The Grenadines

The Grenadines form a chain of islands and cays extending south from Bequia to Petit Saint Vincent. Distances between stops are short, often allowing for day passages between islands.

Facilities vary from island to island: Bequia and Union Island have the widest range of shops and services, while smaller cays may offer little ashore beyond day‑stop access from nearby anchorages or moorings. Some bays have marinas or organised mooring fields, but many crews spend most of their time at anchor.

Tobago Cays Marine Park, a major attraction in the area, incorporates several anchorages and mooring areas behind Horseshoe Reef, with marked seagrass and reef zones where turtles and other marine life are frequently seen by visiting crews.

Fort Hamilton in Bequia overlooks Admiralty Bay and is reached by a short walk from Port Elizabeth, where the waterfront brings together most of the island’s small shops, bars and service businesses used by cruising yachts, making it a natural place to stretch your legs ashore. Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau is a sheltered anchorage with a curved sandy beach, beach bars and small stalls ashore, and an easy walk over the hill to the island’s village and a great kitesurifing beach.

Although inter‑island hops are short, trades and squalls can funnel across the reefs, so exposure and lee‑shore risk need regular reassessment, with extra room and closer watch in busy anchorages around the Cays, Mayreau and Canouan.

Tobago Cays Marine Park uses moorings and sand patches, and skippers are expected to avoid anchoring in coral or seagrass, respect no‑fishing rules, brief crews not to touch wildlife, and keep dinghy speeds low near snorkelling areas.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Port Elizabeth ★ 5.0 Bequia Anchoring is straightforward with good holding over sand. The bay features ample dinghy docks, enhancing access to shore. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, with local services providing food and groceries delivered directly to boats.
	Petit Nevis ★ 4.8 Bequia A peaceful anchorage features excellent holding in sandy ground with opportunities for snorkeling. Visitors noted good visibility of marine life and calm conditions for overnight stays, making it a desirable, tranquil location. Amenities for pets at the site were also mentioned.
	Point Bay, Bequia ★ 4.6 Bequia Anchoring here is quieter with good holding in sand spots, though it is more exposed than other nearby bays. Access to local dinghy docks and facilities is convenient. Expect occasional wakes from ferries and local boats during the day.
	Princess Margaret Bay ★ 4.6 Bequia Anchoring is reliable with soft sand and clear water. Visitors appreciate the good holding and nearby amenities for dining and shopping, though they advise checking the anchor frequently due to wind conditions. The beach offers opportunities for snorkeling and relaxation.
	Mopion Island ★ 4.4 Anchoring is challenging due to quickly shallow depths and rocky or coral bottoms. Approaching the island is advised via the western side, especially during low tide. Visitors can expect decent snorkeling experiences despite some coral die-off.
	Chatham Bay ★ 4.3 Union Chatham Bay features a sandy bottom with good holding depth between 4 to 6 meters. Gusty winds are common, and several visitors had strong gusts impacting their anchorage experience. The bay is noted for its friendly local community and a few informal dining options.
	Charlestown Bay North, Canouan ★ 4.3 Canouan The anchorage offers good holding, but conditions can be gusty and rolly. Visitors appreciate the friendly locals and the availability of services, such as trash disposal and fresh water. The bay provides calm waters, although swell can occur.
	Tobago Cays ★ 4.3 Tobago Cays The anchorage offers clear waters teeming with marine life including turtles and rays. Conditions can be rolly at times, influenced by tides and wind, with park fees reported to have increased. Many visitors noted both the beauty of the setting and varying experiences with swell.
	Frigate Island ★ 4.1 Union Anchoring is available in a protected bay with sand and turtle grass. Visitors report good holding but caution regarding wrap-around swell and shallow areas. Local engagement is possible, but there are significant cleanliness issues on the island.
	Saline Bay, Mayreau ★ 4.0 Mayreau A tranquil bay with good holding and easy island access. Visitors appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity for hiking and local experiences. However, some noted issues with local boat traffic and nearby noise.

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Marinas

Sandy Lane Yacht Club ★ 4.7 Canouan Facilities at the marina are praised for their cleanliness, ample amenities, and helpful staff. Multiple Reviews mention power issues with electrical connections, yet overall service experiences appear positive. The location is attractive but noted to be sparsely populated.

Moorings

	Sustainable Grenadines ★ 4.6 Union Multiple mooring buoys are available and have been checked for sturdiness. Conditions are favorable for activities like kiteboarding and snorkeling. Some missing buoys were reported, with local support for preserving turtle grass.
	Tenuta Resort Mooring Bouys ★ 4.6 Union Anchorage is described as peaceful with good holding amid some gusts. The resort facilitates meals in exchange for mooring fees, enhancing the experience. Visitors praised the friendly staff and quality food, while cautioning about submerged hazards near the buoys.
	Admiralty Bay ★ 4.5 Bequia Mooring services are available. Visitors reported helpful assistance for mooring and local tour arrangements. Boat traffic from ferries is noted throughout the day.
	Salt Whistle Bay. ★ 4.4 Mayreau Mooring services are provided in an attractive bay known for its scenic beauty. Some boat boys are present but interactions are generally not overly pushy. Visitors should be prepared for loud music from nearby beach bars, particularly on Sunday mornings.
	Baradal-Tobago Cays Marine Park ★ 4.3 Tobago Cays Mooring balls are well-maintained and offer easy access to numerous turtles. Wind conditions can result in a rolly experience. Visitors report excellent snorkeling, but close mooring can lead to tight quarters among vessels.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

	DockSide Marine ★ 4.9 Bequia Jordan and the staff consistently provide friendly and knowledgeable service. The store is well stocked with a variety of marine products, making it easy for visitors to find hard-to-locate parts. The atmosphere is clean and well organized, enhancing the shopping experience.
	piper marine store ★ 2.0 Bequia Price discrepancies were noted, with one visitor stating that line costs were three times higher than a competitor. Additionally, concerns were raised about transparency, as nothing was marked. Sentiments about the owner's friendliness were expressed, but experiences varied.

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: