One Way
The Grenadines Grand Passage: St. Vincent to Carriacou in 7 Days
The Full Grenadines Yacht Charter Itinerary
The Grenadines archipelago represents everything sailors dream about when they imagine the perfect Caribbean charter. This seven-day one-way passage from St. Vincent to Carriacou captures the complete essence of this legendary cruising ground, taking you from the lush volcanic landscapes of St. Vincent through the pristine islands and cays of the central Grenadines, and finally into the welcoming harbors of Grenadian territory. Unlike roundtrip itineraries that require backtracking, this southbound route allows you to experience each destination once while continuously discovering new anchorages, new beaches, and new perspectives on Caribbean island life.
The sailing conditions throughout the Grenadines consistently rank among the finest in the world. Steady trade winds between 15 and 20 knots provide ideal sailing weather, while the island-hopping distances of 5 to 12 nautical miles between anchorages create comfortable day sails with plenty of time for exploration, snorkeling, and relaxation. The protected waters between the islands offer smooth passages, yet you will still experience the thrill of true Caribbean sailing with consistent breezes and stunning tropical scenery surrounding you at every point of sail. The relatively short distances mean you can adjust your pace to weather conditions or personal preferences without pressure.
This itinerary balances world-famous destinations like Mustique and the Tobago Cays with quieter, less-visited anchorages that reveal the authentic character of Grenadines life. You will experience exclusive resort islands and uninhabited wilderness cays, bustling yacht harbors and solitary beaches where your vessel may be the only one at anchor. The route takes you through three different territories: St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the north, the independent Grenadines cays in the center, and finally Grenada's dependency islands in the south. By the time you reach Carriacou, you will have sailed the complete Grenadines chain and experienced the full spectrum of what makes this region one of the Caribbean's most celebrated cruising destinations.
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Day 1: Blue Lagoon to Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Nautical Miles: 9
Travel Time: 2 hours
Your Grenadines adventure begins at Blue Lagoon on the southern coast of St. Vincent, a natural hurricane hole surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offering protected waters for provisioning and yacht preparation. After completing your check-in formalities and stowing provisions, depart the lagoon and set course south across the Bequia Channel. This passage offers your first taste of true Grenadines sailing, with St. Vincent's dramatic volcanic peaks rising behind you and the low green profile of Bequia growing larger ahead. The crossing typically provides excellent beam-reach sailing conditions with steady trade winds and moderate seas.
Round West Cay and enter the spectacular natural harbor of Admiralty Bay, where the charming waterfront village of Port Elizabeth welcomes visiting yachts with its colorful buildings, busy dinghy dock, and friendly local atmosphere. Anchor in the well-protected bay with excellent holding in sand, positioning yourself for easy access to shore facilities. Spend your afternoon exploring the town's boutiques and local craft markets, visiting the Bequia Maritime Museum to understand the island's whaling heritage, or relaxing at one of the beachfront restaurants along Princess Margaret Beach. As evening approaches, enjoy sundowners from your cockpit while watching the sunset paint Admiralty Bay's surrounding hills in golden light, with dozens of other cruising yachts swinging peacefully on their anchors around you.
Route Highlights
- Departing Blue Lagoon and crossing the Bequia Channel with St. Vincent's volcanic peaks providing a dramatic backdrop.
- Entering the spectacular natural harbor of Admiralty Bay, one of the Caribbean's most beloved yacht anchorages.
- Exploring Port Elizabeth's authentic island culture, craft markets, and the fascinating Bequia Maritime Museum.
Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Day 2: Admiralty Bay to Britannia Bay, Mustique
Nautical Miles: 10
Travel Time: 2 hours
Depart Admiralty Bay in the morning and set course south toward the exclusive private island of Mustique. The passage offers excellent sailing across open water with consistent trade winds, providing opportunities to test your yacht's performance while enjoying panoramic views of the Grenadines chain stretching south toward the horizon. As you approach Mustique, the island's manicured landscapes and elegant villas become visible, presenting a striking contrast to Bequia's more rustic charm. The carefully maintained coastline and pristine beaches signal your arrival at one of the Caribbean's most exclusive destinations.
Navigate carefully into Britannia Bay on Mustique's western coast, taking one of the available moorings or anchoring in designated areas with attention to the specific anchoring regulations that protect this carefully managed island. Once secured, go ashore to explore Mustique's unique character, where privacy and understated luxury define the atmosphere. Visit Basil's Beach Bar for lunch, browse the tasteful boutiques in the small village, or arrange beach access at Macaroni Beach or Lagoon Bay. The island's exclusivity creates a remarkably peaceful environment, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters that feel almost private despite being shared with some of the world's most discerning visitors. Enjoy a sundowner at the Cotton House before returning to your yacht for the evening.
Route Highlights
- Sailing south across open water with panoramic views of the Grenadines archipelago stretching toward the horizon.
- Arriving at exclusive Mustique and securing moorings in the protected waters of Britannia Bay.
- Experiencing the island's legendary privacy and visiting world-famous Basil's Beach Bar and pristine Macaroni Beach.
Caribbean, Grenadines, Britannia Bay, Mustique, View of a beach
Day 3: Britannia Bay to Canouan
Nautical Miles: 11+
Travel Time: 2 hours
Leave Mustique behind and continue your southward progression toward Canouan, a relatively quiet island that balances luxury resort development with authentic local culture. The passage takes you past several smaller cays and offers the option to detour slightly for a swim stop at the pristine reef systems surrounding these uninhabited islands. The sailing conditions remain excellent, with steady trades providing consistent speed and comfortable motion. As Canouan grows larger ahead, its distinctive profile reveals both the resort development along Godahl Beach and the more traditional villages on the windward side.
Approach the protected western coast and anchor in Charlestown Bay near the island's main settlement, or opt for the more upscale facilities at the resort marina if you prefer shore power and services. Canouan offers a welcome contrast to Mustique, with genuine local interactions available in Charlestown village where fishing boats far outnumber luxury yachts. Spend your afternoon exploring the local community, visiting the small shops and restaurants, or arranging access to the resort's golf course and spa facilities. The island's beautiful beaches, particularly Godahl Beach and Grand Bay, provide excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. As evening approaches, dine ashore at one of the beachfront restaurants or prepare a meal aboard while enjoying the peaceful anchorage and preparing for tomorrow's highlight: the legendary Tobago Cays.
Route Highlights
- Sailing past uninhabited cays with optional detours for pristine reef snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
- Anchoring at Canouan and experiencing the island's unique blend of luxury resort and authentic local culture.
- Exploring Charlestown village and relaxing on the spectacular beaches of Godahl and Grand Bay.
Tourist Resort, Canouan
Day 4: Canouan to Tobago Cays
Nautical Miles: 6
Travel Time: 1 hour
Today brings one of the most anticipated moments of any Grenadines charter: arrival at the world-famous Tobago Cays Marine Park. The short morning passage from Canouan allows you to arrive with the full day ahead for exploration and enjoyment of this spectacular protected area. As you approach from the north, the distinctive profile of the five small cays emerges, surrounded by the brilliant turquoise waters of the lagoon and protected by the long barrier reef known as Horseshoe Reef. The scene before you represents the quintessential Caribbean postcard: white sand beaches, swaying palms, crystal-clear water, and colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Navigate carefully through the reef entrance, watching for the marked channel that leads into the protected lagoon. Take one of the available moorings to avoid anchor damage to the fragile coral bottom, positioning yourself with views of the surrounding cays and reef. Once secured, spend your day exploring this natural wonder: snorkel or dive the spectacular coral gardens along Horseshoe Reef, swim with the resident hawksbill and green sea turtles that frequent the shallow waters near Baradal, or simply relax on one of the pristine beaches of the uninhabited cays. Local vendors arrive by boat offering fresh lobster, fish, and tropical fruits. As the day cruisers and tour boats depart in the late afternoon, the Tobago Cays transform into a peaceful paradise shared only among the charter yachts anchored for the evening. Dinner in the cockpit under brilliant stars with bioluminescence sparkling in the water around your hull creates memories that define Caribbean cruising.
Route Highlights
- Arriving at the legendary Tobago Cays Marine Park, the crown jewel of Grenadines cruising destinations.
- Swimming with wild sea turtles and snorkeling the spectacular coral gardens of Horseshoe Reef.
- Experiencing the magical evening transformation as day visitors depart and stars emerge over the protected lagoon.
Top view of Tobago Cays
Day 5: Tobago Cays to Chatham Bay, Union Island
Nautical Miles: 5
Travel Time: 1 hour
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the Tobago Cays with sunrise snorkeling before the day boats arrive, then prepare for the short passage west to Union Island. The route takes you across open water toward the distinctive mountainous profile of Union Island, often called the Tahiti of the Caribbean for its dramatic volcanic peaks. This brief sail allows you to arrive at your destination with plenty of time for afternoon exploration, making it an easy, relaxed travel day after the excitement of the Tobago Cays. As you approach Union's west coast, the pristine anchorage of Chatham Bay comes into view, backed by green hills and offering a complete contrast to the crowded commercial harbors on the island's eastern side.
Navigate into Chatham Bay's well-protected waters and anchor in the sand bottom with excellent holding and stunning scenery in all directions. This beautiful anchorage remains relatively quiet despite Union Island's reputation as a busy yacht services hub, as most charter traffic concentrates in Clifton Harbor on the opposite side of the island. Spend your afternoon swimming from the yacht, exploring the long beach that backs the bay, or hiking the coastal trail for spectacular views across the southern Grenadines. A few beach bars and small restaurants offer cold drinks and simple local food, but Chatham Bay retains a peaceful, undeveloped character. As the sun sets behind the hills, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and prepare for tomorrow's passage into Grenadian waters, the final stretch of your grand Grenadines crossing.
Route Highlights
- Morning snorkeling session in the Tobago Cays before departing for Union Island.
- Sailing toward Union Island's dramatic volcanic peaks, known as the Tahiti of the Caribbean.
- Anchoring in pristine Chatham Bay, a peaceful wilderness anchorage backed by lush green hills.
Chatham Bay on Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Lesser Antilles
Day 6: Chatham Bay to Petit St. Vincent
Nautical Miles: 4
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Depart Chatham Bay for the very short hop south to Petit St. Vincent, one of the Caribbean's most exclusive private island resorts. The brief passage allows for a relaxed morning departure and arrival with the full day ahead for enjoying this special destination. PSV, as it is commonly known among yachters, occupies its own 115-acre private island and has welcomed discerning guests and visiting yachts for decades with its unique flag communication system and commitment to peaceful luxury. The island's beaches, particularly those on the southern and western shores, rank among the finest in the entire Grenadines chain.
Approach the island from the north and anchor in the designated yacht area off the western beaches, where the resort welcomes visiting vessels with clear guidelines for beach access and facilities. Once settled, spend your day enjoying the pristine beaches, arranging lunch at the resort's beachfront restaurant, or simply relaxing in the crystal-clear waters surrounding this beautiful private island. The resort's famous flag system, where guests communicate with staff by raising colored flags at their cottage, adds a charming old-world touch to the experience. Snorkeling around the island's fringing reefs reveals healthy coral and abundant fish populations. As your penultimate evening in the Grenadines approaches, enjoy sundowners from your cockpit with views across the channel toward Petite Martinique, knowing that tomorrow brings your final passage to Carriacou and the completion of your grand Grenadines crossing.
Route Highlights
- Arriving at exclusive Petit St. Vincent, one of the Caribbean's most legendary private island resorts.
- Relaxing on pristine white sand beaches and snorkeling the healthy fringing reefs surrounding the island.
- Experiencing the resort's charming flag communication system and beachfront dining facilities.
Drone shot of Petit St. Vincent
Day 7: Petit St. Vincent to Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Nautical Miles: 10
Travel Time: 2 hours
Your final sailing day takes you from Petit St. Vincent south into Grenadian waters, crossing the invisible boundary between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada's northern dependency islands. The passage toward Carriacou offers excellent sailing conditions with consistent trades, providing one last opportunity to enjoy the perfect Grenadines sailing that has defined your week. As Carriacou's larger landmass grows ahead, you begin to sense the different character of these southern islands, where Grenadian culture and traditions replace the influences you have experienced further north. The island's green hills and scattered settlements present a welcoming sight as you approach the conclusion of your grand passage.
Round the southern point of Carriacou and enter the well-protected anchorage of Tyrrel Bay, a large natural harbor that serves as the island's main yacht services hub and check-in point for vessels entering Grenada. Anchor in the spacious bay with excellent holding, positioning yourself near the dinghy docks for easy shore access. Complete your customs and immigration formalities at the nearby office, officially concluding your passage through the Grenadines chain. Spend your final afternoon exploring Carriacou's authentic local culture in Hillsborough town, visiting the small shops and restaurants, or simply relaxing aboard while reflecting on an incredible week of cruising. Tyrrel Bay offers numerous waterfront restaurants for a celebratory final dinner, where you can toast your successful passage from St. Vincent to Grenadian waters, having experienced the complete Grenadines archipelago in all its diverse beauty.
Route Highlights
- Crossing from St. Vincent and the Grenadines into Grenadian territory on your final sailing passage.
- Arriving at Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou, and completing customs formalities for entry into Grenada.
- Celebrating your successful 55-nautical-mile grand passage from St. Vincent to Carriacou with a waterfront dinner.
Photo of Belair, Carriacou stretch of beaches
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