St. Vincent and the Grenadines: The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret
Secluded anchorages, turquoise waters, and unspoiled, authentic islands are the hallmarks of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This group of 32 volcanic islands, located in the southern, windward islands of the Caribbean, has rightfully been gaining increasing momentum as a top-tier destination for a luxury yacht charter.
Compared to many other Caribbean hotspots, such as St. Barth or the BVI, St. Vincent and the Grenadines are still relatively undiscovered and less visited. With the 2025 Caribbean yacht charter season upon us, the best time to visit these islands is now, between November and April, when the islands have steady winds and calm seas. Offering an authentic experience of the 'true Caribbean', here is our insider guide to cruising this idyllic region:
Why Choose St. Vincent And The Grenadines For Your Next Charter?
The islands are ideal for a one-way and multi-destination cruising itinerary, thanks to the short distances between islands and the reliable easterly trade winds, making them a sailor's dream. Whether you want leisurely sails or longer day trips, there are various options to choose from. As you island-hop through the chain, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Caribbean island life with friendly local culture, quiet anchorages, and pristine beaches.
With only nine of the Grenadines inhabited, the islands are relatively undeveloped compared to many other, more commercial, Caribbean yachting destinations. Therefore, they offer a more authentic, laid-back, and peaceful experience. Alongside the more secluded spots and idyllic landscapes, boutique resorts, secluded villas, and private island retreats add to their allure.
IYC's Insider Itinerary Inspiration
A popular yacht charter itinerary to explore the islands is to cruise from St. Vincent down to Grenada through the Grenadines island chain, discovering each island along the way. Beginning in the gateway to the Grenadines, St. Vincent, you can experience dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush rainforest, and black-sand beaches ashore, perfect for delving into the culture and outdoor pursuits.
A short hop from St. Vincent, cruising through the Grenadines, be sure to stop at the first, largest island of Bequia. An island known for its boat-building heritage, beautiful beaches, and excellent scuba diving sites full of walls, caves, and wreck dives. Next, onto an island hailed as the most exclusive and a haven for A-listers: Mustique. Here you can enjoy the white sandy beaches and luxury hotel resort, Cotton House, and don't miss a visit to the legendary Basil's Bar, a must-stop for sundowners.
Further south are the islands of Canouan, Mayreau, and Union, which are ideal for including them on a week-long itinerary through the Grenadines. On Canouan, you can enjoy luxury amenities at the Mandarin Oriental, like the championship golf course. While the smallest of the inhabited islands, Mayreau, is home to the postcard-perfect Salt Whistle Bay beach and a charming village. Just east of here is the uninhabited Tobago Cays marine protected park, popular for snorkeling and turtle sightings. Union Island has a local, laid-back feel, and its main town, Clifton Harbour, is a hub for yachts and watersports. From here, you can also cruise to the smallest island, Petit St Vincent, a luxury private island resort.
Concluding a St. Vincent and the Grenadines yacht charter can be done in the 'Spice Island' of Grenada. Combining hiking opportunities in the tropical rainforest-clad interior with idyllic beaches and vibrant culture ashore in St George's, it's the perfect ending.
What To Do In St Vincent And The Grenadines?
A yacht charter in St. Vincent and the Grenadines offers an ideal balance of appreciating the natural paradise's landscapes, relaxing and soaking up the laid-back vibes, and exploring the various adventures and activities available.
Naturally, basing an itinerary above and below the water is perfect here, with the calm and protected waters of the islands serving as a playground for water-based adventures. Dive or snorkel in some of the Caribbean's best sites. Bequia is a diver's paradise, with most sites on the west of the island and easily accessible by tender, like the beginner-friendly reef dive of Devil's Table and Stratmann Wreck. While islands like Union provide perfect conditions for wind-based sports like kitesurfing. For more relaxed watersports, all the islands have plenty of bays and anchorages to paddle and kayak around.
When you head ashore, there is still plenty to do. Explore the idyllic beaches throughout the Grenadines, like Princess Margaret Beach on Bequia and Macaroni Beach on Mustique. For outdoor activities, you can hike the volcanic peaks of La Soufrière and the Vermont Nature Trail in St. Vincent, cooling off at the many waterfalls you find along the way. In Grenada, explore the rainforest trails within the Grand Etang National Park Reserve. Many of the Grenadines also offer privately guided ATV and jeep tours for a more adventurous way to experience the landscapes.
Discover local island life ashore on each island, where the atmosphere is gentle and friendly. On many of the islands, markets offer a variety of produce, crafts, and souvenirs, such as the Kingstown Market in St. Vincent. When cruising between the larger islands, there are also many options for enjoying your own castaway on one of the many secluded sandbars, perfect for a beach setup with beach barbecues with fresh lobsters and sunset cocktails.
Explore St Vincent And The Grenadines Today!
St. Vincent and the Grenadines delivers a charter experience that is authentic and an itinerary that lets you enjoy the laid-back island life as well as luxury indulgence and adventure. IYC's expert consultants can curate a bespoke yacht charter itinerary tailored to your preferences and interests, including watersports and beach setups, various activities ashore, cultural discoveries, restaurant reservations, and relaxation.
Contact the team today to book your next Caribbean yacht charter vacation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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