St. Vincent & The Grenadines: A Fun Sailing Trip Through Caribbean Beauty
Estimated read time: ~6 minutes
Introduction: Lush, Raw, and Ridiculously Beautiful
There’s a reason sailors whisper about St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) like it’s a secret too good to share. Scattered across the southern Caribbean like emeralds in turquoise, these islands feel wild in the best way — raw, lush, untouched.
This isn’t the all-inclusive version of the Caribbean. This is the version with volcanic peaks, salt-whitened beaches, floating fruit vendors, and sea turtles grazing in shallow bays. Here, you anchor in nature, snorkel over kaleidoscopic reefs, and sail between islands where life flows slower.
English is widely spoken, and the vibe is warm, relaxed, and authentically Caribbean. For travelers craving space, beauty, and a week that feels like a personal reset — SVG might just be the most breathtaking sailing destination in the region.
How to Get There
Reaching SVG is easier than it looks on the map — but you’ll still feel like you’re stepping off the edge of the familiar.
Most travelers fly into St. Vincent (Argyle International Airport – SVD), with connections through Barbados, Miami, or St. Lucia. From there, you’re a short taxi ride to Blue Lagoon Marina, one of the main charter hubs.
Another option is to fly into Bequia, a charming nearby island with its own small airport. But in most cases, you’ll be boarding your yacht from St. Vincent, then returning there at the end of your trip.
There’s no need to worry about ferries or tour schedules. Once you’re aboard, the Grenadines are yours to explore.
Highlights: Snorkelling, Water Sports & That Undiscovered Feeling
Each island in the Grenadines has its own magic, and most can only be reached by boat. What they all have in common? Crystal-clear water, vibrant reefs, and a total sense of escape.
🌊 Tobago Cays Marine Park
This is what people dream of when they say “Caribbean paradise.” A protected cluster of tiny uninhabited islands, surrounded by a horseshoe reef and teeming with turtles. It’s one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean — full stop.
🏝️ Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
A perfectly curved beach with palm trees on one side and your yacht moored on the other. Chill on the sand, grab a grilled lobster dinner from a local BBQ shack, or hike up to the tiny church for sunset views over the entire Grenadines chain.
🌬️ Union Island
The unofficial capital of wind sports in SVG. Consistent trade winds make this a hotspot for kitesurfing, wing foiling, and windsurfing. From beginner lessons to expert sessions, there’s something here for every adrenaline level.
⚡ Into water sports? We partner with a local operator who runs epic yearly trips here — get in touch and we’ll hook you up.
🐠 Chatham Bay
A wide, protected bay on Union Island’s western coast. Quiet, serene, and often home to only a handful of yachts. Great snorkeling, stunning sunsets, and a few beach bars for when you’re ready to be social again.
🐢 Bequia
Charming and laid-back with a strong sailing history. Check out the turtle sanctuary, dine at a beachfront restaurant in Admiralty Bay, or explore hidden coves by dinghy. Bequia blends authenticity with accessibility.
💎 Mustique
If you want a little glam, anchor off this private island where royals and rockstars retreat. It’s pristine, peaceful, and surprisingly friendly — stop for a drink at Basil’s Bar and live out your castaway-with-a-credit-card fantasy.
Suggested 7-Day / 7-Night Sailing Itinerary (Round Trip from St. Vincent)
This route offers a bit of everything — smooth sails, reef-strewn anchorages, beach bars, and pure quiet when you need it.
Day 1: St. Vincent > Bequia (9 nm): Ease into the trip with a short sail south. Explore Admiralty Bay, swim, and enjoy your first dinner ashore.
Day 2: Bequia > Mustique (15 nm): A longer sail, but worth it. Check out the island’s upscale charm, hike to Macaroni Beach, and watch the stars from the deck.
Day 3: Mustique > Tobago Cays (17 nm): Sail into the heart of the Grenadines. Anchor behind the reef, snorkel with turtles, and enjoy the surreal beauty of this marine park.
Day 4: Tobago Cays > Mayreau (2 nm): Just a quick hop. Spend the afternoon in Salt Whistle Bay and catch sunset from the hilltop church.
Day 5: Mayreau > Union Island > Chatham Bay (8 nm total): Stop in Clifton to explore Union Island or grab kiteboarding gear, then continue to Chatham Bay for a peaceful night.
Day 6: Chatham Bay > Bequia (18 nm): A bigger sailing day with incredible views. Stop at Petit Bateau for a lobster lunch on the beach. Then return to Bequia for the last evening on board.
Day 7: Bequia > St. Vincent (9 nm): One final breakfast swim, then a relaxed sail back to Blue Lagoon.
Best Time to Visit
SVG is at its best between December and June, when trade winds are steady and skies are dry.
• High season (Dec–Apr): Perfect sailing conditions, but also the busiest time for charter traffic. Book early.
• Shoulder season (May–Jun): Fewer boats, lush landscapes, and more anchorage space.
• Hurricane season (Jul–Oct): Riskier, but if you’re flexible and watch forecasts, the sailing is still lovely — and quiet.
Temperatures hover around 27–30°C (80–86°F) year-round. Water temps? Always swimmable.
Why a Sailing Vacation is Ideal in SVG
Let’s put it this way: most of these islands can’t be reached by ferry, and many don’t even have roads. Want to experience the best of the Grenadines? Sailing is the only way.
Land-based travel here is limited — and unless you’re flying between islands on tiny planes (which gets pricey fast), you’ll miss the magic. A sailing vacation gives you total access: remote beaches, uninhabited cays, and secret snorkeling spots that day tours just don’t reach.
There’s no need to pack, repack, or follow someone else’s schedule. Your floating home moves with you — and you decide what kind of day it is: action-packed, or perfectly still.
Recommended Sailing Experience Level
SVG can be one of the more adventurous Caribbean sailing destinations, especially compared to places like the BVI. Depending on conditions, you may encounter open-water passages, a bit of swell, or stronger wind channels between islands.
That said, it’s not intimidating — especially with a skippered charter or for experienced sailors looking for a bit more thrill. And when the wind picks up, there’s no better playground. The good news? There are plenty of safe, protected spots to tuck into when you’re ready to slow down again.
With world-class snorkeling, diving, and some of the best windsports in the Caribbean, SVG offers both relaxation and adrenaline in equal measure.
Raw Beauty, Real Adventure, and the Freedom to Choose
St. Vincent & the Grenadines is not your typical Caribbean destination. It’s wilder, more beautiful, and more rewarding for those willing to go off the beaten path — or in this case, off the beaten sea.
From untouched beaches and turtle-filled reefs to wind-powered thrills and barefoot beach bars, this is the kind of trip that stays with you. You’ll sail, swim, explore, unwind, and reconnect — with the ocean, with your people, and maybe with yourself.
Want to Sail the Grenadines?
Let’s start planning your ultimate Caribbean sailing vacation. Whether you want an adventurous route, a windsurfing escape, or something slow and romantic — we’ll tailor it to you.