Day 1: Blue Lagoon to Young Island Cut
Nautical Miles: 3
Travel Time: 30 minutes
Your northern Grenadines adventure begins at Blue Lagoon, a natural hurricane hole on St. Vincent's southern coast surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and mangroves. After completing check-in formalities, provisioning at the local facilities, and familiarizing yourself with your yacht, prepare for the very short passage west along the coast to Young Island Cut. This brief opening leg eases you into cruising life while providing your first experience of St. Vincent's dramatic coastal scenery. The main island's volcanic peaks rise impressively inland, their green slopes often shrouded in clouds that form as trade winds rise over the mountains.
Navigate into Young Island Cut, the narrow channel between St. Vincent proper and the small private island that hosts Young Island Resort. Anchor in the protected waters of Villa Bay just north of the cut, positioning yourself with views of both the resort island and the main island's coastline. This anchorage puts you close to Kingstown, St. Vincent's capital, which is accessible by dinghy if you want to explore the town's markets, historic buildings, and authentic Caribbean street life. Alternatively, spend your first afternoon relaxing aboard or swimming from the yacht, easing into island time and preparing for tomorrow's spectacular cruise up the leeward coast. The anchorage offers good protection and convenient access to Villa Beach where simple restaurants and bars provide evening dining options. As darkness falls on your first night, enjoy the lights of Kingstown twinkling across the water while reflecting on the dramatic landscapes that await exploration in the days ahead.
Route Highlights - Departing Blue Lagoon and making the short passage along St. Vincent's scenic southern coast.
- Anchoring at Young Island Cut with convenient access to Kingstown and Villa Beach facilities.
- Optional exploration of Kingstown's authentic Caribbean markets and historic waterfront.
Day 2: Young Island Cut to Wallilabou Bay
Nautical Miles: 12
Travel Time: 2 hours
Depart Young Island Cut and set course north along St. Vincent's spectacular leeward coast, one of the most dramatic coastlines in the entire Caribbean. This passage takes you beneath towering volcanic peaks draped in rainforest, with the interior mountains rising over 4,000 feet just a few miles inland. The leeward position creates lighter winds and calm seas, often requiring motor assistance but providing exceptional opportunities to observe the scenery without the distraction of active sailing. Waterfalls cascade down jungle-covered slopes, occasionally reaching the sea itself. Small villages cling to coastal clearings, their colorful buildings providing contrast against the overwhelming green of the rainforest.
Round the distinctive headland and navigate into Wallilabou Bay, a deep anchorage surrounded by steep jungle-clad slopes and made famous as a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean. The old movie set remains visible along the shore, adding quirky interest to an already dramatic location. Anchor in the bay with excellent holding in mud bottom, though watch depths carefully as the bay drops off steeply close to shore. Go ashore to explore the small riverside settlement, visit the humble facilities that support visiting yachts, and walk to the nearby waterfall for a freshwater rinse and jungle immersion. The Wallilabou Anchorage bar and restaurant serves simple local food and cold drinks. As evening settles over the bay, the jungle comes alive with sounds of birds and insects, creating an atmosphere worlds away from the typical Caribbean beach anchorage. This is rainforest cruising at its most authentic, with your yacht tucked into a pristine bay that feels more South Pacific than Caribbean.
Route Highlights - Cruising St. Vincent's spectacular leeward coast beneath volcanic peaks and rainforest slopes.
- Anchoring in dramatic Wallilabou Bay, the famous Pirates of the Caribbean filming location.
- Hiking to jungle waterfalls and experiencing authentic rainforest anchorage atmosphere.
Day 3: Wallilabou Bay to Cumberland Bay
Nautical Miles: 7
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Continue your exploration of St. Vincent's leeward coast with the passage north to Cumberland Bay, the most remote and dramatic anchorage on this side of the island. The route maintains the spectacular scenery of yesterday, with rainforest mountains rising directly from the sea and the occasional waterfall visible tumbling down the slopes. The bay itself sits beneath some of the island's steepest and most pristine jungle, with minimal development and a true wilderness character. This relatively short passage allows for a relaxed morning departure while arriving with plenty of afternoon time for exploration of this special location.
Navigate into Cumberland Bay and anchor in the deep water beneath towering rainforest slopes, positioning yourself with good swinging room as the bay funnels katabatic breezes down from the mountains in the evening. A small river enters the bay, and adventurous crews can dinghy upstream into the jungle for a unique perspective on St. Vincent's interior ecosystems. The anchorage sees very few visiting yachts, giving it an almost private feel despite being marked on all the charts. Spend your afternoon hiking the trails that lead inland from the river mouth, swimming from the yacht in the clean bay water, or simply relaxing in the cockpit while watching for the tropical birds that frequent this pristine habitat. A basic beach facility provides minimal services but adds human connection to this otherwise wild location. As evening approaches, enjoy sundowners while the setting sun paints the mountain slopes in golden light and the jungle chorus builds to its nightly crescendo. Tomorrow brings departure from St. Vincent and the crossing to Bequia, so make the most of your final evening beneath these magnificent volcanic mountains.
Route Highlights - Sailing further up the dramatic leeward coast to remote Cumberland Bay.
- Anchoring beneath pristine rainforest slopes in one of St. Vincent's wildest locations.
- Exploring jungle rivers by dinghy and hiking trails into St. Vincent's interior ecosystems.
Day 4: Cumberland Bay to Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Nautical Miles: 18
Travel Time: 3 hours
Depart Cumberland Bay and retrace your route south along St. Vincent's leeward coast before rounding the southwestern point and setting course across the Bequia Channel. This passage represents your longest sailing day of the week, but the excellent conditions typical of the channel make it an enjoyable rather than challenging crossing. As you clear St. Vincent's lee and enter open water, the trade winds fill in and your yacht comes alive, typically providing excellent beam-reach sailing toward Bequia. St. Vincent's volcanic peaks gradually diminish astern while Bequia's lower, greener profile grows steadily larger ahead. This crossing gives you a real sense of inter-island sailing, with open water, good breeze, and the satisfaction of making landfall on a new destination.
Round West Cay and enter the spectacular natural harbor of Admiralty Bay, where the colorful waterfront village of Port Elizabeth welcomes visiting yachts with its busy atmosphere and friendly local culture. Take one of the available moorings or anchor in the spacious bay with excellent holding in sand, positioning yourself for easy dinghy access to the town facilities. Admiralty Bay represents the social hub of the northern Grenadines, with dozens of cruising yachts at anchor, water taxis shuttling between boats and shore, and a vibrant international community of long-term cruisers mixed with weekly charter guests. Spend your afternoon exploring Port Elizabeth's boutiques, craft markets, and the fascinating Bequia Maritime Museum which documents the island's whaling history and sailing heritage. Princess Margaret Beach offers beautiful swimming and beachfront bars. As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at one of the excellent waterfront restaurants while watching the sun set over the surrounding hills and feeling the energy of this beloved cruising destination.
Route Highlights - Crossing the Bequia Channel with excellent sailing conditions and dramatic views of both islands.
- Entering the legendary natural harbor of Admiralty Bay and anchoring among the cruising community.
- Exploring Port Elizabeth's vibrant waterfront, Bequia Maritime Museum, and Princess Margaret Beach.
Day 5: Admiralty Bay to Britannia Bay, Mustique
Nautical Miles: 10
Travel Time: 2 hours
Depart Admiralty Bay and set course south toward exclusive Mustique, the private island that has hosted royalty, rock stars, and discerning travelers for decades. 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 away to the south. As you approach Mustique, the island's carefully maintained landscapes and elegant villas become visible, presenting a striking contrast to both St. Vincent's wild rainforest coast and Bequia's more rustic charm. The manicured character signals your arrival at one of the Caribbean's most exclusive destinations.
Navigate into Britannia Bay on Mustique's western coast and take one of the available moorings or anchor in the designated yacht area, following the island's specific guidelines designed to protect this carefully managed destination. Once secured, go ashore to explore Mustique's unique blend of privacy, luxury, and natural beauty. Visit the legendary Basil's Beach Bar for lunch and the possibility of celebrity sightings, browse the tasteful boutiques in the small village center, or arrange beach access at spectacular Macaroni Beach or Lagoon Bay where pristine white sand meets impossibly turquoise water. The island maintains a remarkably peaceful atmosphere despite its fame, with beautiful beaches that often feel almost private. Enjoy sundowners at the elegant Cotton House hotel before returning to your yacht for the evening. Your day at Mustique provides perfect contrast to the wilderness anchorages of St. Vincent and the bustling harbor life of Bequia, rounding out your experience of northern Grenadines diversity.
Route Highlights - Sailing south with excellent trade wind conditions toward exclusive Mustique.
- Arriving at legendary Britannia Bay and stepping ashore on the Caribbean's most famous private island.
- Experiencing Basil's Beach Bar, pristine Macaroni Beach, and understated island elegance.
Day 6: Britannia Bay to Lower Bay, Bequia
Nautical Miles: 10
Travel Time: 2 hours
Depart Mustique and set course back north toward Bequia, this time heading for the quieter southern anchorages rather than returning to busy Admiralty Bay. The passage retraces part of yesterday's route with consistent sailing conditions and good visibility for enjoying the seascape. As you approach Bequia from the south, you gain a different perspective on the island's topography and settlement patterns. Lower Bay and its neighbor Friendship Bay offer more peaceful alternatives to Admiralty Bay, providing excellent anchorages with beautiful beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere away from the charter boat crowds.
Navigate around Bequia's southern coast and into Lower Bay, a beautiful crescent of white sand backed by palms and simple beachfront facilities. Anchor in sand bottom with good protection and excellent holding, positioning yourself with views of the beach and the channel beyond. Lower Bay provides a complete contrast to Admiralty Bay's bustle, with just a handful of yachts typically at anchor and a decidedly local atmosphere on the beach. Walk the beautiful sand, swim in the clear water, or explore the simple beach bars and restaurants that cater primarily to Bequians rather than tourists. The reef along the bay's edges provides decent snorkeling opportunities. As your penultimate day draws to a close, enjoy a peaceful evening at anchor reflecting on a week that has encompassed volcanic rainforest anchorages, vibrant harbor culture, exclusive resort islands, and now this quiet beach where authentic island life continues largely unchanged. Tomorrow brings your return to St. Vincent and the completion of your northern circuit.
Route Highlights - Sailing north from Mustique back to Bequia with excellent trade wind conditions.
- Discovering peaceful Lower Bay as a quiet alternative to bustling Admiralty Bay.
- Enjoying authentic local beach culture and swimming on pristine white sand.
Day 7: Lower Bay to Blue Lagoon
Nautical Miles: 10+
Travel Time: 2 hours
Your final sailing day takes you from Bequia back across the channel to St. Vincent, completing your circular route through the northern Grenadines. Depart Lower Bay and set course north across open water toward St. Vincent's southern coast. The passage offers one last opportunity to enjoy excellent Grenadines sailing, with steady trade winds typically providing comfortable broad-reach or run conditions. As St. Vincent grows larger ahead, you recognize landmarks from your departure day now seen from the opposite direction. The volcanic peaks rising inland remind you of the dramatic scenery that defined the first days of your journey.
Navigate back into Blue Lagoon where your adventure began a week earlier, securing to a mooring or anchoring in the familiar surroundings. Spend your final afternoon completing yacht checkout procedures, handling any last-minute provisioning if you are continuing onward, or simply relaxing while reflecting on an exceptional week. The route can include optional stops depending on your schedule and interests, perhaps a brief visit to Young Island Cut or another location you missed earlier. As evening falls on Blue Lagoon for your final night, celebrate your successful exploration of the northern Grenadines with dinner aboard or at one of the local facilities. You have experienced a remarkable diversity of landscapes and cultures across 70 nautical miles, from pristine rainforest anchorages beneath volcanic peaks to vibrant sailing harbors and exclusive resort islands, discovering how St. Vincent, Bequia, and Mustique each contribute their own distinctive character to this celebrated cruising ground.
Route Highlights - Crossing back to St. Vincent and completing your circular route through the northern Grenadines.
- Arriving back at Blue Lagoon with optional stops at familiar locations along the way.
- Celebrating 70 nautical miles exploring volcanic shores, sailing heritage, and island elegance.
