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.

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. Sulphur 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.

The Pitons, St. Lucia

A favored first stop for those traveling 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 sites when arriving by sea. The two volcanic plugs have challenged hikers to climb the lush slopes that look out over the breathtaking sea. Further out is the town of Soufriére where you can dine along the beach, swim among the reef or take in the view from the top of Gros Piton. 

Bequia

A short sail brings you to Admiralty Bay, the heart of Bequia’s sailing community. Nestled on the island’s west coast, the bay is home to Port Elizabeth, a charming waterfront town where tradition and modern island life blend seamlessly. This lively harbor is dotted with hotels, shops, and open-air markets, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visiting sailors.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr Sailing time
• 9 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 available.

Things to do

There are literally dozens of bars and restaurants, too many to list. However, a few options include 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. Bequia is both beautiful and filled with attractions. Consider seeing 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, garbage disposal, provisions, propane, Internet access (Wi-Fi too!), 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 adding some have been in the works. Charterers may anchor in one of several locations. The anchorages north and south of Baradel are popular.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy docks are 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 unspoiled beauty. Observe the sea turtles at the sea turtle-watching area on Baradel. Contact one of the local dive companies to go scuba diving (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 lobsters.

Tobago Cays

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. Completely undeveloped and uninhabited, the park is a place where time seems to have stopped. Stargazing as the yacht swings with the warm breeze is balm for 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 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.

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. Relax with a drink at a beachside bar or the club restaurant at Salt Whistle Bay. Rediscover nature at the Tobago Cays where sea turtles can be watched 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 in the water of The Tobago Cays Marine Park, or simply take it in from your yacht’s deck, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable time. Here among the encompassing Mayreau Island and the small cluster of isles comprising Tobago, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities abound. The visibility is excellent and marine life can be found all throughout the reefs in the area. Anchor at Mayreau’s Salt Whistle Bay for a protected and scenic stop where ashore a small resort and scattering of restaurants can be found. Fill your senses with the undisturbed surroundings of land and sea by day and the clear sky filled with stars at night.

Mustique

Make your way 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.

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.

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 favorite water activities—swimming, snorkeling, 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, Snorkeling, 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

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 37 Nautical miles

Mooring

Anchor outside the bay for fresh air or motor 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

An attractive waterfront greets visitors entering Marigot Bay from the sea. Marigot bay is a completely sheltered, mangrove-lined bay famous as a hurricane harbor, protected by sloping hills making it a peaceful place safe from the elements. 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. Other restaurants that are available for your enjoyment include Chauteau mygo and JJ’s restaurant. 

Facilities

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