Caribbean Islands guided tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Efforts have been made to reduce avoidable flying within the itinerary where practical. Notably, the journey between Dominica and Saint Lucia is undertaken by scheduled fast ferry rather than by air, reducing per person emissions on this sector. The itinerary is also designed geographically to minimise backtracking between islands.

Shared local transport is used throughout the programme, including group airport transfers, guided touring vehicles and the inter island ferry. Traveling as a small group significantly lowers CO2 emissions per person compared with individual travel arrangements.

Human powered activities form part of the experience on several days. These include short hikes at Dark View Falls in Saint Vincent, walking explorations during city tours, optional swimming and snorkelling excursions, and kayaking opportunities in Dominica. In total, low impact or human powered activities feature on approximately five to six days of the itinerary.

Clients are encouraged in pre departure information to travel responsibly by packing reusable water bottles, minimising single use plastics, choosing lower carbon flight options where possible using tools such as Google Flights, and considering extended stays rather than multiple short trips.

Vegetarian options are widely available throughout the Caribbean and can be requested in advance. Most hotels and local restaurants also offer plant based dishes using regional produce such as fresh fruit, vegetables, beans and rice. Meals included on the tour typically feature locally sourced ingredients where available, supporting shorter supply chains and seasonal consumption.

Accommodation partners are selected with preference for internationally recognised properties that operate environmental management practices. Many of the featured hotels, including those within the Curio Collection and Marriott groups, have corporate sustainability programmes covering energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction. Where renewable energy is not confirmed, properties typically implement measures such as linen reuse programmes, low energy lighting and responsible waste management.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Accommodation partners are reviewed as part of our supplier selection process to ensure they demonstrate responsible environmental practices. Priority is given to properties that have policies addressing water conservation, waste reduction, recycling and reduction of single use plastics. Larger international properties used on this itinerary operate formal sustainability frameworks, while smaller boutique hotels typically implement practical local measures such as towel reuse, reduced plastic use and local sourcing.

The itinerary includes visits to important protected natural areas which support conservation through tourism revenue. These include Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica, Shete Boka National Park in Curacao, and Arikok National Park in Aruba. Park entry fees paid by visitors contribute directly to habitat protection, park management and environmental education.

The programme supports nature positive tourism by using local licensed guides for island and nature excursions. These guides are drawn from the local community and provide interpretation on ecosystems, wildlife and conservation challenges, ensuring that tourism income benefits residents while promoting environmental awareness among visitors.

Clients receive responsible travel guidance prior to departure, including advice on reef safe sunscreen, wildlife viewing etiquette, minimising plastic waste, and respecting sensitive marine and coastal ecosystems. Snorkelling activities are conducted in established areas to avoid damage to coral reefs.

Invasive species and habitat pressure are recognised challenges across Caribbean islands. By keeping to established trails, using authorised marine access points and working with licensed local operators, the tour minimises disturbance and helps prevent the accidental spread of invasive organisms between islands.

We continue to explore opportunities to introduce an optional conservation contribution linked to regional marine and coastal protection initiatives as part of the ongoing development of this programme.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

This itinerary has been designed to ensure meaningful economic benefit reaches local communities across the Caribbean. A mix of accommodation types is used. Approximately three of the featured properties are locally owned boutique hotels, including Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in Antigua, Grenadine House in Saint Vincent and Boutique Hotel ’t Klooster in Curacao. These smaller properties retain a higher proportion of tourism revenue within the destination. The remaining hotels are part of international groups but employ predominantly local staff and source goods and services locally.

Local economic impact is further maximised through the consistent use of locally based guides and drivers on every island. All island tours, city visits and nature excursions are operated by resident guides, ensuring tourism income supports in country expertise and small businesses.

The itinerary also encourages spending in community settings such as Port of Spain’s Ariapita Avenue, local beach areas including Buccament Bay and Pinney’s Beach, and market and town visits in Basseterre and Kingstown. Optional purchases of food, crafts and services in these locations provide additional direct benefit to small local vendors.

Marine excursions, ferry services and park visits are operated by regional companies, further supporting the wider Caribbean tourism economy rather than relying solely on international operators.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Across the destinations visited, our ground partners and suppliers employ predominantly local staff. Typically more than 90 percent of operational personnel, including guides, drivers, hotel staff and boat crews, are nationals of the country in which they work, with many drawn directly from nearby communities.

The programme supports inclusive income generation through the use of small local service providers, independent guides and community based tourism services. In several destinations across the Caribbean, women play a significant role in hospitality, guiding and small business ownership, and our partners actively work with these locally run enterprises wherever possible.

All contracted partners are expected to comply with national labour laws and pay at least the legal minimum wage in their respective countries. During supplier vetting we prioritise operators who demonstrate fair employment practices and safe working conditions.

We, along with our operating partners maintain a clear commitment to equal opportunities employment. Suppliers are selected on the basis that they do not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, nationality, religion or sexual orientation, and we encourage inclusive workplace practices across our supply chain.

This trip is LGBTQ+ friendly. The destinations included are established Caribbean tourism locations that welcome international visitors, and our local partners are experienced in hosting diverse travelers in a respectful and professional manner.

Due to the multi island nature of the itinerary, the use of small boats, uneven terrain at waterfalls and national parks, and steps at certain natural sites, this programme is generally not suitable for travelers with significant mobility limitations. However, alternative arrangements may be possible on selected days and can be discussed on a case by case basis.