Luxury Crewed Yacht Canouan, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Overview

Just south of rugged St. Vincent, there's a group of islands known as the Grenadines, which is considered among sailors as some of the best tropical cruising grounds in the world. Yachting centers such as Union Island’s Clifton Harbour and Admiralty Bay in Bequia, an island with seafaring roots dating back centuries, are just a short sail from the quintessential deserted isles of the Tobago Cays – right out of Daniel Defoe’s classic novel Robinson Crusoe. The snorkeling and diving there is unparalleled, the beauty breathtaking, and the starlit night skies a marvel of Nature. The passages, often in the lee of the islands or behind protective reefs, are typically pleasant and short, allowing plenty of time to relax and enjoy the full range of delights a crewed Canouan yacht charter has to offer.

Image Gallery

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Sailing in Canouan

Lying between St. Vincent and Grenada, the Grenadines are part of the Windward Island chain, which forms the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. The trade winds typically blow from the northeast during the winter months, prime time for a crewed Canouan yacht charter, and more southeasterly during the summer. The north-south orientation of the islands means the wind will be on the beam more often than not when sailing south, but since most of the islands in the Grenadines are close together, the sailing is great no matter the heading. On northward passages, such as from Union Island to Bequia, sailing close-hauled or on a close reach isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. Wind velocities run the gamut from a gentle 10 knots to a more spirited 25 knots. Temperatures range from 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).

Canouan Highlights

A crewed Canouan yacht charter with a professional captain and a private gourmet chef encompasses many experiences. Enjoying the superlative sailing among the islands is only one of them. White-sand beaches, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, casual and fine dining, sightseeing, shopping, hiking, and exploring historic sites are all part of chartering a luxury crewed yacht in the Grenadines.

St. Vincent – Young Island Cut and Blue Lagoon

Situated about seven nautical miles north of Bequia, St. Vincent is one of the four largest islands in the Windwards. It’s well worth a visit. Many sailors grab a mooring in Young Island Cut on the south end of the island, or they go to nearby Blue Lagoon. Both are beautiful and well protected. Plan a land-cruise to St. Vincent’s interior by taxi or after arranging a car rental. Montreal Gardens at the head of the Mesopotamia Valley is spectacular with its walking paths set among fragrant tropical flowers. Other adventures include visiting Kingstown, the island’s capital with architecture from the 1700s. The Botanical Gardens, the Falls of Baleine, Fort Charlotte, and the 3,000-foot Soufriére volcano (not to be confused with the one on St. Lucia) are other options. Hiking and bird watching in the rain forest is popular.

View St. Vincent – Young Island Cut and Blue Lagoon highlight

Bequia – Admiralty Bay

Bequia is steeped in seafaring history. Fishing and boatbuilding still thrive, and there’s an active (sometimes) whaling station. The main settlement is Port Elizabeth at Admiralty Bay, the principle harbor on the island. Large but well protected, the bay is a perfect place to blend relaxation in the cockpit as the sun sets below the horizon with forays ashore to browse through the little shops and dine at one of the many restaurants. A romantic candle-lit dinner at The Frangipani Hotel is bound to rank prominently among fond memories of a Canouan yacht charter.

 

View Bequia – Admiralty Bay highlight

Mustique – Britannia Bay

A Canouan sailing vacation wouldn’t be complete without stopping at this exclusive, privately owned island, home to approximately 90 sprawling mansions of the world’s rich and famous, though that’s not its chief attraction. Mustique is special because it’s so unspoiled. Sailors are welcome to hike and bike the roads and trails; touring via taxicab is another way to go. You can pick up a mooring in Britannia Bay, then go ashore to explore. Stop by Basil’s Bar, one of the most famous in the Caribbean, for dinner and drinks in an informal setting. Of course, upscale dining is also available!

 

View Mustique – Britannia Bay highlight

Tobago Cays

The waters of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, encompassing Mayreau Island and the five isles comprising Tobago, are known as one of the premier snorkeling and scuba diving locales in the Grenadines. Visibility is excellent (typically 100 to 120 feet) for viewing the sea life of the extensive reefs in the area. Completely undeveloped and uninhabited, the park is a place where time seems to have stopped. Stargazing as the yacht swings with the warm breeze is balm for the soul.

View Tobago Cays highlight