Northern Islands Expedition
Northern Caribbean sailing voyage aboard Aurelia Blue: a longer island-hopping route from Martinique to Dominica, Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, designed for guests who want to combine memorable sailing days with some of the most varied islands in the Eastern Caribbean.
Northern Caribbean sailing voyage aboard Aurelia Blue: a longer island-hopping route from Martinique to Dominica, Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, designed for guests who want to combine memorable sailing days with some of the most varied islands in the Eastern Caribbean.
This route blends the volcanic green of Dominica, the charm of the Îles des Saintes, hot springs and anchorages in Guadeloupe, the harbours and reefs of Antigua and the wild beaches of Barbuda into one extended sailing journey aboard Aurelia Blue.
Voyage Dates & Prices
📅 31 Jan – 21 Feb 2027 — €2690 pp
📅 25 Feb – 18 Mar 2027 — €2690 pp
📅 08 Apr – 29 Apr 2027 — €2490 pp
⛵ 22 Days
🏝️ Six Island Nations
🤿 Reefs, Hot Springs & Wildlife
⛵ Longer Island-Hopping Adventure
What to Expect
This Northern Caribbean sailing voyage combines lush volcanic islands, French-Caribbean anchorages, reef-fringed bays and a handful of longer sailing legs into one varied island-hopping route.
Expect a journey that feels different from beginning to end: sunset departures from Martinique, green anchorages in Dominica, French-Caribbean charm in the Îles des Saintes, hot springs and coastal villages in Guadeloupe, classic yachting harbours in Antigua and the wild pink-sand beauty of Barbuda.
Voyage Highlights
🌋 Dominica’s rainforests, rivers and island excursions
♨️ Hot springs and anchorages in Guadeloupe
⚓ Antigua’s harbours, reefs and sailing history
🩷 Barbuda’s wild beaches and remote island atmosphere
A Northern Caribbean Route Through Dominica, Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda
This Northern Caribbean sailing voyage begins in Anse Mitan, Martinique, one of the most relaxed and comfortable starting points in the French Caribbean. After the first evening on board, Aurelia Blue heads north along the island arc on a route that combines nature, culture, protected anchorages and some longer open-water passages.
The first stop is usually Saint-Pierre in northern Martinique, followed by an early departure for Dominica. After the crossing, the yacht arrives in Portsmouth, where there is time to clear in, settle into island life and enjoy Dominica’s lush interior, rivers, viewpoints and optional excursions. With several nights here, Dominica becomes much more than a quick stop and often turns into one of the most memorable parts of the voyage.
From there, the route continues north to the Îles des Saintes, one of the most charming anchorages in the French Caribbean, before moving on to Bouillante on Guadeloupe, where a swim in the hot springs after arrival is one of the small highlights of the route. A further stop in Deshaies adds another relaxed and very different side of Guadeloupe before the voyage continues on towards Antigua.
In Antigua, the route typically includes Jolly Harbour, English Harbour, Deep Bay and the protected eastern side around the reefs and offshore islands, where shallow turquoise water, wildlife and reef anchorages create a very different atmosphere from the volcanic islands further south. From Antigua, Aurelia Blue continues to Barbuda, where remote anchorages, pink-sand beaches and a much wilder island character make for one of the most special sections of the voyage.
On the return south, the route may include another stop in Guadeloupe for snorkeling around the Jacques Cousteau Reserve, and if time and conditions allow, a final stop in Dominica before sailing back towards Martinique. As with all Aurelia Blue voyages, the exact order of stops and overnight anchorages may vary with weather, sea conditions and the best overall flow of the trip.
Dominica – Rainforest, Rivers and a Wilder Caribbean
Dominica is one of the greenest and most dramatic islands in the Caribbean. Portsmouth offers access to rivers, waterfalls, viewpoints and local excursions, while the island itself feels less polished and more elemental than many neighbouring destinations.
For guests who enjoy nature, landscapes and a Caribbean island with real character, Dominica is often one of the highlights of the entire route.
Îles des Saintes and Guadeloupe – French-Caribbean Charm and Hot Springs
The Îles des Saintes bring a very different mood to the voyage: a beautiful harbour, small streets, French-Caribbean cafés and one of the prettiest anchorages in the region.
In Guadeloupe, the route combines the warm waters and hot springs of Bouillante with the more relaxed harbour atmosphere of Deshaies and the famous underwater world of the Jacques Cousteau Reserve.
Antigua – Harbours, Reefs and Classic Caribbean Sailing
Antigua adds a more open, maritime feel to the route, with established yachting harbours, historic English Harbour, calm anchorages and beautiful reef-fringed bays.
Deep Bay, the eastern side around the reefs and offshore islands, and the calmer waters behind the reef all create a very different sailing experience from the volcanic islands further south.
Barbuda – Remote Beaches and Open Horizons
Barbuda is one of the quietest and most striking parts of the voyage. Pink-sand beaches, shallow water, a sense of space and very little development give the island a remote beauty that feels entirely different from the busier islands along the route.
It is a fitting northern high point before the voyage turns south again.
Good to Know
This is one of our longest Northern Caribbean sailing voyages and is ideal for guests who want to cover more ground while still enjoying the relaxed rhythm of life aboard Aurelia Blue.
The route includes a mix of short scenic day sails and a few more substantial passages between island groups. The reward is exceptional variety: French-Caribbean anchorages, volcanic islands, reef lagoons, hot springs, wildlife, classic sailing harbours and remote beaches all within one voyage.
Because the route covers several island groups and countries, flexibility remains important. Weather, sea conditions, customs procedures and the best overall rhythm of the trip may influence the exact sequence of stops and overnight anchorages.
LIFE ON BOARD AURELIA BLUE
Longer voyages aboard Aurelia Blue are designed to feel relaxed, comfortable and personal rather than demanding or rushed. Guests stay in two comfortable guest cabins, each with its own private bathroom including shower and toilet, and life on board quickly settles into a natural rhythm of sailing, swimming, meals on deck, time ashore and quiet evenings at anchor.
The cockpit offers generous space for long breakfasts, shared dinners and sunset drinks, while the foredeck is a wonderful place to read, sunbathe or simply watch the islands drift by. With plenty of room on board, a proper coffee machine, freshly baked bread or cake from time to time and a yacht equipped for real life afloat, even a longer route like this begins to feel less like travel and more like living comfortably at sea.
On-Board Food & Drinks
On-board food and non-alcoholic drinks are charged at €35 per person per day.
This includes breakfast and dinner prepared on board, as well as the food, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks consumed on board throughout the voyage. We use fresh ingredients wherever possible and plan provisioning with guest preferences, allergies and dietary requirements in mind.
Meals on Aurelia Blue are not about standard charter food. Depending on the route and the rhythm of the voyage, they may also include homemade bread, freshly baked cake and proper coffee on board — small details that make longer days at sea feel much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Restaurant visits ashore are not included in this amount and are paid individually.
Your Caribbean Concierge Service
Before departure, every guest receives a personal questionnaire so we can prepare the voyage as thoughtfully as possible.
This helps us to:
✓ take allergies and dietary requirements into account
✓ plan favourite foods and important preferences wherever possible
✓ assist with travel planning, flights and transfers
✓ answer practical questions before the voyage
✓ share full-resolution photos after the trip
What’s Included
Your voyage price includes accommodation on board, skipper services, use of the yacht and its on-board equipment, and the overall sailing experience as described for this route.
Guests stay in comfortable guest cabins, each with its own private bathroom including shower and toilet, and enjoy life aboard a fully equipped bluewater yacht with snorkeling gear, paddleboards, fishing equipment, bed linen, towels and plenty of space to relax on deck.
Not Included
The voyage price does not include flights, travel insurance, personal expenses ashore, restaurant visits, alcoholic drinks, optional excursions and the on-board food and drinks package.
Shared running costs of the voyage such as fuel, mooring fees, clearance and similar expenses are covered separately through Board Cash of €100 per person per week.
Who Is This Voyage For?
This Northern Caribbean sailing voyage is ideal for guests who enjoy longer island-hopping routes, a little more distance between destinations and the feeling of travelling properly through the Caribbean rather than staying in one small area.
It suits curious travellers, couples, solo guests and sailing-minded adventurers who want to combine beautiful anchorages with a broader route through several island groups. Previous sailing experience is helpful, but not essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Martinique Circular Voyage
Do I need sailing experience?
No. Many of our guests have little or no sailing experience. You are very welcome to take part in sailing activities if you like, but you can just as easily relax and enjoy the journey.
How much can we take part in sailing and maneuvers?
You are welcome to take part in sailing, steering and simple maneuvers if you would like to. At the same time, Aurelia Blue is not a training yacht and this voyage is designed first and foremost to be a beautiful, relaxed and enjoyable Caribbean journey.
How active is this voyage compared with your shorter routes?
Tobago Premium is one of our most relaxed Caribbean routes and a very easy Tobago sailing holiday for guests who prefer shorter sailing days, more time for swimming and snorkeling, and a slower pace throughout the week.
Is this route sailed exactly as shown?
Not always. The overall route is planned as described, but the exact sequence of stops, overnight anchorages and individual detours may vary depending on weather, sea conditions, customs procedures and the best overall flow of the voyage. That flexibility is part of what allows us to make the route work well in practice and keep the journey enjoyable.
What is included in the voyage price?
The voyage price includes accommodation on board, skipper services, use of the yacht and its on-board equipment, and the overall sailing experience described for this route.
How does the on-board food package work?
On-board food and non-alcoholic drinks are charged at €35 per person per day. This includes breakfast and dinner prepared on board, as well as the food, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks enjoyed on board throughout the voyage.
The idea behind this arrangement is to keep life on board simple, comfortable and transparent. Provisioning is planned and organised in advance by the crew, so guests do not lose the first day of the voyage to shopping, and there is no need to track a long list of small everyday galley costs separately. In practice, it makes life on board much easier and gives guests a clearer overview of costs from the beginning.
Meals aboard Aurelia Blue are also not about standard charter catering. Depending on the route and the rhythm of the voyage, they may include homemade bread, freshly baked cake and proper coffee on board — small details that make life aboard feel more personal and much more enjoyable.
Are meals ashore included?
No. Restaurant visits ashore are not included in the on-board food package and are paid individually. During most voyages, we usually enjoy at least one dinner per week ashore in a local restaurant, beach bar or similar setting.
What is Board Cash?
Board Cash covers shared running costs of the voyage such as fuel, mooring fees, clearance and similar common on-board expenses. For this voyage, Board Cash is €100 per person per week.
Can we bring our own alcohol on board?
Yes, of course. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine, beer or spirits on board. We simply ask that alcohol is enjoyed responsibly and with consideration for safety and everyone on board.
How do dietary preferences work?
Before the voyage, every guest receives a questionnaire so we can plan allergies, dietary requirements and food preferences as thoughtfully as possible. We do our best to take these into account wherever possible.
Is smoking allowed on board?
Yes, smoking is possible on board, but only outdoors and with consideration for everyone else on board. We ask guests not to smoke in the seating and dining areas around the cockpit table and only in places where smoke will not disturb other guests.
Is internet available on board?
Optional Starlink internet packages may be available on selected voyages. Please ask us if staying connected during the trip is important for you.
Will I have my own cabin?
Depending on availability and the specific booking, guests can book private cabins or shared accommodation as described in the voyage details. Each guest cabin on Aurelia Blue has its own private bathroom with shower and toilet.
Can I book a cabin for myself even if I am travelling alone?
Yes. Solo guests are very welcome, and if you would prefer to have an entire guest cabin to yourself, this can be arranged subject to availability. In this case, a 60% single-cabin supplement is added to the regular per-person voyage price.
What should I bring?
Lightweight clothing, swimwear, sun protection, personal items and a sense of adventure are usually all you need. We will also provide practical packing advice before departure.
