We start with a minibus ride through Castries, learning about the city's history along the way. Then we head up into the mountains, but before venturing into the island's interior we enjoy one last sweeping view over the city, the harbor and the Governor-General's residence, the House of Government.

In a small fishing village we make a 30-minute stop and pick up local island specialties like banana ketchup. We pass through beautiful villages, the rainforest, and finally reach Soufrière.

The so-called "Drive-In Volcano" Soufrière is unique with its drivable crater. The last major eruption blasted away about a third of the mountain, creating the entrance.

We leave our bus and walk a few hundred meters through the still-active crater. Boiling water pools and bubbling mud pits line the path. Sulfurous mist hangs in the air.

After this hike, we stop for lunch at a nearby open-air restaurant set right in the middle of the jungle, with a gloriously tropical garden.

The tour continues to the town of the same name and its harbor. On board the catamaran, the obligatory rum punch is served first.

We sail into a beautiful bay with a small reef and enjoy a wonderful snorkeling session. The catamaran then takes us back along the coast to Castries. We arrive about 15 minutes late, but the ship is still waiting. Luckily, we had booked this tour on board the Adventure — otherwise we would have had to make our own way to Antigua.

Continue in the travel report: Runaway Beach on Antigua.