Photo: Chris Jones ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
Trade winds, reefs and turtles.
The Grenadines are a string of small islands between St Vincent and Grenada where the trade wind blows steadily and there is real open-sea swell between stops. It means more sailing than the Virgin Islands and fewer people. The heart of the route is the Tobago Cays: five uninhabited islets behind a horseshoe reef, with turtles grazing right under the boat.
- The Tobago Cays and the turtle sanctuary off Baradal
- Bequia, the island of whalers and model-boat builders
- A lobster barbecue on the beach at Mayreau
- Steady 15–20 knot trade winds almost every day
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Handover
St Vincent and boarding
Fly into Argyle, a 20-minute drive to Blue Lagoon marina. Boat handover, provisioning and an evening route briefing.
Overnight: Yacht, Blue Lagoon marina - DAY 2 · 9 nautical miles
Bequia and Admiralty Bay
A first crossing of the Bequia Channel: 9 miles of reaching with a lively sea. Anchor in Admiralty Bay, walk the Port Elizabeth waterfront and swim at Princess Margaret beach.
Overnight: Yacht, Admiralty Bay - DAY 3 · 14 nautical miles
Mustique, the private island
A 14-mile beat to Mustique. Mooring in Britannia Bay, a walk around the island and an evening at Basil’s Bar on its stilts.
Overnight: Yacht, Britannia Bay - DAY 4 · 12 nautical miles
South to Canouan
A 12-mile broad reach to Charlestown Bay on Canouan. Afternoon snorkelling on the reef along the north shore and the first proper swim off the stern.
Overnight: Yacht, Charlestown Bay - DAY 5 · 8 nautical miles
The Tobago Cays
A short hop to Horseshoe Reef. Anchor between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau, snorkel with turtles off Baradal, and a beach barbecue cooked by the local boat vendors.
Overnight: Yacht, Tobago Cays - DAY 6 · 35 nautical miles
Mayreau, Union and back north
A morning at Saltwhistle Bay on Mayreau and lunch off Union Island. Then a long 30-mile run back north to Bequia.
Overnight: Yacht, Admiralty Bay - DAY 7 · 9 nautical miles
Back to Blue Lagoon
An early start and the 9 miles back to St Vincent. Boat return and a farewell dinner ashore.
Overnight: Yacht, Blue Lagoon marina - DAY 8 · Transfer
Departure
Breakfast and transfer to Argyle airport.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
Double cabin on a 40–45 ft catamaran
A professional skipper
Breakfasts and lunches on board
Transfer from Argyle airport to Blue Lagoon
Snorkelling kit
End-of-charter cleaning and linen
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Kitty for dinners ashore, fuel, moorings and water
Tobago Cays Marine Park fee
Single-cabin supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Best for those who have sailed at least once or simply cope well with the sea: there are 3–4 hour upwind legs with swell. Ivan gathers the group beforehand and explains how watches and deck work are shared.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase
- Shoes with clean, non-slip soles
- Sun and wind protection, and a light rain layer
- Personal essentials suited to your experience at sea
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.