clear waters rich with spectacular coral reefs and marine life. 

The Virgin Islands have been described as “the pace on the way to everywhere” and have long been desirable for trading and military advantage. Their unique geography and physical makeup have resulted in a rich and colorful history beginning with seafaring Amerindians and cannibalistic Caribs, famous explorers such as Columbus and Drake, and infamous pirates including Captain Morgan and Blackbeard.  Here you will find a surprising cultural mosaic of French, Ditch, English and Spanish influence. A sense of larger than life history permeates the islands and their communities which you will sense while visiting laid back towns like Charlotte Amalie, Road Town, Terre-de Haut, Basseterre and more. Our expedition staff will help to illuminate and navigate these cultures, both historic and contemporary.