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CANOUAN
Set in the middle of the Grenadine chain, the tiny crescent-shaped Canouan is only 5 square miles consisting of lush, low, green hills perfect for walking among the goats and beautiful reef-protected white sandy beaches. The coral reefs are just offshore, which makes it easy to enjoy the first-class snorkeling and diving. Charlestown Bay (also known as Grand Bay) is the main anchorage and location of the village.
MAYREAU
With a population of only 254 residents and covering only 1.5 sq. miles, Mayreau is the smallest of the inhabited Grenadine islands and is a rare tropical paradise that can be reached only by boat. The island is rimmed by magnificent sweeping white sandy beaches, perfect for sailing and snorkeling.
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The reefs around the luminescent waters of Mayreau are filled with a kaleidoscope of colored fish.
The sands of Saline Bay, in the south, are nearly a mile long and completely undeveloped.
Salt Whistle Bay is the favorite anchorage of many sailors because of its stunning beauty, dazzling white sand, and the incredible calmness of its pale blue waters. A long road winds from the bay to the picturesque Salt Whistle village, where most of the locals live. (Check out the tiny stone Catholic church, whose windows and grounds provide breathtaking views of the Caribbean and neighboring islands.) |
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TOBAGO CAYS
The only way to reach this tropical wonderland of Tobago Cays is by boat. With dazzling palm-studded shorelines, the five deserted islets that make up this area are protected by the reefs, which provide some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. These cays have been declared a "wildlife reserve" by the government to protect and preserve this unique natural resource.
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Petit Tabac was featured in “Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Curse of the Black Pearl." The setting was at the beach where Johnny Depp’s, Jack Sparrow was marooned.
Petit Bateau provides a shaded beach to the north and another on the east side, which is a perfect place for beginning snorkellers. More experienced snorkellers will delight in the somewhat choppier Horseshoe Reef.
The best beach of the group is located on Jamesby, the smallest and southernmost cay.
Local boat vendors are available to provide everything from jewelry and ice to fresh fish and lobsters.
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UNION ISLAND
Union Island is13.7 sq. miles, with a dramatic dry landscape, is located midway between St. Vincent and Grenada.
In the midst of some of the best sailing and diving waters in the western hemisphere, it is primarily a "stop off" for visitors to the Tobago Cays and a port-of- entry for yachters into St. Vincent and The Grenadines.
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Although the terrain is not as "picture postcard perfect" as some of the Grenadines, it is still an amazing scenery because of its jagged volcanic peaks rising from low scrubby hills to the 995 foot Pinnacle. These spectacular views have earned the island the nickname, “Little Tahiti.”
The 17th Century Fort Hills, some 450 feet high, has a panoramic view stretching from St. Vincent in the north to Grenada in the south.
Clifton Harbour is the small busy port. There, you will find a colorful local market where you can purchase every kind of Caribbean fruit and vegetable, along with internet services.
Snorkellers will find good conditions on Lagoon Reef, which protects most of the southern coast, especially around Frigate Island. |
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Chatham Bay, on the west coast, is also a protected anchorage for sun and sea lovers. Bloody Bay,on the northwest coast provides a long sandy beach and captivating views. If you enjoy surfing, then the crescent-shaped Big Sands beach on the east coast is ideal!
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PALM ISLAND
Palm Island is a flat, luxuriant, and privately-owned island that is one mile from Union Island. Originally known as "Prune Island," it is now an all-inclusive resort. It is surrounded by clear blue waters and five sparkly white sandy beaches. It is the perfect place for unhurried rest and stress-free relaxation.
Casuarina Beach runs the entire length of the western coast and is one of the favorites! Yachters are allowed to visit and dine at the Royal Palm but advanced notice is required.
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PETIT ST. VINCENT
This southern most Grenadine island is governed by St. Vincent and is often called "PSV." It is a privatel-owned super luxury island retreat, which only has 22 villas, is set on 113 green, rolling acres, which are surrounded by white sandy beaches. In the interest of guests’ sought after privacy – access by day trippers is limited to the main building which houses the bar, restaurant (reservations only) and a boutique.
GRENADA
Only 21 by 12 miles in size, Grenada, with its rolling mountains covered with fragrant spice trees, rare tropical flowers, stunning beaches, picturesque towns, spectacular boating, fishing, diving waters, and a rich cultural heritage, is a colorful gem of an island.
The growing of cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and mace, as well as cocoa and bananas, accounts for Grenada’s nickname "The Spice Island." Although still recovering from the effects of a direct hit by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Grenada and its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are still spectacular! |
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The capital, St. George’s, is perhaps one of the loveliest towns in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes.
Hikers, birdwatchers and boating enthusiasts will revel in Grenada’s natural beauty. Over one-ninth of Grenada’s land mass is preserved in a system of national parks and protected areas. These areas range from the magnificent Grand Etang Forest Reserve, with its crater lake and surrounding lush rainforest, to the tranquil La Sagesse estuary, where you will find some of the best bird watching in the Caribbean.
The water is sparkling clear and is wonderful for snorkeling and swimming. |
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Gelliceaux Bay, one of ten marine conservation areas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, also has excellent snorkeling. In L’Ansecoy Bay, the wreck of the French liner Antilles, grounded in 1971 can be seen off the north shore.
Knowledgeable anglers agree that Grenada boasts some of the Caribbean’s best game fish waters. Blue and white marlin, sailfish, and wahoo are all found in the waters around Grenada, along with yellow fin tuna and dorado. With its clear waters, smooth seas and safe anchorages, Grenada is the perfect starting point for a sailing vacation or yacht charter!
Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique host year round regattas, attracting sailing enthusiasts from around the world. One of the most notable is the Annual La Source Grenada Sailing Festival held towards the end of January and features five days of races, craft markets and street festivals.
Another popular event held in August is the Annual Carriacou Regatta which features races to Grenada, Union Island and Bequia in traditional wooden fishing boats.
Coral reefs abound throughout the islands, which affords divers a unique opportunity to enjoy an underwater world with visibility up to 200 feet. Though shallow reef, wall and drift dives are available, the most popular site is the wreck of Bianca C, a 600 foot long Italian ocean liner and the largest shipwreck in he Caribbean.
Grenada’s physical beauty is also evident in its rich cultural heritage. Local fairs, festivals and markets are an integral part of life in Grenada. Its centuries old spice plantations,like Gouyave, Dougaldston Estates and Grenville and rum distilleries, like River Antoine Rum, still use traditional methods. |
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The sister island of Carriacou, at 13 square miles, is the largest of the island chain between Grenada and St. Vincent. However, it has a more relaxed pace of life than its neighbors.
With world class snorkeling and diving on some of the Caribbean’s finest reefs to historical attractions and cultural landmarks, Carriacou has something for everyone.
Belief systems of the African slaves remain strong on Carriacou and are preserved in rituals such as the powerful "Big Drum Dance." |
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In the tiny and picturesque fishing village of Windward, sailboats are still built using the traditional methods passed down by Scottish settlers. Situated 3 miles north east of Carriacou, Petite Martinique is a large mile-wide hill of unspoiled forestland.
Its 600 residents, mainly descendants of French settlers, still earn incomes from the traditions of seafaring, fishing and boat-building. It also has a reputation for smuggling, (especially illicit supplies of whiskey.)
Since the island is tiny, there is not a lot to do or see, but for day trippers, it is a great place to do nothing at all!
The WINDWARD ISLANDS are an earthly paradise. The rich diversity of these islands is plain to see from their lush volcanic rainforests to the breathtaking wonders that lay beneath the ocean surface. The images of sparkling white or black sand, clear turquoise blue waters and shimmering coconut palms of travel brochures simply do not do the Windwards justice- you must see them for yourself!
Whether you are aboard a catamaran, mono-hull, or large motor yacht, a sailing vacation or yacht charter in the WINDWARD ISLANDS will be an exhilarating delight.
Some of the most beautiful islands on earth await YOU!
For more information, please contact Gail Hartman or Ellen Stewart at (800) 382-9666.
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