St. Lucia Cruising Itinerary

A popular access point into the island of Martinique, Sainte-Anne is a bustling community of postcard-worthy beaches and a bounty of things to do during a yacht charter vacation. Cruise to the nearby anchorage and take the dinghy to La Pointe Marin, a breathtaking blue-water beach with dozens of bars, restaurants and shops nearby. Snorkel and swim among the vibrant reefs near the shore, or venture inland and explore the small-town streets lined with painted wooden houses and one-of-a-kind shops.

One of Martinique’s most beloved beachside towns, Grand Anse d’Arlet offers an array of activities and attractions for travelers of all ages. Pick a spot and kick back on the half-mile strip of golden sand where the protected clear-blue waters provide an idyllic location for swimming. A handful of hotels and restaurants line the coast and there’s a local art gallery about a half-mile into town, but ultimately the beach reigns supreme in Grand Anse’ d’Arlet.

Saint-Pierre is a small town on the northwest side of Martinique. Sitting at the base of the infamous Mt. Pelee, this island community is home to a number of unique attractions that make it a must-visit on your charter from St. Lucia. After a massive volcanic eruption occurred here more than 100 years ago, Saint-Pierre was completely rebuilt around the ruins of its former self. Venture into town and explore the pristine ruins before a walk through the nearby museum. Sink your toes into the black sand beach, or cruise only a couple hundred yards off the shore to see more than 10 shipwrecks just below the surface.

Sitting on the southwest edge of Martinique, Anse Mitan is a palm-studded beach offering deep clear water and a quaint array of restaurants and attractions just foot steps away from the shore. Feast on fresh-caught seafood or get adventurous and snorkel in a wide-open world brimming with sea life. Just a mile and a half away, the town of Trois Ilets is the place to be when the sun goes down. Visit Casino Trois-Ilets and challenge yourself with classic games like roulette, stud poker and craps. Designed in the style of New Orleans’ famed French Quarter, the Casino offers everything from live music to dancing, refined cuisine and more.

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. Charming homes overlook the seas in a colorful collage of white and red-topped roofs. The nearby Marina Village features a variety of unique stores and boutiques perfect for shopping. Waterfront restaurants offer an array of French, Creole and Caribbean cuisine with the added benefit of jaw-dropping sunset views.

The twin conical peaks of Petit Piton and Gros Piton are among the most noteworthy landmarks in St. Lucia. Cruising in the Pitons is certainly magic to the eyes of countless cruisers who visit every year. 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 that 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. 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.

Situated on the north side of St. Lucia, Rodney Bay offers easy access to restaurants, shops and island attractions. 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. Explore the scenic Pigeon Island National Park surrounded by pristine waters or spend the evening at one of the many restaurants and bars for a sundowner and an unforgettable island sunset.

After chart briefing and orientation, clear customs out of St. Lucia and depart for an easy, long reach along the coast to Soufriere, 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. Enjoy window shopping and dining out. 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 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.

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.

A short sail will take you to anchor in 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. 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.

Sail to the tiny island of Petit Nevis for lunch and more beach time. On to Mustique, the island of royals, the rich and the famous, you can 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. Celebrities, business magnates, and royalty have made the island a cherished retreat. Mustique yachting ushers you into this exclusive world.

The five deserted isles of the Tobago Cays are the jewels of Tobago Cays Marine Park, which comprises the surrounding waters as well. Horseshoe Reef nearly encircles the four main cays, and beyond its protective embrace is Petit Tabac. One of the premier snorkeling and diving locales within the Grenadines, and the entire Windward chain, for that matter, it’s no surprise that Tobago Cays cruising is a highlight of exploring these waters.

After a nice sail from the Tobago Cays enjoy the afternoon and evening at Chatham Bay, tucked in the embrace of the island behind a prominent headland. This anchorage is located in a pristine valley with no development on the hillsides. Along the beach, there are a few beach bars and consider stopping by Sekki’s Sunset Beach Bar, featured on the Travel Channel’s No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain.  A beach extends along much of the shore, an ideal site to relax, swim, or snorkel along the reef located on both sides of the bay.

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.

Complete customs and immigration clearance out of Grenada; then enjoy a nice 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 color 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.

Sailing into Carriacou, stop into the town of Hillsborough. Built on a wonderful beach, the town offers charming seaside dining and just a short walk from the docks, the museum features an eclectic collection of artwork and historical pieces. If you’re seeking a taste of the local culture, be sure to stop into one of the many rum shops or watch the locals build boats by traditionally by eye on the beach. Before heading for Tyrrel Bay stop at Sandy Island for lunch, great snorkeling spot, sunbathing, beach combing and to chill out.  Over-night around the corner at Tyrell Bay, and enjoy a drink at the Tipsy Turtle in Tyrell Bay.

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. 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.

A popular access point into the island of Martinique, Sainte-Anne is a bustling community of postcard-worthy beaches and a bounty of things to do during a yacht charter vacation. Cruise to the nearby anchorage and take the dinghy to La Pointe Marin, a breathtaking blue-water beach with dozens of bars, restaurants and shops nearby. Snorkel and swim among the vibrant reefs near the shore, or venture inland and explore the small-town streets lined with painted wooden houses and one-of-a-kind shops.

For a beautiful beach experience, look no further than La Pointe Marin on the southern end of Martinique. Offering miles of bronze sand and calm blue water, Pointe Marin blends the best of seclusion and scenery for a relaxing reprieve from the everyday. Far from the typical beach crowds, La Pointe Marin offers a variety of things to do for visitors of all ages. Head to Club Med for resort-style amenities including bars, restaurants, and rentable water sports equipment like scuba gear kite boards. Or, take the two-minute walk into town and explore the outdoor market filled with one-of-a-kind foods, crafts, accessories and more.

One of Martinique’s most beloved beachside towns, Grand Anse d’Arlet offers an array of activities and attractions for travelers of all ages. Pick a spot and kick back on the half-mile strip of golden sand where the protected clear-blue waters provide an idyllic location for swimming. A handful of hotels and restaurants line the coast and there’s a local art gallery about a half-mile into town, but ultimately the beach reigns supreme in Grand Anse’ d’Arlet.

As the largest city in the French Antilles and the centrally-located capital of Martinique, Fort de France can be conveniently accessed from almost anywhere on the island. Filled with rich history and 19th century architecture, Fort de France has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike, including a full-range of shops, dining experiences, and sights to explore. Stroll the iconic vegetable market established in 1901, tour the luminous Saint-Louis Cathedral, visit the grand Fort Saint-Louis, or wander through one of the local museums. 

Wake up in your own Caribbean island oasis then spend the rest of the morning learning more about Martinique’s rum traditions at the well-preserved Neisson rum distillery in Le Carbet, which prides itself on producing something that is cherished by many and also supports local agriculture. Founded in 1931, the Neisson distillery has remained family-owned and operated, thanks to a deep-rooted appreciation of self-grown sugar cane and the precise method used to churn out exquisitely-aged bottles of handcrafted artisanal rum. During your exclusive tour of the factory, discover what’s so special about “Appellation d’Origine Controllee” Neisson rums and how the family perfected their production process, which continues to thrive on both passion and patience.

Sitting on the southwest edge of Martinique, Anse Mitan is a palm-studded beach offering deep clear water and a quaint array of restaurants and attractions just foot steps away from the shore. Feast on fresh-caught seafood or get adventurous and snorkel in a wide-open world brimming with sea life. Just a mile and a half away, the town of Trois Ilets is the place to be when the sun goes down. Visit Casino Trois-Ilets and challenge yourself with classic games like roulette, stud poker and craps. Designed in the style of New Orleans’ famed French Quarter, the Casino offers everything from live music to dancing, refined cuisine and more.

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. Charming homes overlook the seas in a colorful collage of white and red-topped roofs. The nearby Marina Village features a variety of unique stores and boutiques perfect for shopping. Waterfront restaurants offer an array of French, Creole and Caribbean cuisine with the added benefit of jaw-dropping sunset views.

Situated on the north side of St. Lucia, Rodney Bay offers easy access to restaurants, shops and island attractions. 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. Explore the scenic Pigeon Island National Park surrounded by pristine waters or spend the evening at one of the many restaurants and bars for a sundowner and an unforgettable island sunset.

Situated on the north side of St. Lucia, Rodney Bay offers easy access to restaurants, shops and island attractions. 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. Explore the scenic Pigeon Island National Park surrounded by pristine waters or spend the evening at one of the many restaurants and bars for a sundowner and an unforgettable island sunset.

The twin conical peaks of Petit Piton and Gros Piton are among the most noteworthy landmarks in St. Lucia. Cruising in the Pitons is certainly magic to the eyes of countless cruisers who visit every year. 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 that 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. 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 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.

Salt Whistle Bay, located at the northern tip of Mayreau, is an ideal starting point for reaching the nearby Tobago Cays Marine Park. 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.

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, 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.

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. Charming homes overlook the seas in a colorful collage of white and red-topped roofs. The nearby Marina Village features a variety of unique stores and boutiques perfect for shopping. Waterfront restaurants offer an array of French, Creole and Caribbean cuisine with the added benefit of jaw-dropping sunset views.