Board your air-conditioned transportation and enjoy a narrated drive through historic Kingstown en route to the Botanical Gardens, established in 1765. Stroll the paved paths and lawns of the Western Hemisphere’s oldest botanical garden, taking in the immense collection of tropical flowers, plants, and trees. The highlights include a breadfruit tree brought to the island in 1793 by Captain William Bligh of HMS Bounty fame and the beautiful Amazona guildingii, the national parrot of St. Vincent. Your guide provides ongoing commentary and a plethora of facts during your visit. Then enjoy an approximately one-hour scenic drive through the lush Mesopotamia Valley, with its banana, cocoa, nutmeg, coconut, and breadfruit plantations, to Montreal Estate Gardens. Located at approximately 3,017 feet above sea level, the gardens not only feature a collection of exotic flowers and fruit trees but also panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Enjoy approximately one hour of free time to stroll the paths and take in the tranquility. A complimentary beverage is served before returning to the ship.

Board your non-air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 30-minute drive along St. Vincent’s leeward coast to the Vermont Valley. Set out with your guide on an approximately three-quarter-mile hike through the rain forest. Your guide points out the flora and fauna encountered as you travel a narrow and rustic trail winding across the hillside. Although previous hiking experience is not required, the trail includes several inclines and may be slippery. Hikers must negotiate protruding rocks and roots. A complimentary bottle of water is provided during the hike. After your hike relax and enjoy a complimentary beverage before boarding your transportation for the return to the ship.

Board your boat and cruise along the leeward coast, passing bays, old forts, and fishing villages en route to one of the island’s premier snorkeling sites. Receive a snorkel lesson, an orientation, and a safety briefing before enjoying approximately one hour to explore the reef. The reefs are home to hard and soft corals as well as colorful sponges and tropical fish. After your snorkel cruise to a secluded beach where refreshments are served. Snorkeling equipment including snorkel vest, professional instruction, supervision, transportation, and refreshment are included.

Board your sailing catamaran and set sail across the channel separating St. Vincent and Bequia. Enjoy ample time ashore to explore Bequia’s laid-back waterfront dotted with boutiques and restaurants. Board the catamaran and sail past Moonhole, a famous and rather unusual residential community. See very unique Caribbean homes set in amazing rock formations and arches as you sail past. No plans are drawn for the houses; the shape of the finished house is governed by the contours of the land, immovable rocks, and trees. Thus each house develops a personality of its own. The tour continues to Petit Nevis where you can view the historic Whaling Station which is the only one of its kind still operating in the Caribbean. Your captain will then drop anchor at one of his favorite snorkeling spots for those who would like to experience Bequia’s underworld. The final stop is the best beach in Bequia, Princess Margaret Beach, for swimming, relaxation, and a delicious lunch before the return sail to St. Vincent and the ship.