Lesser Antilles Expedition Cruise

The Lesser Antilles appear like a string of pearls stretching from the Virgin Islands south to Grenada and loosely comprising the eastern “edge” of the Caribbean Sea. On a map, these islands often get overshadowed by the Greater Antilles to the northwest, but zoom in and you find a series of distinct islands, each with their own natural and cultural character. On this 15-day journey from St. Kitts south to Grenada and then back north to St. Kitts, we visit 13 islands, comprising six nations, the French Overseas Territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique, the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat, and the Dutch island of St. Eustatius.

The Lesser Antilles owe their existence to dynamic tectonic forces, namely the subducting of the Atlantic plate beneath the Caribbean plate. As such, each island has volcanic terrain, mineral-rich soil, and usually one or more prominent volcanoes, some active, some not. Especially in the Windward Islands to the south and east, lush rainforests dominate lowlands. We get to contrast these with dry forests, especially in the Leeward Islands to the north and west. Across most of the islands, familiar hummingbirds, grassquits, Bananaquits, and bullfinches are daily companions. As is often the case on tropical islands, there are several endemic birds and other species, most of which are quite common.

We stop at one island per day, with a variety of activities to choose from, including community walks, explorations along nature trails, birding, and snorkelling. Between islands, watch for seabirds, whales, and dolphins from the ship’s deck. Along beaches, terns, frigatebirds, and pelicans are ever drifting hither and yon. Our expedition vessel is the beautiful S/V Klara. Welcoming a maximum of 36 guests aboard, this refurbished vessel provides comfort and a feeling of warmth during our journey.

Join seasoned naturalist Josh Vandermeulen on our maiden voyage in the magnificent Lesser Antilles.

Please note: This is not an exclusive Quest Nature Tours voyage. Our Quest group may be sharing the vessel with other travellers.