Rainbows within the ocean spray, and, when you’re fortunate, within the skies. That is crusing in The Grenadines. Situated simply off the coast of Saint Vincent, exploring these islands and cays by boat requires utterly simply letting go, and trusting that your time out on the seas will probably be magical, trailing seabirds included!
However what are you able to anticipate when crusing in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines general? This territory is dwelling to a number of completely different islands and cays, all of them distinctive. A few of these islands are uninhabited. Many guests to Saint Vincent, the primary island, make some extent of crusing to close by Grenadine islands throughout their all-inclusive vacation. Every island is completely different, however the serenity stays the identical. When you’re planning a crusing journey to this vacation spot, we’ve received insights on the greatest yacht charters and crusing routes plus insider ideas for a memorable journey!
Good to know: In 2023, St. Vincent and the Grenadines noticed a 20% enhance in yacht charters, signaling a rising curiosity on this Caribbean paradise.
Desk of Contents
Introduction to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Planning Your Sailing Itinerary
Legal Requirements and Customs
Wildlife and Marine Life Encounters
TL;DR: Key Takeaways for Your Grenadines Crusing Journey
-
Finest crusing season: December to April for optimum climate circumstances
-
Should-visit locations: Tobago Cays, Bequia, and Mustique
-
Constitution choices: Select between monohulls, catamarans, and motor yachts
-
Respect native customs and environmental rules
-
Embrace sustainable crusing practices to protect the islands’ magnificence
-
Get into the native tradition and delicacies for a richer expertise
-
Put together for distinctive wildlife encounters, each on land and within the water
Introduction to St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent is simply as lush and scenic as you doubtless hoped it will be. Within the close by Grenadines, that is amplified 10-fold. Of the 32 islands and cays on this territory, Saint Vincent is the biggest. Many of those islands can solely be accessed by boat, and their remoteness provides to their enchantment. The recognition of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines as a crusing vacation spot has a lot to do with its seashores, marine life, and cultural experiences.
There are various methods to get to The Grenadines from Saint Vincent together with by way of a Grenadines yacht constitution. Throughout this tour, you’ll come throughout islands like Petite Rameau and its piles and piles of conch shell hills, Petit Tabac, also called Johnny Depp Island (assume Pirates of the Caribbean), and Bequia, recognized for its seashore bars and beautiful sunsets.
However, the place to first? Wherever the wind blows! With a talented captain, you’ll be nicely in your method to discovering the better of The Grenadines!
Tradition, Delicacies & Local weather
Studying as a lot as you possibly can about any vacation spot can result in a smoother trip. With St. Vincent, begin with geographical particulars. This island sits on the northern tip of an impressive island chain, with The Grenadines stretching southward. Traditionally, St. Vincent & The Grenadines was referred to as “Hairouna” by the Carib Indians, which means “Land of the Blessed.” This island’s flavorful delicacies and wealthy tradition have many influences, together with that of West Africa, Europe, and Caribbean nations like Jamaica. Whereas crusing in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, go to the island’s well-known black sand seashores, sandbar islands, cascading waterfalls, and a lot extra. You may additionally take pleasure in this island’s nationwide dish: roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish!
Finest Time to Sail
Timing is all the things relating to crusing. However, with Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’ tropical local weather and 12 months spherical heat temperatures 24°C (75°F) and 30°C (86°F), you possibly can just about sail all year long. Peak season months of December to April are essentially the most yacht-friendly, however there are different good instances to go. Right here’s what it’s good to know:
Peak Season
Peak crusing season in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines is December to April. That is once you’ll discover the clearest skies and calmest seas. Peak season could be a candy spot for crusing the islands due to the regular commerce winds, minimal rainfall and good climate. When you’ll be crusing in the course of the peak season, guide your constitution as early as potential. Take into account that peak season also can imply extra crowds and better costs. The sooner you guide your peak season sailboat, the higher!
Good to know: Saint Vincent & The Grenadines has two primary seasons: dry season and moist season. Peak season falls inside the dry season which spans from December to Could.
Off-Season Concerns
When you’re not capable of journey to Saint Vincent & The Grenadines throughout peak season, no downside. Off season crusing is feasible too, particularly from Could to November. These months could be a bit rainier, however not all the time. Low season could be a good time to avoid wasting on crusing journeys and to have a extra adventurous journey general. And, with much less crowds, you’ll get to take pleasure in secluded anchorages and the prospect to discover the islands at a extra leisurely tempo. When you’ll be touring off-peak, control the climate and be versatile along with your plans!
Insider Tip: When you’re crusing via the beautiful Grenadines, Sandals Saint Vincent provides the last word stopover expertise. Drop anchor and luxuriate in entry to a few of the island’s greatest seashores and world-class service simply steps out of your yacht. Off season, you will take pleasure in fewer crowds, serene island vibes, and sometimes, irresistible vacation deals.
Planning Your Crusing Itinerary
Planning your itinerary is half the enjoyable of a crusing journey, nevertheless it will also be a bit overwhelming. Whether or not you’ve received a few days or even weeks at your disposal to go crusing in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, you’ll need to make them depend. Check out these itinerary recommendations that may assist construction your crusing journey:
One-Week Itinerary
Day 1: Set sail from St. Vincent, heading to Bequia
Day 2: Discover Bequia, in a single day at Admiralty Bay
Day 3: Sail to Mustique, anchor at Britannia Bay
Day 4: Mustique to Canouan, with a cease at Mayreau
Day 5-6: Tobago Cays (value spending 2 days when you can!)
Day 7: Sail again to St. Vincent, reminiscing about your superior week
This route covers about 50 nautical miles in complete. It is doable for many sailors, however be ready for some longer stretches between islands.
Two-Week Itinerary
Week 1:
Day 1-2: St. Vincent to Bequia, discover the island
Day 3-4: Mustique, go ashore for some leisure
5-6: Canouan, with a day journey to Mayreau
Day 7-9: Tobago Cays, as a result of three days right here is pure bliss
Week 2:
Day 10-11: Union Island, hike Chatham Bay
Day 12: Day journey to Palm Island
Day 13: Petit St. Vincent, for that castaway really feel
Day 14: Leisurely sail again to St. Vincent
Good to know: Crusing itineraries may be modified to incorporate islands not talked about. Issue within the distances between islands when planning your journey.
Setting off for journey
Most crusing journeys to The Grenadines from Saint Vincent set off from the Blue Lagoon Marina on the southern coast. Yachts and charters will enterprise off from this level into the crystal-clear waters this vacation spot is thought for. As you get additional away from the coast, a number of small inexperienced islands will become visible. Ranging from St. Vincent within the north, there’s Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, and the Tobago Cays as you sail south. Every island has its personal character which provides a contact of pleasure and unpredictability to any crusing journey.
Insider Tip: Looking out for the best base on your crusing journey? Sandals Saint Vincent is the most whimsical Sandals Resort yet! All the pieces you want on your trip is included, from eating and accomodation, to leisure, land and water sports activities, and extra!
The Islands
Tobago Cays
The Tobago Cays is a protected marine park and The Grenadines’ crown jewel. Right here you’ll discover 5 uninhabited islands surrounded by a panoramic horseshoe reef. Diving is superb on this vacation spot and you’ll typically spot sea turtles, stingrays, and generally sharks. The Tobago Cays is without doubt one of the Caribbean’s most stunning anchorages and the scenes are really breathtaking. When navigating boats, pay attention to the quite a few turtles on this space—they’re innocent however plentiful.
Good to know: The Tobago Cays Marine Park serves as a conservation zone for all types of wildlife. No fishing is allowed inside this park and anchoring is just allowed in designated areas to guard the seagrass beds – essential habitat for sea turtles.
Bequia
Bequia is the second largest island in The Grenadines, nevertheless it’s nonetheless fairly small and charming. This island is a favourite for crusing and yachting lovers, with quite a few sailboats and yachts typically noticed alongside its shoreline. When you simply desire a day journey and never a full island-hopping tour, Bequia could be a sensible choice. Port Elizabeth, the primary city, is a must-visit.
When crusing in The Grenadines, Bequia could be a good lunch cease, however as with many of the eating places in The Grenadines, it’s greatest to order early, forward of your journey, to keep away from lengthy ready instances once you get there. A number of the key spots on Bequia embody Decrease Bay Seaside and Princess Margaret Seaside. Although Princess Margaret Seaside (named after the precise princess) is the extra common of the 2, the bars on Decrease Bay Seaside are extra inexpensive in comparison with these on Princess Margaret Seaside. These seashores are in shut proximity to one another.
Professional Tip: Bequia to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is a 1-hour journey, or half-hour on the quick ferry. Day by day ferry service is on the market, about $45 every means. Extra costs apply if you wish to carry a automobile throughout to the island from the mainland. These companies can be found by way of Bequia Specific, and their weekly schedule is on the market on-line.
Mustique
Mustique is a privately owned island in The Grenadines. To go to, you’ll must get approval from the Mustique Firm. Regardless of the logistics concerned with planning a visit to this island, it may be value it simply to expertise the upscale ambiance of this island. Upon arrival to Mustique, you’ll doubtless anchor off Britannia Bay, then you possibly can go ashore to discover.
Apart from its tropical attract, the prospect to identify well-known faces tends to attract many guests to this island. Even royals like Princess Margaret are reported to have vacationed on these shores. To get to Mustique, make reservations then take a ferry from Kingstown. Whereas there, don’t neglect to pay a go to to Macaroni Seaside and Basil’s Bar for a sundown cocktail. The energetic weekly ‘jump-up’ occasions at Basil’s Bar are common too.
Union Island
When crusing The Grenadines, chances are high you’ll see extra islands than you’ll truly go to. However, this actually will depend on the kind of constitution you’re on. Within the Southern Grenadines, you’ll doubtless come throughout Union Island. When you cease right here, spend a while on the scenic Chatham Bay or the close by Completely satisfied Island. Chatham Bay is secluded and recognized for its clear water and distinctive diving. Completely satisfied Island however, is a small, synthetic island, common for its bar and relaxed setting. The drinks are very robust on Completely satisfied Island, based on the locals!
Professional Tip: To cowl extra floor on Union Island, why not hop on a scooter and get shifting? You too can hike Mount Taboi (highest level on Union Island) or calm down on Massive Sands Seaside.
Petite Rameau
With white sandy shores and surrounded by a kaleidoscope of blues, Petite Rameau is a part of the Tobago Cays. In direction of the again of this island, you would possibly discover that the water will get bluer and bluer as your boat makes its method to the reef. It is a nice space for swimming and snorkeling, with entry to Horseshoe Reef. Whether or not or not you even deliberate on getting moist, the nice and cozy and unbelievably clear waters could be simply the convincing you want!
There’s one factor to bear in mind when diving on this space although, and that’s the robust currents. The waters listed here are close to the Atlantic Sea, and when you get off the boat to swim, you would possibly discover your self drifting away from the boat. Simply being conscious of that’s sufficient, and you’ll safely swim, particularly when you’re with an expert crew that may provide the best steering.
Petit Tabac (Johnny Depp Island)
Johnny Depp Island in The Grenadines is to not be confused with the actor’s official non-public island in The Bahamas, Little Corridor’s Pond Cay, in Exuma. In The Grenadines, the island unofficially named after the actor is Petit Tabac, and it is without doubt one of the smaller uninhabited islands inside the Tobago Cays Marine Park. This island’s nickname stems from it getting used as a filming location for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, wherein Johnny Deep famously starred as Captain Jack Sparrow. Johnny Depp Island is a common spot with yachters, snorkelers, and divers.
Mayreau
By way of its positioning, Mayreau is nearer to the Tobago Cays and Union Island. It is a small (about 1.5 sq. miles) and distant island with notable seashores like Salt Whistle Bay. Mayreau is so tiny, that it simply so occurs to be the smallest inhabited island in The Grenadines, however its magnificence speaks for itself. Saline Bay is a should go to spot on the island of Mayreau, particularly if you wish to go diving. Very like most of the Grenadine islands, Mayreau doesn’t have an airport. The one method to get there may be by boat.
Good to know: Apart from the Tobago Cays Marine Park, there are marine conservation zones close to Mustique, Canouan, and Mayreau. In these areas, go by the final rule of “take solely photos, depart solely wake”, and also you’ll do nicely. You would possibly discover that there are mooring buoys as an alternative of anchoring zones in some areas, whereas in others, there could also be restrictions on watersports. Examine native rules forward of your journey!
Berado (Turtle Island)
An island-hopping tour in The Grenadines is incomplete with out some wildlife recognizing. Berado, also called Turtle Island, is a good place to do exactly that. This island is surrounded by sea grass and attracts many turtles. As you enterprise to this a part of The Grenadines, you would possibly discover that there’s a number of different boats anchored close to the island, and many snorkelers nearer to shore too. Boat engines and loud music can scare the turtles away, however in any other case, they’re generally seen. You’ll be able to actually keep on the boat and see turtles popping their heads out of the water. Whereas snorkeling round Berado, you might also come throughout stingrays and many starfish.
Sail Rock
There are some locations in The Grenadines the place you may have greater probabilities of seeing bigger marine animals, like Hammerhead sharks, Pilot whales and dolphins. Sailrock is one in every of these. Hardly an island, Sail Rock is simply that, a rock. It’s the height of an underwater mountain and it’s a unbelievable place to dive. Hammerheads have been noticed close to Sail Rock, whereas Pilot whales and dolphins are generally seen on the western (Leeward Coast). The Leeward Coast is a good place to go if you wish to enhance your probabilities of seeing dolphins, particularly. Sail Rock is simply off the Tobago Cays.
Good to know: Although Sail Rock could be a bit harder to get to than a few of the different dive places in The Grenadines, some guests say it may be value a go to for a singular dive journey, particularly on calmer days.
Yacht Constitution Choices
With so many islands awaiting exploration, deciding on the best yacht constitution is essential. As these just about function your floating dwelling for this journey, it’s a good suggestion to go together with essentially the most snug choice. Luckily, there are a lot of choices to select from together with monohulls, catamarans, and motor yachts. Group charters are sometimes essentially the most cost-effective, and a number of other tour corporations provide this service. To guide a crusing constitution, begin by deciding on your most well-liked journey dates.
When planning a St. Vincent yacht constitution, it’s a good suggestion to guide nicely prematurely to safe the kind of constitution you need. When you’re not capable of guide a selected choice earlier than your journey, you possibly can all the time verify in along with your all-inclusive resort for extra info upon arrival. For skilled sailors, avoiding the height season rush by chartering a ship by yourself schedule is a perfect choice.
Good to know: In Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, smaller boats are generally used for whale watching, diving, and fishing journeys. These boats provide the benefit of getting you nearer to the whales, offering a extra intimate expertise. And talking of intimate, take a look at these Sandals Resorts inclusions for some much-needed extras on your island escape!
Authorized Necessities and Customs
Now for entry necessities. Actually not essentially the most thrilling matter, however essential for a crusing journey to The Grenadines. There are various advantages to being ready legally and culturally, and understanding what to anticipate might help issues go much more easily. Right here’s what it’s good to know:
Entry Necessities
Earlier than dropping anchor in paradise, you’ll want to make sure that your journey paperwork are so as and that well being necessities associated to Saint Vincent & The Grenadines are met. You’ll be able to be taught extra about this in our do you want a passport to go to St. Vincent as a US citizen publish. As for customs and immigration, there are comparable processes for air and sea journey. This requires going via an official port of entry on arrival to SVG. The principle ports of entry for yachts are Union Island, Bequia, and Canouan. Let’s get a bit extra into the specifics:
Passports and Visas
Very like different worldwide locations, passports are required for journey to Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. When you don’t have already got a passport, you must apply for one nicely prematurely of your meant trip dates. Forward of your journey, guarantee your passport is legitimate for not less than 6 months past your deliberate keep. Additionally, be sure to have not less than one clean web page left for entrance stamps.
Along with a legitimate passport, chances are you’ll be requested to provide a return or onward ticket when passing via immigration. This could be the case when you journey to this vacation spot by air, and embark in your crusing journey as soon as on the island. The necessities may be barely completely different when you’ll be coming into Saint Vincent & The Grenadines by sea. One of many primary variations with sea journey is that solely the captain must go ashore with required documentation (together with passports) for clearance processes. Personal vessels are required to pay a Cruise Tax and constitution boats have to be in possession of a St. Vincent & The Grenadines Cruising License.
As for visas, most guests can enter St. Vincent and the Grenadines with out one for stays of as much as 30 days. At all times verify the newest necessities earlier than touring to this vacation spot.
Crusing permits
Crusing permits are required to sail the waters of The Grenadines. These can normally be organized via your constitution firm or on the customs workplace when you arrive. Forward of your journey, it’s value checking in with the related authorities of your yacht firm for essentially the most up-to-date info.
Wildlife and Marine Life Encounters
As soon as the formalities are out of the best way, you possibly can actually unwind and luxuriate in the very best of crusing in The Grenadines. This vacation spot is dwelling to an unimaginable array of creatures, each above and beneath the waves. From colourful tropical fish to uncommon species of birds, nature calls out in all places you look. Right here’s what you possibly can anticipate:
Marine Life Commentary
Diving within the waters round The Grenadines is like swimming in a nature-made aquarium. Whereas crusing on this territory, you possibly can resolve whether or not you need to snorkel close to shallow reefs or go diving in deeper waters. You’ll spot plenty of various kinds of marine life alongside the best way. Although attractive, don’t chase the ocean creatures, particularly the turtles. In the event that they swim away, they’re not enjoying laborious to get – they’re most likely simply not that into you.
Sea Turtle Watching
Sea turtles are the most typical sea creature you’ll come throughout whereas crusing in The Grenadines. You may not spot them at first, however when you acknowledge their heads popping up out of the water or end up swimming proper subsequent to them in a marine park, then you definately’ll begin seeing them in all places. These creatures are light, and really chill. The most typical turtle species you’ll come throughout are inexperienced and hawksbill turtles.
There are some pointers that you simply’ll must comply with relating to swimming with turtles. First, hold a respectful distance. Don’t contact or feed them and use reef-safe sunscreen to guard their habitat. Simply swimming with them is unbelievable sufficient, and really humbling. As you watch these historical mariners go about their day, it’d even sink in that sluggish and regular really wins the race.
Whale and Dolphin Recognizing
The waters round The Grenadines are additionally a beautiful place to identify whales and dolphins, particularly between December and April. Whereas crusing in The Grenadines you would possibly spot Humpback whales as they move via on their annual migration, Sperm whales (the world’s largest toothed predator), and a number of other species of dolphins together with spinner and pantropical noticed dolphins. All of those are common guests to those waters. As you sail throughout the islands, hold your digital camera prepared for these unimaginable sightings.
Good to know: Apart from marine life, there’s heaps extra to look out for in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines together with iguanas, land crabs, and tropical birds of all varieties.
Learnings Recap
There’s a lot to be taught and uncover when crusing in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. And, with just a bit preparation, you’re now nicely in your method to an unforgettable crusing journey. Earlier than you rush off to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, let’s take a second to recap the important thing takeaways.
-
One of the best time to sail is in the course of the dry season (December to Could) for optimum climate circumstances.
-
Should-visit locations embody the Tobago Cays, Bequia, and Mustique – every providing distinctive experiences.
-
Select your yacht correctly: monohulls for the purists, catamarans for house and stability, motor yachts for luxurious and pace.
-
Security first: At all times have correct security gear and pay attention to native emergency procedures.
-
Respect native customs and environmental rules to be a accountable customer.
-
Embrace sustainable crusing practices to assist protect the fantastic thing about the Grenadines.
-
Immerse your self in native tradition and delicacies for a richer, extra genuine expertise.
-
Maintain a watch out for distinctive wildlife encounters, each on land and within the water.
Ultimate Ideas
The great thing about crusing is within the flexibility it affords, particularly when navigating Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. When you can discover quite a few islands in your journey, the very best route is one that gives a style of all the things this vacation spot has to supply. Although you’ll encounter many various islands and cays with attractive seashores, fascinating wildlife, and very good scuba diving and snorkeling, those that can stick near your coronary heart are these you make the best reference to.
One factor’s for certain, with watercolors from gentle to deep blue, mixing additional out into darker blues, this is without doubt one of the most scenic locations on this planet. Pair your Grenadines yacht constitution with an all-inclusive resort trip with Sandals Saint Vincent (11 eating places, 9 bars, 5 swimming pools, a spa and extra!), and also you would possibly simply discover that it’s your greatest trip but!
Insider Tip: After a day of crusing the beautiful Grenadine waters, retreat to your Sandals Saint Vincent suite the place consolation meets serenity. Lodging choices embody private villas the place you possibly can calm down and absorb the peace that comes with a Caribbean getaway!
