Sailing in St Vincent & the Grenadines

Sailing St Vincent & the Grenadines: routes, trade winds and practicalities

St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) sits at the heart of the Windwards: a compact chain of high volcanic islands and low-lying cays that delivers classic trade-wind passages, reef-fringed anchorages and a tangible sense of passage-making with short hops between stops. Sailors come for the reliable easterly breeze, the clarity of the water, and the choice of sheltered bays on the leeward sides, from Bequia’s broad Admiralty Bay to the lagoon-like Tobago Cays. With modern marinas at Blue Lagoon (St. Vincent) and Canouan, park moorings in the Tobago Cays, and characterful stern-to anchorages like Wallilabou and Cumberland, SVG rewards good seamanship without being inaccessible. This guide sets out the winds and seasons, the key harbours and hazards, and how to charter and clear in, so you can plan confident, unhurried cruising in one of the Caribbean’s most complete sailing playgrounds.

Quick links

• Why Sail in St Vincent & the Grenadines?
• Itineraries
• When to Go
• Wind and Weather
• Getting There
• Chartering
• Licences and Formalities
• Anchorages and Marinas
• FAQs
• References

Why Sail in St Vincent & the Grenadines?

The appeal of SVG lies in its rhythm. Passages are purposeful yet short, typically 6–20 nautical miles, with each island distinctly different from the last. You can leave a lush, mountainous shore in the morning and be anchored behind a horseshoe reef by lunch, snorkelling with turtles before a trade-wind sunset. The leeward anchorages are generally calm, while the windward reefs deliver that turquoise, sand-and-sea-grass palette the Caribbean is known for.

Conditions are tailor-made for sailors: consistent easterly trades, minimal tides, and well-charted approaches if you arrive in good light. High islands like St. Vincent create gusty lee shores and acceleration zones that keep helms engaged, while the low Grenadines moderate the sea state between them. It is a region where you can gently extend your range, from first forays beyond Bequia to longer reaches towards Petit St. Vincent and Carriacou.

Shore-side, SVG remains refreshingly nautical. Boat services anchor the community in Bequia and Blue Lagoon; Mustique’s moorings offer a refined interlude; Union Island bustles with kites and reef colours; and Mayreau’s Salt Whistle Bay provides the iconic palm-fringed isthmus. The Tobago Cays Marine Park is the jewel: protected waters, turtles on Baradal’s grass beds, and stargazing unspoilt by city lights. Expect friendly boat vendors, easy provisioning in principal harbours, and a welcoming yachting culture that still feels authentic.

Itineraries

Below are two tried-and-tested routes through St. Vincent & the Grenadines. They balance rewarding sailing with conservative daily distances, straightforward daylight entries and ample time to swim, snorkel and explore ashore. Adjust for wind direction and crew energy, and always plan reef-fringed arrivals for the best overhead light between late morning and mid-afternoon.

7-day St Vincent to Tobago Cays loop

A 7-day route. Adjust legs to forecast, moorings and crew preferences.

Day 1 — Blue Lagoon to Bequia (Admiralty Bay) ~9 nm

Slip from Blue Lagoon via Young Island Cut and cross the Bequia Channel with a predictable beam reach in the trades. Anchor or take a mooring in Admiralty Bay and complete any formalities, then explore Port Elizabeth’s chandleries and waterfront. Time your exit and entry for good light to read the reefs, and keep a lookout for local ferries on the approach.

Day 2 — Bequia to Mustique (Britannia Bay) ~12 nm

A close/beam reach to Mustique. Pick up a Mustique Company mooring in Britannia Bay (no anchoring) and enjoy clear water, hiking trails and a sundowner at Basil’s Bar. Fees are collected afloat and often include rubbish disposal; advance notice helps in peak season, and typical stays are limited to a few nights.

Day 3 — Mustique to Canouan (Glossy Bay or Charlestown Bay) ~15 nm

Weave south among reefs with good light. Choose the full-service Sandy Lane Yacht Club & Marina at Glossy Bay for easy fuel, water and shore facilities, or anchor in Charlestown Bay for a quieter night and a short walk to the village. Expect a gentle sea state in the lee of Mustique before a livelier fetch into Canouan.

Day 4 — Canouan to Mayreau and the Tobago Cays ~10 nm

A short downwind hop. Pause at Mayreau’s Salt Whistle Bay for lunch (space is limited), then continue to the Tobago Cays Marine Park and anchor in the lee of Horseshoe Reef between Petit Bateau and Baradal. Park wardens collect fees; anchor in sand, avoid turtle grass, and plan a snorkel drift along the reef in settled conditions.

Day 5 — Tobago Cays to Union Island (Clifton) then Chatham Bay ~8–10 nm

Raise anchor early and slip to Clifton for provisions and a reef-side lunch. Continue round to Chatham Bay on the west coast for a calm night and starry skies. Expect occasional katabatic gusts rolling off the hills after sunset; set a snubber and consider a stern anchor if swell wraps in.

Day 6 — Union Island to Bequia (Admiralty Bay) ~16–20 nm

Reach back north with a helpful current. You may find wind shadows behind Canouan and Mayreau; sail higher and keep pace until clean breeze returns in the channels. Re-provision in Port Elizabeth and enjoy a last swim from Princess Margaret Beach.

Day 7 — Bequia to Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent ~9 nm

Time your crossing of the Bequia Channel for daylight and moderate trades. Enter Young Island Cut with care and return to Blue Lagoon for fuel and formalities. If swell is up, wait for the sun overhead to make the channel colours pop and ease the eyeball navigation.

This compact loop showcases SVG’s greatest hits with short, confidence-building hops. If the crew falls in love with the Tobago Cays, linger an extra night and trim time in Mustique or Canouan to suit.

10-day Grenadines explorer with Carriacou

A 10-day route. Adjust legs to forecast, moorings and crew preferences.

Day 1 — Blue Lagoon to Cumberland Bay, St. Vincent ~12 nm

Coast up St. Vincent’s leeward shore. Moor stern-to with a line ashore in deep, dramatic Cumberland Bay and enjoy calm water and rainforest views. Local boatmen assist with lines and can arrange fresh produce; rig chafe protection and a bow snubber for comfort.

Day 2 — Cumberland Bay to Bequia (Admiralty Bay) ~14 nm

A short hop across the channel. Settle into Admiralty Bay; there is excellent sand holding and comprehensive yacht services along the waterfront. If a winter swell sneaks in, shift farther inside the bay for better shelter.

Day 3 — Bequia to Mustique ~12 nm

Pick up a Mustique mooring in Britannia Bay. Ashore, explore beaches and trails; afloat, enjoy exceptionally clear water for snorkelling. Respect local mooring rules and note that anchoring within the field is prohibited.

Day 4 — Mustique to Canouan (Glossy Bay Marina) ~15 nm

Enter Glossy Bay by day with good light to read the hues. Take a berth in the marina for easy fuel, water and a relaxed evening. Use this stop to reset: laundry, top up tanks and, if needed, clear formalities.

Day 5 — Canouan to Mayreau (Salt Whistle or Saline Bay) ~6 nm

Short sail to Mayreau. Salt Whistle Bay is iconic but small; arrive early and allow room to swing. Saline Bay offers more space, better shelter in fresh trades and an easy dinghy run ashore to the village and hilltop church.

Day 6 — Mayreau to Tobago Cays ~3 nm

A brief glide into the marine park. Anchor in sand in settled conditions, set a bow snubber, and plan for a full day of snorkelling on Horseshoe Reef and Baradal’s turtle grass. Overnight, expect a lively breeze across the low cays; choose a spot with clear lee from the reef.

Day 7 — Tobago Cays to Petit St. Vincent and Palm Island ~6–8 nm

Move south to the western lee of Petit St. Vincent or the moorings off Palm Island. Both provide excellent shelter with good holding. Enjoy a beach walk and sheltered swimming before a restful night.

Day 8 — PSV to Tyrell Bay, Carriacou ~10 nm

Cross briefly into Grenada’s Carriacou. Tyrell Bay is expansive with numerous services, haul-out options and relaxed shoreside dining. If you formally clear out of SVG for this stop, plan your re-entry timing to Union Island tomorrow.

Day 9 — Carriacou to Union Island (Clifton or Ashton) ~8 nm

Re-enter SVG and clear as needed in Clifton. Consider anchoring at Ashton for a quieter night within the southern lagoon, noting the shallows and old project piles; eyeball navigation is essential in good sun.

Day 10 — Union Island to Bequia or St. Vincent ~20–35 nm

Choose a longer final reach to Blue Lagoon or break it in Bequia if you prefer a gentler finish. Time your arrivals for good light through reef-strewn approaches and pre-reef before the channels for comfort.

This extended itinerary slows the pace, adds Carriacou’s broad Tyrell Bay and increases your variety of anchorages. In stronger trades, consider swapping Mustique for a second night in the Tobago Cays or PSV to prioritise downwind sailing.

When to Go

The core sailing season runs from December to May. This is the dry season with the most reliable easterly trades (typically 15–25 knots), low rainfall and excellent visibility. Anchorages are at their calmest, and reef light is best through the middle of the day.

June to November is the wet season. Winds moderate to 10–20 knots but come with more squalls and showers. The region lies on the southern edge of the Atlantic hurricane belt; while direct hits are less frequent than farther north, peak risk is August to October and plans should be flexible. Many crews still sail in early summer, keeping a close eye on forecasts and tropical outlooks.

Shoulder months (November and June) can be particularly pleasant: fewer crowds, slightly cooler seas in November after the wet season, and long daylight hours. Winter ground swells from the north can occasionally bend into west-facing anchorages and cause surge; if in doubt, choose a more enclosed bay.

Sargassum seaweed can be present on windward shores from late spring to autumn, sometimes affecting landing beaches and water intakes. Leeward anchorages are usually unaffected. If your dates are flexible, events such as Bequia’s Easter Regatta add a festive note but increase demand for berths and moorings—book early.

Wind and Weather

Prevailing wind is from the east to north-east in winter, shifting east to south-east into late spring and summer. Expect 15–25 knots December to April, easing to 10–20 knots thereafter. The sea state builds in open channels (notably St. Vincent–Bequia and between Bequia–Mustique–Canouan), with short, steep waves in strong trades.

High islands (especially St. Vincent) produce pronounced lee effects. Gusts and calm patches alternate along the leeward coast; near capes, expect acceleration and katabatic gusts in the evening. Plan reefing conservatively before channel crossings.

Tides are microtidal (around 0.3–0.6 m). Currents are generally west-setting with the Caribbean Current, adding 0.5–1 knot to the mix. Local tidal streams and reef passes can run lively but are not the principal navigational factor.

Weather windows are best chosen from reliable sources. In season, the trades offer day after day of sailable conditions; in summer, monitor for squall lines and tropical waves. Night sailing through the Grenadines is not recommended due to reefs, fish pots and the value of eyeball navigation in good light. Occasional Saharan dust haze can reduce visibility; use radar and AIS prudently and slow down for approaches if clarity is poor.

Getting There

By air, the main gateway is Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St. Vincent, with regional connections via Barbados (BGI), St. Lucia (UVF/SLU), and Grenada (GND), plus periodic direct services from North America. From SVD it is a short road transfer to Blue Lagoon on the south coast. Bequia, Canouan and Union Island also have small airports with inter-island flights. Note typical small-aircraft baggage allowances and consider shipping heavy gear (e.g., dive kits) ahead if necessary.

By sea, frequent ferries run between Kingstown (St. Vincent) and Port Elizabeth (Bequia), useful for crew changes. Yachts approaching from St. Lucia or Grenada commonly plan a one-way itinerary with a charter base at either end.

On arrival by yacht, make landfall at a designated port of entry for customs and immigration before cruising onward. Approaches on the windward (east) sides are typically reef-strewn; most entries are from the leeward (west) in settled conditions and good overhead sun. If your plan includes Carriacou (Grenada), factor time for clearing out and back in at Union Island or Bequia on the return.

Chartering

SVG supports bareboat, skippered and crewed charters across monohulls and catamarans in the 35–55 ft range. Established bases operate at Blue Lagoon (St. Vincent) and in the Grenadines (notably Canouan and Bequia), with additional fleets staging one-way routings to or from St. Lucia and Grenada. Local outfits are complemented by international brands, so availability is good in peak season.

Provisioning is straightforward. On St. Vincent, stock up near Blue Lagoon and in Kingstown; in Bequia, Port Elizabeth has excellent supermarkets, chandleries and fuel; Canouan’s marina offers fuel, water and customs; Union Island’s Clifton has good top-ups. Fresh produce and bread boats often visit popular anchorages. Carry cash for park fees and some waterfront vendors who may not accept cards.

Experience level and boat choice should reflect the wind strength and channel seas. Confident Day Skipper-level helms with a competent crew will find a rewarding week’s loop via Bequia, Mustique and the Tobago Cays. Newer skippers may prefer to limit longer upwind legs or engage a skipper for the first day or two. Plan arrivals in reef-fringed anchorages for mid-day light, keep a good lookout for fish pots, and treat informal moorings cautiously by inspecting them before use.

Charter skipper certifications. While SVG law does not prescribe a specific foreign skipper’s licence for bareboats, operators generally ask for evidence of competence. Typical acceptables include RYA Day Skipper (Practical), ICC, ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising), or an equivalent documented logbook of experience. A short VHF/SRC operator’s certificate is frequently requested. When in doubt, supply a sailing CV and be prepared for a brief on-water assessment or a mandatory checkout skipper. Damage deposits and optional damage waivers are standard; review inclusions such as dinghy, outboard, snorkelling gear and cruising permits in your contract.

Licences and Formalities

Entry and clearance. Yachts must fly the Q flag on arrival and proceed directly to a port of entry for customs and immigration. Common clearance points include Blue Lagoon/Calliaqua, Kingstown, Bequia (Port Elizabeth), Canouan (Glossy Bay/Charlestown), Union Island (Clifton) and Wallilabou/Chateaubelair on St. Vincent’s leeward coast. Overtime fees apply outside standard hours and on weekends. Pre-arrival online portals may speed processing; carry printed crew lists and be ready for multiple copies.

Cruising permits and fees. Expect to pay for a cruising permit issued by the Port Authority, plus any immigration fees. The Tobago Cays Marine Park levies per-boat and per-person fees; fishing is prohibited inside the park and drones are restricted.

Documentation. Carry passports valid for at least six months, vessel registration, proof of insurance and crew list. Some nationalities require visas; check in advance. Keep clearance receipts for inter-island movements within SVG and for exits to neighbouring states (e.g., Grenada). If you plan a quick hop to Carriacou, ensure you obtain exit papers and re-enter SVG correctly on return.

Environmental conduct. Anchor in sand where possible to avoid coral and sea grass. Use holding tanks near populated bays. Garbage should be bagged and disposed ashore at designated points; do not discharge plastics. Spearfishing is generally restricted and conch/lobster are subject to seasons and size limits; always confirm current regulations before taking anything from the sea.

Local seamanship. Night entries are discouraged. Expect unlit fish pots near shore, particularly off the leeward coasts. In deep anchorages like Cumberland and Wallilabou, rig a stern line ashore and set chafe protection. In strong trades, pre-reef before crossing the St. Vincent–Bequia channel.

Anchorages and Marinas

St. Vincent — Blue Lagoon (Young Island Cut). The principal yachting hub with a marina offering berths, fuel, water, haul-out access and clearance. Approach in settled conditions with good light: reefs fringe both sides of the cut; follow the marked channel. Nearby Villa/Indian Bay offers a swim stop but is open to swell in strong southerlies.

St. Vincent — Kingstown. A commercial harbour suitable for a brief stop or formalities only. It can be rolly and busy; most yachts prefer Blue Lagoon or the leeward anchorages.

St. Vincent — Wallilabou and Cumberland Bays. Deep bays requiring a stern line ashore; helpful boatmen will assist for a fee. Holding is generally acceptable in sand/mud shelves. Watch for swell and surge with winter ground seas. Wallilabou retains film-set remnants; Cumberland is quieter with superb shelter under steep forested walls.

Bequia — Admiralty Bay (Port Elizabeth). One of the Caribbean’s best all-round anchorages: ample room in sand, moorings available, excellent repair facilities, fuel, water and provisioning. Entry is straightforward by day; shelter is very good with only occasional surge in northerly swells.

Mustique — Britannia Bay. Moorings only, managed by the Mustique Company, with clear rules and set-fee packages. Excellent shelter and swimming; ashore, refined dining and pristine beaches. No anchoring in the mooring field.

Canouan — Charlestown Bay and Glossy Bay (Sandy Lane Yacht Club & Marina). Charlestown offers comfortable anchoring in sand with a relaxed village feel. Glossy Bay delivers full-service berths, fuel, water, customs/immigration and high-end amenities; a good base to reset mid-cruise.

Mayreau — Salt Whistle Bay and Saline Bay. Salt Whistle is picture-postcard but small; arrive early, set plenty of scope and consider swell wrap in strong easterlies. Saline Bay, just south, has more room, reliable holding and easy access ashore.

Tobago Cays Marine Park. Anchor behind Horseshoe Reef between Petit Bateau, Petit Rameau and Baradal in sand patches. Expect stronger breeze across the low cays and some chop in higher winds. Park wardens collect fees; protect turtle grass and reefs by careful anchoring.

Union Island — Clifton and Chatham Bay. Clifton is a reef-protected lagoon with moorings and customs; eyeball navigation is essential in good sun. Chatham Bay on the west side is expansive, sheltered and scenic, with a few beach restaurants and occasional katabatic evening gusts.

Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent. Both offer well-sheltered anchorages on their leeward sides in sand. Resort moorings may be present; check permissions and ground tackle before relying on any private buoys.

Carriacou (Grenada) — Tyrell Bay. Just south of SVG, a popular bolt-hole with plentiful services and repair yards; useful on longer itineraries that briefly exit and re-enter SVG’s waters.

FAQs

References

• https://www.cruiserswiki.org/wiki/St._Vincent
• https://discoversvg.com
• https://www.svgports.com
• https://www.meteo.gov.vc
• http://www.tobagocays.org
• https://barefootyachts.com
• https://bluelagoonvincy.com
• https://sandylaneyachtclub.com
• https://www.mustique-island.com/the-island/yachting/
• https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/