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Any marine biologist who has ever spent time researching in the Leeward Islands, will attest to the fact that few ecosystems can match its abundance and variety of coral and marine life. From the minute we cast off from St. Martin, we’re struck by the natural beauty of green volcanic peaks towering out of translucent blue waters. As we chart a course to Ile Fourche, sneak a peek overboard and catch a glimpse of the sea turtles, rays, anemones, and sponges we will soon study.

You could spend a lifetime just mapping the diversity of fish found at the St. Barts Marine Park, a jewel of the Caribbean, but alas we only have 25-days and many more islands to cover. As we head into the mangroves and turtle grass of St. Kitts and take a half day to hike into the crater of “The Quill,” a dormant volcano on the Dutch isle of Statia, we start to form clearer understanding of how this entire island chain functions as a single ecosystem.

“If you have the opportunity to do one of these trips, do it. Make it happen, it will be the best decision you have ever made.” — Kayla Lusnia Longmeadow, MA

As our surveying techniques get stronger and our understanding of marine environments deepens, we begin to believe that we could devote our entire lives to safeguarding their future. Natural beauty, like that found on Saba (our last port) won’t survive without the help of marine biologists like you.

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The Leeward Islands

Sail from St. Martin to fringing and artificial reefs, diverse ecosystems and dramatic pinnacles.

Marine bio neophytes and experts alike find a bounty of riches on the Caribbean’s best dive sites, most dramatic marine parks and memorable islands.

Ile Fourche
Hike to the summit of this uninhabited island to look over vast Caribbean. Then plunge down into a protected and pristine dive site.

Saba
Pristine, bio-diverse marine parks with pinnacles that jut right out of the sea. The best diving anywhere in the Caribbean.

St. Barts
St. Barts is a Caribbean fantasy come true: crystal blue waters, thriving underwater ecosystems, and Caribbean joie de vivre.

St. Kitts
The diving enters a new realm on this green island that is home to black sand beaches and flourishing reefs.

St. Martin
In Grand Case bay, soak up crystal blue waters and a mile and a half beach with the finest white sand your feet have ever felt.

Statia
On St. Eustatius (Statia), discover a wealth and diversity of wreck dives. Hike into the crater of “The Quill” volcano.