Grenada is one of the smallest independent countries in the Caribbean and also the most southern of the Windward Islands. It is actually part of a chain of islands, including the famous Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The island was first spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1498 and is now a leading producer of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, allspice and nutmeg. A yacht charter in Grenada is ideal for nature lovers, who will enjoy exploring breathtaking landscapes and underwater coral reefs and seagrass beds while making friends with the native armadillos, mona monkeys, and mockingbirds ashore.
When Is the Best Time to Sail in Grenada?
Often called the “Spice Isle,” Grenada enjoys a tropical climate with a distinct dry season running from January through May, during which time sailing conditions are at their finest. Steady northeast trade winds of around 15–20 knots prevail, offering moderate swells and ideal passage-making around Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. While hurricane season extends roughly from June to November, Grenada sits on the southern edge of the main storm belt, making direct hits less frequent. Still, most sailors prefer the drier, more predictable months of late winter to spring for a trouble-free charter experience.
What are the sailing qualification and license requirements to charter a yacht or catamaran in Grenada? Grenada does not enforce a strict legal requirement for a skipper’s license, but charter companies usually request proof of sailing proficiency for bareboat hires. Often, a recognized certificate like ASA 104 or ICC will speed the approval process. Alternatively, a well-documented resume outlining your prior cruising grounds, anchoring experience, and navigational skills is equally valuable. With trade winds typically blowing from the northeast, you can enjoy scenic passages around Grenada’s lush coastline and nearby islands such as Carriacou and Petite Martinique—just be prepared for occasional strong gusts and a steady ocean swell.
Nicknamed the “Spice Isle,” Grenada’s lush terrain produces nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa, all integral to the local cuisine. Docking in St. George’s allows you to explore its pastel-hued buildings, colonial fortifications, and lively market stalls selling fragrant spices and tropical fruits. Sample national dishes like oil down (one-pot stew of breadfruit and salted meat) paired with fresh local juices or even rum punch. Grenada’s festival calendar includes events like Spicemas Carnival, celebrating calypso music, soca rhythms, and vibrant street parades—adding an enticing cultural layer to your sailing holiday.
On arrival in Grenada, you must check in at customs stations in places like St. George’s or Prickly Bay, paying for a cruising permit valid throughout the island chain. Anchoring or mooring in certain areas—especially Molinere-Beauséjour Marine Park—may incur fees, with mooring buoys provided to safeguard delicate coral ecosystems. Additionally, you’ll need to keep registration documents and passports accessible for random spot checks. Following these local rules lets you relax and savor Grenada’s scenic coves and maritime charm.
Best time to sail in Grenada & weather conditions
Grenada is a fantastic place to sail at any time of the year. The climate is steady and temperatures are ranging between 75ºF to 85ºF (24ºC to 30ºC). Temperatures are slightly cooler during the dry season, which is the Grenada peak season and lasts from mid-autumn to the beginning of summer. You can expect trade winds of approximately 15 - 25 knots.
Most Grenada yacht charters start from Port Louis Marina near St. George's. You will need to fly in and out of Maurice Bishop International Airport, which welcomes frequent, international flights from the US, Canada, UK and Germany. You can also try catching a connecting flight (regional airline LIAT flies to Grenada) from Puerto Rico, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic, or reach Grenada via St Lucia and Barbados.
Transfer Time Grenada Airport to Marina: 15 mins
Grenada is ideal for sailors of all levels! However, beginner sailor or not, the sailing conditions are a little bit more challenging than those in the BVI or the Bahamas.
Ready to rent a boat in Grenada? Request a Tailor-made Quote
Day 1: True Blue Bay – Carriacou (30 NM)
Begin your journey with a scenic sail north to Carriacou, the “Island of Reefs.” Anchor in Tyrell Bay and enjoy an afternoon swim or a gentle stroll through the sleepy village, rich in West Indian charm.
Day 2: Carriacou – Petit St. Vincent (10 NM)
Sail to the private paradise of Petit St. Vincent, where white-sand beaches meet luxurious seclusion. Enjoy a beachside lunch or snorkel along the reef before anchoring in the calm waters off this exclusive island.
Day 3: Petit St. Vincent – Mayreau (12 NM)
Head north to Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, with just one village and a view that spans the Tobago Cays. Anchor in Salt Whistle Bay, where palm-fringed shores offer the perfect backdrop for a peaceful evening.
Day 4: Mayreau – Tobago Cays (5 NM)
Make a short hop to the iconic Tobago Cays, a protected marine park teeming with sea turtles and colourful coral reefs. Spend the day snorkelling, paddleboarding, or enjoying a private beach barbecue on one of the uninhabited islets.
Day 5: Tobago Cays – Tyrell Bay, Carriacou (15 NM)
Return to Carriacou and anchor once again in Tyrell Bay, where you can explore more of the local culture or dine at a relaxed beachfront restaurant. Optional: visit Sandy Island for a final swim in turquoise waters.
Day 6: Tyrell Bay – Prickly Bay, Grenada (35 NM)
Sail south to Prickly Bay, one of Grenada’s most well-equipped and popular anchorages. Enjoy a vibrant evening ashore at the marina’s restaurants or live music venues.
Day 7: Prickly Bay – True Blue Bay (5 NM)
Make a short sail back to True Blue Bay, where your journey began. Spend your last day unwinding at the resort’s spa, or enjoy a final swim before disembarkation.
Day 1: St. George’s, Grenada
Begin your charter in St. George’s, one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque capitals, nestled within a horseshoe-shaped bay. Check in, provision your yacht, and enjoy dinner ashore in this colourful colonial town.
Day 2: St. George’s – Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Sail north to Carriacou and anchor in Tyrrel Bay, a laid-back anchorage surrounded by gentle hills. Stroll the beach or sip a cocktail at one of the rustic seafront bars.
Day 3: Tyrrel Bay – Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Continue to Mayreau, anchoring in the famously photogenic Salt Whistle Bay. Its crescent-shaped beach and palms swaying in the breeze make for a postcard-perfect setting.
Day 4: Mayreau – Tobago Cays
Sail to the protected anchorage of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a pristine chain of uninhabited islets surrounded by coral reefs. Swim with sea turtles, snorkel coral gardens, or lounge on secluded sandy shores.
Day 5: Explore Tobago Cays
Spend an extra day soaking in the natural beauty of this idyllic anchorage. Enjoy paddleboarding, guided snorkelling tours, or a lobster BBQ on the beach under the stars.
Day 6: Tobago Cays – Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Sail north to Bequia, the yachting capital of the Grenadines. Anchor in Admiralty Bay and explore Port Elizabeth’s charming boutiques, bars, and colonial-era architecture.
Day 7: Explore Bequia
Spend the day exploring Bequia’s cultural and natural offerings, from hiking to Mount Pleasant to visiting the model boat museum. Relax on Princess Margaret Beach or snorkel the reef at Lower Bay.
Day 8: Bequia – Mustique
Cruise to Mustique, the exclusive island retreat favoured by royalty and rockstars. Enjoy an elegant lunch at Basil’s Bar and discover the island by golf cart or horseback.
Day 9: Mustique – Chatham Bay, Union Island
Sail south to Chatham Bay, Union Island’s serene and secluded western anchorage. The bay is perfect for swimming, and beachside dining under the stars is a must.
Day 10: Chatham Bay – Petit St. Vincent
Continue to the private island of Petit St. Vincent, where barefoot luxury awaits. Snorkel from the yacht or enjoy drinks at the island’s refined beach bar.
Day 11: Petit St. Vincent – Sandy Island
Marine Protected AreaAnchor off Sandy Island, a narrow stretch of white sand and palm trees surrounded by coral reef. This protected marine area is ideal for snorkelling in clear, shallow water.
Day 12: Explore Carriacou
Spend the day discovering more of Carriacou, often described as “the land of reefs.” Visit the town of Hillsborough or hike to High North for panoramic island views.
Day 13: Tyrrel Bay – St. George’s, Grenada
Sail back to Grenada with plenty of time for a swim stop en route. Enjoy your final dinner on board or venture into St. George’s for one last taste of Caribbean hospitality.
Day 14: Clarke’s Court Bay, Grenada – Disembarkation
Sail to Clarke’s Court Bay for check-out and disembarkation. Depart with unforgettable memories of sailing through one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting and diverse island chains.
It depends. For example, the most important ones are the type of boat you will choose and whether you require a professional crew on board (e.g. skipper, hostess or cook). So, as you can see, there are many factors that can shape a price for a boat rental.
Check our full guide about yacht charter cost and how you can save much money in your next sailing holidays.
Grenada, “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, offers amazing sailing holidays via bareboat, skippered, and crewed charters. Adventurous sailors often take bareboat yachts to navigate south to the secluded Tobago Cays and Carriacou, anchoring off uninhabited cays rich with marine life. If you prefer local guidance, skippered charters provide a Grenadian captain who’ll steer you through Grand Anse Bay and beyond, sharing the best spots for nutmeg plantations and riverside rum tastings. For those wanting to completely unwind, fully crewed yacht charters ensure a private yacht cruise with personalized service, from fresh-catch dinners on deck to expertly planned island-hopping itineraries.
Similar Caribbean destinations nearby
Sailing holidays in St. Martin
Sailing holidays in Guadeloupe
Sailing holidays in Martinique
