Join classic wooden windjammer Florette for a Caribbean sailing adventure from the island of Guadeloupe to Martinique.
7 Nights: 6 - 13 April 2024
Join the historic tall ship Florette on the island of Guadeloupe as you enjoy authentic Caribbean island hopping to Dominica and Martinique.
This Caribbean sailing holiday adventure certainly has something for everyone, from a traditional tall ship sailing in perfect trade wind conditions to island hopping, wildlife spotting and general tropical island relaxation.
Guadeloupe is an archipelago in its own right with the main butterfly-shaped island surrounded by even more miniature versions of this tropical paradise. The main island is divided by the Salee River home to jungle swamps and connected only by a couple of bridges. Across the islands you’ll find beautiful long stretches of beach, sugar cane fields and the Parc National de la Guadeloupe. A mountainous, jungle-like National Park home to the cascading Carbet Falls and the volcano of La Grande Soufrière. With a plethora of bays, coves and inlets, you won’t be short of picturesque anchorages and swimming opportunities here either.
Florette will be moored or anchored in the picturesque Pointe-à-Pitre, ready to welcome guests aboard. As with all our sailing holidays, Florette will make the most of the Caribbean trade winds sailing and island hopping throughout the Guadeloupe archipelago and the island of Dominica before finishing on the island of Martinique.
The island of Dominica has been formed by its volcanic history and it home to mountainous 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.
The island of Martinique is a delightful cultural blend of french and West Indian influence and a great place to extend your Caribean sailing holiday. Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1502, after a 21-day trade wind passage he christened the island as Martinica. The north of the island is mountainous with an abundance of dense rainforest, home to the active volcano Mont Pelée offering the adventure numerous hiking trails. The beaches in the north are a silvery grey thanks to the fallout of historic volcanic ash while those in the south remain that quintessentially soft white Caribbean sand the islands are known for. The south features steep hills with quaint meandering streets lined with colorful houses. The gardens of La Savane are well worth a visit and the main town of Fort-de-France has many sweet cafes and boutique shops to explore.
From solo travellers to couples to families or friends, there is something for everyone on this Caribbean sailing adventure. An unforgettable and versatile sailing holiday with daily trips to explore ashore, offering a pleasant contrast to the social life on board. Swim, snorkel and kayak in secluded bays with crystal-clear water and miles of soft sandy white beaches.
BOARD CASH (in EUROS OR USD)
Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore. Florette invites you to get involved with her traditional sailing. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands-on-deck approach – which is surely part of the magic to this adventure sailing holiday.
Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors. Nicole is also the boats chef, cooking up fabulous cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.
Florette commands attention wherever she sails with her traditional wooden hull, decoratively carved transom and her impressive sail rig. Sailing with her is part of the magic of this adventure holiday and is a huge part of the experience. There is also fishing gear available which is used to catch fresh fish for supper!
Florette is one of the larger boats in our fleet so she has ample space both above and below decks. Her Captain and family live-aboard but they have their own separate quarters. Guests can enjoy private cabins in combinations of 2-3 berth bunks. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming. For Atlantic crossings and Caribbean voyages only, under 30’s have the chance for a true authentic pirate experience to stay in a hammock! Each hammock will be allocated a seamans chest for any belongings and will strung up in the saloon between 9pm and 8am.
A generous saloon, bar and eating area sit below decks with a traditional wooden finish. Above decks there is a large cushioned area for relaxation, sun-bathing or sleeping beneath the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if this is something you fancy!). An alfresco dining area sits mid-ships, perfect for lunches in the sun or dinners at sunset.
Deshaies, Guadeloupe
Pointe du Bout, Martinique
Guadeloupe is an archipelago in its own right with the main butterfly-shaped island surrounded by even more miniature versions of this tropical paradise. The main island is divided by the Salee River home to jungle swamps and connected only by a couple of bridges. Across the islands you’ll find beautiful long stretches of beach, sugar cane fields and the Parc National de la Guadeloupe. A mountainous, jungle-like National Park home to the cascading Carbet Falls and the volcano of La Grande Soufrière. With a plethora of bays, coves and inlets, you won’t be short of picturesque anchorages and swimming opportunities here either.
Florette will be moored or anchored in the picturesque Pointe-à-Pitre, ready to welcome guests aboard. As with all our sailing holidays, Florette will make the most of the Caribbean trade winds sailing and island hopping throughout the Guadeloupe archipelago and the island of Dominica before finishing on the island of Martinique.
The island of Dominica has been formed by its volcanic history and it home to mountainous 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.
The island of Martinique is a delightful cultural blend of french and West Indian influence and a great place to extend your Caribean sailing holiday. Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1502, after a 21-day trade wind passage he christened the island as Martinica. The north of the island is mountainous with an abundance of dense rainforest, home to the active volcano Mont Pelée offering the adventure numerous hiking trails. The beaches in the north are a silvery grey thanks to the fallout of historic volcanic ash while those in the south remain that quintessentially soft white Caribbean sand the islands are known for. The south features steep hills with quaint meandering streets lined with colorful houses. The gardens of La Savane are well worth a visit and the main town of Fort-de-France has many sweet cafes and boutique shops to explore.
From solo travellers to couples to families or friends, there is something for everyone on this Caribbean sailing adventure. An unforgettable and versatile sailing holiday with daily trips to explore ashore, offering a pleasant contrast to the social life on board. Swim, snorkel and kayak in secluded bays with crystal-clear water and miles of soft sandy white beaches.