Yacht Charter Guide: St Vincent & The Grenadines

North of Grenada and south of St Lucia, you will find St Vincent and the Grenadines: a chain of 32 islands and cays scattered across the Caribbean Sea. The consistent easterly trade winds funneling through the gap and calm currents make sailing southward from St Vincent down to the Grenadines a sailor’s dream. As one of the less-travelled Caribbean yacht charter destinations, these windward islands offer a chance to explore under-the-radar spots and provide an authentic snapshot of the Caribbean. 

On a yacht charter here, there is plenty to experience. Expect postcard-perfect beaches and water-based activities, islands full of character, and a range of outdoor pursuits. Abundant wildlife inhabits the wild terrain above water, and below the waters, there is a wealth of marine life, particularly turtles, which provide some world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities. Each island has its own unique character, from the rustic Bequia to the exclusivity of Mustique, and a cruising itinerary here lets you experience the entire region. Ideal for both first-time charter guests and seasoned sailors, whether you enjoy an intimate or larger group charter, St. Vincent & the Grenadines will not disappoint. 

When To Visit: The Ideal Season

The ideal time to charter a yacht in St Vincent & The Grenadines is between December and May, when the islands benefit from the dry season, steady trade winds, and lower humidity. This peak cruising season offers stable conditions, making it perfect for island-hopping down the chain. 

With plenty of anchorages and bays to enjoy, you can easily escape the crowds here during peak season, but the shoulder months of late November or early May can also be an option for those looking for a quieter experience. From June to November, the wet season can bring unpredictable weather patterns, including tropical storms, so it’s best to avoid this time of year.

Where To Anchor: Marinas & Moorings 

Joining a yacht charter in St. Vincent is best done at Argyle International Airport, which accommodates both commercial and private jets. Smaller, regional airports in Mustique, Canouan, and Union Island cater to private aviation and inter-island connections. 

For charter yachts, there are limited marina options, which is part of the island’s appeal. The region is best enjoyed on anchor or moorings, surrounded by the natural beauty rather than crowds. However, if you are looking to be on the dock for the evening, one of the region’s yachting facilities is the Sandy Lane Yacht Club on the island of Canouan. This full-service marina offers berths for yachts up to 100 metres with amenities, restaurants, and access to luxury resorts. 

Throughout the island chain, there are numerous varied anchorages, some with designated mooring areas to enjoy. For larger yachts, anchoring outside, the moorings provide space for 

tenders, offering easier access to the shallows and trips ashore. 

Where To Go: Suggested Itinerary Highlights 

A yacht charter itinerary through St Vincent & the Grenadines provides the chance to cruise some of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands. A popular one-way itinerary begins in St Vincent, the largest and most mountainous volcanic island in the chain. Known for its lush, undeveloped landscape and dramatic peaks, the island is home to La Soufrière, an active volcano and popular hiking destination. Be sure to visit Wallilabou Bay and play out your own pirate experience in the filming location for the Pirates of the Caribbean films. 

From St. Vincent, cruise south into the Grenadines; of the islands here, only nine are inhabited. The short hops between islands make for relaxed days, and the diversity of the islands offers something exciting for each day of your itinerary. 

Popular spots include the charming Bequia, with its incredible diving sites, rich boat-building heritage, and the private island of Petit Nevis, just a stone’s throw away. The next island, well worth a visit and renowned for its exclusivity and celebrity spotting, is Mustique, which boasts white sandy beaches and luxurious villas. 

Continuing south, you will reach Canouan with the superyacht marina and amenities as well as natural beauty to explore. For peaceful and quiet anchorages, Mayreau is one of the sleepier islands and is perfect for enjoying the yacht and the beaches. Onwards will bring you to the cluster of five uninhabited islands of Tobago Cays, which is an excellent protected marine park for underwater fun. Conclude your week’s itinerary back in Canouan for convenient onward travel. 

What To Do: Under & Above Water 

Underwater Adventures

There are endless options for adventure and relaxation while cruising this island chain, depending on your preference and energy levels. For divers and those who want to explore underwater, Bequia is home to numerous great dive sites. Expect clear waters and visibility, vibrant coral reefs, wall dives, and shipwrecks all brimming with tropical marine life. Another top spot is Mayreau Gardens, renowned for the Puruni wreck, a British gunship, and its expansive coral reefs. The pièce de résistance of the region underwater is the Tobago Cays, home to plenty of turtles. This protected marine park and horseshoe reef are perfect for all abilities, thanks to their shallow, turquoise waters. On Baradal Island is the turtle watching reserve, home to green and hawksbill turtles, where you can swim with them in their natural environment. 

Land Activities

Swapping out fins for golf clubs, on Canouan, you can play a game at the island’s championship golf course with Caribbean views. But for more watersports, you can head to Union Island, renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions due to the calm lagoons and steady trade winds. Throughout the islands, there are numerous opportunities for stretching one’s legs and enjoying a range of hiking trails, from the volcanic peaks of La Soufrière and Vermont Nature Trails through the jungle of St. Vincent to Mount Peggy in Bequia and Mayreau’s scenic ridge. 

Best Beaches

Back to relaxation, St Vincent & the Grenadines has some of the Caribbean’s best beaches. The private island of Mustique features Macaroni Beach, accessible by tender, which is often hailed as one of the best, boasting clear waters and powder-white sands. Tobago Cays also offers a selection of picturesque beaches, perfect for a beach barbecue or picnic between encounters with the turtles. Petit Tabac, another Pirates of the Caribbean filming spot, is the definition of paradise; the tiny island with a small sandy beach can be reached easily by tender, and the waters here boast endless shades of blue.  On the northern tip of Mayreau is Saltwhistle Bay, a pristine spot for lounging and enjoying the snorkelling.

Local Experiences

To experience a deeper connection to the islands, engage with the local communities. Get ashore and visit local markets, or enjoy one of the island’s festivals, depending on when you go. The Nine Mornings festival, held around Christmas time, is a traditional cultural festival featuring steel pan music and an array of games and performances. In the New Year, Mustique has a blues festival known for its charity contributions and live music, hosted at Basil’s Bar. For those interested in sailing, the Bequia Easter Regatta is a popular event with a vibrant atmosphere, offering both on-water racing and onshore activities. 

Where To Eat: Flavors of St Vincent & The Grenadines 

The islands are perfect for alfresco dining aboard your yacht with crew-prepared meals enjoyed against an idyllic island backdrop, and many of the beaches and sandbars are excellent settings for barbecues or pop-up picnics. One spot in particular is Romeo Lobster Barbecue, which you can access via tender to Petit Bateau Island. Enjoy fresh lobster cooked on the grill, complemented by island views and a lively atmosphere. 

In addition to organised and private barbecues, there are some great spots to dine ashore for lunch or dinner. The Cotton House on Mustique is one of the highlights for wining and dining ashore. As the island’s only fully serviced hotel, it offers a range of options. The Beach Cafe is perfect for laid-back lunches with your feet in the sand, or their Veranda Restaurant for a more formal evening menu, where Caribbean cuisine is fused with international flavors. Nearby is the legendary Basil’s Bar, an over-the-water location famous for its sundowners, great cocktails, and lively vibe, perfect for a pre- or post-dinner drink, as well as live music experiences. 

On St. Vincent, Young Island Resort, just offshore from the mainland, provides a peaceful setting for a Caribbean-inspired menu. And, on Bequia, head to Jack’s Beach Bar on Princess Margaret Beach, where you can indulge in locally caught seafood and a selection of rum-based cocktails, ideal at sunset.