Caribbean Islands We Visit: A Teen Sailing & Scuba Adventure Through the Leeward Islands

By: Amelia Fisher, former Broadreach instructor and HQ intern March 3, 2026 Scuba, Sailing, Marine Biology

Wondering which Caribbean islands teens visit on a Broadreach sailing and scuba program?

Broadreach Caribbean Voyages explore some of the most stunning islands in the Leeward Islands—a volcanic chain in the northeastern Caribbean known for steady trade winds, protected marine parks, and vibrant French and Dutch island culture. Our liveaboard adventures are about more than just sun and sea; they’re a full dive into vibrant island cultures, stunning landscapes and unforgettable memories. From St. Martin to Saba, students dive coral reefs, hike dormant volcanoes, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and experience life at sea.

From snorkeling with sea turtles to strolling through colorful villages, here’s a closer look at the highlights and must-see spots that shape our teen sailing and scuba adventures.

St. Martin (Sint Maarten): Your Caribbean Sailing Adventure Begins!

Most of our Caribbean voyages begin and end in St. Martin (Sint Maarten), the smallest island in the world shared by two nations (French and Dutch).

Our home base, The Pad, sits in the protected marina of Anse Marcel—a calm, ideal environment for trip orientation, provisioning, and dive prep. It’s here that students meet the rest of their crew, review safety procedures, get their scuba gear, and prepare for island-hopping across the Leewards.

A short sail away is Grand Case, great for:

• Calm turquoise waters, ideal for beginner divers and snorkelers
• Introductory small boat sailing practice
• Wakeboarding and team-building water activities

St. Martin sets the tone for the adventure ahead: independence, responsibility, and life on the water.

Île Fourchue: Pirate Hideaway Turned Protected Nature Reserve Between St. Martin + St. Barts

Your next stop? Located between St. Martin and St. Barts, Île Fourchue is an uninhabited island once rumored to have sheltered pirates during colonial times. Today, it’s a designated nature reserve and one of the most peaceful anchorages in the region. The sail over provides the perfect opportunity for practicing your sailing skills.

Once there, you’ll:

• Dive or snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with reef fish and sea turtles
• Hike to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Leewards at sunrise or sunset (a true highlight of our Caribbean voyages!)

The island is also home to one of the Caribbean’s largest colonies of brown boobies, making it an exciting stop for students interested in marine biology and island ecology.

Colombier (St. Barts): Marine Reserve + Coastal Hikes

On the northwest coast of St. Barts (Saint Barthélemy) lies Colombier Bay, part of a protected marine reserve accessible only by boat or hiking trail.

Another core Broadreach Caribbean memory? The hike along a scenic coastal path to “Body Surf Beach.” Students hike past striking rock formations, pastel cottages and scenic ocean views, often spotting goats and tortoises along the way, before arriving at the secluded beach

Underwater, Colombier offers:

• Healthy reef systems
• Excellent snorkeling visibility
• Calm anchorage conditions, ideal for paddle boarding

It’s a perfect blend of on-shore fun and marine exploration.

Gustavia, St. Barts: French-Caribbean Culture

The capital of St. Barts, Gustavia, offers a lively contrast to the quieter anchorages.

Here, students experience:

• French-Caribbean culture
• Local creperies, shops and gelato (a favorite!)
• Colorful harbor views and historic architecture

For many teens, it’s their first time navigating an international town independently—building confidence while practicing responsible travel skills.

St. Kitts: Brimstone Hill Fortress + Volcanic Landscapes

Some of our longer Caribbean itineraries continue south to St. Kitts, part of the two-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

A major highlight is a visit to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 17th century. This remarkably preserved fortress offers:

• Insight into Caribbean colonial history
• Sweeping views of neighboring islands like Saba and Statia, and even St. Martin and St. Barts on a clear day
• A powerful lesson in how geography shaped the region

St. Kitts offers students the opportunity to explore the island’s colonial history, log epic dives, and try their hand at watersports.

Sint Eustatius (Statia): Hiking The Quill Volcano

Known locally as Statia, Sint Eustatius is a small Dutch island packed with ecological diversity.

Students on our sailing-only or longer, 17-day itineraries will visit this island packed with adventure! A highlight is a hike up The Quill, a dormant volcano (don’t worry, it’s been inactive for over 1,600 years!). The trek includes:

• A steady ascent to the crater rim
• A descent into the lush rainforest-filled crater
• Lessons in volcanic geology and island formation

Below the waves, Statia boasts thriving coral reefs and world-class dive sites, making it a dream location for teen scuba divers and aspiring marine biologists.

Saba: One of the Best Scuba Diving Islands in the Caribbean

Often considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in the Caribbean, Saba is the grand finale for many of our teen scuba programs.

The island is home to the Saba National Marine Park, consistently ranked among the top protected dive areas in the region. Its volcanic underwater pinnacles and pristine reefs provide:

• Advanced dive skill development
• Exceptional marine biodiversity
• Clear visibility and dramatic topography

On land, students explore Saba’s quaint mountain town, visit the marine park center, and experience the island’s tight-knit community culture. Another highlight is a trip to Jo Bead, where students can craft their own glass bead souvenirs!

For teens earning dive certifications or logging advanced dives, Saba is unforgettable.

Experience These Caribbean Islands Yourself

Our voyages through the Caribbean Leeward Islands show that the adventure isn’t the destination but the journey. Whether students are earning scuba certifications, practicing sailing maneuvers, hiking volcanoes, or exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, every stop offers the opportunity to create lifelong memories.

Ready to explore the Leeward Islands on a teen sailing and scuba adventure?

→ Explore our Caribbean Voyages and find the right program for you.

Why the Leeward Islands Are Ideal for Teen Sailing + Scuba Programs

The Leewards offer a rare combination of:

• Consistent trade winds for sailing instruction
• Short island-to-island distances
• Protected marine parks
• Volcanic landscapes and coral reef ecosystems
• Multicultural French, Dutch, and British influences

For teens, this creates the perfect classroom without walls—where navigation, marine science, leadership, and cultural awareness come together in real time.