San Juan to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Anguilla is a level coral atoll with abundant breath-taking beaches. The name comes from the Spanish word for eel, named apparently because of the island’s long, narrow profile. The most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean, Anguilla is 16 miles (25km) long and three miles (5km) wide. The highest point on the island is only 213 feet (65m) above sea level. The main town, The Valley, is found almost in the middle of the island. Most hotels and restaurants
are found on the western point of the island.

Charlestown, the capital of Nevis, is situated on the leeward side of the island on Gallows Bay. Though small, the town offers some of the best-preserved 18th century architecture in the Caribbean.

The capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean, Charlotte Amalie offers beautiful natural scenery, fascinating history, and a wealth of duty-free shopping.

The capital of St. Barthelemy, Gustavia is purely French. Though named after a Swedish king, Gustav III, and still retaining some of its Swedish influence, the small group of inhabitants are mostly young, very chic and very French.

Finally, an island named for a female pirate! It has magnificent beaches and two small settlements. Whether you choose White Bay (on the west side of the island) or Great Harbor (south-central), Jost van Dyke offers just the right atmosphere for rest and relaxation.

Located on the eastern side of the Andes, north of Santiago, this was one of the earliest Spanish towns, founded in 1562.

The village of Sandy Ground is Anguilla’s main port for ships and also nighttime activites. The long curved beach is lined with high cliffs and a salt pond behind. The harbour is usually filled with all types of fishing boats and pleasure boats. It is also the best place to find a boat ride to Sandy Island or Prickley Pear Cay. You have everything on Sandy Ground beach, great restaurant, entertainment and even a small grocery store. Annual boat races are also held on Sandy Ground beach.

Two outstanding sights highlight the port of Virgin Gorda. The first is a natural phenomenon known as “The Baths.” Unique in all the Caribbean, this geological wonder consists of giant boulders that form labyrinthine caves and clear, salt-water pools illuminated by the rays of the sun. The second is Gorda Sound, a protected anchorage known the world over by seasoned yachtsmen.

The island’s main settlement is Spanish Town, the second largest town on the British Virgin Islands. Although relatively small, Spanish Town offers numerous shopping possibilities, a few bars, sailing activities, and an annual Fisherman’s Jamboree every March.