Caribbean travel | Ponant cruise: Pearls of the Caribbean

Union Island may be small, but it forms the vibrant heart of the southern Grenadines and is a favourite anchorage for sailing yachts exploring the region. In the charming main town of Clifton, you’ll find a bustling harbour, a charming village square with a colourful market, and a range of cosy bars and atmospheric waterfront restaurants.
The island’s vibe is wonderfully relaxed, and Union Island is renowned as a mecca for kitesurfers thanks to its constant winds and turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy freshly caught seafood, take a boat trip to the Tobago Cays to snorkel with sea turtles and stingrays, or simply round off the day with a rum punch in hand whilst the sun paints the sky pink at a “kite-in kite-out” beach bar.
With the impressive Mount Parnassus watching over the island and, below, vast white sandy beaches where time seems to stand still, Union Island is truly the epitome of a tropical paradise.

Deep in the south of the Grenadines lie the Tobago Cays: five small, uninhabited islets surrounded by vast coral reefs in the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. These islets – Petit Rameau, Petit Tabac, Petit Bateau, Baradal and Jamesby – together form a true paradise for nature lovers and form part of the globally acclaimed Tobago Cays Marine Park.
The lagoon in which the Cays are situated is of rare beauty: crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs and a rich underwater world teeming with colourful fish and other marine life make this place a top eco-tourism destination. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of water activities here: from scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing to kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Anything is possible in this little slice of tropical paradise.

Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island in the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, lies at the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful Tobago Cays Marine Park. This remote little island is a true gem, with unspoilt white sandy beaches lapped by the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is the ideal place to completely unwind in a paradise-like setting.
Mayreau has just one tiny village, situated on Station Hill, where you’ll be welcomed by friendly, hospitable locals. The atmosphere is authentic and relaxed. For lovers of the underwater world, Mayreau is a true paradise: the island is renowned as a top destination for snorkellers and divers, with colourful coral reefs and an abundance of tropical marine life. Popular activities include a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Saline Bay, or a short walk to the top of the hill, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view. A scene that looks straight out of a postcard.

The beautiful tropical island of Bequia, located just a few miles south of St Vincent, is the second largest island in the St Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago. The island's small capital, Port Elizabeth, is home to about 5,000 friendly residents and a wonderful array of bars, restaurants, galleries and craft shops. Visitors can buy beautiful handmade souvenirs, including the remarkably decorated model sailboats for which the island is famous. Hilly and green with several golden sandy beaches, Bequia offers an idyllic setting for a wide range of outdoor activities such as sailing, fishing, diving, snorkelling, hiking and visits to the popular Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary and the historic Hamilton Fort.

Nestled amongst green hills in the south-western region of St Lucia, Soufrière makes a dramatic impression. On the left-hand side of the horseshoe-shaped bay lie iconic landmarks: the twin peaks known as the Petit and Gros Pitons. The town was the original capital of St Lucia and still boasts many traditional wooden houses. There are plenty of cosy restaurants and a market in the town; you can start your explorations from the Old Catholic Church. As well as enjoying the beach, you can put on your walking shoes to take in views of the Pitons on the Tet Paul Nature Trail, visit the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, or hire a boat and explore the nearby bays, which are perfect for snorkelling.

Les Saintes, one of Guadeloupe's hidden gems, is a miniature volcanic archipelago consisting of seven beautiful islands, two of which are completely uninhabited. This unique slice of paradise offers a vibrant mix of relaxed Caribbean lifestyle, French sophistication, jungle-covered mountains and remarkable underwater landscapes. The archipelago's main island, Terre de Haut, is home to a wide range of attractions, including lively streets full of bistros, the impressive volcanic rock point Pain de Sucre and the historically important Fort Napoleon. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, sail or simply enjoy the pristine white-sand beaches and azure bays, the special adventures are endless.

With its beautiful white-sand beaches, azure waters and idyllic palm trees, the glorious archipelago of St.Vincent and the Grenadines offers all the hallmarks of a tropical Caribbean destination, without the tourist traffic of some of their more frequently visited neighbours. While St.Vincent offers excellent hiking opportunities on well-defined jungle trails, exotic flora in the Botanical Gardens, and some exceptional snorkelling and diving sites, the Grenadines impress visitors with their charming inns and resorts, fine white-sand beaches, excellent sailing waters, and a quiet laid-back atmosphere. Travellers looking to explore lush mountain peaks, secluded bays, volcanic landscapes and spectacular coral reefs need look no further than this lesser-known Caribbean gem.

From a green, mountainous island halfway between Martinique and St Vincent, St Lucia has become one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations mainly because of the island's striking natural beauty, its many beautiful resorts, and its welcoming atmosphere. St. Lucia boasts a cultural mix, with French and British rule alternating 14 times since 1650. You will find French architecture and place names all over the island, while the official language is English. There is a relaxed, informal and friendly atmosphere on St Lucia, and the island boasts beautiful volcanic, palm-fringed beaches. Furthermore, the island is rich in fantastic diving areas, numerous small luxury resorts and charming fishing villages. The Pitons, two volcanic peaks on the south-western coast, make the island most distinctive. Hike through the beautiful rainforests to discover magical waterfalls, zipline over the forests, or see Sulphur Crater. Whether you are looking for romance, rejuvenation, or adventure, St. Lucia is the perfect destination!

The Grenadines is a chain of eight inhabited islands and several smaller uninhabited islets located across the Caribbean Sea between St Vincent and Grenada. While each of the islands has its own unique charm, they all offer beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life and warm aquamarine waters. From the exclusive tropical playground of Mustique Island to the fascinating ancient culture of Bequia, this idyllic archipelago truly has something for everyone. Whether you explore the impressive dive sites, hike through rainforests, climb a volcano, go whale or dolphin spotting, swim in the spectacular waterfalls or just relax on the pristine beaches, you are sure to find something to keep you busy on these unforgettable islands.

The French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe are located in the beautiful southern Caribbean Sea. Often referred to as one island, Guadeloupe is actually made up of several islands. The main islands are Basse-Terre (the western island) and Grande-Terre (the eastern island). Together, these islands make and butterfly shape and are separated by the Salee River. The smaller islands of Marie-Galante, La Desirade and Illes des Saintes are also part of the Guadeloupe archipelago. Visitors to the beautiful islands can visit the spectacular Guadeloupe National Park where the La Grande Soufriere volcano and the magnificent Carbet waterfalls are located. Other popular activities include hiking through the rainforest, visiting the hot springs of Les Baines Jaunes, snorkelling, diving and kayaking.

In the heart of the stunning Caribbean lies the volcanic island of Martinique with diverse landscapes and a rich culture that has both French and West Indian influences. The island boasts forested mountains, sparkling bays and stretches of beach with turquoise waters. Furthermore, the island is known for its beautiful hiking trails and delicious cuisine. Visitors can explore the capital Fort de France and visit many ruins and historical monuments. Another popular activity is tasting locally made rum, as Martinique is known as the rum capital of the world.

Gros Islet is a small fishing village on the northwest tip of St Lucia, within walking distance of the resort of Rodney Bay - the island's popular tourist hub. This quiet gem is ideal for visitors looking for some respite from the noisy bars and tourist traps. Colourful buildings, an old church and lively street stalls add alluring charm, and there is also a picturesque beach on the doorstep. Every Friday night, the streets are closed to traffic and fill with food vendors, rum stalls and live Caribbean music. Try Gros Islet's famous fish grill.