Caribbean Yachting Hideaways

Your cruise begins in Saint Thomas, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery journey of the Caribbean. 

Please book your flight to arrive into St Thomas prior to 08:00 PM.

Culebra is widely known for its white-sand beaches and active reef and is one of the major islands in Puerto Rico’s archipelago. This island offers plenty for nature lovers, giving you peace and tranquillity in a truly pristine destination. There are more than 20 cays bustling with diverse marine life, making it an absolute paradise for underwater adventurers and casual beachgoers alike. Today, join a shuttle to visit Flamenco beach.

Opportunity to spend the day swimming off the yacht and enjoying our marina toys.

After lunch we set sail to Vieques Island. The quaint coastal town of Esperanza has a lovely waterfront with gorgeous beaches and a bustling strip of restaurants, bars, and guesthouses. One can walk along the boulevard and visit the various establishments for a glimpse into the local culture and activities on offer. Locals enjoy spending the afternoon at Sun Bay, the main urban beach located in the town’s eastern outskirts.

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Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bay (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Experience the magic of bioluminescent waters on this unforgettable kayaking adventure at Mosquito Bay, Vieques. Embark on your kayaking adventure in double kayaks. Paddle under the blanket of the night sky and marvel at the sparkling swirls of bioluminescent water created by your paddles and the darting fish that leave trails of light behind them. Learn about the microorganisms that give the water its magical glow and the importance of preserving this natural wonder.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

Cruz Bay is the economic and social hub of St. John, with a busy inter-island ferry dock connecting it to other islands in the region. The busy bay is dotted with restaurants and shops, and beautiful Caribbean architecture can be seen in Mongoose Junction as one takes a gentle stroll through town. Today choose between our Included Excursion or our EmeraldACTIVE option.

In the evening, set sail to Jost Van Dyke, one of the main islands in the British Virgin Islands.  

Included Excursion
St. John Island tour with Annaberg Plantation Ruins
Explore the stunning beauty and rich history of St. John on this scenic island drive.  You'll board an open-air safari transportation for a comprehensive tour of the island's most iconic locations. Visit the 18th-century Annaberg sugar mill ruins. Stroll among the stone remnants of this historic plantation, surrounded by vibrant greenery and flowers. Learn about the island's sugar production history and the significance of this site.  
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours 

EmeraldACTIVE
National Park Hike & Snorkelling
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of St. John with a guided hike through the Virgin Islands National Park. Your adventure begins in the quaint village of Cruz Bay, from there, your knowledgeable nature guide will lead you on a one-mile hike along the Lind Point Trail, heading towards the North Shore of St. John. The trail offers gentle terrain but is unpaved, requiring good walking shoes for support.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

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Snorkelling at Trunk Bay (extra expense)
Embark on an extraordinary yachting land adventure that unveils the unparalleled beauty of Trunk Bay, renowned as one of the top ten most exquisite beaches worldwide. As you step aboard an open-air safari bus, get ready to be whisked away on a scenic drive through the picturesque hills of St. John. Equipped with high-quality snorkelling gear provided by our knowledgeable guides, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the National Park Service's underwater marked trails.Take in the sights of colourful fish darting among the coral reefs, while informative plaques on the seabed offer insights into the fascinating ecosystem that thrives beneath the surface. 
Activity Level: Moderate-Strenuous, Duration: 2 hours

Jost Van Dyke, four miles long, is truly known as the 'barefoot island'. The smallest of the British Virgin Islands, it is known as a popular destination for yachts and is celebrated for its casual lifestyle, protected anchorages, fine beaches and beachfront restaurants and bars. The island has fewer than 200 inhabitants and they are widely known as a welcoming people. The island's name conjures up its rich, colorful past. Jost Van Dyke is said to have been named for an early Dutch settler, a former pirate. At Great Harbour, Little Harbour, and White Bay there are safe, protected bays and pristine beaches shaded with coconut palms and seagrape trees. Discover inviting shops selling local treasures, restaurants, and bars. 'The Painkiller', one of the Caribbean’s most popular drinks, originated at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Foxy’s and Gertrude's in White Bay are renowned for drinks made with the island's famous rum, frosty beers, and tales of pirates and sunken treasure. Explore Jost Van Dyke's history in the vegetation-covered ruins of centuries-old sugar mills, or on the old trails that crisscross the island. Revel in the natural beauty of the pristine, untouched beaches. Hike up to the highest spot on the island, Majohnny Point, and take in a stunning 360 degree view of the Caribbean. Relax in the natural 'bubble pool', a popular tourist attraction. Jost Van Dyke conjures up images of what the British Virgin Islands may have looked like many years ago.

The island of Virgin Gorda, named because it resembles a reclining woman, is part of the British Virgin Islands. It's known for its laid-back pace and picturesque landscapes. Among the natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, the Baths are arguably the most famous. They are a series of pools and grottoes created by a collection of massive granite boulders that were formed by volcanic eruptions. Today, you will enjoy a barbeque on shore together with your fellow travellers.

EmeraldPLUS
BBQ lunch on fully equipped beach with live band
Enjoy a fully equipped beach, complete with lounge chairs, vibrant beach umbrellas, and powdery white sand beneath your feet. Settle in for a delicious BBQ lunch, surrounded by the laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views of the crystal-clear ocean. As you indulge in your meal, the sound of live music floats through the air, courtesy of a talented local band. Their Caribbean rhythms and soulful melodies have you swaying to the beat, feeling carefree and relaxed.

With its blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences, Philipsburg presents a bustling port town with a vibrant atmosphere, striking colonial architecture, and stunning beaches.  

It also offers a range of activities and attractions, including historic sites and a lively street market where you can sample the local cuisine, and peruse the island arts and crafts. In the evening set sail to Gustavia. 

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Culture & History Tour (extra expense)
Embark on an enlightening journey through the scenic routes of Saint Martin, a unique island that shares two distinct cultures under two national flags. This historical tour offers a comprehensive view of the island's rich past and vibrant present, covering both the Dutch and French sides. Relive the stories of our ancestors, understand the island's struggles, and learn about the origin of the name "Soualiga," which means "Land of Salt”. Learn about the island's colonial history and the development of its vibrant port.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

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Buggy Tour (extra expense)
Set off in a caravan-style drive, navigating through the stunning landscapes of St. Maarten in your 4x4 all-terrain vehicle. Enjoy the picturesque views as you drive through the island's diverse terrain, from coastal roads to lush countryside, taking in the natural beauty and vibrant local life. Arrive at the renowned Maho Beach, where you can bask in the sun, relax on the white sandy shores, and experience the thrill of watching airplanes land close overhead.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

You can easily explore all of Gustavia during a two-hour stroll. Some shops close from noon to 3 or 4, so plan lunch accordingly, but stores stay open past 7 in the evening. Parking in Gustavia is a challenge, especially during vacation times. A good spot to park is rue de la République, alongside the catamarans, yachts, and sailboats.

Named for Sweden’s King Gustav III, Gustavia is the charming capital and main seaport of the island of Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts. It is often considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and a tropical paradise with French flair. You will enjoy the beauty of its large idyllic beaches, plus the charm and refinement of its old wooden houses.

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Discover St. Barths (extra expense)
Experience the beauty and charm of St. Barts on a comprehensive island discovery tour led by the knowledgeable and friendly guide. As Ernest navigates through the bustling streets of Gustavia, you'll have the opportunity to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque Caribbean town. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and iconic landmarks as you journey around the island, with several stops planned along the way to enrich your understanding of St. Barts rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

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Snorkelling tour (extra expense)
Enjoy an exhilarating snorkelling adventure exploring the crystal-clear waters surrounding Gustavia. In Colombier Bay, you can swim alongside colourful fish, discover coral formations, and soak in the natural beauty of this pristine underwater paradise. After, you set sail to Gros Ilets, another fantastic snorkelling spot located at the entrance of Gustavia. Here, you'll continue your underwater exploration, encountering a diverse array of marine species in this thriving ecosystem. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

Opportunity to spend the day swimming off the yacht and enjoying our marina toys.

Welcome to one of the most unusual and fascinating islands in the Caribbean. Prior to the recent volcanic eruptions that commenced in 1995, Montserrat was considered as one of the “Insiders” favourite Caribbean islands. It was also home to producer George Martin’s Air Studios Montserrat recording studio where some of the world’s most famous recording artists, including Eric Clapton, Little River Band and Paul McCartney among many others, used to record their albums. Recent history has brought some unfortunate blows to the island ranging from hurricanes (Hugo in 1989) to multiple volcanic eruptions that destroyed the lovely capital city of Plymouth. 

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Volcano Views, Plymouth & Monserrat Volcano Observatory (extra expense)
See the “active” Soufriere Hills Volcano on Montserrat from Plymouth port and learn why it may be called the Pompeii of the Caribbean. No visitor to Montserrat should leave without having an encounter with Montserrat’s most captivating phenomena.On this excursion you will travel to Jack Boy Hill where you can see the volcano and remnants of WH Bramble Airport now completely buried by volcanic lava flows. Then it's on to a lookout point over Plymouth, which is in what's called the Exclusion Zone, or Zone V; because this area sits in the path of the greatest current volcanic activity and there is limited public access.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

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National Trust Botanical Garden Tour (extra expense)
Discover Montserrat's Healing Plants and Herbs. Embark on a tranquil journey through the Montserrat National Trust Gardens, where you will be introduced to the island’s rich variety of healing plants and herbs. This guided tour offers an immersive experience into Montserrat’s traditional medicinal practices, as you explore vibrant gardens filled with native flora used for centuries to promote health and well-being. Learn about the island’s natural remedies, from soothing teas to healing balms, and discover how these plants are still used today in local culture and holistic health practices.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

Your time aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in St. John’s. After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. 

Please book your flight to depart out of St John's after 11:00 AM.

*Please verify with the Shore Excursion Manager onboard whether a DiscoverMORE tour is available on disembarkation day. 

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.