What an amazing final day. We set sails from Union Island after a spectacular sunset and we headed toward Saint Lucia and the famous volcanic Pitons. We visited the caldera and the botanic garden before the sun hit too hard; then we went snorkeling for the last time in the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Now we are approaching Barbados again and it is time to say goodbye. It was indeed an amazing Caribbean expedition on board Sea Cloud and we really hope to travel again with all of you!
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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The small city of Soufriere, on the beautiful isle of Saint Lucia, sits at the edge of a massive volcanic caldera. The name of the city means "Sulfur in the Air," as the smell of sulfur dioxide is pungent. We drove to a great overlook adjacent to the UNESCO Pitons, which are two massive volcanic plugs rising to almost 2500 feet above the sea. Along the way we stopped at a small shop which sold the world's most unique catsup, made essentially from bananas and pure cacao. We then visited Diamond Falls Botanical Garden, which hosts a cornucopia of every variety of tropical plants, including ginger, lilies, anthurium, vanilla, cocoa, and cashew. It is said that the Empress Josephine visited the gardens when she stayed at her father’s estate “Mal Maison.” We then went to Butterfly Beach for a great snorkeling adventure. Guests saw octopus, parrot fish, purple wrasse, and fan and brain coral. Tonight, photo instructor Rich Reid ran the slide show of all the photos the guests submitted – a great souvenir of our unforgettable voyage. We completed this great adventure with the fantastic Captain’s Farewell dinner.
After an exciting night of music and dancing with our new friends in Bequia, Sea Cloud sailed overnight some 70 nautical miles, to our fifth country in five days: Grenada. We are all delighted to visit so many countries in such a short time, with no need to pull out our passports or proceed through customs. It feels too easy! While some guests took the morning to splash in the waters of scenic Grand Anse Beach, others braved the busy streets of St. George’s. With roughly 35,000 residents, the capital of St. George’s makes up about one-fourth of Grenada’s population. Its colorful homes make for scenic photos, and a sampling of the city’s chocolate, spices, and rum leaves us in good spirits before tendering back to our beloved tall ship. As we were about to take an afternoon siesta, we noticed that the ship was motionless — and our expedition leader Paula announced that guests should join her on the promenade deck for a dip into the open sea. At a depth of 1100 feet, the water was a dream-like blue. Afterward we reluctantly returned to the ship, so we can head north for the final day of our adventure.
Bequia, the second-largest island in the Grenadines, is a true Caribbean gem. Just seven square miles in size, it remains largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving its authentic charm, rich maritime heritage, and warm, welcoming culture. Known for its deep connection to the sea, Bequia has a long history of shipbuilding, whaling traditions, and a vibrant sailing community. Our visit to Port Elizabeth, its largest town, offered a glimpse into daily island life, with small markets, lively cafés, and artisans skillfully crafting model boats and scrimshaw. One of the highlights of our exploration was riding around the island on pick-up trucks, accompanied by knowledgeable local guides—remarkably, all of them women, who also serve as nurses and teachers in their community. We spent time at Princess Margaret Beach, where powdery sands and crystalline waters invited us to swim, snorkel, and observe marine life in a setting of serene natural beauty. Bequia embodies the spirit of exploration, cultural connection, and conservation that defines Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic, offering an unforgettable experience of the Caribbean’s untamed charm.
