The GRENADINES
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The Grenadines are an archipelago, a chain of small islands, sometimes just cays, belonging partially to Grenada and partially to St. Vincent (officially called St. Vincent and the Grenadines.) Those islands are accessible from St. Vincent, from Grenada and from nearby Martinique by small planes or boats. But travel agencies from other islands also organize trips to the Grenadines. Some of those islands, like Bequia or Union islands are hilly and the topography is similar to the mother islands of St. Vincent and Grenada. But others are just a different world: Atolls, shallow turquoise waters and flat coral cays give the impression of being in the South Pacific! |
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The biggest islands are Bequia, Mustique, Union Island, Canouan, the Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Palm Island (all belonging to St. Vincent), plus Carriacou and Petite Martinique ( belonging to Grenada). Some of those islands have a small airport,- Bequia, Canouan, Mustique, Union island and Carriacou - others are just smaller cays. This fascinating island chain is constantly visited by sailors from all over the word. Lots of visitors spend their holidays sailing in the perfectly transparent waters of those islands and cays. All the islands and cays are surrounded by fringing coral reefs, offering a quiet mooring place. |
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Sailing, diving and snorkeling are the main activities practiced in the Grenadines. The turquoise sea offers plenty of coral and sea life for divers and snorkelers, with reefs reaching in many places to the surface. Not surprisingly, smaller cruise ships and day excursion catamarans constantly sail between the islands. Best excursion is Captain Yanis, with his catamarans leaving from Union Islands. You will spend the day sailing between islands and cays, stop at three places for snorkeling and enjoy a great meal and drinks on board. And of course, the bigger islands all harbor charter companies if you want to spend a holiday on a private boat.You can also charter boats in St. Vincent, Martinique or Grenada, the nearest big islands. |
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As for lifestyle in the Grenadines, it just depends on what island you will stay. In Mustique and Canouan, there are luxury hotels and restaurants. Mustique is a long time destination of British royalty, with two top class hotels and limited access for us normal folks. This is also true for very small, privately owned islands like Petit St. Vincent or Palm Island, which are not much more then a luxury resort with beach and moorings. Non guests can book for lunch. Other islands, like Carriacou, Union Islands offer from decent to comfortable small hotels, with bare foot beach bars for partying in simple and relaxed way. In Bequia, you will find a little bit of both: Luxury and unsophisticated lifestyle with lots of sailing crowds. |
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Islands like Canouan, Bequia and Union island have some supermarkets, but don't expect much: Better get fresh fish or lobster from small local markets if you rent a place to stay. Better even, fish it yourself! Sometimes though, some luxury products from Martinique land on some beach...
And for prices, again, it depends on the island. Luxury hotels cost the same everywhere, the same for top class restaurants to be found on Bequia, Canouan, Mustique and private islands. But for the rest, the Grenadines are not expensive, if you are willing to attach more importance to the natural beauty and the sportive atmosphere than to high life. But your private plane is welcome!
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Evidently, the Grenadines are a world for sailors, divers, snorkelers and people who want to spend their whole day on the water, enjoying this exceptionally beautiful archipelago in the Caribbean. It's like the South Pacific, but nearer to home. Don't expect high rise hotels or time share units. Some islands like Canouan have facilities for other sports like golf, on other islands you can't even rent a car. But you probably won't need one, as some are very small and people move around with a boat. If you are a water person, you will enjoy the Grenadines. And if a whole holiday seems to long, there are always the day charter tours and of course, your private yacht.
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