Overview
The Grenadines route runs south with the trade winds — the most comfortable direction. Fly into St Lucia, charter at Rodney Bay, and sail southward to Grenada for a one-way charter. The passages are longer than the BVI (typically 20–40nm) which keeps the anchorages beautifully uncrowded.
Day by day
Day 1 — Rodney Bay, St Lucia: Prepare the boat. Day sail to Soufrière Bay (20nm) — anchor beneath the twin Pitons, one of the Caribbean's most dramatic settings. Day 2 — Soufrière to Bequia (35nm): Overnight or long day sail to Admiralty Bay, Bequia — the most charming harbour in the Grenadines. Day 3 — Day in Bequia: Explore the island, visit the turtle sanctuary at Park Bay. Day 4 — Bequia to Mustique (15nm): A short sail to the private island. Anchor in Britannia Bay; visit Basil's Bar ashore. Day 5 — Mustique to Tobago Cays (20nm): The centrepiece of the Grenadines. Anchor inside the horseshoe reef and spend the afternoon snorkeling — turtles, eagle rays, extraordinary coral. Day 6 — Day in Tobago Cays. Arrive early to find the best spot; spend a full day on the reef. Day 7 — Tobago Cays to Carriacou (25nm): Hillsborough Bay, Carriacou — traditional boat-building island. Day 8 — Carriacou to Petite Martinique (5nm): The smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines; one excellent restaurant. Day 9 — Petite Martinique to Grenada (30nm): Prickly Bay or St George's harbour. Day 10: Return the boat.
Key anchorages
Soufrière Bay (St Lucia) — dramatic, recommended mooring balls rather than anchoring. Admiralty Bay (Bequia) — excellent holding, good dinghy dock. Tobago Cays — arrive 0900 for best choice inside the reef. Tyrrel Bay (Carriacou) — best hurricane hole in the Grenadines.
Provisioning & marinas
Provision fully at Rodney Bay (St Lucia) — the best supermarkets on the route. Re-provision at Bequia or St George's (Grenada). Budget for mooring balls ($15–$25/night) at most Grenadines anchorages — free anchoring is restricted in many parks. Tobago Cays park fee: $10/person/day.