The Grenadines
Last updated: 6 February 2026
Overview
The Grenadines form a chain of islands and cays extending south from Bequia to Petit Saint Vincent. Distances between stops are short, often allowing for day passages between islands.
Facilities vary from island to island: Bequia and Union Island have the widest range of shops and services, while smaller cays may offer little ashore beyond day‑stop access from nearby anchorages or moorings. Some bays have marinas or organised mooring fields, but many crews spend most of their time at anchor.
Attractions
Tobago Cays Marine Park, a major attraction in the area, incorporates several anchorages and mooring areas behind Horseshoe Reef, with marked seagrass and reef zones where turtles and other marine life are frequently seen by visiting crews.
Fort Hamilton in Bequia overlooks Admiralty Bay and is reached by a short walk from Port Elizabeth, where the waterfront brings together most of the island’s small shops, bars and service businesses used by cruising yachts, making it a natural place to stretch your legs ashore. Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau is a sheltered anchorage with a curved sandy beach, beach bars and small stalls ashore, and an easy walk over the hill to the island’s village and a great kitesurifing beach.
Notes for mariners
Although inter‑island hops are short, trades and squalls can funnel across the reefs, so exposure and lee‑shore risk need regular reassessment, with extra room and closer watch in busy anchorages around the Cays, Mayreau and Canouan.
Tobago Cays Marine Park uses moorings and sand patches, and skippers are expected to avoid anchoring in coral or seagrass, respect no‑fishing rules, brief crews not to touch wildlife, and keep dinghy speeds low near snorkelling areas.
Places to stay
Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:
Anchorages
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Port Elizabeth | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Port Elizabeth offers easy anchorage with good holding on sand and an abundance of dinghy docks. The bay is spacious and provides both anchoring and mooring options. Visitors appreciate the protection from wind and swell as well as fresh bread delivery in the mornings.
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Petit Nevis | 4.7 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at Petit Nevis provides space for a few boats, with a sandy bottom offering good holding. Visitors enjoy the calm and tranquil bay, with reports of delightful snorkeling opportunities near the anchorage. The remoteness of the area adds to its appeal.
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Chatham Bay | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Chatham Bay offers a tranquil anchorage with reliable holding on a sandy bottom, though visitors should be prepared for varying wind conditions that can gust down the hills. Limited services exist, with some barbecue and drink options operated by locals and scenic hikes available.
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Mopion Island | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Visitors often find Mopion Island to be a scenic daytime anchorage known for its swimming and snorkeling opportunities. It requires careful navigation due to the shallow, rocky bottom, and potentially challenging swell around the island. The holding is generally considered adequate for anchoring.
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Tobago Cays | 4.4 ★ |
Review summary: Visitors often stay in Tobago Cays for its abundant marine life with turtles and rays frequently sighted. Snorkeling opportunities are plentiful, especially around the clear waters. Usage of mooring buoys is common, with park fees applicable, enhancing the experience by protecting the sea grass.
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Princess Margaret Bay | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Princess Margaret Bay is well-regarded, with sand providing good holding, though some sections can be prone to rolling. The area features a welcoming community with multiple dinghy docks and convenient town access. However, visitors should ensure their anchor is well-set.
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Isle Quatre | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at Isle Quatre offers good protection, although visitors should anticipate the potential for swell. The area provides excellent holding with clear sand, making it an attractive choice for overnight stays.
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Savan Turtle Island | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Anchorage at Savan Turtle Island is influenced by constant swell, as noted by visitors. Easier access is ensured under settled easterly conditions. A swell bridal is recommended to manage the southeastern swell effectively.
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South Glossy Bay | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Yacht visitors find South Glossy Bay spacious for anchoring, although it can be a bit rolly. The bay offers sand-covered seabeds, making anchoring reliable. Additionally, comprehensive amenities and a welcoming local community enhance the experience. Visitors note it may not always be calm.
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Salt Whistle Bay (Carnash Bay) | 4.2 ★ |
Review summary: Salt Whistle Bay offers a picturesque anchorage with good holding on mostly sandy bottom, and is equipped with mooring balls. The bay can become crowded quickly with charter boats vying for space. Visiting boat vendors may approach, occasionally causing an uncomfortable atmosphere for some visitors.
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Marinas
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Sandy Lane Yacht Club | 4.6 ★ |
Review summary: Visiting Sandy Lane Yacht Club, guests encounter empty but well-maintained facilities with upscale amenities. Staff receive positive remarks for being competent and helpful. Note that services such as garbage collection and water incur separate fees which some visitors found unexpected.
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Moorings
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Admiralty Bay | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Admiralty Bay offers good mooring services, with visitors noting a helpful staff dedicated to assisting with tie-ups and organizing island tours. The location provides a pleasant and stable mooring experience, as reported in multiple reviews during peak tourist periods.
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Mayreau Beach Club | 4.8 ★ |
Review summary: Mooring at Mayreau Beach Club is generally peaceful, though visitors noted occasional swells. The mooring buoys are well-maintained and organized, with some reportedly free after the storm Beryl. Visitors appreciated amenities like a pool bar, though service disruptions may occur. Review checks are advisable.
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Sustainable Grenadines | 4.6 ★ |
Review summary: Moorings are available for free and installed to protect turtle grass. Some original buoys are missing, so anchoring is possible with care taken to avoid sea grass. Efficient kiteboarding opportunities and a nearby beach bar complement the experience.
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Baradal-Tobago Cays Marine Park | 4.4 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring and mooring are commonplace at Baradal-Tobago Cays Marine Park, with numerous turtles spotted in the area. Some visitors found the site rolly even for catamarans, but access to clear waters and frequent turtle sightings is praised by many.
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Salt Whistle Bay. | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: The bay is characterized by its shallow water, which facilitates easy diving to check moorings. Visitors often note the presence of boat boys, who are not aggressive and respond well to polite declines. The setting remains peaceful once day trip boats depart.
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Boat services
Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:
Chandlers
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DockSide Marine | 4.9 ★ |
Review summary: DockSide Marine provides a well-organized inventory with a variety of marine products, according to multiple Reviews. Visitors frequently cite helpful staff and fair pricing as notable highlights of their experience. The shop's selection effectively meets diverse boating needs.
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Boat services
| Grenadines Sails and Canvas | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Grenadines Sails and Canvas efficiently provides sail and canvas work, offering quick turnaround times as reported by several Reviews. Customers have notably received quality service for stack packs, dinghy chaps, and sail repairs, often completed within a day or two after arrival in the area.
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| Alick's Sail Loft & Canvas Shop | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Alick's Sail Loft & Canvas Shop specializes in sail and canvas work, including servicing mainsails, genoas, and fixing dingy chaps. Visitors note this shop requires cash payments and is praised for its efficient workflow, such as using carts to meet boats at the dock.
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Yacht clearance
This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to this part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Ports of entry offices
| Bequia Customs & Immigration | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in and out is primarily smooth with mostly friendly officers, although overtime charges can apply outside regular hours. The use of card machines is confirmed, facilitating payment processes. Various Reviews note that weekends and late hours may incur extra fees for customs and immigration.
Place details mention: check in steps, required documents, fees or payments, opening hours, prearrival requirements and cruising permits.
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| Charlestown Bay Customs & Immigration | 4.4 ★ |
Review summary: Checking out from Charlestown Bay Customs & Immigration can involve visiting both the customs and immigration offices, sometimes requiring a trip to the airport. Efficient processing is noted, although internet issues may occasionally require travel to complete procedures. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
Place details mention: opening hours, prearrival requirements, cruising permits and required documents.
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| Clifton Customs & Immigration | 4.2 ★ |
Review summary: Using Sail Clear eases the check-in process at Clifton Customs & Immigration, with visitors experiencing friendly and efficient service. While some days might see delays, most find the process manageable. Cash payments are necessary as card machines are often unavailable.
Place details mention: prearrival requirements,required documents,fees or payments,opening hours and cruising permits.
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| Canouan Airport Customs & Immigration | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Customs and immigration procedures at Canouan Airport operate during certain hours, with staff arriving around 8:30 to 9:00 AM. The airport allows for yacht check-in and check-out, offering easy processes with no extra charges. Walking from the marina can be long and uncomfortable.
Place details mention: check in steps, required documents, cruising permits and prearrival requirements.
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Yacht clearance agents
| JJ from JJ & Nia Restaurant | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Clearing in at JJ & Nia Restaurant involves quick and efficient customs service, even accommodating late arrivals by charging an overtime fee. JJ can manage clearance processes promptly, which proves beneficial for altering travel schedules and ensuring smooth bureaucratic procedures.
Place details mention: required documents.
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| Tenuta Chatham Bay Clearence | 4.8 ★ |
Review summary: Customs services at Tenuta Chatham Bay provide efficient check-in and check-out processes. Visitors appreciate the convenience of dropping off documents and retrieving completed paperwork a few hours later, often paying 100 EC for the service and enjoying friendly staff interactions.
Place details mention: required documents and fees or payments.
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Useful yacht clearance links
- Sail Clear: Pre arrival notification
- https://sailclear.com/index