The Grenadines
The Caribbean the way it used to be.
If the BVI is the Caribbean’s sailing capital, the Grenadines are its soul. This chain of islands, strung like emeralds south of St. Vincent, offers a glimpse into a region before mass tourism. There are no cruise ship terminals here, only coconut palms and wooden schooners. It is a place of dramatic contrasts: from the billionaire exclusivity of Mustique to the rustic, one-road charm of Mayreau. The sailing is real—with brisk trade winds between islands—rewarding those who make the journey with the most authentic experience left in the West Indies.
The Best of St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Basil’s Bar
Britannia Bay, Mustique
An overwater institution that serves as the great equalizer of the Caribbean. Whether you are Mick Jagger or a deckhand, everyone eventually ends up here for the Wednesday night “Jump Up.” It is polished yet unpretentious, offering the best people-watching in the hemisphere over a stiff rum punch.
Happy Island
Clifton Harbour, Union Island
A man-made marvel constructed entirely from discarded conch shells, sitting in the middle of the reef. Accessible only by dinghy, this tiny islet offers a front-row seat to the kitesurfers flying across the harbor. The owner, Janti, serves legendary rum punches that seem to taste better with the sea spray.
Salt Whistle Bay
Mayreau
A geographical wonder where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are separated by a narrow strip of palm-lined sand. It is the visual definition of a tropical paradise. Hike up the hill to the stone church for a panoramic view of the Tobago Cays that will ruin you for all other vistas.
Jack’s Beach Bar
Princess Margaret Beach, Bequia
Tucked away on one of the most beautiful beaches in SVG, Jack’s is the epitome of “eco-chic.” With fresh seafood and excellent cocktails, it offers a refined break from the boat. The water here is so clear that you can watch the fish swimming around your ankles while you wait for your lobster salad.
Mopion
Near Petit St. Vincent
The world’s smallest “island” worth visiting. It is nothing more than a shifting sandbar in the middle of the ocean, adorned with a single thatched umbrella. It is the ultimate castaway fantasy—bring a cooler, drop anchor, and claim your own temporary kingdom before the tide comes in.
Baradal Turtle Sanctuary
Tobago Cays Marine Park
A protected area within the “Horseshoe Reef” where green sea turtles graze on sea grass in shallow, crystal-clear water. Unlike other destinations where sightings are rare, here they are guaranteed. Snorkeling alongside these ancient, gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a humbling and serene experience.
Destination Brief
Best Time to Charter
December to April (Peak/Dry); May to July (Lush, slightly warmer).
Languages spoken
English
Cruising Style
Spirited open-water sailing between islands, tempered by calm, protected anchorages.
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), though USD is widely accepted.
Getting There
Fly into Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St. Vincent or Maurice Bishop International (GND) in Grenada for a one-way charter.
Amazing Itineraries
Discover each itinerary by clicking on the maps above.
Day 1: St. Vincent to Bequia
Sail from Blue Lagoon to the charming Admiralty Bay. The inaugural leg of a premier 7-day sailing itinerary through the Windward Islands.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Blue Lagoon Departure
Begin your journey at the sheltered marina before a two-hour sail across the channel to Bequia.
KEY FEATURES
Admiralty Bay
Anchor in one of the Caribbean’s most protected and picturesque natural harbors, lined with waterfront bars and restaurants.
Day 2: Bequia Exploration
Immerse yourself in the local culture of Port Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Beach.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Reach Relaxation
Spend the afternoon on the golden sands of Princess Margaret Beach, known for its calm water and almond trees.
KEY FEATURES
Port Elizabeth
Stroll the Belmont Walkway to discover vibrant markets, local fruit stalls, and traditional boat building heritage.
Day 3: Bequia to Mustique
Voyage to the world-renowned private island of Mustique.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Island Tour
Explore the island’s unique architecture, celebrity villas, and the stunning views of Macaroni Beach.
KEY FEATURES
Basil's Bar
Enjoy cocktails at this legendary waterfront institution, a favorite hangout of global icons and celebrities.
Day 4: Mustique to Tobago Cays
Enter the pristine waters of the Tobago Cays Marine Park.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Snorkeling with Turtles
Swim with green sea turtles in the protected Baradal Turtle Sanctuary, a shallow area teeming with marine life.
KEY FEATURES
Horseshoe Reef
Explore the massive coral reef that protects like a 1,400-acre crystal-clear lagoon, creating calm water in the middle of the ocean.
Day 5: Tobago Cays to Mayreau
Discover the rustic beauty of Mayreau and its famous crescent bay.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Salt Whistle Bay
Relax in the shallow turquoise waters of one of the world’s most beautiful double-crescent beaches.
KEY FEATURES
Hilltop Views
Hike to the historic stone church at the top of the village for breathtaking panoramic views of the Tobago Cays you just visited.
Day 6: Mayreau to Union Island
Arrive at the mountainous hub of Union Island and the secluded Chatham Bay.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Happy Island
Visit the unique man-made island built from conch shells in the heart of Clifton Harbour.
KEY FEATURES
Chatham Bay
Anchor in this remote, tranquil bay on the western side for a quiet evening under the stars and excellent snorkeling.
Day 7: Union Island to Petit St. Vincent
Conclude your voyage at the ultra-exclusive private island of PSV.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Petit St. Vincent
Experience the peak of Caribbean luxury on this secluded, eco-friendly private resort island.
KEY FEATURES
Final Disembarkation
A seamless transition back to Union Island for departure after a week in paradise.
Day 1: The Gateway to the Grenadines
Depart from the lush, volcanic shores of St. Vincent for a short, bumpy sail to the sailor's paradise of Bequia.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Dive the Devil's Table
Explore one of Bequia’s most easily accessible dive sites, featuring a shallow reef home to seahorses, moray eels, and hawksbill turtles.
KEY FEATURES
Admiralty Bay
Anchor in the picturesque harbor of Port Elizabeth, where the Belmont Walkway leads through colorful markets and local seafood restaurants.
Day 2: The Island of Royalty
Weigh anchor and sail to Mustique, an ultra-exclusive private island famous for its high-profile residents and pristine environment.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Sunset Cocktails at Basil's Bar
Visit this legendary over-water establishment in Britannia Bay for live music and a chance to rub shoulders with the island’s jet-set residents.
KEY FEATURES
Macaroni Beach
Regarded as one of the top beaches in the world, this surf-fed, palm-lined shore offers turquoise waters and absolute exclusion.
Day 3: Luxury in the Central Chain
Travel south to Canouan, an island that combines a "simpler time" charm with five-star modern amenities.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Golf at the Pink Sands Club
Play a round at the 18-hole, par-72 Jim Fazio designed course, where the lush turf offers distractingly beautiful views from the ridge.
KEY FEATURES
Sandy Lane Yacht Club
Dock at Glossy Bay to enjoy Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion dining at Shenanigans in a breathtaking waterfront setting.
Day 4: Mustique to Tobago Cays
Enter the pristine waters of the Tobago Cays Marine Park.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Snorkeling with Turtles
Swim with green sea turtles in the protected Baradal Turtle Sanctuary, a shallow area teeming with marine life.
KEY FEATURES
Horseshoe Reef
Explore the massive coral reef that protects like a 1,400-acre crystal-clear lagoon, creating calm water in the middle of the ocean.
Day 5: Serenity and Spirit
A short motor brings you to Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, offering a rustic and welcoming atmosphere.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Relax at Salt Whistle Bay
Spend the day at this divine, crescent-shaped beach lined with palm trees and likely local rum shacks.
KEY FEATURES
The Old Wall View
Hike 25 minutes to the island’s summit to visit the historic Catholic church for the most famous panoramic view of the Tobago Cays.
Day 6: The Southern Coast
Sail north back toward Bequia, focusing on the breezy and beautiful southern coast and Friendship Bay.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Beach Life at Friendship Bay
Enjoy the buzzy vibe where bands play as the sun sets and local vendors offer freshly grilled lobster.
KEY FEATURES
Traditional Seamanship
Explore the town of Paget Farm and witness the island’s rich heritage of boat building and handcrafted “double-ender” fishing vessels.
Day 7: Return to the Mainland
Complete the loop by returning to St. Vincent to explore the capital and the island's dramatic volcanic landscapes.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Explore the Botanic Gardens
Visit the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere, home to a breadfruit tree brought by Captain Bligh in 1793.
KEY FEATURES
Fort Charlotte
Visit the colonial-era fort perched 600 feet above Kingstown for spectacular views of the harbor and the Grenadine chain you just explored.
Day 1: Grenada to Dragon Bay
Sail north from St. George's to the protected, turquoise waters of Dragon Bay.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park
Snorkel among 75 concrete statues, including “The Lost Correspondent,” a man sitting at a typewriter reading 1970s newspapers.
KEY FEATURES
Marine Conservation
These otherworldly statues serve as artificial reefs, colonized by colorful sponges and endemic fish species.
Day 2: Grenada to Carriacou
Cross to the "Land of Reefs" and anchor in the well-protected Tyrell Bay.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Explore Hillsborough
Take a guided tour to see local rum distilleries, coffee plantations, and the island’s breathtaking mountain views.
KEY FEATURES
Boat Building Tradition
Carriacou is the heart of Grenadine boat building; watch local craftsmen construct traditional wooden vessels by hand.
Day 3: Carriacou to Sandy Island
A short hop to a pristine atoll consisting of nothing but white sand, palm trees, and crystalline water
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Snorkel the Nature Reserve
Drift over shallow reefs teeming with brain coral, elkhorn coral, and over 500 species of tropical fish.
KEY FEATURES
Paradise Beach Club
Across the bay, indulge in excellent food and vibrant island vibes with a complimentary water taxi service.
Day 4: Union Island to Tobago Cays
Enter the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a sea lover's paradise of five uninhabited islets.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Swim with Green Turtles
Visit the Baradal Turtle Reserve to snorkel alongside green and hawksbill turtles grazing on seagrass.
KEY FEATURES
Horseshoe Reef
This massive reef protects a 1,400-acre lagoon, creating a ‘natural aquarium’ of calm waters and vivid coral life.
Day 5: Tobago Cays to Mayreau
A short sail to the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, famous for its sweeping views and pristine beaches.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Salt Whistle Bay
Relax in the shallow turquoise waters of one of the world’s most beautiful double-crescent beaches.
KEY FEATURES
Catholic Church Lookout
Hike to the historic stone church at the top of the village for breathtaking panoramic views of the Tobago Cays.
Day 6: Tobago Cays to Petite Martinique
Sail to Petite Martinique, an island that captures the untouched essence of local Caribbean life.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Artisan Exploration
Visit the quiet streets to engage with local artisans and watch fishermen bring in the daily catch.
KEY FEATURES
Island Culture
Join locals in traditional card games like ‘All Fours’ at one of the island’s famous beachside rum shops.
Day 7: Return to Grenada
A final sail back to St. George's, reflecting on a week of turquoise horizons and tropical adventure.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
The St. George's Spice Market
Gather authentic souvenirs including fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves from the bustling city market.
KEY FEATURES
Historical Landmarks
Visit Fort George or Fort Frederick for commanding views of the harbor and the red-roofed capital city.
FAQs
Q: Should we do a one-way itinerary?
A: A “one-way” charter (e.g., St. Vincent to Grenada) is highly recommended in this region. The trade winds blow consistently from the northeast, meaning a southbound course allows you to sail comfortably with the wind behind you. A round-trip requires “beating” back upwind, which can be a bumpier and longer ride.
Q: Can we visit Mustique?
A: Yes, but it is a private island. Yachts can pick up a mooring in Britannia Bay for a fee (usually covers up to three nights). You are free to visit the designated areas like Basil’s Bar and the beaches, but wandering into the residential zones of the private villas is restricted to maintain the privacy of the homeowners.
Q: Is it hard to get to the Grenadines?
A: It requires a bit more effort than Nassau or St. Thomas, which is exactly what keeps the crowds away. Most travelers connect through Barbados, St. Lucia, or Grenada to take a small inter-island hopper plane into St. Vincent or Bequia. The extra leg of travel is the price of admission for untouched paradise.
Q: Is the vibe formal or casual?
A: The Grenadines are famously unpretentious. “Smart casual” in Mustique might mean a linen shirt and boat shoes, but everywhere else, barefoot remains the standard. It is a place where superyacht owners drink beer next to local fishermen; leave the high heels and ties at home.
