It’s no surprise that the Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world – who can resist the call of turquoise waters, swaying palms, and sugar-white sand? And sailing on a smaller ship is the secret to the ultimate Caribbean island-hopping experience. Unlike larger ships, Seabourn’s smaller, ultra-luxury vessels can give you access to the best boutique yacht harbors in the Caribbean. Here are three favorite boutique ports for your next Caribbean adventure.

Trois Ilets, Martinique

The French Island of Martinique is a colorful and alluring island located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, known for its diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located just across the bay from the capital city of Fort-de-France, the town of Trois Ilets is home to some of the island’s most popular attractions, and a great place to explore Martinique’s vibrant waters, lush mountains, and fascinating history. To learn about the early days of Martinique’s colonial history, visit nearby La Pagerie, the plantation (now a museum) that was the childhood home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s first wife and Empress, Josephine de Beauharnais. Trois Ilets is also a perfect place to while away the hours on a beautiful beach and discover quaint wine bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to buy some local spices and try some of the island’s Creole cuisine that fuses French and African influences, including the cod fritters known as Accras de Morue and Colombo de Martinique, a delicious lamb stew with coconut milk and a unique blend of spices.

Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

Terre-de-Haut is the jewel of Iles des Saintes, an archipelago of nine tiny islets off the southern coast of Guadeloupe that is, like Martinique, a part of France. The island was settled by the French in the 1600s and the blend of French and Guadeloupean/Creole cultures give the island a vibrant identity all its own. This is the unhurried Caribbean you dream about. Stroll the streets and say ‘Bonjour’ to quaint bungalows, charming boutiques, and restaurants serving traditional Guadeloupean cuisine, including ceviche and crêpes de poisson (fish crepes). Tourment d’Amour (meaning “torment of love”) is a must-try homemade treat sold by local street vendors. The pastry, filled with a mixture of fruit, coconut, sugar, and vanilla and baked until caramelized, is a one-of-a-kind treat. For a taste of the culture and history of Terre-de-Haut, visit the Église de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, a beautiful church built in the 19th century, and Fort Napoleon, an early 19th century landmark built to protect the French from invaders.

Soper’s Hole (Frenchman’s Cay), British Virgin Islands (BVI)

When your ship sails to the West End of Tortola and settles in at the harbor of Soper’s Hole, you’ll have arrived at one of the most picturesque yacht anchorages in the British Virgin Islands. Soper’s Hole is named after a 17th-century pirate who allegedly used the harbor as a hideout. The marina is set in an intimate cove behind Frenchman’s Cay, with a stunning backdrop of tropical mountains. Soper’s Hole has a laid-back ambience and all the quaint charm you could want, with pastel buildings that reflect British colonial influences as well as West Indian heritage. You’ll find a lovely variety of shops and cafes, as well as restaurants serving the freshest local seafood and BVI specialties like goat water stew, jerk BBQ, and fish soup. Opportunities for outdoor activities abound, including diving tours, kayaking, stand-up paddle board rentals, and a bike tour to Road Town.

Plus, enjoy Seabourn complimentary events in idyllic settings.

Admiralty Bay on the under-the-radar island of Bequia in the Grenadines is a pristine spot where you can enjoy a Seabourn favorite – Marina Day®*. Your ship’s captain will deploy the unique retractable marina platform to bring you a sun-kissed day like no other, with complimentary water sports including kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling, donut rides, and more.

Experience Seabourn’s complimentary signature event Caviar in the Surf®* at gorgeous Carambola Beach in St. Kitts and Nevis or in Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic. Sip Champagne and savor caviar from a floating surfboard bar in crystal clear waters. Then enjoy a lavish lobster beach barbecue with festive Caribbean music in the air and the entire beach exclusively for Seabourn guests.

There’s no time like the present to discover diverse cultures, postcard-worthy beaches, and vibrant rhythms in locations where bigger ships can’t go. Let Seabourn’s luxury ships, with their private yacht-like atmospheres, take you on a blissful voyage off the beaten path.

*Weather and conditions permitting