Grenadines

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Grenadines

Welcome to the authentic Caribbean, also home to the Tobago Cays, an undeveloped preserve full of crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and sea turtles! Below please find a lovely sample itinerary. Simply use this as a guideline. When you are on board, you can discuss each day with the crew. Only things that are somewhat fixed are where your yacht collects you and drops you! This itinerary will give you plenty of time to sail/cruise, relax and explore.

Itinerary

Day 1

Bequia

Join your yacht in Bequia. Your crew will meet you at the airport, a scenic 15 minute transfer takes you to board off of Port Elizabeth. Enjoy a welcome cocktail, perhaps a leisurely lunch as you discuss your preferred itinerary with your crew.

Bequia is a relaxed and friendly Caribbean island where you will find white sand beaches, picturesque bays with turquoise seas, perfect for aquatic activities, or simply lazing in the sun! Take the tender over to pristine Princess Margaret Beach! Enjoy a snorkel, swim, water sports followed by sunset cocktails and dinner under the stars! Afterwards, perhaps head ashore to Port Elizabeth, maybe Frangipani for drinks and entertainment, or one of the many colourful restaurants!

If you wish to dine ashore, Bequia is one of the best islands for this, offering everything from French cuisine, to Caribbean infused specialties and also magnificent pizza – trying the conch is a must!

Day 2

Bequia & Mustique

After a leisurely breakfast at the water’s edge, enjoy a swim, snorkel or dive, or perhaps some motorized water sports before heading ashore to explore this magical island. If you wish we can arrange bicycle hire, or a taxi to take you on an island tour – it is up to you. The Bequia Maritime Museum offers an informative guided tour and introduces the art of boat building, as well as the tradition of whaling that continues to this day. Take a tour around the island, perhaps up to the ruin of Fort Hamilton, a trip to the Turtle Sanctuary, or simply enjoy views of the scenic harbor as you explore the boutiques and markets along the waterfront.

After lunch, set off to Mustique. As you leave Bequia, you will cruise by Moonhole – a large natural arch on the western tip of Bequia. The original dwellings were built by Tom Johnson in the 1960’s directly below the arch, however rock falls proved too dangerous for continued occupation.

The name apparently derives from the fact that the Moon can be seen through the arch at certain times of the month. If time permits, a 4 nautical mile crossing takes you to Petit Nevis or Isle a Quatre. Enjoy exploring these deserted islands, or snorkel pristine reefs! Later set off on the 6 – 7 nautical mile crossing to the exclusive island of Mustique! Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins during the crossing, especially in the winter months!Anchor off of Britannia Bay, enjoy sunset cocktails! Perhaps dinner on board, then the world renowned martinis of Fire Fly, or cocktails and entertainment at Basil’s Bar or Cotton House (formerly a sugar mill)!

The world famous retreat has the glamorous image of fabulous villas and celebrities, with some of the Caribbean’s finest beaches including the top voted Macaroni Beach.

Day 3

Mustique & Canouan (12 nautical miles approx crossing)

Five decades ago, Lord Glenconner had an ambitious dream of creating a private island sanctuary for those who were tired of the usual holiday destinations. Mustique now boasts an array of wonderful villas available to rent, 9 pristine individual beaches, the Cotton House boutique hotel, the Firefly boutique hotel, world renowned Basil’s Beach Bar, as well as a health Spa, Scuba-diving facility, Equestrian centre and thriving Tennis club! This 1,400-acre is wildly beautiful with rocky headlands, dramatic topography and of course white-sand beaches, essentially offering just what you would expect on an island custom-made for those accustomed to the very best! Many of the roads remain purposefully unpaved.

The birdlife is so prolific it has its own guidebook, and a marine conservation area surrounds the entire island. There are no traffic lights, power lines or beach vendors. After breakfast, enjoy a taxi tour, rent some golf buggies or a few bikes to tour this private island, where the exclusive homes of the rich and famous command the landscape and are realized in a variety of architectural styles!

A swim at world renowned Macaroni Beach is a must! Or if you prefer, Scuba diving and snorkeling the turquoise waters provide the perfect backdrop for your undersea explorations.

If you wish to be active, in addition to walking, there are a number of hiking trails around our island that take in hilly woodland as well as some of our beautiful beaches and bays. We can arrange a guided tour!

After a leisurely lunch, the crew will set off on the 12 nautical mile journey for one of the Caribbean’s newest luxury destinations – Canouan Island! Canouan was a quiet, virtually untouched island until Italian developers bought it some years ago. Now it hosts a large Raffles Resort , the Tamarind Beach Hotel and Yacht Club, the Villa Monte Carlo Casino , the Amrita Spa and the Trump International Golf Club.Try your hand at fishing along the way – never know what you may catch – Tuna, Jack, King Fish or Mahi-Mahi! Canouan is just five square miles in size and formerly a community of sailors and fishermen. Even as the island develops into a premier luxury destination, laughter still prevails as a vital ingredient of this community, and the sounds of happy children and elders create a feeling of traveling into an easier place and time. Drop anchor off of Tamarind Beach Hotel, and enjoy sundowners at their Pirate Cove Bar! For a special night, allow us to reserve a lovely table at the luxurious Canouan Resort on the other side of the island!

Day 4

Canouan & The Tobago Cays (4 nautical miles)

Perhaps an early morning round of Golf at The Canouan Resort’s Jim Fazio designed 18 hole championship golf course, whilst the others enjoy a hike around the island or spa experience at Canouan Resort’s Spa. Alternatively, Canouan is a great location for water based activities as well! Next on the agenda is the 4 nautical mile crossing to the most idyllic location in the Caribbean – the beautiful Tobago Cays, famous for amazing snorkeling and for the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean ” and “Dead Man’s Chest”. This cluster of cays inside a rim of reef (Horseshoe Reef) are becoming more popular but are still far less crowded than places like the Baths in the BVI.

Every morning, the “bread man” will come around to your boat offering bread and ice, two necessities. Sometimes, there will be fishermen offering fresh fish or lobster. Islanders sometimes host beach parties or bbq’s, but the Cays are by and large a natural phenomenon and remain a completely undeveloped national park.

Imagine an intimate cluster of five uninhabited cays, heavenly lagoons full of green turtles, coral reefs, colourful fish and crystal clear waters. An idyllic yachting anchorage, a dream for scuba divers and snorkelers, a paradise for beachcombers, and a film location for Pirates of the Caribbean, the Tobago Cays and the Tobago Cays Marine Park is one of the world’s most awe inspiring island destinations. As the sun sets, the crew will prepare a beach Barbecue, fresh lobster and Champagne under the moon light!

Day 5

Tobago Cays & Mayreau (2 nautical miles)

These picture perfect, tiny, uninhabited islands are fringed with sugar white sand surrounded by coral reefs, which are home to a kaleidoscope of marine life.

A leisurely morning in the Cays is on the schedule! Enjoy the best snorkeling in the Caribbean! Start within the protected waters around Baradal, a great place to see green turtles. Then move over to snorkel over the amazing coral on the South side of Petit Bateau where the big fish hang out! If you prefer, take the tender out to the shallow waters off the lagoon where you will be able to stand in turquoise waters. Alternatively, Kayak and explore the islands. For some adventure, take the tender over to Petit Tabac, a paradise for beachcombers, and a film location for Pirates of the Caribbean, definitely one of the world’s most awe inspiring island destinations!

After lunch, set off on the brief 2 nautical mile passage to pristine Salt Whistle Bay Mayreau – the Caribbean’s great escape. A secret treasure of peace and tranquility, with no airstrip, you will never want to leave. Picture-postcard beaches and bays, a friendly village with a quaint old church, Mayreau is the untouched Caribbean you only hear of in whispers. Enjoy an afternoon of water sports, great food and good company, followed by dinner under the stars! Mayreau is an amazing anchorage at night. Millions of stars light the sky, with plenty of shooting stars!

Day 6

Mayreau & Petit St. Vincent (6 nautical miles)

The beaches in Mayreau were voted among the Top Ten Beaches in the Caribbean. Saltwhistle Bay is a picture perfect setting with calm waters and powder white sand.

Mayreau is a great place for Watersports! Saline Bay on the southern leeward coast is also sheltered and great for swimming. The island is ideal for hiking! Hike from Saltwhistle Bay to Saline Bay, using the island’s only road and passing through the village. Be sure to stop at the pretty Catholic Church at the top of the village and take in panoramic views of the Tobago Cays from a viewing point at the back.

It takes about an hour to walk from one beach to another and, as there is only one road, the return journey takes the same route. Local eateries and bars offer a great opportunity for refreshments and a chance to meet people. Finally, a rum punch can be yours at the celebrated Rasta Righteous Bar on your way back down.

After lunch, set off on the 6 nautical mile journey passing in between Union Island and Palm Island arriving to idyllic Petit St Vincent! Fondly known as PSV – this is an amazing tropical hideaway of powder white sand beaches, turquoise seas, and unparalleled luxury and elegance. In 2011, Petit St. Vincent was named among the “World’s Best Private-Island Resorts” in ‘Conde Naste Traveller.’

There are other places that may look similar, but very few have the pull, energy and magic, indescribable ingredients that make Petit St. Vincent stand out as a truly unique private island. Explore the island by foot, and sundowners at their Beach Restaurant!

Day 7

Union Island (6 nautical miles)

Enjoy a leisurely morning, perhaps a tender ride over to Morpion early to have the island to yourselves! This small sand bar mid ocean offers an umbrella for shelter, and lovely reefs to snorkel! Later, a short 6 nautical mile passage takes you to Union Island, one of the undiscovered treasures of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, often referred to the Tahiti of the Caribbean! Union Island can be seen from miles away because of its famous peak, Mt. Parnassus (866 feet).

The main town of Clifton is a bustling, “happening” spot. There is an open-air fruit and vegetable market in the main square and a number of grocery stores.

There is also one lovely gourmet store, which sells fabulous wine, coffee, olive oil, bread and chocolate. We recommend heading to Chatham Bay, on the leeward side of Union Island is unique in that it is off the beaten track. Only a few lobster shacks and one restaurant occupy this large bay, which is great for beach combing, snorkeling, fishing and watersports. Enjoy lunch, perhaps try your hand at Kite Surfing with an international professional who has started a school on island. Or perhaps some surfing?

If you prefer to be on land, perhaps a guided tour up over the hill, across to the windward side of the island, where your yacht will meet you.

Sundowners at the very unique Happy Island made entirely out of conch shells and hosting a bar! Be aware of the punch! Dinner at anchor, then explore the quaint unsophisticated waterfront restaurants and bars after!

Day 8

Palm Island & Farewell

Perhaps an early morning cruise over to Palm Island, previously known as “Prune Island”, the new name reflects the hundreds of palm trees which line the beaches of this idyllic tropical paradise.

Palm Island is unique, the perfect Robinson Crusoe Island, with magnificent clear waters, palm trees and white sandy beaches. Enjoy a morning stroll and swim, before returning to your yacht for a lazy brunch, before your crew takes you to the Airport. Your memories of this adventure will live forever!

Some guests often like to commence in St Vincent, which is around 8 nautical miles north of Bequia. Nature lovers, scuba divers and hikers will all love St Vincent. Some great activities include, organised bus excursions to the Mesopotamia Valley, Owia Salt Pond, Dark View Falls, Vermont Nature Trail, or Fort Charlotte. Many tours will also incorporate locations that were used for the filming of the blockbuster movie Pirates of The Caribbean Curse of The Black Pearl. Sites and film sets can be enjoyed at Wallilabou and Black Point. For the more active guests, whether you feel like a short, easy stroll or want the challenge of a more strenuous treks, St.Vincent has something for you. Rewarding destinations include picturesque rivers and waterfalls such as Dark View Falls and Trinity Falls, as well as forest hikes such as the Vermont Nature Trail and the Cumberland Nature Trail. For many, a hiking trip to St Vincent would not be complete without a visit to the summit of the awe-inspiring La Soufriere volcano. Anchoring for the night off of Young Island cut is ideal! Many bars and restaurants line the shore, as well as world renowned Young Island Resort!