Secret Ports of the Caribbean

Published 16th of October 2025 | By Edwina Lonsdale

Cruise Lines:

The Caribbean is a hugely popular cruising destination with an abundance of ships flocking to the islands each winter, filled with guests eager for some winter sun. But if you think the Caribbean is all wall-to-wall cruise ships, crowds of tourists, and over-commercialised towns, a small-ship cruise offers a different perspective. Read on for some of the best secret ports of the Caribbean…

What can I expect on a small ship cruise in the Caribbean?

Despite the Caribbean's popularity, it is still possible to get off the beaten track, and the best way is on a small ship cruise. Small ships can unlock the real Caribbean: easy-going uncrowded islands, hidden ports and marinas away from the main tourist trail, magical secluded beaches, and authentic charm.

On board you can expect personalised and attentive service, an intimate and convivial atmosphere, and many yacht-style ships feature a marina which really comes into its own in the Caribbean with swimming and watersports to be enjoyed straight from the yacht.

Here are some of our favourites hidden ports of the Caribbean and the luxury small ship cruise lines that can take you there.

Find a small ship cruise to the Caribbean

A view of Admiralty Bay, Bequia, a port of call on some small ship Caribbean cruises — A view of Admiralty Bay, Bequia

Terre-de-Haut (Iles des Saintes), Guadeloupe

Les Saintes is a volcanic archipelago in Guadeloupe, a little piece of French paradise in the sunshine, so seek out great food in the vibrant town, hire an electric bike to explore Fort Napoleon, or work up an appetite as you climb Le Chameau for magnificent views. Several luxury small ship cruise lines call into this charming port.

Saba, Netherlands Antilles

This tiny island is home to the highest point in the Netherlands, the top of the dormant Mount Scenery volcano. Sheer cliffs plunge into the surrounding waters, and it boasts the shortest commercial runway in the world so access is no mean feat, but by yacht you can visit with ease. SeaDream Yacht Club and Emerald Cruises are visitors during their range of yacht cruises in the Caribbean.

Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe, a hidden port on small ship Caribbean — Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

Bequia, St Vincent & The Grenadines

Lovely Bequia is a popular call for small ships which anchor in its picturesque harbour, Admiralty Bay. The nation's second largest island, yet only around seven square miles in area, it has a charming intimacy. Hire a local taxi boat to take you to Princess Margaret beach with its soft sand and clear water and while away a lazy morning in the gentle surf. Then, it's off to Mac's for the perfect lunch: his famous lobster pizza.

Staniel Cay, Bahamas

Staniel Cay, in the Bahamian Exumas island chain, is a sandy island paradise of turquoise waters teeming with marine life and, at nearby Pig Beach, swimming pigs who will be delighted to see you. Hopping between these idyllic isles is perfect on a tiny yacht, and SeaDream II is a visitor during its 'Bountiful Bahamas' itineraries.

San Blas Islands, Panama

The San Blas Islands off Panama, mostly uninhabited, are everything you want a desert island to be: fine sand, coconut palms, and crystal-clear waters for snorkelling. The indigenous Guna people control their island paradise, protecting the pristine islands from mass tourism, and you can learn about their traditional culture during your time here. Ponant Explorations' Explorer Yachts are visitors during their Central America and Caribbean itineraries.

Swimming pig in the Bahamas, which you can visit on a small ship Caribbean cruise — Swimming pigs in the Bahamas

Soper's Hole Marina, British Virgin Islands

Soper's Hole Marina, on the western side of Tortola, is arguably one of the most picturesque anchorages in the Virgin Islands. Its facilities are quite sophisticated, and it is well known amongst yachtsmen, but far too small to welcome any but the smallest cruise ship. Visit on board Windstar Cruises' intimate sailing yachts which offer a great choice of itineraries and make use of the marina for water sports straight from the yacht.

Anguilla

This tiny island is home over a hundred restaurants and an incredible 33 beaches, so when you visit you should sample at least one of each! Small ships including the yachts of Windstar Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and SeaDream Yacht Club are visitors and tend to anchor off Sandy Ground, with its long, curved beach dotted with beach bars and restaurants. Another option is Ponant Explorations' tiny 32-guest Le Ponant offering an almost private yacht experience.

Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua might get most of the cruise traffic and glory with its 365 beaches, but Barbuda is a rarely visited gem. Emerald Cruises' yacht Emerald Azzurra sails to Barbuda where you have the opportunity to visit the island's beautiful pink sand beach and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, home to one of the largest colonies of frigate birds in the world, and over 170 bird species in total.

Pink sand beach in Barbuda, a unusual port on Caribbean cruises — Pink sand beach in Barbuda

Canouan Island, St Vincent & The Grenadines

Canouan Island may seem unassuming, but it is a hidden hideaway for the rich and famous and home to several exclusive ultra-luxury resorts. No cars, wonderful beaches and stunning scenery make this island extra special, and for a great perspective, climb Mount Royal for panoramic views. The stylish yachts of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection visit on select Caribbean itineraries.

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Isla de Vieques, just off the coast of Puerto Rico, has all the charm of the Caribbean of the past: beautiful, uncrowded and welcoming, with amazing wildlife including Paso Fino horses roaming free. And if that's not enough, the world-famous Mosquito Bay is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. If you'd like to experience this magical island for yourself, Emerald Cruises' third yacht, Emerald Kaia, visits in her 2027/28 season.

Meet the Author

Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Cruising. Most recently she's cruised on Windstar and has also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, SeaDream, Ponant, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions. Her favourite destination is the Galapagos however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Danube, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, Brahmaputra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and the Arctic. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine.

More about Edwina

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