The Pitons

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 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, guided hiking tours in the rainforest near Morne Fond St Jacques (drop in at 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.

The Pitons, St Lucia

A favoured first stop for those travelling St Lucia’s waters is at the Pitons, conical peaks that rise 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 landmarks when arriving by sea. The two volcanic plugs have challenged hikers to climb the lush slopes that look out over a breathtaking seascape. Further out is the town of Soufriére where you can dine along the beach, swim on the reef or take in the view from the top of Gros Piton.

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.

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.

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. Pleasant anchorage can be found in the bay where no park fees are charged. The bay lies within the curve of a white–sand beach. Fanned by the balmy trade winds, this is a favourite spot for swimming. The Tobago Cays are known for their pristine waters, with excellent visibility and where snorkelling and diving are the best ways to experience the colourful marine life.

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 dinghys can be beached to take a swim from one of the cays.

Things to do

Both locations offer pristine locations for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. Excellent visibility around The Tobago Cays makes this area more popular with divers.. Relax with a drink at a beachside bar or the club restaurant at Salt Whistle Bay. Rediscover nature at the Tobago Cays where you can watch sea turtles on Baradel or line up a vendor for an enjoyable beach barbecue.

Facilities

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

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau, Tobago Cays

Whether you choose to jump into the water of The Tobago Cays Marine Park, or simply take it in from the deck of your yacht, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience. In the bays around Mayreau Island and the small cluster of islands comprising Tobago Cays Marine Park, scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities abound. The visibility is excellent and marine life can be found throughout the reefs in the area. Anchor at Mayreau’s Salt Whistle Bay for a protected, scenic stop where you’ll find a small resort and scattering of restaurants. Enjoy the undisturbed surroundings of land and sea by day and the clear, star-filled sky at night.

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.

Kearton's Bay, St. Vincent

Spend your day in the Grenadines exploring the western shores of St. Vincent then drop anchor for the night in Keartons Bay. This anchorage is a secret little hideaway and home to top-rated Rock Side Cafe. Soak up the sun on one of the island’s best black-sand beaches and enjoy your favourite water activities—swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or floating atop a raft—amidst a picture-perfect and pleasantly uncrowded backdrop.

Mooring

Moorings balls available. (Free if you dine Rock Side Café)

Things to do

Swimming, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding, Beachcombing

Facilities

Restaurant/bar

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. 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.

Marigot Bay is one of the most scenic bays in the Caribbean, full of beautiful greenery and excellent restaurants. As you enter the harbor Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort will be located on your left, here 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.

The day’s sailing

• 7 Hr Sailing time
• 37 Nautical miles

Mooring

Sheltered anchorage space and mooring buoys available for use. 

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

An attractive waterfront greets visitors entering Marigot Bay from the sea. The area is protected by sloping hills and dotted with various restaurants known for their French cuisine. Take a sightseeing tour of the surrounding land or head to St Lucia’s marine park for excellent diving and views of the numerous shallow reefs near the shore.

Facilities

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