The Grenadines
Last updated: 30 January 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, Bequia | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Providing a well-protected anchorage with ample mooring and dock facilities, Port Elizabeth in Bequia is a favorable spot for sailors. The availability of dinghy docks makes going ashore convenient. Enjoying the local amenities, such as shops and restaurants, is straightforward with easy access ashore.
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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, Union Island | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at Chatham Bay offers good holding on a sandy bottom, although strong katabatic gusts are common and require ample swing room. Visitors can expect a quiet and serene environment with limited onshore facilities available, particularly after the damage from Hurricane Beryl.
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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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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, Canouan | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in South Glossy Bay appears well-suited for protection from Trade Winds. The bay offers ample room for anchoring or utilizing mooring buoys. Visitors may enjoy the tranquil environment with conveniences like access to Immigration Customs via dinghy and nearby amenities.
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Princess Margaret Bay, Bequia | 4.2 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Princess Margaret Bay provides both pros and cons. The bay offers good holding over sandy bottoms, though some areas are rolly due to winds and ferry wake. Access to town and services is easy, thanks to multiple dinghy docks available around the bay.
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Salt Whistle Bay (Carnash Bay), Mayreau | 4.2 ★ |
Review summary: Access to Salt Whistle Bay can be crowded, with numerous charter boats vying for positions. Many visitors enjoy the picturesque setting, though interactions with local vendors may vary. While the anchorage provides good holding, caution is advised during strong winds.
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Marinas
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Sandy Lane Yacht Club | 4.6 ★ |
Review summary: Staying at Sandy Lane Yacht Club offers a mix of luxurious amenities and attentive staff, highlighted by the excellent shower facilities. Visitors enjoy the appealing infrastructure, though it tends to be less crowded and relatively expensive. Convenient clearance procedures add to its attraction.
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Moorings
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Mayreau beach club | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Visiting Mayreau beach club offers access to well-maintained mooring buoys, ideal for anchoring. The location is noted for having a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Despite some facilities being under repair, visitors appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the beach.
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Admiralty Bay, Bequia | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Staying in Admiralty Bay offers calm waters, aided by the helpfulness of local mooring assistants. Multiple Reviews highlight seamless mooring experiences, with specific mention of assistance in securing spots and organizing island tours.
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Sustainable Grenadines | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Usage of the mooring buoys in the Grenadines is encouraged to protect the turtle grass, with two currently available for free. Reviews indicate the buoys appear sturdy and reliable, though visitors should ensure proper chafe protection due to rust.
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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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Boatyards and 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.
You can help keep this up to date by reviewing Port of Entry and Yacht Clearance Agent markers.
Ports of entry offices
| Bequia Customs And Immigration | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Visitors can clear in and out at Bequia Customs and Immigration, although overtime fees apply outside usual hours, including weekends and later in the day. Officers are consistently described as friendly and efficient. Payment processes seem to run smoothly, and 'Sail Clear' is in use.
Place marker mentions: prearrival requirements, required documents, fees or payments, opening hours and cruising permits.
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| Charlestown Bay Customs and Immigration | 4.4 ★ |
Review summary: Check-in and check-out procedures are generally efficient at the customs and immigration office. On some occasions, internet issues have caused redirection to the airport. Several visitors note that the customs officer is friendly, and services including transportation can enhance the experience.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, required documents, opening hours, prearrival requirements, departure requirements and cruising permits.
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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 marker mentions: prearrival requirements,required documents,fees or payments,opening hours and cruising permits.
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| Canouan Officials | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Yachts can efficiently check in and out at Canouan airport, with procedures generally facilitated without extra charges. The distance from the marina varies, resulting in either a leisurely or strenuous walk depending on individual preferences. Utilizing marina transport can ease the process significantly.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, required documents, fees or payments, opening hours, prearrival requirements, cruising permits.
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Yacht clearance agents
| Jj | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Jj provides yacht clearance services and is capable of handling late arrivals for customs paperwork. This service involves taking documents to the customs office, even late in the day, allowing for more flexible departure times. Visitors can reach Jj via a blue and yellow boat named "Therapy."
Place marker mentions: check in steps and 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 marker mentions: required documents and fees or payments.
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Useful yacht clearance links
- Sail Clear: Pre arrival notification
- https://sailclear.com/index