Anchor off the southern tip of the main island at Young Island, known for its many dining options and vibrant bar scene, or at Wallilabou, famous as a filming site in “Pirates of the Caribbean” with moorings near the Wallilabou Anchorage Restaurant and anchoring available in the bay. 

If you’re up for an adventure, hike the La Soufriere Trail to the summit of the La Soufriere volcano, rising nearly 4,050 feet above sea level, providing jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean from the top. Or, explore one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. The Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Botanical Gardens provide a tropical oasis with tropical plants dating as far back as 1765. You can also visit 19th-century Fort Charlotte that looms over the capital of Kingstown and cool up in the natural pool beneath the 60-foot-high Falls of Baleine.

Kingstown itself offers cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings and historic churches. The local Kingstown Market is a great way to mingle with the locals while checking out fresh, local products like fish, green figs, breadfruit, and spices. The best black sand beach is Mt. Wynne, about 11 miles from town, offering fine black volcanic sand edged by clear blue waters ideal for swimming.

Those traveling by yacht will have prime access to some of the most beautiful, remote beaches on the island. On the west side is Princess Margaret Beach, named after the British royal, after she stopped here to enjoy a dip in the 1950s. It’s just as lovely today with the crescent-shaped shoreline hosting enticing beach bars and backed by palm trees. If you dive into Admiralty Bay, you can swim around old shipwrecks, while the main town of Port Elizabeth has an especially picturesque harbor with charming shops for buying everything from toy boats carved out of coconuts to tropical fruits and locally made jewelry. 

Snorkeling can be enjoyed right off the shore from many beaches, with the turquoise waters that surround the island teeming with marine life. Hikers won’t want to miss the trek to Mount Peggy, the highest point on Bequia, offering a panoramic view. The ruins of 18th-century Fort Hamilton can be explored for insight into the island’s colonial past, and another stunning sweeping vista.

You might sail around Mustique to enjoy its beaches, such as Lagoon Bay with its pristine white sands and tables for picnicking. It’s also ideal for bodyboarding and surfing, but if you’re looking for great snorkeling and paddleboarding, head to Mustique’s southwest side. Horseback riding is a great way to explore less easily accessible areas, with the Mustique Equestrian Centre offering horses that are suitable for all abilities, provided riders are at least eight years old. The younger ones can enjoy pony rides too. 

You might end the day at famous Basil’s Bar, a legend on the island, and an ideal vantage point for spectacular sunsets. The menu includes everything from tacos and burgers to grilled fish and lobster, all of which can be enjoyed with refreshing cocktails. There are few things better than feasting on lobster while sipping lime daiquiris here. If you visit on a Sunday, don’t miss Sunset Sessions for dinner, drinks, and live music. The weekly Jump Up party on Wednesdays is another great time to be here with everyone on the island coming out for live music and dancing.

Only about 20 nautical miles from Mustique, the Tobago Cays are made up of tiny, virtually deserted islands, including Petit Tabac, where Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) was marooned in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.” Untouched by human development, instead, you’ll enjoy a sense of seclusion that’s become increasingly rare these days. 

There are no cruise ships, bustling towns, hotels, or other infrastructure beyond basic amenities for sailors in the Tobago Cays. While you won’t find any traditional restaurants either, “pop-up” beach eateries are typically located at Petit Rameau with picnic tables for dining on lobster right on the beach.

One of the main things to do in this archipelago is to snorkel or dive. At the heart of Tobago Cays is Horseshoe Reef, one of the largest and healthiest coral formations in the Caribbean, with soft and hard corals. It serves as a crucial habitat for all sorts of marine species, including sea turtle nesting sites. You can also see eagle rays and an array of exotic fish in strikingly clear water, just five to 12 feet deep. On land, watch for large hermit crabs and iguanas while pelicans and frigate birds often soar by.

Off the radar for most Caribbean visitors, Union Island is starting to get more attention with a new wave of adventurous travelers attracted to its excellent snorkeling and diving, beautiful beaches like Chatham Bay, and Mount Taboi, popular for a hike leading to panoramic views. The waters on the island’s north side, east of the airport runway, are known for kiteboarding, with some of the best in the archipelago. On the west side, Big Sand is a breathtaking crescent of white, powdery sands, with jungle-covered bluffs and brilliant turquoise water.

There are no major resorts and only a couple of villages where sailors can mix with locals in the cafes and restaurants along the main street of Clifton, with its bustling harbor at the heart of the island. It’s the perfect spot to watch the local fishermen at work, sip drinks, and enjoy a bite while enjoying an authentic taste of island life. If you’re here on the full moon of May, you can witness the Maroon Festival, with ancestral songs, dance, and the rhythms of drums that have been passed down through generations.

Lying just opposite the southernmost island of the St. Vincent and Grenadines archipelago, Petite St. Vincent, while Petite Martinique is part of Grenada, you can usually land without having cleared entry, but you may want to stop in Carriacou to do so first. There’s no marina at Petite Martinique, but you can anchor in the sandy bay by the ferry pier. With the island small and walkable, it’s enjoyable just to wander the narrow streets to the seafaring village of the same name. Famous for its traditional wooden boat building, you can even observe the process. 

A walking tour of Petite Martinique will reveal the island’s unique history and traditions, but the top thing to do is climb to The Piton at 750 feet, at its highest point. From the top you’ll see northern Petite Martinique, Petite St. Vincent, Palm Island, Union Island, Canouan, Mayreau, and Mustique. The beaches are perfect for relaxation as they’re all secluded and unspoiled by tourist development. You won’t find any amenities, so be sure to bring your own food and drink.

Grenada is particularly renowned for its beaches and its spices that can be enjoyed in everything from Grenadian rum punch and teas to Grenadian porridge and Caribbean jerk chicken. The consistent trade winds make for pleasant sailing conditions, while numerous anchorages and mooring locations make for easy exploration. Some of the best spots to anchor include Grand Mal Bay and Prickly Bay, which provide close proximity to amenities and protection from the wind. 

The water offers remarkably visibility for exceptional snorkeling and diving, where one can see underwater volcanoes and shipwrecks. Just outside the capital of St. George, with its beautiful two-mile-long Grand Anse Beach, is the Underwater Sculpture Park, an undersea art gallery with over 60 sculptures. The town itself offers a wide range of historical sites, including Fort George, where you can take in a spectacular view over the island while Annandale Falls is just north.