Jamaica to Antigua

One of Jamaica's largest resort cities, Montego Bay offers a range of activities bound to interest an array of visitors, from arts enthusiasts to the more adventurous type.

With its turquoise waters and soft sands, the beaches are popular spots for swimming and sunbathing, while the Hip Strip offers a bustling scene of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can also explore historical sites like Rose Hall Great House or embark on adventurous activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, or exploring the nearby waterfalls and rainforests.

Port Antonio, on the Northeast coast of Jamaica, is the islands third largest port, mainly for bananas and coconuts. It is also an important tourist destination. In fact, it has been featured as a model of paradise in several famous Hollywood films such as Club Paradise and Cocktail. Port Antonio was a sleepy coastal town until the 1880s, when Lorenzo Dow Baker, an American businessman, started the banana trade in Jamaica and promoted Port Antonio as a vacation spot for wealthy Americans. "Portie", as it is nicknamed, became a boom town. Even the movie star Errol Flynn was enamoured and ended up buying property here after his yacht washed ashore in 1946. Today it is still a major destination with plenty to do and see, from stunning scenery, creative arts and crafts, and cultural and historical sites.

Port Antonio is a charming coastal town renowned for its lush tropical landscapes, secluded beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Home to attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Frenchman's Cove, and Reach Falls, Port Antonio offers visitors a serene retreat amidst natural wonders. The town's rich cultural heritage and vibrant local markets provide a glimpse into authentic Jamaican life, while its pristine waters and scenic vistas make it a haven for relaxation and exploration.

Virgin Gorda, or "Fat Virgin," received its name from Christopher Columbus. The explorer envisioned the island as a pregnant woman in a languid recline, with Gorda Peak being her belly and the boulders of the Baths as her toes. Different in topography from Tortola, with an arid landscape covered with scrub brush and cactus, the pace of life is slower here, too. Goats and cattle own the right of way, and the unpretentious friendliness of the people is winning. The top sight (and beach for that matter) is the Baths, which draws scores of cruise-ship passengers and day-trippers to its giant boulders and grottoes that form a perfect snorkeling environment.

Take a bath at the Baths, Virgin Gorda's unique water grottos formed eons ago by ancient lava flows. Huge boulders lie scattered around the natural pools, which are delightful for swimming or soaking. Virgin Gorda is also home to Little Dix Bay, the Bitter End Yacht Club, some excellent beaches, and the bestsailing around.

With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions. It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities. St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981. From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops. The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean. All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.

The dockyards, marinas, old inns, venerable pubs and convivial crowds of sun-tanned yacht crews; this is the epicentre of the Caribbean yachting world.