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Day 1: Dragon Bay
St. George's - Dragon Bay, 4 nm. After finishing all of the check in procedures and readying the yacht, sail 4 miles up the coast to Grenada to Dragon Bay. Pick up a government mooring ball in Dragon Bay. Enjoy some amazing snorkeling at Moliniere Point, and if you are into diving, be sure to arrange a dive at the underwater sculpture garden, which is rumored to be home to a family of black and red sea horses.
Mooring: Be sure to anchor on sand or pick up a government mooring ball when in Dragon Bay.
Dinghy dockage: There is not a dinghy dock.
Things to do: Snorkel or dive, swim, sunbathe, and relax in unspoiled beauty. This island has a unique charm The palm-fringed beach of Dragon Bay is uniquely charming with black sand due to its volcanic make-up.
Day 2: Carriacou
Dragon Bay - Carriacou, 35 nm. After an early start from Dragon Bay, arrive in the early afternoon at Sandy Island, which is located right off the coast of Carriacou. Anchor here, and enjoy the beautiful beach and excellent snorkeling of this deserted island. Hillsborough is also an excellent spot to explore. The town offers charming seaside dining and just a short walk from the docks, the museum features an eclectic collection of artwork and historical pieces. If you're seeking a taste of the local culture, be sure to stop into one of the many rum shops or watch the locals build boats traditionally by eye on the beach. Over-night around the corner at Tyrell Bay, and enjoy dinner at the Tipsy Turtle in Tyrell Bay.
Mooring: Tyrrel Bay is deep and well protected, making it an ideal place to hang-out for the evening. Holding is good if you can find clear sand, but rather poor in the weedy areas.
Dinghy dockage: Leave your dinghy at Tyrrel Bay Yacht Haul Out, the yacht Club, the main dock or pull it up on the beach. The Tipsy turtle also has a dinghy dock.
Things to do: Sunbathe and enjoy excellent snorkel conditions around Sandy Island; then swing into Hillsborough for seaside dining, a taste of locally prepared rum and to experience the island's unique culture. Tyrrel Bay is home to a mangrove swamp, which is protected by the fisheries department and well-worth a visit by dinghy. Coming ashore from Tyrell Bay, there's plenty of hiking possibilities, including a walk up Chapeau Carre.
Facilities: Hillsborough is Carriacou's only port of clearance, and the taxi square is located in front of customs. Facing the main dock, the tourist office provides maps and other helpful information. By Tyrell Bay, businesses and restaurants line the waterfront. Oysters, lobster when in season, fruits, jewelry and even calypso music can be purchased from local boat-carried businessmen. Free bay-wide Wi-Fi, funded by local businesses, is based in Tyrrel Bay Yacht Haul Out. If you need to use a computer, check out Shorebase Services, who were planning internet.
Day 3: Union Island
Carriacou - Union Island, 8 nm. Complete customs and immigration clearance out of Grenada; then enjoy a nice sail across to Union Island, which is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Arrive in Clifton Harbour, Union Island to clear into St. Vincent. Clifton is the island's main town and a bustling small port that's full of color where you're welcomed by warm, friendly islanders. The roads and trails offer some of the best hiking and biking in The Grenadines. Be sure to get a drink on Happy Island, an island made entirely from conch shells.
Mooring: Moorings balls are available in Union Island; however, we do not recommend using them.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks are available at the Anchorage, where water is also available.
Things to do: Union has neat boutiques with clothing, local original art, hand-made jewelry and gifts. It's also becoming well known for its entertainment and fun restaurants. Union Island offers superb hiking and biking - great view points include Fort Hill, Ashton, Mt. Campbell and Mt. Taboi. Considering hiring a local guide, who is familiar with the local trails and can show you all of the best view points.
Facilities: Anchorage Yacht Club, Aquarium and Captain Gourmet offer free Wi-Fi. Garbage may be left in the dumpster on the fishing docks. Ice is available at Anchorage Yacht Club, Bougainville, Grand Union, Lambi and many rum shops.
Day 4: Tobago Cays
Union Island - Tobago Cays, 7 nm. A short sail from Mayreau takes you over to the Tobago Cay National Park, one of the premier snorkeling and diving locales within the Grenadines, and the entire Windward chain. Either anchor or pick up a government-owned mooring ball inside the horseshoe reef, which nearly encircles the four main cays, and beyond its protective embrace is Petit Tabac. Also a sea turtle sanctuary, this area is home to hundreds of sea turtles. For dinner either dine aboard your yacht, or organize a lobster or fish beach BBQ with one of the local boat boys. Lobster season opens annually August 15 and closes the last day of April.
Mooring: Moorings are available for a fee; plans for adding some have been in the works. Charterers may anchor in one of several locations. The anchorages north and south of Baradel are popular.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy docks are available, but you can beach your dinghy to take a swim on one of the cays.
Things to do: Snorkel, swim, sunbathe, and relax in unspoiled beauty. Observe the sea turtles at the sea turtle-watching area on Baradel. Contact one of the local dive companies to go scuba diving (diving on your own isn't permitted). Line up a vendor for a beach barbecue (beach barbecues are regulated to protect the park).
Facilities: Entrepreneurial owners of small local boats often ply the anchorages, selling sundry items like ice, bread, and lobsters.
Day 5: Petit Martinique
Tobago Cays -Petit Martinique, 11 nm. Stop by Union Island again to clear customs and immigration in Clifton Harbour. Sail over to Petit Martinique, Grenada's northern most island. It's a great place to come ashore to replenish water, alcohol, ice and more. Many of the residents here live by boatbuilding, and Petit Martinique is famous for its plywood speedboats. For great snorkeling and exploring, Fota and Petite Dominique are within range of a seaworthy dinghy. Be sure to stop at Mopion for lunch on your way! Mopion is surrounded by amazing reefs to dive, and is known as the world's smallest island with a structure.
Mooring: When anchoring in Petit Martinique, be aware that the holding is in soft mud and not always easy. Keep then engine slowly in forward, assuring time for the anchor to sink into the mud before putting any strain on it.
Dinghy dockage: You may tie your dinghy up to the government dock, or the wooden gas dock.
Things to do: Petit Martinique is a unique island with local charm. Spot to watch the local boatbuilding culture, enjoy a picnic on the white sands of Mopion and snorkel the neighboring reefs.
Facilities: Matthew's in Matthew's Shopping Center is a great place to top off on fuel and select provisioning items, such as water, beer, wine, liquor and more. Adjacent, Matthew's daughter owns an apparel and jewelry store, and there's a gift shop too. There are several pleasant restaurants for dining ashore.
Day 6: Pickly Bay
Petit Martinique - Prickly Bay, 50 nm. Get an early start out of Petit Martinique to enjoy the long down-wind run to Grenada. Finish up your day at Prickly Bay, which is known as one of the best anchorages amongst cruisers. Customs and Immigration is available at the yacht club right in the anchorage. Enjoy live steel drum band music from the yacht club's bar. Consider organizing a land tour into the rain forest and cool off in one of Grenada's many waterfalls.
Mooring: Anchoring is not permitted within 600 feet of the beach. This area is designated for swimmers, and marked by small buoys.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks are available both at Prickly Bay Marina and Spice Island Boatyard (by De Big Fish).
Things to do: Enjoy relaxing, swimming and sunbathing on the palm-fringed beach of Prickly Bay. As a pleasant and more affluent area, you will find a diverse selection of dining options, tennis courts are available the hotels, and a golf club at Golflands. To reach True Blue, dinghy to Spice Island Boatyard and take a brisk walk down the road.
Facilities: Fuel, water, ice, provisions, taxi cabs, and car rentals are available. Internet and computers are available at Boats and Harbors, located at Prickly Bay Marina.
Day 7: Return to Port Louis and Explore St. Georges
Prickly Bay - St. George's Bay, 7 nm. Sail into St. George's Harbour to finish your charter at Port Louis Marina, home of The base. After completing the check out process with the staff, take some time to explore St. George's. This capital city of Grenada is a gem of the 18th century with colonial buildings crowned by orange fish-scale tiles that mingle between multi-colored homes along an emerald green backdrop. Stroll along St. George's narrow streets, perusing the shops and smelling aromas drifting from the area's many great restaurants and bars. Stop by Bay Gardens, and marvel at over 3,000 species of Caribbean plants.The Carenage along the inner harbor is perfect for a scenic waterfront walk and on Saturdays, the place to be is St. George's Market Square. Overlooking the harbor to the west, Fort George is an area landmark built in 1705 that offers spectacular hilltop views and is open to visitors. Now, it's time to start planning your next charter vacation!
Mooring: Arriving in St. George's, call the base on VHF 16 and assistance with docking will be provided. Dinghy dockage: No dinghy docks are available.
Things to do: St. George's is an excellent place to go sightseeing. The old fort still overlooks the harbor and the historic town is great for walking around, shopping and dining. The Carenage offers a nice waterside walk, and many restaurants and bars are nearby. To the south, Grand Anse offers 2-miles of sandy beach with excellent dining and nightlife
Facilities: Port Louis Marina is home to The base, and is the most state of the art marina in the entire Windward Islands.
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