A Grenadines vacation puts you in one of the Caribbean’s last unspoiled island chains — 32 islands and cays scattered between St. Vincent and Grenada, with only 9 of them inhabited (The Commonwealth). That ratio of wild coastline to open water is what makes this stretch so different from busier charter grounds. Short sailing legs, protected anchorages, and a reliable trade wind window make a Grenadines yacht charter ideal for both experienced sailors and first-time charterers.
This 7-day crewed yacht charter itinerary covers roughly 62 nautical miles from St. Vincent south through Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, the Tobago Cays, Union Island, and on to Petit St. Vincent or Grenada. It’s built for a crewed catamaran — the most popular platform in these waters — but works equally well on a monohull or motor yacht. If you’re still weighing top Caribbean charter destinations, the Grenadines consistently rank among the most rewarding.
This 7-day route runs St. Vincent → Bequia → Mustique → Canouan → Tobago Cays → Union Island → PSV/Grenada, covering ~62 NM total. Best season is December through May. Crewed catamaran charters cost $17,000–$45,000/week depending on size. The highlight: snorkeling with sea turtles inside the 1,400-acre Tobago Cays Marine Park (Tobago Cays Marine Park).
St. Vincent and the Grenadines welcomed 120,599 stay-over visitors in 2025, a 17.4% increase year-over-year (eTurboNews, 2025). That growth made St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) the second fastest-growing Caribbean destination last year (St. Lucia Times, Oct 2025). Despite rising interest, the Grenadines still feel uncrowded — which is precisely why charter guests keep returning.
Why Are the Grenadines the Caribbean’s Best-Kept Sailing Secret?
U.S. arrivals to St. Vincent and the Grenadines surged 58.7% in 2025 (St. Vincent Times, 2025), yet the island chain remains far quieter than the BVI or Bahamas. With 32 islands and cays — only 9 inhabited — most anchorages still feel private, even during peak season.
Compare that to the British Virgin Islands, where charter traffic concentrates around a handful of popular bays. In the Grenadines, you can anchor at Mayreau’s Salt Whistle Bay on a Saturday in February and count the boats on one hand. The infrastructure is growing — Argyle International Airport opened direct routes from Miami and Toronto — but the pace remains distinctly Caribbean.
A Grenadines yacht charter covers 32 islands and cays spread across roughly 62 nautical miles of protected Caribbean water. Only 9 of these islands are inhabited (The Commonwealth), giving crewed charter guests access to pristine anchorages that land-based tourists simply can’t reach.
The trade winds blow steadily from the northeast between December and May, creating predictable conditions for Grenadines sailing with swells rarely topping 4–5 feet in the lee of the islands. Your crew handles the navigation, so all you need to do is pick your snorkeling spot.
For a deeper look at Grenadines charter routes and sailing distances, we’ve covered the planning details in a separate guide.
Your 7-Day Grenadines Yacht Charter Itinerary
The full route covers approximately 62 nautical miles with daily legs between 3 and 15 NM — short enough that you’ll spend more time in the water than on it. Here’s how each day breaks down on a typical crewed charter. If you’re new to chartering, our guide to planning a Caribbean yacht charter covers the logistics.
Day 1 — St. Vincent: Board and Set Sail
Most Grenadines charters begin at Blue Lagoon Marina on St. Vincent’s southern coast. You’ll board after lunch, meet your crew, settle into your cabin, and go over the week’s preferences — meal requests, activity interests, pace. Your chef will already have provisioned the yacht.
If you arrive early, visit the St. Vincent Botanical Gardens. Established in 1765, they’re the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere and home to a descendant of Captain Bligh’s original breadfruit tree. It’s a quick taxi ride from the airport.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll set sail for Bequia — roughly 15 NM south, about 2.5 hours of easy downwind sailing. You’ll anchor in Admiralty Bay with time for a sunset swim before dinner.
Day 2 — Bequia: The Island of the Clouds
Bequia (pronounced “Beck-way”) packs an outsized personality into 7 square miles. The island’s population of about 5,300 supports a waterfront that’s lively without being touristy — boat builders, small restaurants, and a Saturday morning market that draws locals and cruisers alike (Wikipedia).
Spend the morning walking to Princess Margaret Beach — a crescent of sand accessible by a short trail from the harbor. In the afternoon, visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, where a retired fisherman raises and releases hawksbill turtles. With 28 identified dive sites around the island, your crew can arrange a snorkeling stop at the reef off Lower Bay.
Bequia also has a whaling heritage that dates back centuries, with a limited IWC-regulated traditional hunt still practiced by a small community. It’s a window into a way of life that has mostly disappeared from the Caribbean.
Day 3 — Mustique: The Billionaire’s Playground
Mustique has roughly 120 private villas and about 500 year-round residents (Wikipedia). Colin Tennant purchased the entire island in 1958 for £45,000 — a price that seems absurd given that villa rentals now start around $10,000/week. Princess Margaret, Mick Jagger, and David Bowie all built homes here.
Mustique has no commercial airport and limited ferry service, making a Grenadines yacht charter the most practical way to visit this private island. With only ~120 villas and 500 year-round residents (Wikipedia), Mustique offers an exclusivity that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Anchor off Britannia Bay and dinghy ashore for lunch at Basil’s Bar — a bamboo-and-thatch institution that’s hosted everyone from royalty to rock stars. Walk or rent a golf cart (the island’s only transport) to Macaroni Beach on the Atlantic side, where the surf is bigger and the sand is empty. Why would you skip this island when it’s right on the route?
Day 4 — Canouan: Reef and Relaxation
Canouan sits about 15 NM south of Mustique and offers a quieter contrast. The island’s barrier reef creates a sheltered lagoon on the western side — ideal for paddleboarding and snorkeling without current.
Anchor in Glossy Bay and spend the morning exploring the reef. The coral here is in better condition than many Caribbean sites because the area sees less traffic. Your crew can set up a beach lunch on one of the small crescents along the southern shore.
Canouan also has a resort and golf course, but the island’s real draw is its position as a staging point for the Tobago Cays — tomorrow’s highlight.
Day 5 — Tobago Cays: The Crown Jewel
The Tobago Cays Marine Park covers 1,400 acres and includes 5 uninhabited cays protected by the 4 km Horseshoe Reef — the longest of the park’s four reef systems (Tobago Cays Marine Park). A Tobago Cays yacht charter stop is the single best snorkeling experience in the Grenadines and one of the finest in the entire Caribbean.
The Tobago Cays Marine Park receives approximately 50,000 visitors and 8,000 yachts annually (Wikipedia). Within the park’s 1,400-acre protected zone, snorkelers swim alongside green, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles in water so clear you can see 60 feet to the bottom.
Swim with green, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles in the shallow waters between Petit Bateau and Baradal. The turtles graze on sea grass and are completely habituated to snorkelers — you’ll be within arm’s reach. After lunch, dinghy over to Petit Tabac, the small island where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl were filmed.
Most charter guests spend two nights here. If your schedule allows it, staying a second morning for an early snorkel — before the day-trip boats arrive — is worth rearranging the itinerary.
Day 6 — Union Island: The Kitesurfing Capital
Union Island sits just south of the Tobago Cays and offers a different energy. The sailing here is short — about 5 NM — which leaves the full day for exploring. Anchor in Chatham Bay on the western side, a deep horseshoe-shaped bay with a palm-lined beach and a couple of casual restaurants.
If anyone in your group is active, hike up Fort Hill for panoramic views across the southern Grenadines, Carriacou, and Grenada in the distance. Union Island is also the kitesurfing capital of the Grenadines, with consistent trade winds channeling through the strait between Union and Palm Island.
In the afternoon, your crew can take you to Big Sands or Bloody Bay — two beaches on the windward side that rarely see visitors outside of the local fishing community.
Day 7 — Petit St. Vincent or Grenada: Final Day
You’ve got two options for the last day. If you want one more night of island seclusion, sail the short leg to Petit St. Vincent (PSV) — an exclusive private resort island where you can visit the beach bar by dinghy without being a guest. The island has no roads, no phones in the rooms, and a flag system for ordering room service. It’s a fitting way to close a week of unplugging.
Alternatively, sail south toward Carriacou and Grenada for disembarkation. The run from Union Island to Grenada is about 35 NM — a solid half-day sail that passes Carriacou’s beautiful Sandy Island along the way. Grenada’s Port Louis Marina offers easy access to the airport.
Your total trip distance comes to roughly 62 NM — manageable even in a week with plenty of idle time built in. For a look at what a typical day on a crewed charter feels like, we’ve outlined the rhythm in a separate post.
What Does a Grenadines Yacht Charter Cost?
A crewed catamaran charter in the 45–50 ft range costs $17,000–$24,000/week, while larger 55–62 ft catamarans run $30,000–$45,000/week (Vital Charters, 2026 season rates). For a group of 8 guests on a mid-range boat, that works out to roughly $425–$625 per person per day — including meals, crew, and fuel.
A Grenadines yacht charter on a crewed 45–50 ft catamaran costs $17,000–$24,000/week, while 55–62 ft catamarans range from $30,000–$45,000/week. Per person, that’s approximately $425–$625/day for a group of 8 — covering meals, crew, fuel, and all onboard amenities. All-inclusive options start around $21,500/week (Caribbean charter industry rates, 2024 season).
All-inclusive charters — where bar, food, fuel, dockage, and marine park fees are bundled — start from around $21,500/week for a smaller Grenadines catamaran charter (Caribbean charter industry rates, 2024 season). The all-inclusive charter model removes guesswork from budgeting, which is why it’s popular with first-time charterers.
For a full breakdown of rates, APA, and add-ons, see our yacht charter costs guide.
View data table
| Vessel Type | Weekly Cost (Crewed) |
|---|---|
| 45–50 ft Catamaran | $17,000 – $24,000 |
| 55–62 ft Catamaran | $30,000 – $45,000 |
| Motor Yacht 60+ ft | $35,000 – $55,000 |
Source: Vital Charters, 2026 season rates. All-inclusive options start from ~$21,500/week.
Don’t forget to budget for crew gratuity — typically 15–20% of the base charter fee. Our crew tipping guide covers the norms in detail.
What’s the Best Time for a Grenadines Vacation?
The dry season from December through May offers the most reliable conditions for a Grenadines vacation (The Moorings). Trade winds blow 15–25 knots from the northeast during winter months, creating ideal sailing without heavy swells (Horizon Yacht Charters). Water temperatures range from 81°F in January–March to 84°F in September–October (Barefoot Yacht Charters).
Here’s what makes the southern Grenadines especially appealing for year-round chartering: the islands sit south of 14°N latitude, where the annual hurricane risk drops to just 2.2% (Nicholson Yacht Charters). That’s significantly lower than destinations further north like the BVI or Bahamas. Many charter operators offer summer rates 20–30% below peak season pricing.
View data table
| Month | Avg Wind Speed (knots) | Water Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22 | 81 |
| February | 22 | 80 |
| March | 20 | 81 |
| April | 18 | 81 |
| May | 16 | 82 |
| June | 18 | 83 |
| July | 20 | 84 |
| August | 18 | 84 |
| September | 15 | 84 |
| October | 15 | 84 |
| November | 18 | 83 |
| December | 22 | 82 |
Sources: Industry sailing data, 2024–2025 season averages.
The sweet spot for most guests? Mid-January through April. You’ll get strong trade winds for sailing, warm water for snorkeling, and the driest weather. December and early January are also excellent but book 6–12 months ahead — holiday weeks sell out fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Absolutely. SVG welcomed 120,599 stay-over visitors in 2025 — a 17.4% year-over-year increase (eTurboNews, 2025). That growth reflects improving air access and global recognition. With 32 islands and only 9 inhabited, a Grenadines vacation delivers a Caribbean experience that busier destinations can’t match.
How much does a Grenadines yacht charter cost?
Crewed catamaran charters in the Grenadines range from $17,000/week for a 45–50 ft boat to $45,000/week for a 55–62 ft luxury catamaran. For a group of 8, that’s roughly $425–$625 per person per day — including meals, crew, and most onboard expenses. All-inclusive options start from about $21,500/week.
Is it safe to travel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Yes. The U.S. State Department rates St. Vincent and the Grenadines as Level 1 — “Exercise Normal Precautions” — the lowest risk designation. Standard travel awareness applies, but crime rates affecting tourists are low. On a crewed charter, your captain and crew handle local navigation and logistics entirely.
What’s the best month to visit the Grenadines?
The dry season from December through May offers the best conditions. Trade winds run 15–25 knots from the northeast, rainfall is minimal, and water temperatures hold around 81°F. February through April tends to be the most popular window, so book early if you’re targeting those months.
Can you visit Mustique on a yacht charter?
Yes — and a yacht charter is the best way to do it. Mustique has no commercial airport and only limited ferry service from St. Vincent. Arriving by yacht, you can anchor off Britannia Bay and dinghy ashore for the day. It’s a standard stop on most Grenadines itineraries and takes no special arrangement.
Start Planning Your Grenadines Yacht Charter
The Grenadines reward the kind of travel that moves slowly. Seven days gives you enough time to cover the essential stops — Bequia’s charm, Mustique’s exclusivity, the Tobago Cays’ underwater world — without rushing past any of them. A crewed charter handles the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
If you’re considering a Grenadines vacation for the 2026 or 2027 season, start the conversation early. The most popular boats and holiday weeks book 6–12 months in advance. Our first-time charterer’s guide covers everything you’ll want to know before reaching out, and our packing list has you covered once you’ve booked.
Get in touch with our charter team to start building your personalized Grenadines itinerary.
Jason Acosta is the co-founder and principal broker of Vital Charters. He is an avid sailor and yacht charterer. Jason is also a Master Diver and certified ASA 104 sailor.
