7 Day Grenada Sailing Itinerary

Dragon Bay

On the first day of your week-long itinerary in Grenada, make your way from the marina up the coast to Dragon Bay. Enjoy some amazing snorkeling at Moliniere Point, and if you enjoy diving, be sure to arrange a dive at the underwater sculpture garden, which is rumored to be home to a family of black and red sea horses.

The day’s sailing

• 0.5 Hr Sailing time
• 3 Nautical miles

Mooring

Be sure to anchor on sand or pick up a government mooring ball when in Dragon Bay.

Dinghy dockage: There is no dinghy dock.

Things to do

Snorkeling and diving opportunities abound, with clear waters and abundant marine life. The palm-fringed black volcanic sand beach offers a secluded retreat for sunbathing and relaxation.

Facilities

Dragon Bay remains largely untouched, offering a true escape into nature. While there are no onshore facilities, the beauty of this secluded cove lies in its pristine surroundings, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.

Carriacou

Sailing into Carriacou, stop at the town of Hillsborough. Built on a wonderful beach, the town offers charming seaside dining. Just a short walk from the docks, the museum features an eclectic collection of artwork and historical pieces. To get a taste of the local culture, be sure to stop into one of the many rum shops or watch the locals build traditional boats by eye on the beach. Before heading for Tyrrel Bay, stop at Sandy Island for lunch. This is a great spot for snorkeling, sunbathing, beachcombing and chilling out.  Moor for the night around the corner at Tyrell Bay and enjoy a drink at the Tipsy Turtle.

The day’s sailing

• 6 Hr Sailing time
• 28 Nautical miles

Mooring

Tyrrel Bay is deep and well protected, making it an ideal place to hang-out for the evening. Holding is good if you can find clear sand, but rather poor in the weedy areas.

Dinghy dockage: Leave your dinghy at Tyrrel Bay Yacht Haul Out, the yacht Club, the main dock or pull it up on the beach. The Tipsy Turtle also has a dinghy dock.

Things to do

Sunbathe and enjoy excellent snorkel conditions around Sandy Island; then swing into Hillsborough for seaside dining, a taste of locally prepared rum and to experience the island’s unique culture. Tyrrel Bay is home to a mangrove swamp, which is protected by the fisheries department and well-worth a visit by dinghy. Coming ashore from Tyrell Bay, there’s plenty of hiking possibilities, including a walk up Chapeau Carre.

Facilities

Hillsborough is Carriacou’s only port of clearance, and the taxi square is located in front of customs. Facing the main dock, the tourist office provides maps and other helpful information. By Tyrell Bay, businesses and restaurants line the waterfront. Oysters, lobster when in season, fruits, jewelry and even calypso music can be purchased from local boat-carried businessmen. Free bay-wide Wi-Fi, funded by local businesses, is based in Tyrrel Bay Yacht Haul Out.

Union Island

Complete customs and immigration clearance out of Grenada; then enjoy a pleasant sail across to Union Island, which is part of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Arrive in Clifton Harbour, Union Island, to clear into St Vincent. Clifton is the island’s main town and a bustling small port that’s full of colour where you’re welcomed by warm, friendly islanders. The roads and trails offer some of the best hiking and biking in the Grenadines. Be sure to get a drink on Happy Island, an island made entirely from conch shells.

The day’s sailing

• 2.5 Hr Sailing time
• 10 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings balls are available in Union Island; however, we do not recommend using them.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks are available at the Anchorage, where water is also available.

Things to do

Union has neat boutiques with clothing, local original art, hand-made jewelry and gifts. It’s also becoming well known for its entertainment and fun restaurants. Union Island offers superb hiking and biking – great view points include Fort Hill, Ashton, Mt. Campbell and Mt. Taboi. Consider hiring a local guide, who is familiar with the local trails and can show you all of the best view points.

Facilities

Anchorage Yacht Club, Aquarium and Captain Gourmet offer free Wi-Fi. Garbage may be left in the dumpster on the fishing docks. Ice is available at Anchorage Yacht Club, Bougainville, Grand Union, Lambi and many rum shops.

Tobago Cays

Day 5 of your St Lucia to Grenada sailing itinerary is a real highlight. Here, you’ll explore the five deserted isles of the Tobago Cays, which are the jewels of Tobago Cays Marine Park, comprising the surrounding waters as well. Horseshoe Reef almost encircles the four main cays, and beyond its protective embrace is Petit Tabac. As one of the premier snorkeling and diving locations within the Grenadines, and the entire Windward chain, it’s no surprise that Tobago Cays cruising is the main attraction when exploring these waters.

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
5 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available for a fee; plans for adding some have been in the works. Charterers may anchor in one of several locations. The anchorages north and south of Baradel are popular.No dinghy docks are available, but you can beach your dinghy to take a swim on one of the cays.

Things to do

• Marvel at the sight of beautiful green sea turtles in their natural habitat as a result of ongoing conservation efforts.
• If you’re a movie fan, sail across to Petit Tabac, one of the iconic filming locations for Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.
• Enjoy a hike around one of the many trails on Petit Bateau and Petit Rameau, taking in the stunning views of the Tobago Cays.

Spotlight On…

Tobago Cays Marine Park

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. Contact one of the local dive companies to go scuba diving (diving on your own isn’t permitted).

Completely undeveloped and uninhabited, the park is a place where time seems to have stopped. Take your time observing the sea turtles at the sea turtle-watching area on Baradel, or line up a vendor for a beach barbecue. In the evening, recline for some stargazing as the yacht swings with the warm breeze that is balm for the soul.

Facilities

Local vendors frequently visit the anchorages, offering essentials such as ice, fresh bread, and seafood, but it’s a good idea to stock up ahead of time.

Petit Martinique

Sail over to Petit Martinique, Grenada’s northern most island. It’s a great place to come ashore to replenish water, alcohol, ice and more. Many of the residents here live by boatbuilding, and Petit Martinique is famous for its plywood speedboats. For great snorkeling and exploring, Fota and Petite Dominique are within range of a seaworthy dinghy. Be sure to stop at Mopion for lunch on your way! Mopion is surrounded by amazing reefs to dive, and is known as the world’s smallest island with a structure

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr Sailing time
• 7 Nautical miles

Mooring

When anchoring in Petit Martinique, be aware that the holding is in soft mud and not always easy. Keep the engine slowly in forward, assuring time for the anchor to sink into the mud before putting any strain on it.

Dinghy dockage: You may tie your dinghy up to the government dock, or the wooden gas dock.

Things to do

Petit Martinique is a unique island with strong local charm. Find a spot to watch the local boatbuilding culture, or enjoy a picnic on the white sands of Mopion, or snorkel the neighboring reefs.

Facilities

Matthew’s in Matthew’s Shopping Center is a great place to top off on fuel and select provisioning items, such as water, beer, wine, liquor and more. Adjacent, Matthew’s daughter owns an apparel and jewelry store, and there’s a gift shop too. There are several pleasant restaurants for dining ashore.

Prickly Bay

Enjoy your day at Prickly Bay, which is known as one of the best anchorages amongst cruisers. Customs and Immigration is available at the yacht club right in the anchorage, however if you choose to stop in Hillsborough, Carriacou to clear in, there is no need to revisit customs in Prickly Bay. Enjoy live steel drum band music from the yacht club’s bar. Consider organizing a land tour into the rain forest and cool off in one of Grenada’s many waterfalls.

The day’s sailing

• 9 Hr Sailing time
• 43 Nautical miles

Mooring

Anchoring is not permitted within 600 feet of the beach. This area is designated for swimmers, and marked by small buoys.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks are available both at Prickly Bay Marina and Spice Island Boatyard (by De Big Fish).

Things to do

Enjoy relaxing, swimming and sunbathing on the palm-fringed beach of True Blue Bay. As a pleasant and more affluent area, you will find a diverse selection of dining options, and facilities such as tennis courts and a golf club at Golflands. To reach True Blue, dinghy to Spice Island Boatyard and take a brisk walk down the road.

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, provisions, taxi cabs, and car rentals are available. Internet and computers are available at Boats and Harbors, located at Prickly Bay Marina.

St. George’s Bay

On the last day of your Grenada itinerary, sail into St George’s Harbor to finish your charter at The Moorings base in Port Louis Marina. After completing the check-out process with the staff, take some time to explore St George’s. This capital city of Grenada is an 18th century gem with its mix of colonial buildings crowned by orange fish-scale tiles and its multicoloured homes, all along an emerald green backdrop. Stop by Bay Gardens, and marvel at over 3,000 species of Caribbean plants.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr Sailing time
• 8 Nautical miles

Mooring

Arriving in St George’s, call the base on VHF 16 for assistance with docking.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy docks are available in this location.

Things to do

St George’s is an excellent place to go sightseeing. The old fort overlooks the harbor and the historic town is great for sightseeing, shopping and dining. The Carenage offers a pleasant waterside walk, with many restaurants and bars nearby. To the south, Grand Anse offers two miles of sandy beach with excellent dining and nightlife.

Facilities

Port Louis Marina is home to The Moorings base, and is the most state-of-the-art marina in the entire Windward Islands.