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Home , Bequia, Grenada

7 Day Itinerary Suggestion for the – St Lucia to The Windward Isles

Lie back and soak up the sun’s warmth or dive into a of euphoric suspended animation where jewel-like fish flit through glittering coral gardens. Race off for an invigorating day’s sail in the trade winds and drop anchor for the perfect lazy evening with a cocktail from paradise. Your options are as numerous as the islands themselves…

The chain of Caribbean islands sweeps southwards in an arc, creating stepping-stones from Florida to . At the northern tip are the . Then it’s the from to , scattered over 150 miles.

Further south to the exotic terrain and dramatic anchorages of the Windward Isles, stretching from to Grenada. The big islands of St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenada are all volcanic, lush, and mountainous — fabulous for hiking and treks ashore. The , strung out between St Vincent and Grenada have melodic sounding names such as , , , and don’t forget Petit St Vincent, better known as PSV. The livin’ here is easy. No big marinas, so anchoring out is the way to go. Itinerary Summary

DAY LOCATION DISTANCE

1 St Lucia, Marigot Bay -

2 Marigot Bay > The Pitons 10nm

3 The Pitons > St Vincent 35nm

4 St Vincent > Bequia 20nm

5 Bequia > Mustique 15nm

6 Mustique > Canouan 15nm

7 Canouan > Cays > Mayreau 8nm

8 Mayreau > Grenada 35nm Day 1

St Lucia- Marigot Bay

OVERVIEW In natural beauty, St Lucia seems like an island plucked from the South Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal peaks, the Pitons soar 2,000 feet up SEE & DO Embark in Marigot Bay, one of from the sea, sheltering magnificent rain forests where wild St Lucia's most beautiful spots, surrounded orchids, giant ferns, and birds of paradise flourish. St Lucia has by forested mountains, waterfalls, secret been inhabited since long before colonial times, and its cultural coves and long, lazy sandy beaches. Enjoy treasures are a fascinating melange of its rich past and its many swimming, snorkelling, and diving in the clear different traditions. The island's people have earned a well- waters. If love a hike in nature, head to deserved reputation for their warmth and charm. Millet Bird Sanctuary for a wander with the possibility of a guided tour. Or simply let the rich and colourful Creole culture sink in through the music, dance and tempting island cuisine.

DINE On board, or try The Rainforest Hideaway

OVERNIGHT At anchor.

4 Day 2

Marigot Bay > The Pitons (10nm)

OVERVIEW In the south, Soufrière is at the heart of a stunning expanse of old plantations, secluded beaches and the wonder of the Pitons. Of volcanic origin, the anomalous, majestic peaks of SEE & DO The community of Fond Gens the Pitons tower more than half a mile above sea level. A Libre, or ‘free people of the valley’, have a UNESCO World Heritage site, they are undoubtedly the island’s settlement at the base of Gros Piton that most photographed feature. dates back to the 1700s, and many of their descendants still live in the town and serve as hiking guides. Explore Gros Piton and Petit Piton which shelter several bird species, giant ferns and wild orchids. Locals describe this ‘Soufriere’ as the world's only drive- in . Peruse the open-air markets for tropical fruits & vegetables (St Lucia grows its own banana, coconut, mango and papaya), and native crafts. Or simply relax on the beach! DINE On board, or at Sandals Regency Golf Resort & Spa, Ladera Resort, The Cap Maison, The Calabash Cove Resort

OVERNIGHT At anchor.

5 Day 3

The Pitons > St Vincent (35nm)

OVERVIEW St Vincent is the first and largest of the Grenadine Islands (a single nation comprising of 32 islands & cays), so it’s often called the gateway to the Grenadines. It is one of the SEE & DO Set off early for St Vincent and quietest and most unpretentious of the Caribbean islands arrive in time for lunch. Drop anchor in a although the Vincentians, or colloquially Vincies, were excited secluded bay and enjoy a morning of water about their island featuring in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film sports or total relaxation. The crew can put around Wallilabou Anchorage. It also boasts the oldest botanical together a beach picnic for you and devise gardens in the western hemisphere and is one of the few places some games if you feel inclined. in the world that has black as well as white-sand beaches. You could visit the botanical gardens if you . feel like venturing inland, before enjoying a sundowner on the aft deck…

DINE On board or try the Sapodilla Room at the historic Grenadine House or The French Verandah

OVERNIGHT At anchor.

6 Day 4

St Vincent > Bequia (20nm)

OVERVIEW The first link in the chain of Grenadine islands that runs between the 2 island states of St. Vincent and Grenada, Bequia (pronounced ‘beck-way’) is just 17 square kilometres in SEE & DO Walk along the Belmont size, but boasts real character. Its seclusion has ensured it has Walkway to the Frangipani Hotel. Amid a retained its age-old traditions and charm. Admiralty Bay is one of tangle of tropical foliage, in town midway the Caribbean's most protected natural harbours, surrounded by along the busy waterfront promenade, the steep verdant hills behind which you’ll find Port Elizabeth, the small, classic -styled Frangipani island’s capital. Here you can just relax on the pristine beaches is steeped in local history. Once home to and wind down to the Caribbean pace of life. Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell and still owned by his family, this appealing property resembles a New whaler's home with its cedar shake and pale blue shutters. The beaches here are excellent - long white and sandy, providing great areas for snorkelling, swimming and diving.

DINE On board or at one of the local restaurants. Lobster, chicken, and steaks, mahimahi, kingfish, and grouper are always to be found on the menu.

OVERNIGHT At anchor or in port.

7 Day 5

Bequia > Mustique (15nm)

OVERVIEW With a colourful history dating back to the 15th Century, Mustique was a favourite hiding place for pirates with their ships and treasure, before being cultivated with sugar SEE & DO Cruise over to Mustique first plantations by the Europeans. For years it was the most private thing after breakfast. There is a wealth of of private islands, where access in was by approval only, but activities available, from tennis, nature walks today it is actually by a cooperative corporation of and equestrian trails, to diving, beach shareholding homeowners from 17 different countries who are relaxation and shopping. The main night spot dedicated to preserving the island’s natural beauty. There are no here is ‘Basil’s Bar’, where you’ll find anyone visible power, telephone, or water lines and the houses don’t rise who is anyone enjoying a sundowner. above the tree line…It is truly beautiful.

DINE Basil’s Bar and the Cotton House, to relax and enjoy the bar, restaurant and spa.

OVERNIGHT At anchor.

8 Day 6

Mustique > Canouan (15nm)

OVERVIEW The tiny island of Canouan, part of the St. Vincent and Grenadines chain, offers everything that you might hope from a Caribbean paradise: secluded turquoise lagoons, warm SEE & DO Set sail for Canouan whenever waters, white sands, verdant flora and a vibrant, contoured you are ready. Relax on the beach, enjoy a interior. The island also has one of the Caribbean’s longest massage at the spa or practice your swing at barrier reefs. The main attraction is the Pink Sands Club, the golf club – some of the more leisurely complete with a stunning golf course, spa and a choice of pursuits above the waves. restaurants. If you wish, you can take a stroll through the streets of Charlestown, a classic old-time Caribbean town, and the island's only village centre.

DINE At the Pink Sands Club.

OVERNIGHT At anchor.

9 Day 7

Canouan > Tobago Cays > Mayreau (8nm)

OVERVIEW Not to be confused with Tobago (which is part of Trinidad), the Tobago Cays are located near the southernmost part of the Grenadines, midway between St. Vincent and SEE & DO Explore the beach and reefs of Grenada. Known as the “Jewel in ” of the Grenadines, the Tobago Cays. The Horseshoe Reef has a the cays consist of 5 small, totally uninhabited islands ringed diameter of about 3 kilometres and is with coral reefs: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradol, Petit teeming with corals and tropical fish of every Tobac and Jamesby. The smallest inhabited island of the kind. It is really spectacular! On calm days, it Grenadines, just 4 square kilometres with a population of about is possible to anchor your boat just inside the 300, Mayreau (pronounced my-row) is just a stone’s throw from reef, leaving it as the only obstacle between the Tobago Cays. you and Africa. Them on to Saltwhistle Bay in Mayreau, a perfect half-moon fringed with white sand and palm trees with extraordinary views of the windward side of the Caribbean. There is a delightful resort hotel that offers cocktails and dining under the stars in the evening. DINE On board or at Salt Whistle Bay Club

OVERNIGHT At anchor in Salt Whistle Bay

10 Day 8 Day, Date Month, Year

Mayreau > Grenada (35nm)

OVERVIEW Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant trees and rare tropical flowers. Dotted with picturesque towns, Grenada is known as ‘the Spice Island’ since SEE & DO Set off first thing for Grenada. If it has long been a major source of , cloves, ginger, you have time, wander around picturesque cinnamon, and cocoa. The seductive scents drift through the St George with its little shops. Visit the colourful Saturday markets! fragrant spice market and pick up some You’ll also find beautiful, palm fringed beaches, seductive coves to take home, or enjoy one last swim and a choice of excellent restaurants and resorts. or shot at some water sports before you make your way homeward.

DINE The crew will prepare a farewell brunch for you before you depart!

NB This itinerary is a suggestion only with distances and timings dependent on weather conditions. Any itinerary is flexible within reason and can be changed either in advance of or during the charter itself with the guidance of the Captain. The main thing is to sketch out a general plan in order to ensure the right berths, restaurant and activities are booked if desired.

11 Good to know…

CLIMATE CURRENCY The Caribbean enjoys a tropical , moderated by trade winds. The US is used in the US and and is widely Temperatures vary little throughout the year: typical highs are around accepted throughout the Caribbean. The is used in , 32ºC (89ºF) and lows around 25ºC (77ºF). The hurricane season runs Martinique, St Barths and St Martin. The Guilder in St Maarten. from June to October and the wettest months on average are September The is used in all the other islands. to early December. The best time to visit is mid-December through to April when it is the driest, with low humidity and pleasantly cool nights. HEATH & SAFETY You may find the following website helpful: http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/mamerica_carib/index.php

GUIDELINES, VAT & REGULATIONS FLIGHTS & TRANSPORTATION Generally speaking, the prevailing sea conditions make it better to cruise The main airports used are: : Princess Juliana Int. (SXM) from north to south and from east to west. : V.C. Bird Int. (ANU) Tortola: Terrence B. Lettsome Int.(EIS), St Charters starting in the Caribbean are not subject to VAT, except in Lucia: Hewanorra Int. (UVF), Grenada: Int. (GND) Guadeloupe or Martinique. NB: Jet skis and waverunners (PWC) are prohibited in the BVIs, Anguilla, VISAS & ENTRY FORMALITIES St Vincent & the Grenadines and Grenada. Please ensure that you travel with a valid and verify any visa requirements for the islands you plan to visit. The following site may be helpful: http://www.projectvisa.com/regions/Caribbean Please note that many Caribbean Islands charge a minimal departure tax UTC / GMT minus 4 when you leave. Bon voyage…