It’s the time of the year when the sailing community splits and leaves the hurricane alley.
Some sailors venture north to the Eastern U.S. coast, others east towards the Mediterranean or west to Guatemala and Panama, while many, like us, head south to Grenada and its surrounding islands.
We had the opportunity to explore the path south on our way south and on our way north after the hurricane season ended, as well as short visits when we needed a break from Grenada.
Here are our recommendations:
Provisioning in the French Islands
Before settling in Grenada, seize the opportunity for some last-minute affordable shopping in Martinique. The supermarkets in Le Marine are a haven for sailors, stocked with fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, and other essentials, conveniently located near the dinghy docks. This is your chance to stock up on groceries and boat parts without breaking the bank.
Slowing down in Bequia
Bequia, the first stop in the Grenadines, offers crystal-clear waters and a small town vibe that many find hard to leave. Its inviting anchorage close to the shore makes it a perfect spot for sailors looking to unwind for a few weeks.
Check out the local food market days upon arrival so you won't miss it!
Off the Grid in the Grenadines
The Grenadines boast some of the Caribbean's most picturesque anchorages, characterized by white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life protected by reefs. While the anchorages are exposed to wind, the protective reefs ensure calm waters perfect for various water sports. Don't be surprised if locals approach your boat offering fresh fish or banana bread; a polite no thanks will suffice.
Top Recommendations:
🌴 Tobago Cays
I think this is the only anchorage we paid for. Take your time to snorkel in the protected area and count turtles. Our record was 10 turtles in one session! If you're feeling adventurous, jump over to see the island across the reef—Petit Tabaq, where they filmed the rum burning scene in Pirates of the Caribbean. The exit from the reef and the return are marked with buoys, and you can navigate there with Navionics.
🌴 Salt Wistle Bay
A perfect beach where anchoring is free, but the buoys are for a fee.
🌴 Mayreau Beach Club
The buoys are owned by the hotel and you can tie up to them for free (at least when we were there). There's no problem using the dinghy dock to go ashore and take a tour around the island (the views are stunning!). If you buy a drink at the holtel's bar, they might let you use the pool for free.
🌴 Frigate Island
Famous Kite surfing spot with stunning snorkeling at the foot of the hill. An easy hiking trail passes over suspended bridges and through the reserve. Don't forget mosquito repellent because there are plenty there.
🌴 Mopion Island
Right across from the previous bay is a small island with a single umbrella. There's nothing to do there except take amazing pictures of a deserted island and contemplate what you would do if you really were stranded on a deserted island. We anchored right by Petit Saint Vincent and got to the island towards sunset when all the charters had left and we were alone.
Exploring Grenada's Northern Islands
As we continued south to Grenada, we discovered several gems along the northern islands that are not to be missed:
🌴 Tyrell Bay
This is often the first entry point into Grenada for many sailors, located across from Petit Saint Vincent. It's known for frequent electrical outages, so if you find everything closed or dark upon arrival, try again the next morning. The anchorage here can get crowded, so be mindful of securing a spot where the winds won’t cause issues. Especially from the boats on the front that use a buoy with short line.
🌴 Sandy Island
Imagine a life on this perfect beach. With excellent snorkeling opportunities and the town nearby, Sandy Island became a spot where we could have stayed forever. The people we met here were incredible, joining us for the next nine months of our journey. Even when the winds are strong, this place remains welcoming and comfortable.
🌴 Saline Beach
If you make it this far, pause to appreciate the coral reef close to the island or enjoy a beautiful drift snorkel with the tides towards White Island. All you want to see is there and it’s worth stopping for at least a few hours.
Note that the current can get strong and the anchorage next to the beach is really shallow.
🌴 Ronde Island
An isolated, private island with relative proximity to the underwater volcano Kick 'em Jenny, which provides warm water currents. The black-and-white sand here is mesmerizing. As you depart for Grenada, don’t miss the chance to navigate between the cliffs and capture this stunning area with a drone.
Our voyage through the Southern Caribbean was a blend of adventure, discovery, cultural immersion, and friendship, making each stop not just a destination, but a significant chapter in our sailing journey.
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