Rodney Bay

Make every second count on your 7-day St Lucia and Martinique sailing itinerary with a final visit to Rodney Bay. Situated on the north side of St. Lucia, Rodney Bay offers easy access to restaurants, shops and island attractions. Rodney Bay is one of St. Lucia’s most favored areas for yachters seeking full marina amenities amongst a beautiful setting. The full-service marina is surrounded by protected waters and brings visitors into a scenic area of the island with nearby beaches, such as Reduit Beach.

The day’s sailing

1.5 Hr Sailing time
19 Nautical miles

Mooring

Berths for sailboats and superyachts up to 280 feet with drafts of up to 15 feet.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

• Explore the bay with its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops and accommodations as well as its close location to some of the area’s quieter spots. 
• Relax, swim or try a watersport at Reduit Beach, described as incredible, fun and lively with natural beauty and friendly people’ in one TripAdvisor review.
• Stroll along the national park just north of your anchorage to experience some of the island’s best natural features.

Spotlight On…

Pigeon Island

An ideal place to overnight, Pigeon Island offers sheltered anchorage along a stretch of wave-lapped white sand beach. Explore the scenic Pigeon Island National Park, surrounded by pristine waters inviting you to snorkel and swim in them, or spend the evening at one of the many restaurants and bars for a sundowner and an unforgettable island sunset.

According to one TripAdvisor review, the national park is not to be missed: “What a beautiful landmark…you have history, you have walks, you have an ocean and a sea, so beautiful!”

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, provisions, taxicabs, car rentals, ATM, and Internet access are available.

The Pitons

The twin conical peaks of Petit Piton and Gros Piton are among the most noteworthy landmarks in St. Lucia. Seeing the Pitons rise dramatically from the sea is one of the most unforgettable sights in the Caribbean, especially when arriving by yacht.

Rising more than 2,000 feet from the sea, Gros Piton and the smaller Petit Piton have been named a World Heritage Site and are stunning sites when arriving by sea. The two volcanic plugs have challenged hikers to climb the lush slopes that look out over the breathtaking sea. Both scenic and accommodating to boaters, the waters around the Pitons are part of the Soufriére Marine Management Area and a highlight of yachting in St. Lucia.

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
10 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available at numerous locations. Anchoring is permitted only in certain locations.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks are plentiful.

Things to do

• There are many restaurants along the shore and in town. The most elegant is the Hummingbird Restaurant at Hummingbird Resort. 
• Sulfur Springs, the volcanically heated waters of Diamond Baths and its surrounding tropical gardens are not to be missed.
• For those seeking an active vacation, guided hiking tours in the rain forest near Morne Fond St. Jacques (stop by the Soufriére Marine Management office in town for more information), Maho waterfalls, and the Jalousie Plantation (part of Sunswept Resorts) are among the attractions in and around Soufriére.

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Soufriére

Just north of Petit Piton is the small town of Soufriére, which shares the name of the nearby dormant volcano, the only one in the world where you can drive a car right inside!

Creole buildings with gingerbread trim give the place an Old-World ambience. Enjoy window-shopping and dining out in a variety of shops and restaurants here. You can also dine along the beach, swim among the reef or take in the view from the top of Gros Piton. 

A must-visit spot in Soufriere is the sensational Toraille Waterfall, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “This place is so refreshing, the vegetation and garden set up is beautiful. The falls in itself is a stress relief, the water falling on your body and the swim in the pool of water is so relaxing, one cannot ask for a better atmosphere.”

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, provisions, taxicabs, car rentals, and Internet access are available.

Admiralty Bay

The main harbor at Bequia is Admiralty Bay, on the west side of the island, and the location of the only settlement, Port Elizabeth. When cruising in Admiralty Bay you’ll see at the head of the harbor little hotels, a variety of shops, boutiques, food markets, a bookstore, as well as a number of bars and restaurants, many with a nautical theme in keeping with the fishing and boatbuilding tradition that remains alive and well on the island. 

This is a place where whaling from open sailboats still happens now and then, by special agreement with the International Whaling Commission, which allows the harvesting of up to four whales per season. Artisans build small and large vessels from wood using traditional methods. 

The Eastern Caribbean has many unique islands and cultures. Bequia is certainly one of the more fascinating for anyone who appreciates maritime history, making it a great addition to your 7 day St. Lucia crewed charter itinerary.

Mooring

Moorings are available. Anchoring space is plentiful, and the holding is generally good in the more popular locations. In other parts of the bay, holding is less desirable, and northerly swells can make for an uncomfortable night. In addition to Admiralty Bay, there’s a snug and picturesque anchorage at Friendship Bay, well worth a visit.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

• There are dozens of bars and restaurants, including the Frangipani Hotel for a romantic dinner featuring Caribbean fare, Auberge des Grenadines for sumptuous lobster and other seafood, and the Tradewinds Yacht Club restaurant, Devil’s Table, which has good food for all budgets and a charming island ambience. 
• For charterers seeking a bit of pampering, get a massage at Jack’s Spa & Beauty Salon, or play a game of tennis at one of several courts. 
• Hiking is popular on Bequia, along the beaches and on the trails in the hills of Mount Pleasant. 
• Visit the Bequia Maritime Museum, the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, or the home of one of Bequia’s most famous harpooners, Athneal Ollivierre, where there’s a small whaling museum.

Spotlight On…

Friendship Bay

On Bequia’s south side you can find the gorgeous Friendship Bay with its lovely white sand beach and anchorage that’s well protected from swells.

If you’re looking to relax, unwind and switch off from reality while you soak up the golden sun, Friendship Bay offers a slice of paradise. According to one TripAdvisor review, Friendship Bay is the ultimate place to go if you want peace, quiet and tranquility: “Unspoiled and clean escape from life! Wonderful, peaceful and natural beach with lovely turquoise water. Light surf to flat calm. Great swimming and sun-bathing. No vendors and no one to bother you. Even sea turtles swim at dusk at one end of the bay! Heaven on earth!”

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, showers, laundry facilities, garbage disposal, provisions, propane, Internet access (Wi-Fi too!), and taxicabs are available.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau, Tobago Cays

Salt Whistle Bay, located at the northern tip of Mayreau, is an ideal starting point for reaching the nearby Tobago Cays Marine Park, a playground for anyone who loves snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. Pleasant anchorage can be found in the bay where no park fees are charged. The bay is set among an arching white-sand beach and is a favored spot for swimming among the balmy trade winds. 

The Tobago Cays are known for their pristine waters with excellent visibility where snorkeling and diving are a popular way to experience the colorful underwater life. Fill your senses with the undisturbed surroundings of land and sea by day and the clear sky filled with stars at night.

Mooring

Salt Whistle Bay does not offer moorings but a dinghy dock is available. The Tobago Cays offer moorings for a fee and cruisers may anchor in one of several locations with the most popular anchorages north and south of Baradel. 

Dinghy dockage: Available in Salt Whistle Bay. No dinghy docks available in the Tobago Cays, but dinghies can be beached to take a swim from one of the cays.

Things to do

• Both locations offer pristine locations for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The Tobago Cays are more popular among divers due to the excellent visibility. 
• Unwind with a cocktail at one of Salt Whistle Bay’s beachfront bars, known for their easygoing charm and stunning views. 
• Rediscover nature at the Tobago Cays where sea turtles can be watched on Baradel or line up a vendor for an enjoyable beach barbecue.
• For more ideas on the best things to do in St. Lucia, ask your experienced crew members for their top local attractions, restaurants and anchorages.

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 and, in the evening, recline for some stargazing as the yacht swings with the warm breeze that is balm for the soul.

Facilities

Entrepreneurial owners of small local boats often ply the anchorages, selling sundry items like ice, bread, and lobsters at the Tobago Cays.

St. Vincent

Yachting in the waters of Young Island Cut brings you to the southern end of St. Vincent, which has a variety of good harbors, including the one at Young Island Cut. 

Easy to enter from the west, it’s a fantastic destination for day 5 of your St. Lucia crewed yacht charter because you’re ideally situated to enjoy a great view of Young Island to the south and the pleasure of going ashore to sample the cuisine at the restaurants lining the St. Vincent shore.  Here you can also enjoy bar hopping into the wee hours of the night.  The harbor of Blue Lagoon, also very popular among charterers, is within walking distance.

Mooring

Moorings are available and highly recommended. Swift currents flow through the cut and make anchoring challenging.  You can anchor in the northern or western parts of the cut, however, you will need to rig a bow and stern anchor to keep you from swinging into other boats when the tide changes.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is plentiful.

Things to do

• For scuba aficionados, there are plenty of scuba dive tour businesses around, which is reason enough to visit Young Island Cut and the surrounding area.
• At the head of the Mesopotamia Valley sits Montreal Gardens where you can walk along paths lined with fragrant tropical flowers. 
• Visit The Botanical Gardens, the Falls of Baleine, Fort Charlotte and the 3,000-foot Soufriére volcano where you will leave with memories to last a lifetime.

Spotlight On…

Grand View Beach Hotel

A stroll west to adjacent Indian Bay Beach brings you to a fine example of one of St. Vincent’s elegant and traditional hotels, the Grand View Beach Hotel, with exquisite views from its hilltop perch. On the beach is the Grand View Grill, a casual restaurant and bar run by a local artist, who has a little art gallery on the premises. In the hotel itself is Wilkie’s, which bills itself as having “the best fine dining on St. Vincent.” The hotel’s squash and tennis courts, as well as the gym, are open to cruisers.

Facilities

Provisions, garbage disposal, laundry services, propane, car rentals, taxicabs, guided tours, and Internet access (Wi-Fi too) are available.

Marigot Bay

Tucked away below the verdant hilltops on the west side of St. Lucia, Marigot Bay is a secluded anchorage for boaters seeking a relaxing, quiet harbor during their journey along the coast. One of the most scenic bays in the Caribbean, the penultimate day of your 7-day St Lucia and Martinique sailing itinerary will be full of beautiful greenery and excellent restaurants.

Charming homes overlook the seas in a colorful collage of white and red-topped roofs. Waterfront restaurants offer an array of French, Creole, and Caribbean cuisine with the added benefit of jaw-dropping sunset views.

The day’s sailing

7 Hr Sailing time
37 Nautical miles

Mooring

Anchor outside the bay for fresh air or sail right inside the bay pick up a mooring buoy from the Marigot bay Marina or head to the docks to spend the night. They can be reached at Vhf 12 or 16. It would be a good idea to call first before picking up any moorings as they will record your vessel into their system which gives you access to the hotel facilities including the pools, bars, and restaurants.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

• Take a sightseeing tour of the surrounding land and explore this beautiful mangrove-lined bay, famous as a hurricane harbor. 
• The nearby Marina Village features a variety of unique stores and boutiques perfect for shopping.
• As you enter the harbor Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort will be located on your left, where you can choose one of their dining options. Whether you stop in for just a drink or for a three-course gourmet dinner, they never disappoint. You can also enjoy delicious food and drink at restaurants such as Chauteau Mygo and JJ’s restaurant. 

Spotlight On…

St Lucia Marine Park

Head to St. Lucia’s marine park for excellent diving and views of the numerous shallow reefs near the shore. If you love scuba diving and snorkeling, you can enjoy incredible snorkeling near the base of the iconic Pitons, at Anse de Pitons. 

This is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St Lucia, loved by advanced and novice snorkelers alike. According to one TripAdvisor review: “We took a wonderful excursion to snorkel between the Pitons. This trip was amazing and the fish were just beautiful. I would recommend this excursion to everyone traveling to St Lucia. The water was clear and with the sun shining through the water the colors of the fish were beautiful. A must see!”

Learn more about the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, provisions, taxicabs, car rentals, ATM, and Internet access are available.