The most frequently asked questions about planning a Grenadines vacation
Here we have links to the most frequently asked questions about all kinds of things concerning a sailing vacation in the Grenadines. If yours is not there please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask!
How do I get there
What to do and where to stay
Will my mobile phone work in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
What will the weather be like
Covid-19 requirements (opens in new window)
Does a yacht charter have to be a full week
When and where does a yacht charter start
Is the itinerary fixed
Will there be other people on the boat
How much are the other charges on a yacht charter
General questions about the Grenadines
How do I get there?
From the UK, Canada, and the United States: There are direct flights to St. Vincent’s new International airport (SVD):
| Direct Flights to St. Vincent | ||
|---|---|---|
| From | Airline | Day of the week |
| New York JFK | Caribbean Airlines | Wednesday |
| Miami | American Airlines | Saturday |
| Toronto | Air Canada | Thursday, Sunday |
| London (LHR) | Virgin Atlantic | Wednesday, Sunday |
| Port of Spain | Liat, Caribbean airlines | Daily |
| Barbados | Liat, Grenadine Air Alliance | Daily |
To get to the Grenadines you either meet your yacht right there in St. Vincent or if you combine your sailing trip with land accommodation you take the ferry (about 1hr) to Bequia.
Alternatively, especially from the UK: multiple airlines fly to Barbados (BGI) or St. Lucia (UVF). From there take the one-hour shared charter flight to Bequia or one of the other Grenadines. Rate for that shuttle per person including taxes for a return trip is surprisingly high, often even more than your international flight in $$$$
Or, (slightly cheaper), you can fly to St.Vincent from Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, or Puerto Rico. This will involve Liat, please do make sure you have at least a bathing suit and other essentials in your carry-on luggage.
From November through mid-April Condor airline has a charter flight to Grenada (GND) from Frankfurt which is very affordable.
What to do and where to stay?
If are unsure about chartering a yacht for a full week we highly recommend that you combine your sailing trip with land accommodation in Bequia. From there take a 1 way leisurely cruise South through the Grenadines, that way you still maximize the number of islands visited.
If you have enough time we recommend first staying some time in Bequia, then board the yacht of your choice and sail 1 way South to Grenada or Carriacou, spend some more time there on land.
will my mobile phone work in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Yes, it most probably will work. St. Vincent and the Grenadines feature 2 cellular networks: Flow, and Digicel. Both are GSM. Both companies provide 4G service. To be 100% sure please contact your mobile service provider, ask if you have roaming in your plan. Roaming charges can add up for data. Alternatively, if you have an unlocked/dual sim phone you can purchase a local prepaid SIM card, and buy a plan, 1GB of data, for example, is only $15 USD. Wifi is available in most hotels/bars/restaurants.
There are great talk anywhere plans available, where you just pay about $15 for 200 minutes calling the UK, USA, or Canada.
what will the weather be like?
Please see our current weather page for details.
Questions about yacht charters
Does a yacht charter have to be a full week?
Not at all, you could even charter a yacht for just 2 days!
When and where does a yacht charter start?
A yacht charter can start any day of the week anywhere in the Grenadines. However, if you don’t have a full week we do recommend taking a one-way trip South from St. Vincent or Bequia to Union Island or Canouan. From Union Island and Canouan, it is easy to fly back to Barbados or St. Lucia to catch your flight back home. There are also very affordable shuttle flights to St. Vincent.
Is there a fixed itinerary?
No, when you charter the yacht it is yours, weather and the chef permitting the itinerary is flexible! If you like a place a lot, you can choose to stay there as long as you like. One of the most popular spots is the Tobago Cays, only accessible by boat; many people spend more than one night there.
Will there be other people on the boat?
No, at the moment we only list private charters. So when you book the yacht it is yours for the duration of the trip, it will be you and your family/friends plus the crew.
How much will the other charges be for the not all-inclusive yachts?
At the moment there are obligatory mooring fees in Mustique of $80 per night, in St. Vincent of $20 per night, in St. Lucia Pitons of $25 per night. For years now there has been talk of implementing a mooring fee for the Tobago Cays, so far this has not materialized, however, you do pay a $4 per person park fee. Salt Whistle Bay in Mayreau is full of moorings as it is part of the Tobago Cays marine park. Fee is $25 per night. Anchoring in Saline Bay is free and much less crowded.
Current cruising tax fees are: In St. Lucia $30, St. Vincent $2 per person per day, and Grenada $50.
Clearance fees are applicable if you leave one country and enter another one. They vary, count on about $75.
Bar on some yachts is not included. Bar prices are very reasonable.
Gratuities are not included in the charter price, they are at your discretion. 10-20% of the charter fee is customary and much appreciated, but some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping…
We’ll be happy to answer any additional questions you might have, please contact us and ask!