The nation of St. Vincent is made up of 32 tiny islands with beautiful bays and rolling green hills. It is undeniably beautiful and the perfect spot for some St. Vincent sailing. Cruise the turquoise blue waters and swim amongst the exotic ocean wildlife, such as turtles, dolphins or whales! Onshore, you can hike through the banana estates and rainforest for a breathtaking view from the island’s two highest peaks, both on the volcano Soufrière.
The tropical vegetation of the island creates a stunning backdrop for a Grenadines yacht charter. Make sure to visit the Falls of Baleine, take a quick drive to the Botanical Gardens, or a trek inland on one of the many nature trails. St. Vincent and the Grenadines are ideal for more experienced sailors who will relish navigating some of the exhilarating open-water passages that the islands offer.
A complete yacht charter guide that has everything you need to know about your next sailing holidays in Saint Vincent.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines see their most stable sailing conditions from December through May, marked by calmer seas and steady easterly trades of approximately 15–20 knots. Although this archipelago lies just outside the prime hurricane belt, storms can still occur from June to November, occasionally intensifying winds and rainfall. The drier early winter to spring window is considered peak season, delivering bright sunshine, warm waters, and fewer disturbances—ideal for exploring the Tobago Cays, Bequia, and other laid-back isles in the chain.
However, no matter what time of year, the average temperature is around 30°C. St. Vincent also get the northeast trade winds, making for some amazing sailing! This means winds, during the high season, can reach 25 knots and swells will be between 3-5ft. During the low season, southeasterly winds will be between 10-20 knots, with swells between 5-7ft.
What are the sailing qualification and license requirements to charter a yacht or catamaran in St. Vincent?While official sailing licenses are not universally mandated in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, your competence must be apparent to local charter operators. They typically accept an extensive sailing resume or qualifications like the RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or ASA equivalents. The area around St. Vincent presents moderate to challenging conditions, notably in the open-water crossings to Bequia or the Tobago Cays, where swift currents and variable winds demand sound seamanship. To ensure a stress-free voyage, familiarize yourself with reef navigation, anchoring guidelines, and local regulations that protect marine life in this spectacular region of the southeastern Caribbean.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines captivates boaters with unspoiled beaches, friendly fishing villages, and a laid-back Caribbean feel. Fresh fish, lobster, and tropical produce dominate local menus—don’t miss the national dish, roasted breadfruit paired with fried jackfish. The island also nurtures a thriving agricultural scene, offering local root veggies, spices, and exotic fruits in bustling marketplaces. Reggae and steel drum bands frequently entertain on Friday nights, creating an upbeat cultural vibe. Embracing these culinary specialties and musical traditions enriches any St. Vincent sailing adventure.
Yachts visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines must clear customs at official points like Kingstown or Blue Lagoon, where a cruising permit is issued. The Tobago Cays Marine Park enforces mooring or anchoring fees, with designated buoy fields to shield reefs from damage. Keep your boat paperwork and passports on hand, as authorities may conduct checks for compliance. These guidelines help ensure a smooth, regulation-compliant voyage through St. Vincent’s serene islands and turquoise waters.
To get to St. Vincent, the “gateway to the Grenadines,” you will have to fly into Argyle International Airport or another hub in the Caribbean. US Travelers can find flights to St. Vincent with American Airlines, US Airways, Delta, Air Jamaica, and JetBlue. For UK and EU travelers, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Condor offer flights to St. Vincent. For regional connections, LIAT operates flights to St. Vincent from Grenada and St. Lucia with St. Vincent, Bequia, Union Island, and Antigua. You will then head to the southern tip of St. Vincent at the Lagoon Hotel and Marina, which enjoys a delightful, protected anchorage, perfectly positioned for your sail south and for trips around the island itself.
Transfer time from the airport to base: 15 mins by taxi.
To enter St. Vincent you will need a valid passport and a return/ongoing ticket. If you are unclear about entry requirements, check with your charter broker for clarification.
Day 1: Blue Lagoon Marina – Bequia (8 NM)
Begin your journey with a gentle sail to Bequia, the “jewel of the Grenadines,” known for its laid-back charm and seafaring heritage. Anchor in Admiralty Bay and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Port Elizabeth or lounging on Princess Margaret Beach.
Day 2: Bequia – Tobago Cays (25 NM)
Sail south to the Tobago Cays, a protected marine park of uninhabited islets and kaleidoscopic coral reefs. Anchor inside the horseshoe reef and swim with sea turtles in some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean.
Day 3: Tobago Cays – Union Island (7 NM)
Make a short hop to Union Island, anchoring off Clifton or the quieter Chatham Bay. Enjoy beach bar dining, kite surfing, or hike to Fort Hill for panoramic views of the Grenadines.
Day 4: Union Island – Mayreau (6 NM)
Cruise over to Mayreau and anchor at Salt Whistle Bay, a pristine crescent of white sand fringed by palms. Visit the hilltop church for sweeping views over the Tobago Cays and unwind in one of the Caribbean’s most peaceful bays.
Day 5: Mayreau – Canouan (7 NM)
Sail north to Canouan, home to upscale resorts and stunning turquoise bays. Anchor at Charlestown Bay or explore the reef-lined coves of Glossy Bay for exceptional snorkelling and seclusion.
Day 6: Canouan – Mustique (13 NM)
Head to the exclusive island of Mustique, where discreet luxury meets natural elegance. Enjoy lunch at Basil’s Bar, tour the island by golf cart, or relax on the untouched sands of Macaroni Beach.
Day 7: Mustique – Blue Lagoon Marina (15 NM)
Complete your circuit with a final sail back to Blue Lagoon Marina on St. Vincent. Reflect on a week of sailing through some of the Caribbean’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations.
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 or request a tailor-made quote from one of our yacht charter consultants!
St. Vincent is your gateway to the Grenadines and offers bareboat, skippered, and crewed charter options to uncover its lush volcanic peaks and coral reefs. Seasoned sailors can opt for a bareboat charter to tackle the exhilarating sail down to Mustique and Bequia, carving their own path through emerald waters. For a more relaxed vibe, skippered charters place a local skipper onboard to navigate strong currents and guide you to secluded bays like Cumberland. And for those craving indulgence, St. Vincent’s fully crewed yacht charters deliver a private yacht cruise with gourmet West Indian meals and attentive crew service, allowing you to soak up Caribbean bliss without lifting a finger.
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