On a Grenadines yacht charter, you’ll explore a string of captivating islands in the lower Caribbean, stretching from St. Lucia in the north to Grenada in the south. In between, you’ll find a bevy of quaint islands… some of which are no more than spits of sand held captive by coral reefs. The larger islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada are well-populated, known for their breathtaking peaks that jut 3,000 feet into the sky.
The smaller islands like Bequia and Mayreau are laid back and off-the-beaten tourist track. You’ll be embraced by the welcoming charm of its people during your Grenadines yacht charter trip. Although many Grenadines yacht charters ply these waters that simmer with natural beauty, one of the enchantments of this yacht charter destination is its sense of remoteness… the anticipation that the next beach could be yours for the day… similar to the way the BVI was a few decades ago.
The geography of this unspoiled tropical paradise makes it ideal for a one-way Grenadines yacht charter itinerary. Sailing Grenadines yachts charters will want to start in the north and end in the south to take advantage of the prevailing winds with St. Vincent to Union Island being an ideal one-week voyage. Grenadines yacht charters will embark from either St. Lucia or Grenada as both of these islands have excellent superyacht marinas and facilities.
© Kay Wilson
Ports of Call that You Can Include on Your Customized Grenadines Yacht Charter:
St. Lucia: Dramatic landscapes, volcanic mountains, banana plantations, lush rainforests, and a sprinkling of waterfalls populate this island of exquisite natural beauty. Marigot Bay, a sheltered hidden cove cut deep into the mountain peaks, was once the supposed hideout for the entire British Fleet when the French were hot in pursuit. History or sea tale aside, it is an idyllic setting for an overnight anchorage aboard a Grenadines yacht charter. You’ll quickly discover why James Michener called it “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.” The nearby Pitons are twin peaks on the southern tip of the island and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adventure seekers aboard a Grenadines yacht charter can take a heart pumping guided hike to the summit and get rewarded with a soak in the hot springs. Those with less ambitious holiday plans can bask on one of the many splendid beaches.
St. Vincent, with its black sand beaches and stunning natural beauty bills itself as an “eco-tourism” island. The island has maintained the vibrant Caribbean flavor of an agricultural island with dramatic natural beauty including a magnificent rain forest and a 3,000 foot active volcano named Soufriere which last erupted in 1979. Young Island lagoon on the south side of the island – one of the few areas with white sand beaches- is an ideal place to meet your St. Vincent yacht charter.
Bequia - only a short sail aboard your St. Vincent yacht charter from Young Island, Bequia boasts a fine seafaring tradition and is home for the best boat builders in the Caribbean. The main harbor is usually pulsing with yachts of all kinds as well as enterprising boat boys in rowboats trying to sell you a song or wash your hull. A stroll along the waterfront brings you past numerous restaurants and bars, gift shops, and our personal favorite – the shops of the craftsman who are carving models of Bequia boats… a wonderful piece of workmanship to bring home with you from your St. Vincent yacht charter trip. And after the sun sets, the music will lure you to the local “jump-up.” You may “get down” in Chicago, but on a St. Vincent yacht charter, you jump up “mon.”
The Tobago Cays are the Crown Jewel of a Grenadines yacht charter. This necklace of low-lying islands is sheltered from the sea by a horseshoe reef, and the sea shimmers a kaleidoscope of blues, greens, and lavenders. The water is so clear you can still see a starfish on the bottom in thirty feet of water. Spectacular snorkeling and beaching! You might recognize some scenes from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” or “Dead Man’s Chest”. Perhaps your Grenadines yacht charter crew will delight you with dinner on the beach - tables in the sand, dressed with white linens and candles. Two delightful locals, Scrappy and Scrum, will serve a fresh lobster dinner by the light of the moon.
Mustique has the mystique of celebrity with many well-knowns such as Mick Jagger , David Bowie, and Raquel Welch purportedly owning homes here. This hideaway is only 3 miles long and a mile and a half wide. On your Grenadines yacht charter trip, renting a golf cart and taking a self-guided tour is a must, making sure that you stop at Travel Channel’s nomination for one of sexiest beaches – Marconi Bay. Both horseback riding and tennis are available. And bellying up to the famous Basil’s Beach Bar is a must. Basil’s rivals Foxy’s in the BVI for one of the best New Year’s Eve parties, and they host a great Bluesfest in January.
© Jim Raycroft
Mayreau: Salt Whistle Bay – this is the beach you have always dreamed about - a dazzling half moon bay. Raise a glass to the star-studded sky and pretend you’re never going home again. And in the morning, it’s a sheltered spot for watersports or a leisurely hike to the quaint village.
Union Island: After the remoteness of the Tobago Cays, we could say that Union brings you back to civilization. But Clifton Harbor is only bustling by Caribbean small island standards – an open air produce market, a few grocery stores, and of course, beach bars. Our favorite spot is on the far end of the island – Chatham Bay where you’ll find a few beach bars operated by battery power. “Shark Attack” is known for its great barbecue, and Vanessa and Seckie’s Sun & Beach Bar recently served TV chef Anthony Bourdain for his hit series, “No Reservations". Union Island is also know as the command post for Caribbean kite surfing with perfect winds and a handful of superb training schools.
Canouan: Once an island of fisherman and boat builders, Canouan still has that sleepy feel. Until you venture to the Canouan Resort with its 18-hole championship golf course, blissful spa, and upscale restaurants … worth going here during your Grenada yacht charter trip if you’ve been missing any of these things.
Grenada: Aptly nicknamed “The "Isle of Spice", you can literally smell the scent of nutmeg and mace in the air as you sail aboard your Grenada yacht charter along the coast. St. Georges is a bustling, picturesque harbor rimmed by an ancient fort and a municipal building dating back to the 1700s. The city climbs up the hillside and has a fragrant outdoor market with handmade baskets, sweets, produce, and trinkets. An island tour of the rain forest, cane fields, spice farms, waterfall, and cocoa farm is a highlight of any Grenada yacht charter itinerary.
Come join Ocean Getaways on a Grenadines yacht charter - we’ll treat you to a leisurely voyage of days splashed with relaxation, adventure and a re-discovery of yourself away from the distractions of your every day world.