Guadeloupe to Martinique

Join tall ship Eye of the Wind for a sailing holiday in the Caribbean. Think azure oceans, palm beaches and the incomparable flair of the “Caribbean way of life”.

Explore some of the most beautiful harbours and bays in the enchanting island world of the Lesser Antilles. Grand Anse, Les Saintes and Marie Galante: dream islands with dulcet names, great bathing spots and picture-perfect beaches. Breathtaking landscapes, adventures at sea in a mild ocean climate and the lively culture of the Windward Islands make this 8-day Caribbean round trip a unique holiday experience.

Colourful Caribbean

Begin in Guadeloupe with its main island in the shape of a butterfly with the Salée River running in between. Home to beautiful long stretches of beach, sugarcane fields and the Parc National de la Guadeloupe encompassing the beautiful Carbet Falls and the volcano of La Grande Soufrière. Guadeloupe has smaller islands that include Marie-Galante and La Désirade. The island of Dominica is mountainous and covered in rainforest reserves teeming with wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities. The National Park is home to the volcanically heated, steam-covered Boiling Lake, hot springs and the 65m-tall Trafalgar Falls – don’t forget your swimsuit! Wander the pretty streets of the capital of Dominica, Roseau, visit the beautiful botanical gardens and immerse yourself in the relaxed Caribbean culture.

Next stop is the rugged and volcanic island of Martinique. An overseas region of France, with its culture reflecting a lovely blend of French and West Indian influence. The north of the island is mountainous and home to Mont Pelée, an active volcano with an abundance of beautiful rainforest. The sand on the beaches in the north is a silvery grey as a result of the historic volcanic ash. The south of the island, however, is home to the iconic white sands with Fort-de-France its largest town, featuring steep hills and quaint narrow streets and the gardens of La Savane bordered by shops and cafes.  Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1502, after a 21-day trade wind passage he christened the island as Martinica.

The beauty of being on a ship in these breathtaking islands is that we can take you to the unspoilt, authentic Caribbean, away from the busy resorts and beaches. Experience true Caribbean culture, from small fishing villages to lively, colourful carnivals. The crew will aim to give you time to explore the islands as you wish, finding harbours to berth at and secluded bays to anchor in. Feel the sand between your toes, soak up the wonderfully colourful culture, snorkel with the fantastic marine life or simply kick back and relax on the beach.

Wonderful Wildlife

Wildlife in the Caribbean is a real treat. Spot graceful Green and Loggerhead Sea Turtles gliding effortlessly through the water and Bottlenose Dolphins swimming with the wake of the bow. Whales also frequent the Caribbean sea, with the warm water providing the perfect breeding grounds at this time of year for the humpback whale. Birdlife in the Caribbean is an incredibly beautiful sight. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot these colourful delights. With species only native to the Caribbean, these are once in a lifetime encounters! Pink Flamingoes are also a common bird across the Caribbean islands; these sociable creatures inhabit the blue lagoons, mudflats and lakes, living in colonies that can contain thousands of individuals.

There is no fixed itinerary for your sailing holiday, Eye of the Wind will need to sail where the wind and weather take her. The Skipper will have a better idea of the holiday plan as you board and will give a briefing on your first evening. Rest assured where ever you sail in this beautiful part of the world you won’t be disappointed and the skipper is always happy to take guest wishes into consideration.

Wonderful nature and wildlife, sailing adventures, and the culture of the colourful Caribbean islands turn this trip into a unique holiday experience. Enjoy the azure ocean, palm beaches and the incomparable flair of the “Caribbean way of life”.

Simply click “Enquire Now” to reserve your berth for five days whilst you sort your travel plans. No booking form or deposit is required until you are ready to book! Eye of the Wind requires a 50% deposit at the time of booking.

All voyages for Eye of the Wind

Eye of the Wind

Guest berths: 16 Rig: Brig

Eye of the Wind is a magnificent ship that combines an impressive amount of original character with modern amenities. The ship’s interior features teak maritime décor, which adds to its authentic and charming appeal. The ship is steeped in maritime history, and just the opportunity to sail on it is an experience of a lifetime.

Eye of the Wind is a 1911 brig, which is why it has been featured in several movies, including White Squall. This windjammer offers hands-on sailing holidays while cruising some of the most stunning locations in the world. Although the ship has a large and capable engine, traditional sailing is naturally the preferred mode of travel, providing an authentic and immersive sailing experience. The crew is extremely experienced, friendly, and welcoming. They are always ready to teach you the workings of a classic tall ship, so no prior knowledge is necessary.

You can join the crew at any number of the large maritime festivals they appear at, cruise the European coast, or relish some winter sun and climb aboard for their voyages in the Caribbean. The transatlantic crossing back from the Caribbean to Portugal is an experience worth cherishing.

With six luxurious cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, Eye of the Wind can sleep a total of 12 guests, ensuring that ocean passages can be travelled in true comfort. The ship has a large dining area, library, and sun deck, which offer many different spaces to unwind and get to know your fellow guests and crew. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Eye of the Wind provides an unforgettable adventure and an excellent opportunity to explore the world’s most stunning locations in style and travel in true comfort. The ship has a large dining area, library, and sun deck, which offer many different spaces to unwind and get to know your fellow guests and crew.

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Eye of the Wind provides an unforgettable adventure and an excellent opportunity to explore the world’s most stunning locations in style and comfort.

Deck plan

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot and soft drinks are included in your ticket price.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 6 twin bunk, ensuite cabins.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, there are ventilation hatches.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Eye of the Wind has an ensuite shower and toilet in each cabin.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, we would prefer you let your hair dry naturally in the sea breeze!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Eye of the Wind does not laundry on board.

• What language is spoken on board?

  English and German

• Is there heating/air conditioning?

  Yes, Eye of the Wind has air con/heating in each cabin.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes, there are European 230 volt power outlets in each cabin so please bring an adaptor.

• What is the currency on board?

  It will be the local currency depending on the voyage destination.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Eye of the Wind is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No, please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like.

• Does the boat have any water toys/fishing lines?

  There is fishing gear on board, which is usually used by our chefs. If interested, this can certainly be used in consultation with the cook on board.

• Will I be seasick?

  Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure, we recommend taking tablets up to 24 hours travelling.

• Is there an age limit?

  No! Please double check for under 8's.

Travel Planning

From: Deshaies, Guadeloupe

To: Le Marin, Martinique

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There:

The recommended and often cheapest route is to fly from Guadeloupe airport to London Heathrow with a changeover in Montreal, Canada. Alternatively, you can fly to Amsterdam Schipol Airport and then take a direct flight to Guadeloupe.

Getting Home:

The recommended option is to fly from Fort-de-France Airport (Martinique) to London Heathrow with a changeover in Montreal, Canada.

Other options include taking a ferry from Martinique to the island of Dominica where you can a direct flight back to London Gatwick. Or fly direct to Paris and change for London.

Tips:

Depending on your travel plans, another option can be to fly into another island and then get an internal flight/ferry to/from your required destination.