Soufriere

Begin your two week sailing itinerary in Soufrière, a charming town set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pitons, twin volcanic peaks that rise from the sea. After completing your chart briefing and clearing customs out of St. Lucia, enjoy a scenic sail along the coastline. The town’s Creole-style architecture, colorful streets, and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere provide a warm welcome.

The day’s sailing

• 4 Hr Sailing time
• 19 Nautical miles

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.

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, 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.

Facilities

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

St. Vincent

Depart early for Petit Byahaut, a secluded snorkeling paradise on St. Vincent’s coastline, perfect for a leisurely lunch and underwater exploration. From there, continue south to Young Island Cut, an anchorage renowned for its scenic surroundings, easy shore access, and vibrant nightlife.

The day’s sailing

• 10 Hr Sailing time
• 48 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available and highly recommended. 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 plentiful.

Things to do

A stroll westward 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. Scuba dive tour businesses abound. For scuba aficionados, this is reason enough to visit Young Island Cut and the surrounding area. Snorkelling is superb in Petit Bayhut, and is easily accessible by dinghy along the coast of Buccament Bay.

Facilities

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

Bequia

A short sail will take you to anchor in Admiralty Bay, Bequia’s main harbour 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 harbour small hotels, a variety of shops, boutiques, food markets, a bookshop, and 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 an anchorage that’s well protected from swells.

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 due to occasional northerly swells that can make for an uncomfortable night. In addition to Admiralty Bay, there’s a snug and picturesque anchorage at Friendship Bay that is well worth a visit.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

There are literally dozens of bars and restaurants, too many to name. However, we would recommend 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 any of the several tennis 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. Bequia is both beautiful and filled with attractions. Consider seeing all of the sights with a jeep, scooter or bike rental from Handy Andy. It’s a very fun island to drive around.

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, showers, laundry facilities, rubbish disposal, provisions, propane, Internet access (including Wi–Fi), and taxicabs are available.

Mustique

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 the sweeping sea views that make this area such 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.

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 Macaroni Bay beach. Horseback riding is also an option. Or snorkel and scuba dive in the crystal clear waters.

Facilities

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

Tobago Cays

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 almost encircles the four main cays, and beyond its protective embrace is Petit Tabac. As one of the premier snorkelling and diving locales within the Grenadines, and the entire Windward chain, for that matter, it’s no surprise that Tobago Cays cruising is the main attraction when exploring these waters.

Mooring

Moorings are available for a fee; plans for additional moorings are in the works. Charterers may anchor in any one of several locations. The anchorages north and south of Baradel are popular.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy docks available, but you can beach your dinghy to take a swim on one of the cays.

Things to do

Snorkel, swim, sunbathe, and relax in unspoilt beauty. Observe the sea turtles at the turtle-watching area on Baradel. Contact one of the local dive companies to go scuba diving, as diving on your own isn’t permitted. Line up a vendor for a beach barbecue (beach barbecues are regulated to protect the park).

Facilities

Entrepreneurial owners of small local boats often ply the anchorages, selling sundry items like ice, bread, and fresh lobster.

Tobago Cays Marine Park

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

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

No moorings are available. The best anchorage is in the north-east portion of the bay. Holding is good.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available. Beach the dinghy just about anywhere.

Things to do

The snorkelling off rocky Rapid Point is excellent.

Facilities

No facilities are available for yachts .

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, allowing 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 local charm. Stop to observe the local boatbuilding culture, enjoy a picnic on the white sands of Mopion and snorkel the neighbouring reefs.

Facilities

Matthew’s at Matthew’s Shopping Centre is a great place to top up with fuel and select provisioning items, such as water, beer, wine, spirits and more. Next door, Matthew’s daughter owns a clothing and jewellery store, and there’s a gift shop too. There are several pleasant restaurants for dining ashore.

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, original local art, hand-made jewellery and gifts. It’s also becoming well known for its entertainment and fun restaurants. Union Island offers superb hiking and biking – great vantage 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 vantage points for great views.

Facilities

Anchorage Yacht Club, Aquarium and Captain Gourmet offer free Wi-Fi. Rubbish 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.

Carriacou

Sail into Carriacou, a charming island known for its beaches, boatbuilding traditions, and lively culture. Your first stop is Hillsborough, the island’s main town, where you can enjoy seaside dining and explore the local museum, which features an eclectic collection of historical artifacts and artwork. Before continuing to Tyrrel Bay, stop at Sandy Island, a stunning white-sand cay with excellent snorkeling, beachcombing, and sunbathing. Spend the night anchored at Tyrrel Bay, where you can unwind with a drink at The Tipsy Turtle.

The day’s sailing

• 2.5 Hr Sailing time
• 10 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 are 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. Businesses and restaurants line the waterfront at Tyrell Bay. Oysters, lobster when in season, fruits, jewellery and even calypso music can be purchased from local market boats. Free bay-wide Wi-Fi, funded by local businesses, is based at Tyrrel Bay Yacht Haul Out. If you need to use a computer, check out Shorebase Services, who were planning internet.

Grenada

Sailing on south 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 amongst cruisers as one of the best anchorages. Enjoy live steel band music from the yacht club’s bar. Consider organising a land tour to the rainforest and cool off beneath one of Grenada’s many waterfalls.

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 Prickly Bay. As a pleasant and more affluent area, you will find a diverse selection of dining options. Tennis courts are available at the hotels, 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, taxicabs, and car rentals are available. Internet and computers are available at Boats and Harbors, located at Prickly Bay Marina.