Caribbean Cruising '22: Gorgeous Grenadines

Suzanna Pinder on 09 March 2022
I love the The Grenadines, the small chain of reefs and islands running between St Vincent and Grenada. With over 30 islands in total but only 9 or so inhabited, it is not hard to find a secluded spot and can often feel like you’re living on the edge of the earth, with only a reef separating you from the wild Atlantic!

Many people will have heard of Mustique, holiday destination to the rich, famous and royals. Hiring a golf buggy is a great way to explore, with rewards of fabulous views and beautiful beaches, such as my favourite, Macaroni Beach on the wild west coast. No visit to Mustique would be complete without an evening at Basils Bar, enjoying cocktails and dinner overlooking the beautiful Britannia Bay as the sun goes down.

On Union Island we were treated to daily spectacles of kite surfers zipping across Clifton Bay and discovered some lovely cycles and walks around the island, over to Chatham Bay and Sparrows Beach Bar at Richmond Bay. A very laid back and quiet island.

Mayreu and the Tobago Cays should always be a stop when touring The Grenadines. Saltwhistle Bay on Mayreu is a quintessential Caribbean anchorage - a beautiful white sand crescent beach, dotted with casual beach bars and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. Walking up the hill to the quaint little church is a must for the magnificent views over The Tobago Cays.

The uninhabited Tobago Cays are a real treat of picture perfect white sand beaches and turquoise waters, teaming with turtles and colourful marine life. A fabulous place for snorkelling and at night, for magical skies filled with endless stars. This really is an ‘edge of the earth’ destination!

Bequia is one of my favourite islands, offering a wonderful balance of laid back charm mixed with vibrant shops and bustling bars and restaurants. Taking an open backed 4WD taxi tour, we learnt so much about the history of the island. We also visited The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, The Bequia Beach Hotel at Friendship Bay and were wowed by stunning views at every turn. Being there on a Sunday, we enjoyed a perfect afternoon soaking up the scene on Princess Margaret Beach. A great spot for people watching, with locals parading along the beach, relaxing over picnics with family and friends and afterwards, chilling with sundowners at Jacks bar as the sun set over Admiralty Bay.

I could go on, Canouan, Petite Martinique, Petite St Vincent, Palm Island… there are so many fabulous islands to visit, whether you are visiting by yacht, ferry or plane, a visit to The Grenadines should be included on everyone’s bucket list!

This article was published as part of a series ‘Caribbean Cruising 2022’:

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