St. Vincent and the Grenadines sailing guide
The Ultimate 7-Night Luxury Sailing Adventure Through St. Vincent and The Grenadines
I've sailed throughout the Caribbean for many years, from the Virgin Islands and Antigua to St. Lucia, the Bahamas, and beyond. Guests often ask me the same question: "If you had only one week to show us the very best sailing destination in the Caribbean, where would you take us?" My answer is almost always the same: St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
THE FINEST CRUISING GROUNDS IN THE CARIBBEAN
St. Vincent and the Grenadines are what many experienced sailors consider the finest cruising grounds in the Caribbean.
Unlike the crowded charter destinations of the Virgin Islands, the Grenadines remain remarkably authentic. Here you'll find uninhabited islands, volcanic peaks rising from turquoise seas, world-class snorkeling, beach bars accessible only by boat, protected marine parks, and anchorages so beautiful they seem unreal.
What makes this region extraordinary is the sheer variety packed into a relatively small area. One day, you're swimming with sea turtles inside a protected marine park. Next, you're enjoying cocktails on an exclusive private island frequented by royalty and celebrities. By evening, you're anchored in a secluded bay with no crowds, no cruise ships, and no noise - just the gentle sound of water against the hull.
This itinerary is designed specifically for a luxury sailing catamaran between 50 and 60 feet, balancing comfortable sailing days with exceptional destinations. No passage exceeds five hours, allowing plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach exploration, fine dining, and relaxation.
The route begins and ends in St. Vincent and visits the highlights of the southern Grenadines, including the legendary Tobago Cays, the exclusive island of Mustique, colorful Bequia, and the stunning reefs around Union Island.
After hundreds of charters in these waters, I still look forward to this itinerary every time. Some places simply never lose their magic.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines are what many experienced sailors consider the finest cruising grounds in the Caribbean.
Unlike the crowded charter destinations of the Virgin Islands, the Grenadines remain remarkably authentic. Here you'll find uninhabited islands, volcanic peaks rising from turquoise seas, world-class snorkeling, beach bars accessible only by boat, protected marine parks, and anchorages so beautiful they seem unreal.
What makes this region extraordinary is the sheer variety packed into a relatively small area. One day, you're swimming with sea turtles inside a protected marine park. Next, you're enjoying cocktails on an exclusive private island frequented by royalty and celebrities. By evening, you're anchored in a secluded bay with no crowds, no cruise ships, and no noise - just the gentle sound of water against the hull.
This itinerary is designed specifically for a luxury sailing catamaran between 50 and 60 feet, balancing comfortable sailing days with exceptional destinations. No passage exceeds five hours, allowing plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach exploration, fine dining, and relaxation.
The route begins and ends in St. Vincent and visits the highlights of the southern Grenadines, including the legendary Tobago Cays, the exclusive island of Mustique, colorful Bequia, and the stunning reefs around Union Island.
After hundreds of charters in these waters, I still look forward to this itinerary every time. Some places simply never lose their magic.
St. Vincent → Bequia → Mustique → Tobago Cays → Petit St. Vincent → Union Island, Chatham Bay → Mayreau → Canouan → St. Vincent
RECOMMENDED 7-DAY ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES SAILING ITINERARY
Day 1: Blue Lagoon (St. Vincent) → Bequia
Distance: 9 NM
Sailing Time: 1.5 Hours
Why Bequia?
Bequia is the soul of the Grenadines.
Unlike many Caribbean islands that have become heavily commercialized, Bequia remains charming, relaxed, and genuinely Caribbean. Admiralty Bay is lined with waterfront restaurants, colorful local fishing boats, boutique shops, and friendly locals.
What to Do
• Walk the Belmont Walkway
• Visit the famous model boat builders
• Explore Port Elizabeth
• Enjoy cocktails at Jack's Beach Bar
• Watch sunset from Princess Margaret Beach
Special Highlights
Princess Margaret Beach is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Grenadines. Crystal-clear water and powder-soft sand make it the perfect introduction to the week ahead.
Overnight
Anchorage: Admiralty Bay
Why:
• Excellent holding
• Well protected
• Close to restaurants and town
• Beautiful nighttime atmosphere
Distance: 9 NM
Sailing Time: 1.5 Hours
Why Bequia?
Bequia is the soul of the Grenadines.
Unlike many Caribbean islands that have become heavily commercialized, Bequia remains charming, relaxed, and genuinely Caribbean. Admiralty Bay is lined with waterfront restaurants, colorful local fishing boats, boutique shops, and friendly locals.
What to Do
• Walk the Belmont Walkway
• Visit the famous model boat builders
• Explore Port Elizabeth
• Enjoy cocktails at Jack's Beach Bar
• Watch sunset from Princess Margaret Beach
Special Highlights
Princess Margaret Beach is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Grenadines. Crystal-clear water and powder-soft sand make it the perfect introduction to the week ahead.
Overnight
Anchorage: Admiralty Bay
Why:
• Excellent holding
• Well protected
• Close to restaurants and town
• Beautiful nighttime atmosphere
Day 2: Bequia → Mustique
Distance: 13 NM
Sailing Time: 2.2 Hours
Why Mustique?
Mustique is the Caribbean's most famous private island.
Owned and managed by the Mustique Company, it has hosted royalty, celebrities, and billionaires for decades. Yet visiting sailors are warmly welcomed.
What to Do
• Tour the island by golf cart
• Visit the legendary Basil's Bar
• Swim at Macaroni Beach
• Explore hidden coves
• Sunset cocktails overlooking Britannia Bay
Special Highlights
Many visitors never see the island's luxury villas hidden in the hills. Some are among the most expensive private homes in the Caribbean.
Overnight
Anchorage: Britannia Bay
Why:
• Secure moorings
• Easy shore access
• Calm conditions
• Excellent sunset views
Distance: 13 NM
Sailing Time: 2.2 Hours
Why Mustique?
Mustique is the Caribbean's most famous private island.
Owned and managed by the Mustique Company, it has hosted royalty, celebrities, and billionaires for decades. Yet visiting sailors are warmly welcomed.
What to Do
• Tour the island by golf cart
• Visit the legendary Basil's Bar
• Swim at Macaroni Beach
• Explore hidden coves
• Sunset cocktails overlooking Britannia Bay
Special Highlights
Many visitors never see the island's luxury villas hidden in the hills. Some are among the most expensive private homes in the Caribbean.
Overnight
Anchorage: Britannia Bay
Why:
• Secure moorings
• Easy shore access
• Calm conditions
• Excellent sunset views
Day 3: Mustique → Tobago Cays
Distance: 17 NM
Sailing Time: 3 Hours
Why Tobago Cays?
This is the crown jewel of the entire Grenadines.
Many experienced charter guests describe Tobago Cays as the most beautiful anchorage they have ever seen.
The protected marine park consists of five uninhabited islands surrounded by a horseshoe reef that creates a vast natural swimming pool.
What to Do
• Swim with sea turtles
• Snorkel Horseshoe Reef
• Paddleboard across turquoise lagoons
• Beach picnic on Baradal Island
• Sunset beach barbecue
Special Highlights
The sea turtle population is extraordinary. Encounters are almost guaranteed.
Overnight
Mooring: Tobago Cays Marine Park
Why:
• Spectacular scenery
• Protected waters
• Unmatched stargazing
• No light pollution
Distance: 17 NM
Sailing Time: 3 Hours
Why Tobago Cays?
This is the crown jewel of the entire Grenadines.
Many experienced charter guests describe Tobago Cays as the most beautiful anchorage they have ever seen.
The protected marine park consists of five uninhabited islands surrounded by a horseshoe reef that creates a vast natural swimming pool.
What to Do
• Swim with sea turtles
• Snorkel Horseshoe Reef
• Paddleboard across turquoise lagoons
• Beach picnic on Baradal Island
• Sunset beach barbecue
Special Highlights
The sea turtle population is extraordinary. Encounters are almost guaranteed.
Overnight
Mooring: Tobago Cays Marine Park
Why:
• Spectacular scenery
• Protected waters
• Unmatched stargazing
• No light pollution
Day 4: Tobago Cays → Petit St. Vincent
Distance: 8 NM
Sailing Time: 1.3 Hours
Morning reserved for enjoying Tobago Cays before a short afternoon sail.
Why Petit St. Vincent?
A private island resort occupies nearly the entire island.
This is barefoot luxury at its finest.
What to Do
• Spa treatments
• Fine dining
• Beachcombing
• Snorkeling nearby reefs
• Kayaking
Special Highlights
The resort famously operates with almost no visible technology. Guests traditionally communicate requests using colored flags.
Overnight
Anchorage: Petit St. Vincent
Why:
• Peaceful
• Excellent protection
• Luxury resort access
• Outstanding sunset views
Distance: 8 NM
Sailing Time: 1.3 Hours
Morning reserved for enjoying Tobago Cays before a short afternoon sail.
Why Petit St. Vincent?
A private island resort occupies nearly the entire island.
This is barefoot luxury at its finest.
What to Do
• Spa treatments
• Fine dining
• Beachcombing
• Snorkeling nearby reefs
• Kayaking
Special Highlights
The resort famously operates with almost no visible technology. Guests traditionally communicate requests using colored flags.
Overnight
Anchorage: Petit St. Vincent
Why:
• Peaceful
• Excellent protection
• Luxury resort access
• Outstanding sunset views
Day 5: Petit St. Vincent → Union Island → Chatham Bay
Distance: 10 NM
Sailing Time: 1.7 Hours
Why Union Island?
The Grenadines' most vibrant local island.
The dramatic volcanic peaks make it look more like a miniature South Pacific island than the Caribbean.
What to Do
• Visit Clifton
• Browse local markets
• Explore Happy Island
• Provision if needed
After lunch, continue to Chatham Bay.
Why Chatham Bay?
One of the Caribbean's finest anchorages.
No town. No traffic. No development.
Just a long white beach and green hills.
Special Highlights
The sunsets here are among the best in the entire Eastern Caribbean.
Overnight
Anchorage: Chatham Bay
Why:
• Excellent protection
• Quiet
• Great snorkeling
• Outstanding beach restaurants
Distance: 10 NM
Sailing Time: 1.7 Hours
Why Union Island?
The Grenadines' most vibrant local island.
The dramatic volcanic peaks make it look more like a miniature South Pacific island than the Caribbean.
What to Do
• Visit Clifton
• Browse local markets
• Explore Happy Island
• Provision if needed
After lunch, continue to Chatham Bay.
Why Chatham Bay?
One of the Caribbean's finest anchorages.
No town. No traffic. No development.
Just a long white beach and green hills.
Special Highlights
The sunsets here are among the best in the entire Eastern Caribbean.
Overnight
Anchorage: Chatham Bay
Why:
• Excellent protection
• Quiet
• Great snorkeling
• Outstanding beach restaurants
Day 6: Chatham Bay → Mayreau
Distance: 8 NM
Sailing Time: 1.3 Hours
Why Mayreau?
The smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines.
Population: roughly 250 people.
There is only one road, one village, and an incredible sense of stepping back in time.
What to Do
• Visit Salt Whistle Bay
• Walk to the hilltop church
• Panoramic photography
• Local beach bars
Special Highlights
The church viewpoint provides one of the most famous panoramas in the Caribbean, overlooking Tobago Cays and the reef system.
Overnight
Anchorage: Salt Whistle Bay
Why:
• Iconic anchorage
• Protected waters
• Palm-lined beach
• Excellent swimming
Distance: 8 NM
Sailing Time: 1.3 Hours
Why Mayreau?
The smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines.
Population: roughly 250 people.
There is only one road, one village, and an incredible sense of stepping back in time.
What to Do
• Visit Salt Whistle Bay
• Walk to the hilltop church
• Panoramic photography
• Local beach bars
Special Highlights
The church viewpoint provides one of the most famous panoramas in the Caribbean, overlooking Tobago Cays and the reef system.
Overnight
Anchorage: Salt Whistle Bay
Why:
• Iconic anchorage
• Protected waters
• Palm-lined beach
• Excellent swimming
Day 7: Mayreau → Canouan
Distance: 15 NM
Sailing Time: 2.5 Hours
Why Canouan?
Canouan combines luxury and natural beauty better than any other island in the Grenadines.
The island has evolved into one of the Caribbean's most exclusive destinations.
What to Do
• Visit the marina
• Explore Sandy Lane Marina
• Beach club lunch
• Golf course views
• Watersports
Special Highlights
The marina regularly hosts superyachts worth tens and sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars.
Overnight
Marina: Sandy Lane Yacht Club
Why:
• First-class facilities
• Fuel and water
• Luxury restaurants
• Easy preparation for the return voyage
Distance: 15 NM
Sailing Time: 2.5 Hours
Why Canouan?
Canouan combines luxury and natural beauty better than any other island in the Grenadines.
The island has evolved into one of the Caribbean's most exclusive destinations.
What to Do
• Visit the marina
• Explore Sandy Lane Marina
• Beach club lunch
• Golf course views
• Watersports
Special Highlights
The marina regularly hosts superyachts worth tens and sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars.
Overnight
Marina: Sandy Lane Yacht Club
Why:
• First-class facilities
• Fuel and water
• Luxury restaurants
• Easy preparation for the return voyage
Day 8: Canouan → Blue Lagoon (St. Vincent)
Distance: 26 NM
Sailing Time: 4.3 Hours
A beautiful final sail northward along the Grenadine chain.
The route provides excellent opportunities for:
• Dolphin sightings
• Offshore sailing
• Final swimming stop
• Spectacular views of the Grenadines fading into the horizon
Arrival at Blue Lagoon by early afternoon for disembarkation.
Distance: 26 NM
Sailing Time: 4.3 Hours
A beautiful final sail northward along the Grenadine chain.
The route provides excellent opportunities for:
• Dolphin sightings
• Offshore sailing
• Final swimming stop
• Spectacular views of the Grenadines fading into the horizon
Arrival at Blue Lagoon by early afternoon for disembarkation.
Total Voyage Statistics
Total Distance: 106 Nautical Miles
At a comfortable average of 6 knots, this itinerary delivers the best combination of:
• World-class snorkeling
• Sea turtle encounters
• Exclusive private islands
• Authentic Caribbean culture
• Luxury beach clubs
• Spectacular anchorages
• Short, enjoyable sailing days
Day | Route | Distance |
1 | Blue Lagoon → Bequia | 9 NM |
2 | Bequia → Mustique | 13 NM |
3 | Mustique → Tobago Cays | 17 NM |
4 | Tobago Cays → Petit St. Vincent | 8 NM |
5 | Petit St. Vincent → Union Island → Chatham Bay | 10 NM |
6 | Chatham Bay → Mayreau | 8 NM |
7 | Mayreau → Canouan | 15 NM |
8 | Canouan → Blue Lagoon | 26 NM |
Total Distance: 106 Nautical Miles
At a comfortable average of 6 knots, this itinerary delivers the best combination of:
• World-class snorkeling
• Sea turtle encounters
• Exclusive private islands
• Authentic Caribbean culture
• Luxury beach clubs
• Spectacular anchorages
• Short, enjoyable sailing days
Among hundreds of Caribbean charter itineraries, this route consistently ranks near the top for guests seeking the highest ratio of natural beauty to sailing effort.
Many veteran captains consider the stretch from Mustique through Tobago Cays, Mayreau, and Union Island to be the most beautiful 50 nautical miles in the entire Caribbean. After sailing these waters countless times, I find it difficult to disagree.
Oleg Drizen, RYA and IYT Yacht Master Offshore and Ocean, Skipper
Many veteran captains consider the stretch from Mustique through Tobago Cays, Mayreau, and Union Island to be the most beautiful 50 nautical miles in the entire Caribbean. After sailing these waters countless times, I find it difficult to disagree.
Oleg Drizen, RYA and IYT Yacht Master Offshore and Ocean, Skipper
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