Trip Description
The Windward Islands are a sailor's paradise and a diver's dream. These ancient volcanic islands are breathtaking, literally towering out of the sea. Majestic mountain peaks, tranquil valleys, lush rainforests, mountain waterfalls and tremendous diving await your discovery. The culture here is lively and the islanders welcoming. Untouched by commercialization, the Windwards take you back in time. Beneath the warm, crystal clear waters lies a pristine playground of flourishing coral reefs, outrageous wrecks, and sheer wall drop-offs. Prepare for pure adventure both above and below the water line.
Prepare for outrageous diving
Our specially outfitted yachts and flexible course design allow each group to dive when and wherever they find great conditions, and opportunities abound. Discover some of the Caribbean's best from sheer wall drop offs and dramatic pinnacles to flourishing coral gardens and mysterious wrecks. Experience an astounding variety of sites as intriguing as their names…Moon Hole, Smuggler’s Cove and Big Blue. See turtles, jacks, morays and a dizzying array of vibrant coral and reef fish. There is always time for an impromptu night dive when colors intensify and flashes of bioluminescence surround you.
What makes the diving here so phenomenal? Untouched and only recently discovered by divers, the Windwards' thriving reefs are loaded with marine life, big and small. Learn about the amazing underwater world with your marine biology program leader, and then dive below to see what you can find. Marvel at the huge schools of horse-eye jacks and copper sweepers or take a roller coaster ride through coral gardens loaded with massive barrel sponges and twisted gorgonians. Rarely seen in other parts of the Caribbean, seahorses and frogfish are plentiful and flying gurnards can be seen on almost every dive. The nutrient rich waters of the Atlantic and deep ocean ridges merge nearby, creating the ideal environment for encountering eagle rays, big turtles, sharks, tuna and dolphin.
Head ashore to explore
The islands provide countless opportunities for adventure. Head ashore to explore the famous Piton peaks of St. Lucia, Grenada's cascading waterfalls within the deep interior jungle, St. Vincent's towering 4000-foot tall volcano and Bequia's Oldhegg Turtle Sanctuary, dedicated to replenishing the hawksbill turtle population. Enjoy some down time on Tobago Cay's stunning beaches. Everywhere we sail, you sense a rich history and cultural heritage. The easy rhythms and friendly islanders evoke an atmosphere that has long since vanished elsewhere.
Who is the skipper of the day? What is our dive plan? Building skills in sailing, diving and leadership are important goals of this trip. Steady trade winds fill the sails of our 46-foot catamaran as you hone your yachting abilities. Learn lifesaving techniques as you earn your Emergency First Response CPR and Basic First Aid certifications. Underwater, we focus on earning the PADI Rescue and Master Diver Certifications, as well as Drift, Night, Deep, Underwater Photography and our Tropical Marine Science Course. Together, the participants set the goals for each day and rotate through leadership positions onboard as we work as a team to create an amazing voyage.
A rare experience
Sailing becomes second nature and you become comfortable with the pace and freedom of life aboard. Pulling into our final port of Grenada, we can say we have truly experienced the Windwards, from soaring mountain peaks to 90 feet under the sea in a way few can. Along the way, our crew has gone from 12 strangers to a group of lifelong friends.
