Starting in Le Marin, Martinique, this 12-day Caribbean adventure aboard the historic ‘Oosterschelde’ promises exploration and tranquillity. Swim in the bay before setting sail southward through the Grenadines.
Discover Carriacou’s coral reefs, Grenada’s lush rainforests, and Saint Lucia’s iconic Pitons. Hike through Dominica’s untouched jungles and dive in Guadeloupe’s Jacques Cousteau Reserve. This voyage blends vibrant cultures, stunning nature, and the thrill of traditional sailing.
Returning to Martinique, enjoy your final day at sea before disembarking, with excellent onward travel connections from Le Marin’s international airport.
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Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Board the ‘Oosterschelde’ in Martinique’s picturesque Le Marin.
12 days of Caribbean sailing.
Explore Carriacou’s reefs and beaches.
Hike Grenada’s rainforest trails.
Climb Saint Lucia’s Pitons for stunning views.
Discover Dominica’s unspoiled jungles and waterfalls.
Your journey begins in the tranquil bay of Le Marin, Martinique, a picturesque harbour with vibrant Creole culture, charming streets, and a selection of cafes and boutiques to explore before boarding. Arriving at the sheltered anchorage, you’ll take the dinghy to reach the magnificent ‘Oosterschelde,’ where the crew will welcome you aboard. After meeting the captain and your fellow sailors, enjoy a light dinner and an introduction to life on this historic vessel.
Day 1 In the sheltered bay near the village of Le Marin, the ‘Oosterschelde’ awaits you. The ship is anchored, and our crew will bring you aboard using the dinghy. You will meet the captain and fellow passengers and enjoy a light dinner together. The crew will familiarize you with the ship, and the captain or first mate will explain the plans for the upcoming sailing journey.
Day 2 After a refreshing morning swim in the bay, it’s time to depart. For the first time, you will help hoist the sails and feel the trade winds propel the ship through the deep blue waters. We sail south, passing Saint Vincent and the many islands of the Grenadines, towards our destination, Carriacou.
Day 3 Carriacou is part of the Grenadines archipelago but belongs to Grenada. This small island is known for pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. Nicknamed the “Land of Reefs,” Carriacou boasts abundant coral reefs surrounding the island, offering excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Day 4 After breakfast, we sail further south to the island of Grenada. Part of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Grenada is the world’s ninth-smallest country and offers much to explore. You can hike through the mountainous rainforest interior, passing numerous waterfalls, or dive into the Underwater Sculpture Park, one of the largest and most impressive collections of underwater sculptures in the world. Spice plantations reveal why Grenada is also known as the “Spice Island.”
Day 5 Today we sail north, with Saint Lucia as our destination. By late afternoon, we drop anchor near Soufrière. This mountainous island offers not only a very pleasant climate but also lush nature and stunning sandy beaches. The area around Soufrière and the volcanic plugs, known as the “Pitons,” is particularly striking.
Day 6 Today we climb the Pitons. From the summit, you’ll have a beautiful view of the sea, where the ‘Oosterschelde’ is anchored below.
Day 7 Our next destination is the island of Dominica, where we will anchor in the bay near Rousseau in the late afternoon.
Day 8 Dominica is the largest and most mountainous island of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. Still relatively untouched by mass tourism, it offers a unique experience. Today, you may choose to join a guided hike across the island. Along the way, the guide will introduce you to local fruits and spices and lead you to a natural pool beneath a jungle waterfall for an unforgettable swim!
Day 9 The next destination is Guadeloupe, a French overseas department. This island is an archipelago consisting of two main islands – Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre – separated by a narrow strait, as well as several smaller islands. Guadeloupe offers a blend of French and Caribbean influences, creating a unique atmosphere.
Day 10 Over a quarter of the island is designated as a National Park. Nature enthusiasts can spend the day exploring the park, climbing the La Soufrière volcano, or walking through lush rainforests. Snorkelers and divers are encouraged to visit the Jacques Cousteau diving site, often regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
Days 11 – 12 After a refreshing morning swim in the warm waters near Guadeloupe, we head back toward the French island of Martinique. Enjoy a memorable final day of sailing before we anchor in the bay of Le Marin in the late afternoon. The next morning, after breakfast, you will disembark. Martinique has an international airport with excellent connections to various airports in Europe and North America.
Start & End Port
Le Marin, Martinique
Le Marin, on the Southern tip of Martinique, boasts a rich history. Visit the Église Saint-Étienne, an 18th-century church overlooking the harbour. For more, explore nearby Fort-de-France and the Schoelcher Library, which highlights Martinique’s cultural evolution.
The town is a haven for food lovers. Try fresh seafood dishes such as grilled lobster, Creole curries, and accras (fried fish fritters).
Kit List
What to pack for a sailing holiday on Oosterschelde
Included
Sailing Instruction
Safety Equipment (life jackets and harnesses)
All meals to including refreshments throughout the day
Duvet, pillow and sheets
Hand towels
What is not Included
Waterproof jackets and trousers
Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board
What to Bring
Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.
Oosterschelde does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
Oosterschelde has European 2 pin sockets 240 V
Cameras, chargers and video recorders
Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
Euros for bar bill
Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.
Review
Hobart to Christchurch New Zealand
Oosterschelde OS121224 Voyage Feedback
Hi Adam
On the plus, the crew including Captain and cook were excellent. I saw orca whales, dolphins and various birds. Grant, the ornithologist researcher gave a couple of talks which I thoroughly enjoyed. There was a Christmas meal onboard (see photo below) which was nice. There was a mix of weather from strong winds and rain to days when the wind was absent so the ship had to motor.
As a relative novice sailor compared to the more experienced sailors, I found one or two days when the night watches coincided with these rough conditions challenging to maintain a footing.
I found the break when the ship docked for 2 days at Bluff a welcome relief from sailing and a chance to explore ashore at Invercargill.
I am glad I went on the voyage as I knew it would be a challenge. This would suit the more experienced sailor. However I would still give it 5 out of 5 even though I was not completely suited to it.
Frank
Great trip on a wonderful ship. Crew were very friendly, helpful and professional. The passengers were also very friendly and a real mix of interesting people. I had a great first time on a big sailing ship.
At the Helm
Steve H - July 2023
Cape Verde & Caribbean Crew
Together with my husband Bert we were on the trip around the Cape Verde on the Oosterschelde and had a great time. The crew was fantastic and very friendly. They showed us what has to be done to sail a beautiful ship like this. Made some new friends among the passengers and it was a trip I will not forget for a long while. And who knows when we will meet again. Thanks" Jenny H E. from NL
I've just completed my fourth voyage in four years and it was like a big family holiday! Familiar faces welcomed us aboard, we met up with guests and friends from previous voyages and the islands that we visited in the French West Indies were beautiful. The best part of the voyage was our last sailing day when the "lunatics took over the asylum". Maarten let the guest crew sail the Oosterschelde from St Lucia to Martinique (while keeping an eye on us to make sure that neither we or the ship were in danger) It was hard work but safe to say that I learned a lot more on that day, having to think about what I was doing, rather than just being told what to do. We are just about to book our next voyage" Richard D. British Columbia
What was the best bit? Variety of sailing and the islands visited.
What was the worst bit? One rough passage.
Why do you sail? We enjoy the technicalities of sailing a large vessel and the passage planning involved. We generally enjoy off-shore sailing.
Any other comments The skipper and crew were very friendly, helpful and informative. Accommodation and food was very good.- Phillip B - Cape Verde
Ocean Passages
Credit to Robbin Conner - Oosterschelde Ocean Crossing from Cape Verde to Rotterdam
Canada Tall Ships Race Participants
So happy to have sailed from Miramichi to Quebec! So good to be on this beautiful grand old lady with only nice and funny people. Miss you all! And for this moment especially Richards' breakfast. Thank you so much Jenny Edward Richard Jan-Willem Jurriaan and Maarten, and all the other guests for this wonderful and amazing time. Love and hugs xxx Ernst and Ellen V.
The dream come true! What a georgous trip I had between Québec and Halifax! A part of me will be onboard forever... Il will be back to you, most beautiful ship of the world! I will be back, Oosterschelde! What a crew! What a captain! Marteen, I could write a novel with you as the major character! You are an amazing guy, a good, a great man! Your team is fantastic! I am now back ashore but... "I must go down to sea again... "
" C'est pas l'homme qui prend la mer
C'est la mer qui prend l'homme "
Pierre-Luc. Canada
Now is the hour that I must say goodbye, soon you'll be sailing far across the sea. We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when. Maybe in the south pacific or around Cape Horn. Captain Arian, I would sail anywhere in the world with you, your crew and Oosterschelde. Warren C. New Zealand
The Word from European Voyages
Just sailed on the Oosterschelde across the North Sea to the Netherlands! Great taste of sailing would recommend to anyone who is thinking of dipping their toe in. Loved every second of it, hauling ropes out in the elements (mainly with the Sun on my back) rolling around in the middle of the North Sea on the deck of an authentic lovely Dutch schooner brilliant! A life changing experience of the open sea, next stop RYA competent crew! Many thanks to Adam and Classic Sailing for all the arrangements at such short notice and thanks too to all the crew for looking after me and feeding me so well. Be warned though life ashore afterwards can seem very hum-drum." Rex aka Steve W
I want to thank the crew for the three magnificent days passed on board, between "Golfe du Morbihan" and "Le Havre". I sailed on numerous occasions on about ten different ships, and this sailing on Oosterschelde is the best experience I ever had. I was impressed by the good performances of the ship, and by the way the crew adjusts sails permanently so that the ship always gives the best ; it was an immense pleasure to participate of my best in all these operations. I regret that our different languages did not allow us to communicate more, because all the crew members were really very nice and very thoughtful with us. I have now only an envy: to embark again on Oosterschelde, to be on the deck to participate in the laborers of sails, to climb on the mast to help the crew, and to share again these excellent moments given by sailing on Oosterschelde !!! " Excuse my bad English, Gilbert P. Vernon, France
Vessel Gallery
Three Masted Topsail Schooner Oosterschelde in action and images. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.
