The perfect way to take your holiday to the next level? Sailing the Caribbean is the one way to have it all – every experience, land or sea, is at your fingertips when on a boat! Adventure is out there– Or, for those of you content to enjoy a relaxing vacation, a charcuterie board paired with a gorgeous French wine on a sundeck is waiting for you.
Wherever your tastes take you, don’t miss out on the opportunity to spend your time exploring, visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines by boat. It isn’t every day holidayers get the chance to sail over aquamarine waters, hopping between the islands in this small yet spectacular country whilst enjoying all of the luxuries that come with a water-ready vessel. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has it all: from the celebrity-studded St. Vincent to the vibrant coral reefs and quaint atmosphere of quieter islands like Bequia.
There’s a slight catch… Where to go sailing? With a total of 32 islands that make up St. Vincent and the Grenadines, choosing which to visit can be a touch overwhelming. We’re here to provide insider knowledge to help seafaring holidayers decide which sailing locations are the best for you and your group.
The Best Locations for Sailing St. Vincent and the Grenadines
We chose our top five sailing destinations in this island nation based on the vast variety of activities offered and the diverse experiences holidayers can enjoy on each. Visitors will be able to find islands perfect for everything from a slow and steady beach day to a breathtaking golf adventure. With our travel advice, your trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines will top other sailing trips in the Caribbean.
Carriacou: Rum and Views
The largest of the islands of Grenada, Carriacou, is known for Belair National Park and rum reserves. Dock in the gorgeous Tyrell Bay, protected from the elements, making it the perfect spot for sailboats and yachts to take shelter. On shore, explore the island’s 100+ rum shops and tuck in at one of the local bars and restaurants before taking a short ride up the hill to enjoy the views of the island and Tyrell Bay from Belair Park.
As this is the largest island in the area, it’s also accessible by plane, making it a more accessible location to begin sailing adventures.
Tobago Cays: Snorkeling & Diving
Only accessible by water, this one just might be the favourite of our travel advice regarding St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This perfect smattering of tiny, close-knit islands is an incredibly well-suited spot to both relax on the beaches and explore the surrounding waters. The snorkelling and diving in this tiny archipelago is unmatched. The five islands make up part of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, which is protected by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines but still offers a lagoon large enough for boats to anchor safely.
The reefs in this area are unmatched! The major reefs in the Cays are Horseshoe Reef, World’s End Reef, Egg Reef, and Mayreau Gardens. For marine biologists and those who appreciate the natural world, Mayreau Gardens is known to be the most biodiverse and healthy, followed by Horshoe Reef, which is also known for its richness of species.
St Vincent: Kingstown, The La Soufriere Volcano, and Inland Waterfalls
Complete with an international airport, St Vincent is the most populated and bustling island on our list – its capital, Kingstown, is for those holidayers who crave a more social atmosphere, with the ability to visit local restaurants and enjoy a few hours shopping. Plus, with the proximity of the incredible La Soufriere Volcano and the natural waterfalls found further inland, it’s a great option for trekkers, too. When holidayers disagree about what they want to see and do on the trip, we always recommend St. Vincent; it’s really the best of both worlds: something for the shoppers and the naturalists alike.
La Soufriere is an active volcano and can be reached by a variety of trails. In total, the hike up is about 9 miles long (15km) with spectacular views of the surrounding seascape and land on the way up. There’s a coast-to-coast walk, too, that totals about 6 hours of less intensive walking. Read more about the exotic bird and woodland species common to this area.
Bequia: Lovely Locals and Beautiful Beaches
The largest island in the Grenadines, Bequia is known as one of the last islands to indulge in the old-school Caribbean lifestyle. The main town, Port Elizabeth, provides a more social atmosphere for those searching for more hustle and bustle. Plus, the history of the island itself is famous for its long-boat building and whaling heritage, making it a must-stop destination for sailing and boating fanatics.
Complete with a small airport, Bequia is a great spot to fly into to begin your sailing journey. Sailboat and yacht hires are available around much of Port Elizabeth, giving holidayers a few different options for companies and vessels to rent with.
Canouan: World-Class Golf and Access by Air
Another island that’s accessible by air, Canouan is a fantastic spot to fly into before beginning your sailing journey, The island has one small airport and two bays where sailboat and yacht hires are popular. Before your sailing trip begins, or perhaps to finish the trip off, make a stop at the popular golf course designed by Jim Fazio.
This course hits a holidayer’s sweet spot. It’s perfectly placed right between the lush greenery of the Caribbean and the bright blue seas below, the sights are stunning. Plus, it’s been ranked as one of the world’s top 10 golf courses! Nothing says luxury like spending the day on the golf course and hopping aboard a sailboat or yacht in the evening to ride off into the sunset.
These sailing destinations in the Caribbean are some of the most luxurious spots available – second only to Simply Islands’s luxury villas, of course. We provide gorgeous properties to call home whilst sailing St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Take a peek at our luxury holiday rentals that include private islands, or get in touch with our team directly to learn more about our expansive properties.
