St Vincent & the Grenadines yacht charters

The Grenadines is a chain of islands in the Caribbean containing over 600 islands. Part of the Windward Islands, they are located between Saint Vincent and Grenada and are one of the best destinations for yacht charters in the world.

The Caribbean has always been a popular place for yacht charters, because of its blue skies, year-round warm weather, and crystal clear waters. The Grenadines allow you to sail between islands while never leaving the country. The islands themselves are natural and peaceful, as opposed to over-commercialized or teeming with night life. They give off the impression that you are the first and only person who has ever dropped anchor and waded to shore.

Since jet skis, aquascooters, and spearfishing are prohibited, and the country works to protect its natural heritage. A Grenadines yacht charter is one of relaxation, sun, and water. It does not aspire to anything else, as nothing else is as important.

View sample itinerary Grenada - Grenada.

St Vincent
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St. Vincent is a rugged volcanic island with a 4000 foot volcano that dominates the northern third of the island. Very little of the island is flat, perhaps only the air strip, the shopping area of Kingtown, and a few isolated areas of beach are truely level. The Central and Southern sections of the island fall from 1000 - 2000 foot mountains quickly to the sea.

The Windward (east) side of St. Vincent is rugged and wild. Exposed volcanic rock cliffs topped with vegetation that leans to the west from constant exposure to the strong Atlantic sea breezes alternate with long stretches of black sand beach sprinkled with huge volcanic rocks and headlands with crashing surf. Most of the island's coconut and banana plantations are found on the Windward side.

The Leeward (west) side of St Vincent is lush and green, again with cliffs alternating with black sand beaches. On the leeward side the cliffs are often dripping with green vegetation. The Caribbean sea is calm and flat on the Leeward side. There is no road that travels around the volcanic north end of St. Vincent. To get from the northern Leeward side to the northern Windward side, one must travel back to Kingstown and make the journey north again.

South of St. Vincent, the small chain of islands called The Grenadines extends for more than 64km (40 miles). The islands have romantic-sounding names as Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, and Petit St. Vincent.

Sailors and the yachting set have long known of St. Vincent and The Grenadines, and until recently it was a well-kept vacation secret. Even if you've not been here, you may have seen its scenery in “Pirates of the Caribbean”, starring Johnny Depp.

You visit St. Vincent for its lush beauty, and The Grenadines for the best sailing waters in the Caribbean.

St. Vincent has a distinct lack of large animals, surly attitudes, gambling, and cruise ships. If you’re searching for a relaxing destination with good water clarity, interesting marine creatures, terrific food, and a welcoming atmosphere, this just might be the place for you. More info on St Vincent.

Bequia
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Bequia, pronounced beck-way, is the largest of the Grenadines at seven square miles. It is situated eight miles south of Blue Lagoon in St. Vincent. The island has maintained an authentic West Indian atmosphere since tourists only recently paid it the attention it deserves.

When sailing to Bequia, your first stop should be Port Elizabeth in Admiralty Bay. The bay features a long boardwalk skirted by unique shops, restaurants, and bars. Stop by Auberge Des Grenadines for their famous fresh lobster dishes or Frangiapani, which is right on the water, for grilled lobster, lobster cocktails, and curried conch. Be sure to stop by on Thursday night for some delicious barbeque. The Gingerbread Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is known for its specialty items, such as wine, coffee, and caviar. Just outside of town, you’ll find Le Petit Jardin, which serves authentic French gourmet meals cooked by a U.S.-trained chef, who also happens to own the restaurant.

Mustique
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From the West Cay of Bequia, you can sail ten miles to reach the privately-owned island of Mustique. This small island getaway is only three miles long and a mile and a half wide. It accommodates approximately 90 beautiful homes and perfectly landscaped yards of the rich and famous. Don’t expect to rent a car or catch a cab while on Mustique. Instead, you can travel by motorbike or golf cart to get anywhere you want to go.

And Basil’s Bar is one place that you’ll want to go. Motor your tender right up to the pier to indulge in a drink while never leaving the water. Wednesday nights are popular for their barbeque buffet and steel band “jump-up.” Basil’s hosts an annual Blues Festival, but is most famous for its New Year’s Eve party, which rival’s Foxy’s celebration on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI.

In the harbor, you might stop at Corea’s Food Store or Mustique General Store for any necessities, or stop by Sweetie Pie Bakery for authentic French pastries, such as croissants, baguettes, and pain au chocolat.

Canouan
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Formerly a secluded island, Canouan was purchased by Italian developers and has since been transformed into an island resort. The Trump International Gold Club is located here as well as the Amrita Spa, and the Villa Monte Carlo Casino, as well as several hotels and resorts. Some individuals resent that the peaceful tranquility of the area was spoiled with the construction, while others appreciate the return to civilization.

Tobago Cays
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This famous island has been featured in the movies “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Dead Man’s Chest,” because of its largely untouched landscape. These islands are located inside Horseshoe Reef and are part of a national park. Tobago Cays is perfect for watching the sun set or going snorkeling. Each morning, locals travel boat to boat offering, bread, ice, and sometimes fish and lobster, as well. More info on Tobago Cays

Mayreau
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Mayreau is home to Saltwhistle Bay, the best beach in the Grenadines, and possibly the entire Caribbean. Be sure to arrive early to claim one of the best anchorages or you may end up on the far side of the island, requiring you to hike over a large hill to reach the beach. Check out the Saltwhistle Bay Club to have access to the best part of the beach for lounging or swimming.

If you would like to experience cocktails at the Saltwhistle bar, be sure to reserve your spot in advance. Enjoy dinner on under the trees on stone tables with the warm Caribbean air blowing your hair and sand under your feet. Or you may choose to walk over the hill to where other local restaurants and taverns offer fresh, authentic cuisine with a smile.

Palm Island
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Palm Island has its own perfect beach in Casuarina Beach. You can get a reservation to enjoy a delicious meal at the chi-chi beach bar and restaurant. While at Palm Island, you should make time to go snorkeling, as under the water here is just as beautiful as out of it. Enjoy walking along the deserted strip of sand that juts off the island, where many of the palm trees here have been stripped of their leaves by past hurricanes.

Petit St. Vincent
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This “little” island is a beautiful and quaint place to stop. The small “resort” on Petit St. Vincent consists of 22 cottages that have no television or telephones. In fact, they do not even have room keys. Yet, they do not lack service. Each cottage has a flag, that when raised up the pole, signals the need for room service. The island resort also has a restaurant and bar, but reservations must be placed in advance to ensure a spot.

Union Island
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You’ll know that you’re approaching Union Island when you see Mount Parnassus emerging from the sea, even when you are still miles away. This is one of the busier islands in the Grenadines. Clifton, the main town, has an open-air market where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also home to several grocery stores and a gourmet shop that offers an exceptional array of products from wine to olive oil to chocolate. You can also find numerous restaurants and bars, which offer fresh foods, tasty drinks, and a stunning view. Many yachters enjoy visiting the tiny man-made island of Happy, located in the harbor. The tiny bar is always packed as people always wish to be Happy.

The Maroon Festival, which celebrates the start of the planting season, occurs in May, while Easterval is observed for four days near the Easter holiday. On a crescent slice of beach in Chatham Bay there is a “Shark Attack” beach barbeque. If you arrive early, you can enjoy the grilled lobster, which goes quickly. Bring your own plate and utensils and ask the price, which tends to increase as it gets later in the evening. Don’t leave too soon, because the steel band plays after dinner and dancing on the beach has never been so fun.

Grenada
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Area: 132 sq miles
Capital: St George’s
Language: English
Population: 100,000

Not only does the 'Spice Island' produce nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, this rugged land of mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and secluded beaches has also given birth to an intriguing history and people.

The capital, St George's, is located on Grenada Island and has one of the prettiest harbor settings in the Caribbean. Carriacou is dotted with traditional East Caribbean towns and friendly locals, while Petit Martinique offers the chance to unwind in a little-known corner of the world. More info on Grenada.

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