Lesser Antilles Expedition Cruise
Mar 28 - Apr 11, 2025
15 days | Lesser Antilles | Quest Nature Tours
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.
Special Offer
Book one at full price and second person pays 50% OR Singles travel without paying single supplement
Tour Cost (per person):
US$8210 - 11,780 depending on the cabin, incl. taxes
Group Size:
Aboard the 36-passenger S/V Klara
What’s included: Twin share accommodations aboard the S/V Klara; most meals; house-brand wine, beer, and spirits; all excursions and activities; ground transportation on islands; services of local guides and your Quest leader* (with a minimum of 10 Quest travellers); all entrance fees to monuments and parks; all taxes; 1 bag complimentary laundry per person (Deluxe Lower Deck and Classic Main Deck only); 2 bags complimentary laundry per person (Deluxe Main Deck only)
"Josh added a lot to the trip. We would not have seen half the birds if he had not been there. His passion kept the group energized." - Quest traveller
"I don’t know how he manages to learn and remember the bird calls so easily. Amazing! Josh was attentive to our needs. He does his best to ensure that we see the birds he spots." - Quest traveller
Itinerary at a Glance
Day | Activity |
1 | Arrive in St. Kitts / Welcome Dinner |
2 | Embarkation at St. Kitts |
3 | Antigua |
4 | Guadeloupe |
5 | Martinique |
6 | St. Lucia |
7 | Bequia |
8 | Grenada |
9 | Carriacou |
10 | St. Vincent |
11 | Dominica |
12 | Montserrat |
13 | Barbuda |
14 | St. Eustatius |
15 | Disembarkation at St. Kitts |
Download Itinerary
Ship Information
S/V Klara is a three-mast Schooner, specially designed and outfitted for expedition cruising and accommodating 12 crew and up to 36 passengers across 18 cabins on its two decks. She is 62 metres (208 feet) long, travels at a speed of up to 10 knots (18.5 kilometres per hour) and has 220-watt European electrical outlets.
Delicious food is on offer at the restaurant on the Lower Deck. An open-air lounge and jacuzzi as well as ample deck space are found on the Upper Deck.
Your Tour Leader
Josh Vandermeulen is a professional Field Biologist and is an active and well-known member of Ontario’s naturalist community. He regularly travels the province in pursuit of his two core interests, field herpetology and ornithology.