Amapola_

We're going on the Golden Princess to the Southern Caribbean and, not being beach people (astonishing, I know LOL), I'd love to hear suggestions for things to do on dry land in the following islands:

Barbados -- we'll probably go to Harrison's caves, but are open to all suggestions
St. Lucia
Antigua
St. Maarten -- we'll be there Good Friday and all shops will be closed
St. Thomas

Thanks!!

brenandg

For St Lucia, I recommend a day sail down to Soufriere to see The Pitons and surrounding area. Not to be missed if you are going to St Lucia.

Statia

I would imagine that most things are going to be closed on St. Maarten/St. Martin on Good Friday. You could always take an island taxi tour and have the driver stop at various interesting sights and monuments along the way.

The Butterfly Farm or Loterie Farm might also be open that day.

ejcrowe

For St. Lucia, I definitely second brenandg's suggestion. You'll miss many of not most of St. Lucia's beauties if you don't get down and see the southern part of the island near Soufriere and the Pitons. You can do it by car or jeep, but I think going by boat is more enjoyable and more stunning in its views.

For Antigua, you could do a tour of English Harbor, Nelson's Dockyard, and the Dow Interpretation Center. I believe one fee gains you admittance to all three, and though they will be crowded on cruise ship days, they offer a nice sense of history of the island. It's about 30 minutes away from the ship dock in St. John's.

If you have time in Antigua, Harmony Hall is a great way to spend a day. It's an art gallery combined with an Italian restaurant set on a small cliff overlooking a bay. Lovely setting, and with the price of lunch you can take their boat out to Green Island to snorkel if you wish. It will take about 45 minutes to get there from the dock in St. John's.

ejcrowe

I don't know if not being beach people precludes water sports, but Eli's and Paddles Eco Touris on Antigua are both quite good. It's a combo of kayaking, snorkeling, and lunching on a beach. You can find ample info at www.antiguanice.com.

Amapola_

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll definitely look into the day sail to the Pitons (if it doesn't require getting wet ;-) ). And Nelson's Dockyard is also on our list. Now, kayaking and snorkeling... definitely beach activities .