Soufriere

After chart briefing and orientation, clear customs out of St. Lucia and depart for an easy, long reach along the coast to Soufrière, a picturesque town that shares its name with a nearby dormant volcano (the only one in the world where it’s possible to drive a car inside!). Creole buildings with gingerbread trim and balconies overlooking the lanes and streets create an Old World ambience, setting the tone for day 1 of your 10-day St Lucia sailing itinerary.

Mooring

Moorings are available at numerous locations. Anchoring is permitted only in certain locations. A boat boy can help at Hummingbird Beach (to tie your stern to a palm tree while you anchor) or pick up a mooring ball between the majestic Pitons.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks are plentiful here.

Things to do

• A must-visit spot in Soufrière is the sensational Toraille Waterfall, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “This place is so refreshing, the vegetation and garden set up is beautiful.”
• Both scenic and accommodating to boaters, the waters around the Pitons are part of the Soufrière Marine Management Area and a highlight of yachting in the Pitons.
• Enjoy the culinary delights of the many restaurants along the shore and in town. The most elegant is the Hummingbird Restaurant at Hummingbird Resort.
• Embrace the natural beauty of Soufrière and visit Sulfur Springs, the volcanically heated waters of Diamond Baths and its surrounding tropical gardens. 
• Take a guided hiking tour in the rain forest near Morne Fond St. Jacques (stop by the Soufrière Marine Management office in town for more information), experience the mesmerizing Maho waterfalls, or visit the Jalousie Plantation (part of Sunswept Resorts).

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The Pitons

The twin conical peaks of Petit Piton (elevation 2,460 ft.) and Gros Piton (elevation 2,619 ft.) are magic to the eyes of cruisers heading south, marking a picturesque entry into the charm of the Eastern Caribbean.

The two volcanic plugs have challenged hikers to climb the lush slopes that look out over the breathtaking sea and beckoned snorkelers to discover the treasures that lie in the waters around the bases. The Pitons have become a symbol of St Lucia, described in TripAdvisor reviews as ‘quite spectacular’, ‘enchanting’ and ‘the most beautiful place on the whole island’.

Facilities

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

St. Vincent

Set sail early to reach Petit Bayhaut, in St. Vincent, for lunch and snorkeling. Pick up a mooring ball at Young Island Cut for the night. Yachting in Young Island Cut waters 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, you’re ideally situated to enjoy a nice 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 and to barhop to your heart’s content into the wee hours of the night. The harbor of Blue Lagoon, also popular among charterers, is within walking distance.

Mooring

Moorings are available and highly recommended as swift currents flow through the cut and make anchoring a challenge. You can anchor in the northern or western parts of the cut, but you’ll 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 also plentiful.

Things to do

• For scuba aficionados, there are plenty of scuba diving tour businesses around, which is reason enough to visit Young Island Cut and the surrounding area. 
• Snorkeling is superb in Petit Bayhut, and is easily accessible by dinghy along the coast of Buccament Bay.
• Island hop to Young Island which is only accessible by boat. The exceptional water visibility makes for incredible swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, and the island offers magnificent sunset views of an evening.

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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.

Bequia

Day 3 of your St Lucia sailing itinerary slows the pace and offers a wholesome opportunity to immerse yourself in the quaint local culture of Admiralty Bay, Bequia’s main harbor on the island’s west side 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’s alive and well on the island. Artisans build small and large vessels from wood using traditional methods.

The day’s sailing

2-3 Hr Sailing time
10 Nautical miles

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 also available.

Things to do

• There are dozens of bars and restaurants, with highlights 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.

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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.

Mustique

Sail to the tiny island of Petit Nevis for lunch and more beach time. Then move on to Mustique, the island of royals, the rich and the famous, where you can stay overnight in Britannia Bay. A spine of hills 400 to 600 feet in elevation runs down the midsection of Mustique, providing sweeping views of the sea that make an ideal setting for the palatial estates, about 90 in all, dotting the lush, green slopes extending to the edges of pristine white-sand beaches.

Mooring

Moorings are available in Britannia Bay. Anchoring is prohibited without permission from the Mustique Company, which supervises local waters.

Dinghy dockage: A dinghy dock is available.

Things to do

• Hike the trails and quiet roads of the island, or take a tour via taxicab or rented mountain bike or motorbike. 
• Enjoy a swim at the beautiful beach at Macaroni Bay. Horseback riding is also an option. Or snorkel and scuba dive in the crystal clear waters.
• Set your intentions for the day by taking part in some sunrise yoga, with exceptional views.

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Mustisque’s breathtaking beaches

From secluded coves to snorkeling hotspots, Mustique is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Walk hand-in-hand on the pristine sands of Lagoon Bay, explore underwater wonders and spot vibrant marine life at Britannia Bay, and stop by for a beachfront picnic at Macaroni Bay.

For families, Lagoon Bay offers a fun-filled beach experience, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “This beach is fantastic – especially for those with young families. The water is calm and shallow, and often quite warm. You can swim out to snorkel, and there is natural shade from palm trees. Top place to relax and often feels deserted!”

Facilities

Provisions, garbage disposal, Internet access at the library, and taxicab service are available.

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.

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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.

Chatham Bay

A scenic sail from Tobago Cays brings you to Chatham Bay, a secluded anchorage tucked behind a prominent headland on Union Island. This pristine bay is surrounded by rolling green hills with little development, offering a peaceful retreat. Along the beach, a handful of beach bars provide a laid-back atmosphere, including Sekki’s Sunset Beach Bar, featured on the Travel Channel’s No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain.

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
7 Nautical miles

Mooring

There are no mooring balls available, but anchoring in the northeast portion of the bay provides excellent holding. Dinghy dockage is not available, but you can beach your dinghy anywhere along the shore.

Things to do

• Snorkeling at Rapid Point is among the best in the area, with clear waters and vibrant marine life. 
• Admire the sensational natural beauty at Chatham Bay, from the azure waters to the luscious rolling hills.
• The long sandy beach invites visitors to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax in the quiet beauty of the bay. 
• For a casual evening, enjoy fresh seafood and drinks at one of the small beachside bars.

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Rapid Point

On the north side of Chatham Bay, you’ll find Rapid Point which is a haven for snorkeling. The nearby secluded cove is home to a beautiful reef that entices you to grab your snorkeling gear and uncover its treasures. You’ll have the unique opportunity to discover an array of coral, fish and other marine life, and create magical memories to last a lifetime.

Facilities

There are no formal yacht facilities in Chatham Bay, preserving its untouched and tranquil nature.

Petit Martinique

Sail toward Petit Martinique, Grenada’s northernmost island, known for its rich boatbuilding heritage and tranquil charm. This small island provides a wonderful opportunity to stock up on essentials while soaking in its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. 

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
7 Nautical miles

Mooring

Anchoring can be challenging due to the soft mud seabed. Allow time for the anchor to settle properly before applying strain. Secure your dinghy at the government dock or the wooden gas dock.

Things to do

• Wander the island to observe local craftsmen constructing traditional plywood speedboats, an essential part of Petit Martinique’s economy. 
• Take a short dinghy ride to Fota and Petite Dominique, both excellent spots for snorkeling and exploring. 
• Relax on Mopion’s untouched beaches, where the only structure is a lone, picturesque thatched umbrella.

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Mopion

Before arriving at Petit Martinique, stop at Mopion, a tiny sandbar surrounded by some of the most stunning reefs in the region, perfect for a refreshing swim and snorkeling. If you want to experience true peace and unparalleled privacy, this is the perfect stop on day 7 of your St Lucia to Grenada sailing itinerary.

A retreat within your sailing retreat, feel your cares melt away on Mopion. According to one TripAdvisor review: “This little island is a perfect quiet getaway. It has a beautiful fine sandy beach without the crowds and with crystal clear blue water. Great for swimming and relaxing.”

Facilities

Basic provisions, fuel, water, and ice are available at Matthew’s Shopping Center. Adjacent, you’ll find a boutique selling clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. A few small restaurants on the island offer freshly caught seafood and local Caribbean cuisine.

Union Island

Complete customs and immigration clearance before setting sail to Union Island, the gateway to the Grenadines. Arriving in Clifton Harbour, you’ll find a lively town filled with vibrant markets, friendly locals, and a welcoming Caribbean charm. The island’s rugged terrain offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the region, with panoramic views of surrounding cays. 

Mooring

Mooring balls are available but are not recommended due to strong currents. If anchoring, ensure your boat is well-secured. Convenient dinghy docks are available at The Anchorage, where fresh water is also accessible.

Things to do

• Explore the island’s bustling streets, filled with unique boutiques offering handmade jewelry, local artwork, and island-inspired fashion. 
• Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy breathtaking hikes to Fort Hill, Mt. Campbell, or Ashton, with rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding Grenadines. 
• If you’re looking for adventure, the island is known for its excellent kitesurfing conditions and scuba diving spots.

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Happy Island

Before heading off, make time for a stop at Happy Island for a one-of-a-kind bar experience. Dubbed ‘the world’s coolest beach bar’, it is constructed entirely from conch shells and has been built on its own tiny island so you have panoramic views of the turquoise waters. 

There’s no better place in the Caribbean to enjoy a cocktail with a view, with one Tripadvisor review saying: “Incredible local attraction with delicious cocktails. Great staff and atmosphere. Beautiful spot to catch the sunset.”

Facilities

Essential services such as provisioning, garbage disposal, and laundry are available. Free Wi-Fi is offered at several locations, including Anchorage Yacht Club, Aquarium, and Captain Gourmet. Ice, fresh produce, and seafood can be purchased from local markets and vendors around Clifton Harbour.

Carriacou

On the penultimate day of your St Lucia to Grenada sailing itinerary, sail into Carriacou, the largest island in the Grenadine chain belonging to Grenada. This peaceful island is known for its unspoiled beaches, relaxed pace, and rich maritime history. Stop in Hillsborough, the main town, where you can explore local shops, enjoy waterfront dining, and visit the town’s small but charming museum. 

Mooring

Tyrell Bay provides excellent protection for overnight anchorage. Holding is best in clear sand, though some areas may have weeds that can affect anchor grip. Dinghy docks are available at Tyrell Bay Yacht Haul Out, the Yacht Club, and the main dock. You can also pull your dinghy up on the beach.

Things to do

• Spend the afternoon at Sandy Island, where the calm waters make for an ideal snorkeling experience. 
• Hillsborough offers a great opportunity to experience local culture, with rum shops, restaurants, and artisans crafting wooden boats using traditional techniques. 
• For nature lovers, take a dinghy ride through Tyrell Bay’s mangrove swamp, a protected marine area filled with wildlife. 
• Join the hiking trails near Chapeau Carre which offer spectacular views of the coastline.

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Sandy Island

Before heading to Tyrell Bay, take a break at Sandy Island, a pristine strip of sand perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing. The crystalline waters, swaying palm trees and soft white sand are postcard-perfect.

As a protected marine park, you’ll find stunning mangroves, vibrant coral reefs and marine life in abundance. Everywhere you turn, both in and out of the water, you’ll be met with natural beauty that needs to be seen to be believed, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “Blissful relaxing on the softest of beaches, with plenty of shade amongst the coconut trees. Marvel at the diversity of the Hermit Crab shells, salt water pools, small tropical fish along the north end of the island, […] Spotted Sting Rays, turtles and other larger fish.”

Facilities

Hillsborough serves as Carriacou’s only port of entry, with a customs office and a visitor center offering maps and information. In Tyrell Bay, you’ll find restaurants, provisioning stores, free Wi-Fi, and a lively atmosphere where vendors sell fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and handcrafted jewelry.

Grenada

Sailing south on to Grenada, you will pass the underwater volcano of Kick-Em Jenny; enjoy a nice sail along the coast of Grenada passing Dragon’s Bay, the historic city of St. George’s and the world renowned Grand Anse Beach. Eat lunch on the way and stop in at Customs and Immigration on Prickly Bay, unless you went ashore in Hillsborough, Carriacou to clear customs. Spend your last evening anchored in Prickly Bay, which is known as one of the best anchorages amongst cruisers.

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

• In Prickly Bay, enjoy relaxing, swimming and sunbathing on the palm-fringed beach.
• Later, listen to live steel drum band music from the yacht club’s bar. There’s no feeling like spending the last night of your charter reminiscing on your favorite memories from the trip to the sound of the steel drums playing in the ground.
• Consider organizing a land tour into the rain forest and cool off in one of Grenada’s many waterfalls.

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Grand Anse Beach

Grand Anse Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling hotspots in the Caribbean. With its gentle slope from the shore into the sea, sensational visibility, calm waves and varied marine life, it’s a snorkeler’s wonderland. 

If you’re feeling adventurous and have time before heading to Prickly Bay, visit Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park just off the west coast of Grenada. This collection of more than 70 underwater sculptures is a feast for the eyes, and offers a unique scuba diving experience, with one Tripadvisor review saying: “This simply takes your breath away. I have snorkeled in many places and seen ship wrecks, shoals of fish but this was quite surreal.”

Facilities

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