The popular Grenadines, known for being uncrowded and untouched during the most recent hurricanes, are a chain of small islands that lie on a line between the larger islands of Saint Vincent and Grenada. If you have sailed the U.S. Virgin Islands & British Virgin Islands in the past and are looking for a tropical paradise without loads of tourists, this is it. The best time to sail this area is May, June & July as the yachts conveniently transition from the Virgin Islands to calm summer sailing vacation waters further south.
We have quite a lot of personal experience chartering here. Nine islands are inhabited, including the mainland Saint Vincent and the Grenadines islands of Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island, Mayreau, Petit St Vincent, and Palm Island. Notable uninhabited islands of the Grenadines include Petit Nevis, and Petit Mustique.
The northern two-thirds of the chain, including about 32 islands and cays, are part of the country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The southern third of the chain belongs to the country of Grenada. Carriacou is the largest and most populous of the Grenadines (excluding Grenada).
Meet Capt. Roland, Chef Vanessa & First Mate Hugh on 62' Lagoon Catamaran Callista. When spring & summer season arrives, they move their base of operations from the Virgin Islands to the Grenadines. Our clients love them!
Callista offers the popular 4 guest cabin layout with a spacious cockpit and an upper flybridge that has become ever popular with guests. With a "galley up" design, this yacht offers the spacious owner version master stateroom plus 3 queen guest staterooms, accommodating a total of 8 guests. They are vastly experienced in The Virgin Islands (British and U.S Virgin Islands), the Grenadines from St. Vincent to Grenada, and St. Martin / St. Barths / Anguilla. A full scuba diving program is available with Callista, including Dive Instruction so guests do not need prior certification.
See Catamaran Callista's Online Brochure & Rates
Recently, we asked Capt. Roland to create a sailing charter itinerary for our clients beginning in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia sailing to Port St. Louis Marina, Grenada. He did such a great job that we had to share! Let's see where our clients will sail on this one-way Windward yacht charter vacation adventure.
Day One
We will meet the guests at Marigot Bay at 12:00 NOON.
Saint Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean island nation with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, the Pitons, on its west coast. Its coast is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts, and fishing villages. Trails in the interior rainforest lead to waterfalls like the 48 ft-high Toraille, which pours over a cliff into a garden. The capital, Castries, is a popular cruise port.
Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. The island was previously called Lyonola, the name was given to the island by the native Amerindians. Later the island was named Hewanorra, and by the native Caribs. Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. It covers a land area of 238 square miles and reported a population of 165,595 in the 2010 census.
The French were the island's first European settlers. They signed a treaty with the native Island Caribs in 1660. England took control of the island from 1663 to 1667. In ensuing years, it was at war with France fourteen times, and the rule of the island changed frequently (it was ruled seven times each by the French and British). In 1814, the British took definitive control of the island. Because it switched so often between British and French control, Saint Lucia was also known as the "Helen of the West Indies" after the Greek mythological character, Helen of Troy.
Representative government came about in 1840 (universal suffrage was established in 1953). From 1958 to 1962, the island was a member of the West Indies Federation. On 22 February 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Saint Lucia is a mixed jurisdiction, meaning that it has a legal system based in part on both the civil law and English common law. The Civil Code of St. Lucia of 1867 was based on the Quebec Civil Code of 1866, as supplemented by English common law-style legislation.
How to get there...
There are two airports on the island of St. Lucia. Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF) is located on the southern end of the island and serves primarily international flights.
Things to do…
Diving in Saint Lucia offers a world-class experience with the island ideally situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Undoubtedly a great option for the well-seasoned diver, families or groups, the adventurous spirit and of course the novice who aspires to experience the wonders of the underwater world. Boasting more than 22 awe-inspiring dive locations, the majestic isle of Saint Lucia harbors a wide range of stunning dive options.
Come prepared to meet an oceanic splendor that is all but ready to audition her vivaciousness. The turquoise waters of Saint Lucia effortlessly satisfy a plethora of dive expectations. Be it the certified adventurer, the ever-inquiring soul, the newfound dive lover or perhaps the gorgeous bride looking to make a splash of a statement, a piece of Saint Lucia promises to enthuse you. The dive operators are all fully certified by international organizations brandishing ASHI, PADI and NAUI ratings. Take a dive and explore only the best of scuba, snorkeling, SNUBA, and Sea-trek on Saint Lucia. All diving must be done with a local dive operator.
Outdoors…out and about…There’s beauty, and then there is Saint Lucia. Saint Lucian Nobel Laureate, Sir Derek Walcott once said, “Visual surprise is natural in the Caribbean; it comes with the landscape.” When you travel to any Caribbean island, you expect sun, sea, and sand. But Saint Lucia’s transcendent natural wonders will transport your mind, body, and soul. Here you have the opportunity to experience the adventure of a lifetime. In a league of its own, the island’s unmatched splendor is due in part to its volcanic origin. Rich in minerals, the soil produces vegetation so lush that the island seems more like a painted masterpiece. Volcanic eruptions hundreds of centuries ago, also gave rise to bubbling mud pools and Sulphur Springs. Altogether, the result is a wealth of natural wonders that make for perfect adventures. Being outdoors never felt so good. Enjoy the rich earthy smell of the rainforest, and fill your lungs with the fresh island air. You’ll appreciate nature like never before. You can sign up for group tours or create your own adventures.
Take your Saint Lucia adventures to great heights by hiking the Gros Piton. If you want to keep your trekking at sea level, you can hike the Eastern Nature Trail along the Atlantic coastline. ATV Tours, zip-lining, and nature trails are just a few of the many Saint Lucia excursions available. Countless possibilities await you.
Cuisine… Saint Lucia cuisine is an eclectic mix of American, European, Indian and Caribbean flavors. The signature meal you should have in Saint Lucia is green figs and salt fish, the island’s national dish. Locals boil unripe bananas and then add salt-cured boiled or flaked cod. It’s a hearty dish made with various herbs and spices. Pair this meal with a plate of fried plantains, a bowl of Callaloo soup (a spinach-like soup made from the Callaloo plant), or a side of breadfruit. Breadfruit is a staple of Saint Lucia cuisine and resembles a potato, except with a sweeter flavor. In fact, your meal might have all of these elements, leaving you filled to the brim for the rest of your day!
Saint Vincent is the largest island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which comprises some 32 islands and cays - the main islands include Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, The Tobago Cays Marine Park, Union Island, Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent.
Saint Vincent is located in the Southern Caribbean Sea and forming part of the Windward Islands. It is situated 100 miles west of Barbados, 75 miles north of Grenada and 24 miles south of St. Lucia.
St. Vincent is by far the largest of the 32 enchanting islands and cays covering roughly 45 miles out of a total of 150 sq. miles that extend to the southwest like a kite’s tail. Saint Vincent comprises most of the Caribbean nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and its population is approximately 116,253. Kingstown is the capital and has an approximate population of 30,000. The rest of the population resides in the other five main towns of Layou, Barrouallie, Chateaubelair, Georgetown, and Calliaqua. About 25% of the labor force work in agriculture, 10% in industry and over 50% in services, including tourism.
Saint Vincent is referred to as “the Mainland” and is composed of partially submerged volcanic mountains, so it is blessed with mountainous and lush landscapes, tumbling waterfalls, verdant rainforests, volcanic-rich soil with unspoiled backdrops of brilliant flora, alluring crystal clear waters with magnificent coral reefs and an active volcano, called (La Soufrière). The most recent eruption was on "Black Friday" [which was also the Christian 'Good Friday' for that year], April 13, 1979. La Soufrière, which erupted violently in 1812 and 1902, stands at 4,048-foot-high. Therefore, the majority of the beaches on the mainland have black sand (more than 95%).
The Kalinago (or ‘Caribs’ as they were named by the Europeans) knew Saint Vincent as Hairouna: The Land of The Blessed. The territory was disputed between France and the United Kingdom in the 18th century, before being ceded to the British in 1783. It gained independence on October 27, 1979.
Day Two
Expect an early departure of 6 or 7 AM with breakfast on the go… approximate 60 NM sail south from St Lucia will bring you to Bequia. This island is one of the most laid back and attractive islands of the whole Caribbean. Bequia has been closely linked to seafaring for centuries, and old traditions continue. We will drop our anchor just off a magnificent beach, perhaps Princess Margaret Beach for our first night on board.
*Diving: We may dive Devils Table!
Day Three
A leisurely 10 NM sail to Mustique, stopping for a swim and explore at Petit Nevis, a small palm-covered island and the location of an old whaling station where the ruins can still be seen. At Mustique pick up a mooring before heading over to the World famous Basil’s Bar or catch a taxi up to the Firefly Restaurant for sundowners and dinner.
Or for scuba diving enthusiasts…have a later departure:
Much like most islands, diving in Bequia will not disappoint. We will use local dive operators where possible, firstly it’s great to support local business, more often than not they rely on tourism for income. Also, most, if not all dive sites in and around Bequia require a large and powerful dive boat to reach the dive sites quickly and safely, most are not accessible with a yachts dinghy and there are no suitable moorings to hold a large yacht like Callista, anchoring of course on the reef is not an option. There are locations down island such as the National Marine Parks where the local by-laws stipulate the use of local dive operators/Dive Leaders anyway.
In both instances, we will arrange the ‘Rendezvous’ diving, where the dive operator collects certified divers from our boat. You can’t beat having a local Dive leader with extensive local knowledge.
Day Four
In the morning, a 20 NM sail SW will put us in the absolutely beautiful Salt Whistle Bay, a palm-fringed semi-circle of white sand on Mayreau Island. There’s some good walking here, but most worthwhile is the short hike to the top of the hill and the breathtaking view from the Catholic Church. For dinner try Dennis’s Hideaway in the village, a short climb up the hill from Saline Bay or Righteous Roberts for an authentic Caribbean experience.
Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines, with an area of about 0.46 sq. miles and a population of about 271. The population is centered in an unnamed village, located on Station Hill, a hilltop in the south-west of the island. It is an isolated community, accessible only by boat. Electricity was only recently (2002) provided by a central generator located on Saline Bay. There is a single-lane concrete road leading from the wharf on Saline Bay through the village to Salt Whistle Bay. The top of the island is crested with the small elementary school; the telecommunications building; the brick and stone Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, christened on May 12, 1930, and a Pentecostal church. From the crest of the hill behind the Catholic Church, there is an overlook of the Tobago Cays, Canouan, and Union Island.
The island gets much of its water from three catchments set on the east side of the island. One serves the resort at Salt Whistle Bay and two serve the village. Saline Bay is named for the salt pond just east of the sandy beach. Salt was harvested and exported in times past but is now harvested only for local use. The island is populated mostly by fishermen and supported by tourism. The school has about 50 students from kindergarten to Grades 6. Upon completing their primary/elementary education, students attend secondary schools on neighboring Union Island or the main island, St. Vincent. Mayreau also has a small resort area on Salt Whistle Bay.
Day Five
Enjoy a 3 NM sail to the beautiful Tobago Cays, which are an archipelago located in the Southern Grenadines of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines comprised of five small islands and extensive coral reefs. The cays - Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby are one of the world’s most breathtaking anchorages. The anchorage is protected by an enormous horseshoe reef which also provides amazing snorkeling. You can swim in a turtle sanctuary with the turtles that feed around the five islands that make up the Cays or explore ashore with the nearly tame iguanas and tortoises. In the evening your crew can arrange a wonderful lobster or fish beach BBQ with one of the local guides and dine under the stars with your feet in the sand!
Day Six
Sail downwind for an hour to Chatham Bay, Union Island, about 5 Nm from Clifton Harbour. This large anchorage has a sweeping beach under high hills. There is excellent snorkeling along the north side of the bay and some great walking ashore. For dinner head for Seki and Vanessa’s Restaurant on the beach, which in season will frequently end in dancing on the sand under the stars!
Or another option could be we sail to Il de Ronde about 15 Nm after lunch at Mopion Island. For a true getaway, visit this idyllic Caribbean tiny island nestled between Union and Petit Saint Vincent in the Grenadines. This mini-paradise is inhabited by nothing but a single straw parasol. It’s perfect for a day-long escape. Bring a book and unwind on your own personal island. Make sure to look up every once in a while and stare out at the expansive blue Caribbean seas. Bring your snorkel and swim around the island.
Ronde Island, Grenada is a 2,000-acre private island in the Lesser Antilles chain of the Caribbean Sea. The island was listed for sale as of October 2007 for US$100,000,000 making it currently the most expensive listed island property in the world…apparently!
The Il de Ronde anchorage can be a little rolly, but do-able. It’s completely remote and the night sky is something else! (But first, we pop into Clifton Harbour from the Tobago Cays…about 8 Nm…to attend to immigration and customs duties and perhaps an opportunity to explore Clifton and/or Happy Island. While there isn't much of a beach on Happy Island, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic beach bar anywhere in the world. Happy Island is a man-made island in the middle of Clifton Harbour with no other purpose than to serve as an oasis. The brain-child of one man…Janti. About 10 years ago, he was voluntarily removing conch (or lambi as the shellfish known in the Caribbean) shells from the beaches of Union Island. So, he began piling the empty shells up on the reef in Clifton harbor and before he knew it, visitors began using the conch pile as a make-shift bar. He was obviously onto something! A few years, an awful lot of conch shells, some cement and a tremendous amount of work done almost solely by himself and you’ve got a Grenadines institution…Happy Island !)
Day Seven
We will set off after breakfast from either Il de Ronde Island 15 Nm or Chatham Bay (Union Island) 35 Nm for Grenada!
Our intention is to anchor close to Halifax Harbour for the evening, where we will enjoy afternoon of watersports. Grenada is certainly a lovely island. This part of the west coast falls under the protection of the Marine Park. Halifax is not actually a harbor as such, but a natural bay fully protected from the elements.
Day Eight
We reposition after breakfast to Grand Anse Bay. No visit to Grenada would be complete without an island tour. The “Isle of Spice” is one of the most spectacularly beautiful islands of the Caribbean with lush rain forests, waterfalls, old plantations and spectacular beaches, including a chocolate factory and rum distillery. There are many hiking trails around the island – from easy half-hour hikes to a waterfall to arduous all-day hikes to the island’s highest point Mt St Catherine. The town of St George’s is regarded as the most picturesque capital in the Caribbean.
Alternatively, scuba diving can be arranged… we will use local dive operators where possible, firstly its great to support local business, more often than not they rely on tourism for income. Also, most, if not all dive sites require a large and powerful dive boat to reach the dive sites quickly and safely, most are not accessible with a yachts dinghy and there are no suitable moorings to hold a large yacht, anchoring of course on the reef is not an option. There are locations down island-like National Marine Parks where the local by-laws stipulate the use of local dive operators/Dive Leaders anyway. In both instants, we will arrange the ‘Rendezvous’ diving, where the dive operator collects certified divers from our boat. You can’t beat having a local Dive leader with extensive local knowledge especially in and around Grenada with regard to drift diving and notorious prevailing currents.
Or we find a secluded anchorage and simply enjoy being on SV Callista and all that she and her crew have to offer…prepare to be pampered on your last day! Water sports, reading, cocktails…sunshade and a cocktail …Bliss!
We will be conveniently positioned for a very short transit to Port Louis Marina by tender, where your private taxi will take you to the airport. Grenada's only airport is called Maurice Bishop International Airport - MBIA (formerly known as Point Salines International Airport).
We will bid you a fond farewell…” till next time…” ~Capt. Roland & Vanessa
About Us:
We're former Owners & Captain of the Award-winning 72' yacht Three Moons for 18 years. With over 300 charters in our logbook, we currently represent privately crewed Caribbean sailing luxury yacht charters as professional CYBA yacht charter brokers. Recently, we interviewed over 120 catamarans, motor yachts, sailboats, and professional crews. We're happy to promote these yachts offering modern conveniences & unlimited pleasure.
What should you expect from a luxury crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean?
It's "ALL about you, ALL the time" onboard a privately crewed charter boat! It's surprisingly affordable too! Far away from overcrowded cruise ships, all-inclusive charter yachts allow you to explore some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive areas and delight in the natural, unspoiled beauty of secluded islands, hidden coves, and secret dive sites. Sail to a nearby island every day & snorkel around your own private beaches; enjoy your favorite cocktail while watching the sunset on your own private yacht; indulge yourself with 5-star gourmet cuisine that is prepared with Caribbean flair and served in the most beautiful surroundings you could ever imagine. We love matching the right crew & yacht with you!
6 Reasons Why We are Qualified:
1. As Members of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association, we maintain contact with the yachts to keep abreast of the very latest information on crew/yacht conditions and new yachts entering the arena.
2. We stay on top of local and Federal Government to keep informed about changes in our industry, as well as involving ourselves with the changes in the environment in which we offer charters.
3 We engage in open dialogue with local publications to help keep the government and the public aware of this important industry in our islands.
4. We attend multiple charter yacht industry shows in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, go aboard each of the yachts, meet the crews, attend association meetings and seminars. We'll happily share our notes about changes to the boats and crews and confirm any newly added features and upgrades as well as re-fits to the boat’s decor like new carpets, interior and exterior soft goods & fun new water-toys.
5. As a seasoned charter yacht Owner & Crew, we have access to the "inner circle" and know all the insider facts.
6. We've developed a longtime friendship with vendors of services such as local taxi drivers, ferry companies, good places to stay on land, great restaurants and much more.
Learn more at www.YachtCharters.Guru
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