Sail Grenadines: Exploring the islands

The Grenadines are part of the country of St Vincent and lie very roughly about 90 kilometers southwest of Barbados and are within view of the islands of Carriacou and the mainland of Grenada, which lie directly south. They boast a stunning array of white sandy beaches and a buzzing atmosphere with a distinctly local feel compared to many of the Caribbean Islands further north.

Winds tend to be between 20 and 30 knots most days, sometimes less and sometimes a little more. The islands are all close together with between a half hour and 5 hour sail to every one. You could spend the week doing 2 -5 miles a day and still see a beautiful bay and different island every day or you can choose to do longer sails and explore further afield. The feel is very local and we aim to give you all the recommendations we can for the most local and less developed places in the area as well as the highlights of the private islands such as Petit St Vincent and Mustique as well!

Navigation is trickier than the Ionian and you will be navigating in currents and tide around the occasional reef! The yachts all have brand new top of the range chartplotters on board as back up also. Mooring is predominantly mooring buoys and anchorages which allows you to enjoy the breeze through the yacht in the evenings. There are a few dock spaces in the area also and mooring is usually stern too.

Where can we visit?

	Palm Island Anchor off and take the dinghy ashore to one of the islands fantastic beach bars for lunch. This is situated just off Union Island.
	Tobago Cays Part of which was a film set for the Pirates of the Caribbean, Tobago Cays is considered the most scenic anchorage in the Grenadines and by some the whole Caribbean. This national marine park has crystal clear shallow water, an abundance of fish and florishing corals, and is a great location for snorkelling and turtle spotting. Local venders sell fresh fish and lobster which can be barbequed for you on request on the beach, otherwise bring your own provisions and cook on board. An ideal place to anchor, snorkel around the reefs and rewind for a couple of days. Dive boats can pick you up from your yacht and if you have run out of supplies they will bring more for you also!
	Mayreaux (Roughly 1 hr sail from Canoan, Union and the Quays) Salt Whistle Bay and Sailine Bay are both shaded by palms and covered in white sand providing an excellent evening or lunchtime stopover. Both are our favourites anchorages. Both anchorages again provide excellent snorkelling and a short walk into town enables you a chance to really get to know the island and see an amazing view of Tobago Quays.
	Canoan Canoan provides an ideal lunchtime stop achoring in 8-10 metres of water, before sailing ontowards Bequai. It hosts some excellent walking and great views. For those looking for a luxury spa package, Raffles Resort on Canoan also offers day and half day packages at a price!
	Bequai Admiralty Bay has a wonderful lively atmosphere with an excellent fruit and vegetable market. The blowing of a conch shell announced fresh fish on the dock. Laundry, Garbage, water, and ice are available on the quay. Friendship Bay is a beautiful and quieter alternative. Why not take an island tour to the turtle sanctuary, learn to make pottery, go hiking or explore the local arts, crafts and museums on the island?
	Mustique Island (2 hrs from Bequai, 3 hrs from Canoan) This unique island is privately owned and become developed with holiday homes for the rich and famous. Moor in Brittania Bay and rent golf carts or bikes to explore the grounds of homes owned by amongst others, David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Raquel Welsh!
	Petit St Vincent and Petite Martinque Both lovely overnight or lunchtime stops before either sailing back to Union or contining to sail south towards Grenada. enjoy a cocktail watching the sun go down on Petit St Vincent before taking a local taki boat to Petit Martinique for dinner on the beach!
	St Vincent A worthwhile island to take the time to explore. It has quite a few beautiful small anchorages with room only for a cluster of yachts. See the tourist boards website on www.svgtourism.com. There are fantastic hikes, rainforest tours and much more! You need a few days to get to know St Vincent.
	Carriacou Dominated by fishing, farming and seafaring, Carricou is a beautiful island to explore by land or sea with plenty of anchorages for lunchtime and overnight stops. A very sleepy island with so much to offer.
	Grenada Take an island tour and explore the waterfalls, moutain trails, spice plantations, chocolate and rum factorys and coconut plantation to name a few highlights. Known as the "isle of spice" Grenada has become famous for its fragrant spice trees. See Grenada Tourist Board website on www.grenadagrenadines.com

For more information or to make a booking, please contact info@sailgrenadines.com or call 0800 321 3800.