Highlights of the Caribbean with Silversea

Comprising thousands of idyllic islands and bays, there is nothing quite like sailing to the Caribbean and Silversea offers plenty of itineraries to this tropical region, venturing into the ports where larger ships simply cannot reach and offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences to last forever.

Each port is a sensational snippets of the lifestyle and local gems on offer, with Silversea opening your eyes to the world of wonders across the sparkling jewellery box that is the Caribbean.

Silversea’s Caribbean charms

With over 7,000 islands across the Caribbean to choose from, Silversea has selected some of the most intimate and isolated islands to visit during a Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Quite a few of the Silversea fleet visit the Caribbean including the expedition ship Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper and Silver Wind.

Aside from the popular regions and resorts of the Bahamas, Barbados and Cuba – Silversea has sought out the hidden gems and best-kept secrets of the Caribbean, where guests can enjoy immersive sailings and unforgettable excursions.

Northern Caribbean

There are a few iconic islands which Silversea visits across the northern regions of the Caribbean. Though it may not be as abundant in ports when compared to others, the northern regions are not to be missed when exploring the Caribbean with Silversea.

The main attraction here is the Bahamas where you explore the capital, Nassau, and head off on excursions such Bahamas diving trips. However, there are plenty of minuscule moments to experience on the more idyllic and sometimes uninhabited islands of this region.

The islands of North and South Bimini are often visited by Silversea at the beginning or end of a Caribbean itinerary, due to its close proximity to Miami – about 50 miles. Here, guests can enjoy a half-day excursion snorkelling to the SS Sapona shipwreck or charter their own boat for a day, fishing in the Caribbean sea and enjoying an unforgettable stingray encounter.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Silversea also docks at Conception Island, a completely uninhabited and protected island under the Bahamas National Land and Sea Park. It’s an important nesting location for seabirds and green turtles, offering guests the opportunity to see hatching sites and wild dolphins.

Just south of here are the Turks and Caicos Islands, with Grand Turk featuring on several Silversea Caribbean itineraries. The island is a firm-favourite for divers due to the 7,000-foot-deep coral wall which drops down only 300 yards out to sea. Silversea excursions here offer guests the chance to explore it for themselves with catamaran and snorkelling adventures, as well as unforgettable experiences swimming and running along the beaches with horses from the local Indigenous Horse Shelter.

Eastern Caribbean

Possibly one of the more popular regions which Silversea visits on a Caribbean cruise, the eastern Caribbean hosts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and islands.

While Silversea still visits the favourites: Bridgetown, St. Barts, the Virgin Islands and St. Lucia – there are still plenty hidden gems to uncover when sailing on-board.

One of these gems is the wallflower island, Anguilla. Situated along the far eastern point of the Caribbean islands, Anguilla is the quiet resident among the more popular ports of the Caribbean. Its palm trees and pristine waters make it the perfect secluded spot to explore away from the tourist hives of the larger, more popular ports.

A little south, Guadeloupe stretches across two large islands, with multiple islets dotted along the coastline. One of these is a Silversea port, Îles des Saintes, which is part of a small group among some of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled destinations. Of the eight islands, only two are inhabited: Terre-de-Bas and Terre-de-Haut. While here, Silversea offers excursions including clear-bottom kayak rides along the coral reef, hikes to the top of Mount Morel or visits to the Rum House for samples of vintage rums and rich chocolates.

Another group of islands which Silversea sets sail to is St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This chain of 32 islands, of which only nine are inhabited, is teeming with turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and luxurious hideaways. Silversea sails to the port of Bequia in Port Elizabeth, which is surrounded by hills and lush forests giving Bequia its name after the Caribbean meaning ‘island of the cloud’. Excursions here include hiking through the verdant forest or visiting the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary.

Southern Caribbean

With many islands nestled along the coast of South America, Silversea’s sailings to this region often feature ports of call in Panama and Costa Rica.

Lesser known destinations include the port of Kralendijk on the island of Bonaire, where Silversea visits this prime dive destination for snorkelling tours and wildlife spotting. Enjoy diving beneath the surface and exploring the microcosms of the marine world, breathing life into the complex landscapes of colourful coral and its crystal-clear waters. Bonaire is also home to copious natural wonders, with one favourite being the Lac Bay and National Park where local guides point out flamingos and herons wandering through the mangroves.

Close to the coast of Venezuela, Curaçao appears on many Silversea Caribbean itineraries. Willemstad is the cruise line’s choice for Curaçao, visiting the island for its diverse history and colourful architecture. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its extensive colonial background and history as a port town, making it a delight for culture vultures.

Western Caribbean

For the western region of the Caribbean, two details feature heavily: ancient civilisations and adventure. Many ports are situated close to Mexico and Costa Rice, with other regions including the legendary Jamaica and its kaleidoscopic beauty.

However, more unknown destinations of western Caribbean include Roatan Island, the ultimate in bliss and largest of the Bay Islands, off the coast of Honduras. Here, Silversea docks on the western side of the island for excursions including deep sea fishing, shark diving and guided nature treks in search of native monkeys and iguanas.

A little further north, San Andrés and Providencia in Colombia also feature on numerous Silversea Caribbean sailings. This archipelago combines isolated beaches, unspoiled coral reefs and distant cultures effortlessly. Silversea offers a breadth of excursions to discover this destination, including a journey on-board a Nautilus semi-submarine encountering the undersea beauty and a historic tour of Hoya Soplador, San Luis Area and Morgan’s Cave for unforgettable natural beauty.

Set sail to the Caribbean with Silversea

For further information on cruising to the Caribbean with Silversea add a comment in the box below or call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 202 6105 for award-winning advice and expert assistance with your booking.