Imagine an island chain in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, uncluttered by tourist exploitation, with white-sand beaches on deserted islands, sky-blue water gently lapping the shore.
yacht searchDay 1 of your charter will begin at St Vincent’s stunning Blue Lagoon located at the south coast city of Calliaga. Sail past the breathtaking La Soufrière, a 4,000 foot high active volcano that dominates a landscape of billowing thick forests that dissolve into black and white-sand beaches. Set sail upon the 16-mile passage to Britannica Bay, the only anchorage at exclusive Mustique Island. A hidden, tranquil paradise, the privately-owned island of Mustique has recently appealed to a wealthy clientele who, over the years, have built 90 palatial mansions sprawled across 1,400 acres. Choose to explore the stunning nature trails by foot, bike or horseback, or prefer to make the most out of the snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs, the choice is yours! Don't forget to end the evening sitting at Basil’s Bar and Restaurant, perched on stilts over the Caribbean Sea, for panoramic views.
Day 2 of your Grenadines yacht charter will bring you to Charlestown Bay on Canouan’s west side. This tiny island of heavily forested mountains has a rich history dating back to 2,000 years ago when Arawak founders named their home Cannoun, meaning turtle island. Here you can visit the boutiques and the maritime museum, not forgetting to sample the local Eastern Caribbean cuisine. Dive and snorkel on one of the Caribbean’s longest barrier reefs or bask in near seclusion on brilliant white sand beaches and you could even catch sight of humpback, sperm or pilot whales offshore!
Mayreau is a paradise island of peace and tranquility accessible only by sea. Anchor in spectacular Saltwhistle Bay, offshore from sweeping Half Moon Beach, a popular yachting destination. The smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, quaint Old Wall village, perched on a hilltop, is located on the only paved road leading from Saltwhistle Bay to Saline Bay.The short walk to the top reveals breathtaking views of the Tobago keys. Bring the camera on a visit to the diminutive Roman Catholic Church atop Station Hill. Explore the welcoming local bars and eateries to sample island home cooking. In the evening, the Saltwhistle Bay Beach Club is an outstanding spot for dinner, cocktails and socializing at one orboth beach bars.
North of Mayreau lies Tobago Cays Marine Park, a national park and wildlife preserve encompassing four uninhabited cays, Horseshoe Reef, and spectacular anchorage in the 1,400 acre sand-bottom, protected lagoon that draws an estimated 3,000 yachts per year.Shallow shelves on the windward side host the world’s third largest coral reef and offer some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Visibility is an astonishing 100 to 120 feet. Please tread lightly, Tobago Cays Marine Park is under threat by non-sustainable use and prohibits spear fishing, as well as bilge and waste discharge.
A short sail reveals the dramatic silhouette of volcanic mountains that define Union Island. There are plenty of boutiques, bars, restaurants and Internet cafes to patronize. The picturesque town of Clifton has charming markets on the green for provisioning, plenty of entertainment and excellent restaurants.Clifton Harbour provides a marvelous anchorage and, at its center, the man-made Happy Island is a rollicking bar with a view. Hike or bike to Mount Taboi, nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. Roads and trails throughout the island offer some of the best hiking and biking in the Grenadines. For local information pertinent to the yachting community, tune to the cruisers network on VHF channel 68.
Sail to the west, the lee side of Union Island, to the large protected-anchorage at the crescent shaped Chatham Bay. You will notice the panormaic views of green hills that descend to a long and deserted crescent beach of golden sand. Experienced hikers may be challenged by trails that lead from the beach to the town of Ashton, and along the island’s rocky, volcanic interior to Mount Taboi.In classic Caribbean style, Shark Attack is a local who has the only commercial enterprise on the beach; a snack bar with a tradition of great Caribbean barbeque. When Shark Attack is cooking he dispenses a messenger in a boat to let you know and take your dinner order.
Trade winds push you north to Bequia, known as the Nantucket of the Caribbean, and Port Elizabeth in Admiralty Bay. Here, you will experience a charming juxtaposition of the traditional and the modern. Still an island of local sailors, hand-built boats, and an active but low-key whaling station. The bustling, little upscale port also has gourmet restaurants, busy retail shops, and professional yacht services. Brightly colored rooftops poking through the trees delightfully epitomize traditional West Indian architecture.For an unforgettable half-day adventure, negotiate a fixed price and take a taxi tour of the island. Many interesting stops will include Mt.Pleasant, for breathtaking 360-degree views, and Friendship Bay, an alternative yacht anchorage that is usually quieter than Admiralty Bay.
End your charter on a high and embark on a trip to the 3,000 foot summit of the Soufrière volcano or to the Falls of Baleine, the Botanical Gardens or Fort Charlotte. Should you wish to relax in archetypal Caribbean fashion; just sit back with a cool drink and watch the world pass you by as you lose yourself to the glistening beautyof this tropical paradise.