Our Top 3 Selects for the Best Places to Hike in the
Netherlands Antilles, West Indies, and British Virgin Islands
Did you know? The Caribbean has more to offer than pristine beaches and watersports. Lush and green vegetation along with mountainous terrains present the perfect landscape for excellent hiking. Many islands offer ample opportunities for independent exploration. Lace-up your best hiking shoes and prepare yourself for encountering unspoiled nature as you visit some of the region’s most beautiful destinations in the Netherlands Antilles, West Indies, and British Virgin Islands.
Saba, Netherlands Antilles
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This Dutch Caribbean island features robust opportunity to hike. Most of the island’s trails are the original footpaths used for hundreds of years before roads on the island were built, offering a variety of hiking and nature trails over diverse terrains from tide pools up to Mt, Scenery, Saba's cloud forest. Saba National Park alone offers five hiking trails, all of which are carefully maintained by the Saba Conservation Foundation.
St. Lucia, West Indies
The gem of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, St. Lucia shines for hiking opportunities. For hilly rainforest hiking, St. Lucia delivers a mix of both relaxing walks and strenuous treks. Of course, no St. Lucia outing is complete without climbing the majestic Pitons, one of the most iconic destinations in the Caribbean.
Totola, British Virgin Islands
A landscape defined by lush mountains, hidden harbors, and sweeping plains provides the backdrop of your day on Tortola. Hiking trails can be spied all over the island—its Mount Sage National Park is home to seven alone. The Trellis Bay Beach Walk, a 4-mile out-and-back trail near Tortola, is also great for running and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll find many others out and about on your refreshing meandering.
One Journey, Many Adventures
For those who wish to linger longer and explore more, SeaDream offers inviting Yachting Land Adventures (YLAs) in select destinations that highlight the best hiking spots and trails in the Dutch Caribbean, West Indies, and British Virgin Islands.
Saba, Netherlands Antilles
YACHT LAND ADVENTURE RECOMMENDATION
This Caribbean paradise is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Due to this fact, Saba is the location of the tallest, or highest point/elevation of the Netherlands, even though it is a few thousand miles away from its European homeland. With an estimated local population of just over 2,000 people, Saba is now primarily supported by eco-tourism, including diving, hiking, and climbing its mountainous terrain.
If you like a good workout in beautiful natural surroundings, the Hiking the Crispeen Track YLA is for you! Enjoy some of Saba's unspoiled beauty with this memorable hike. Named for Saint Crispeen, the patron saint of shoemakers, this vigorous trail starts at the little town known as The Bottom. From the tender pier, you get to the starting point by a local taxi van and set out with your local nature guide. The guide will point out the island flora as the trail leads you through the rainforest, across fields, and over a forest ridge. The trail continues through pastureland, highlighting views of The Bottom and secondary rainforest until it meets with the Mt. Scenery Trail. From this point, a downhill trek of about 300 steps brings you to the town of Windward side, where you will have some free time to buy a refreshment or do some shopping before returning to the yacht.
Soufriere Bay, St. Lucia
YACHT LAND ADVENTURE RECOMMENDATION
Soufriere, a small town on the southwest coast of St. Lucia, is considered by many as the island’s gem. The town and the surrounding region has a population of 8,000. Originally founded by the French, it was the original capital of the island. Soufriere has a great deal to offer visitors including coral reefs, the rainforest, Diamond Falls, the sulfur springs, a “drive-in” volcano, and the ever-popular and majestic twin pitons.
With the Stairway to the Piton’s YLA, depart the Soufriere dock for a short drive through the town of Soufriere to the Tet Paul Nature Trail. Tet Paul Nature Trail is a guided hike providing many stunning photo opportunities. Culture, history, exotic horticulture, and spectacular landscapes can all be found on this tour. The views from the Tet Paul Nature Trail have been described as absolutely heavenly. From the majestic Pitons to the far away island of St. Vincent, you can see from points along the trail. The gorgeous Southern side of St. Lucia, including Jalousie Bay, is easily visible along the way. You can even see Fond Gens Libre, Choiseul, Maria Island, and the town of Vieux Fort. The trail is lined with traditional medicinal plants and trees. Also, in residence are several species of exotic fruit trees. After you have completed the trail, spend some relaxing time enjoying local refreshments and snacks, before heading back to the Soufriere docks and your yacht.
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
YACHT LAND ADVENTURE RECOMMENDATION
Explore the British Virgin Islands on a scenic open-air jeep adventure and hike, from the hills of Mount Healthy through bamboo fields and a pineapple farm with a refreshing stop and returning to Cane Garden Beach.
Your journey commences with a thrilling drive along the picturesque south shore, culminating in an ascent to the historic site of Mount Healthy. Here, amid the enchanting sugar mill ruins, you embark on a guided hike through lush bamboo fields and a delightful pineapple farm. Along the way, take a moment to savor a refreshing fruit drink.
This tour seamlessly combines adventure and natural beauty, providing a window into the island's unspoiled landscapes, captivating flora, and abundant fauna. After your exhilarating exploration, return to the idyllic Cane Garden Beach to reunite with your awaiting yacht, ensuring a memorable and well-rounded island adventure.
Are you ready to experience the secluded islands and playful yachting harbors of the Caribbean? SeaDream provides you with an intimate view of these destinations unlike any other boutique travel line. Click here to check availability and reserve your next voyage.