Between March and August, you might be sharing a beach with turtles, ashore to lay their eggs. Stop over in the large protected lagoon of Rodney Bay for plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from, and just outside, spend some time on the spectacular Reduit Beach.
Make sure you don't miss a visit to The Pitons, the twin volcanic peaks dominating the skyline 2000 feet above sea level providing an opportunity to visit a 'drive-in volcano' and to take a dip in the therapeutic sulphur springs. You can moor up in the town of Soufriere.
Filming spot for both of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines offer stunning beauty, excellent cruising conditions and line-of-site sailing. This charter destination is known for strong winds, but experienced sailors will find that the conditions are similar to sailing on the Long Island sound, San Francisco Bay or the Great Lakes. Summer is also an ideal time to visit, as the winds are lighter, the seas calmer and the weather patterns are the most stable of the Caribbean. The Grenadines are a great “next charter” after the BVI, since there is a good combination of island hopping and line of sight navigation, and open blue water sailing. You will find exceptional snorkeling and diving throughout the Grenadines, especially in the world-renowned Tobago Cays national park. Don’t be surprised to see turtles, and at certain times of the year, you may be accompanied by dolphins and even whales while out on the water. St. Vincent is a great island to set aside some time to visit the interior. A volcano, rainforest, and waterfalls make for a beautiful day doing a land tour in combination with your sailing vacation.
An eight-mile sail south from St. Vincent, Bequia is an old favorite in the yachting community, where age-old traditions of boat building, fishing and whaling are still evident. Port Elizabeth in picturesque Admiralty Bay is a great place to explore shops, bars and plenty of good restaurants along the waterfront, or a starting place to hike inland. The sheltered Friendship Bay, on the southeastern side, provides a secure anchorage for yachts as well as excellent snorkeling, scuba and windsurfing conditions.
Mustique is one of the most exclusive islands in the world, surrounded by coral, white sand beaches and coves and frequented by the rich and famous. You may even get to mingle with celebrities at the atmospheric Basil’s Bar, the hot spot of the island at Britannia Bay, Mustique’s main harbor. But there is a reason the royals and rock stars come to this place – it is a 2-square-mile paradise of protected natural beauty.
Sail back to Le Marin for your debrief and a last chance to buy some mementos after your memorable cruise.
