Saint Vincent and the Grenadines sailing itinerary

History

Before the arrival of Europeans, the islands were home to the Garifuna people, an Afro-Indigenous group with a distinct culture born out of a fusion of West African slaves who survived shipwrecks and intermingled with the native Caribs. Their fierce resistance to colonization is legendary, fending off both the Spanish and British for over 200 years. In fact, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that the British finally gained control, after a series of brutal battles and strategic alliances.

The main island of Saint Vincent, with its imposing La Soufrière volcano, played a crucial role in shaping the islands’ fortunes. Its eruptions, while deadly, also left behind rich volcanic soil that transformed the land into a hotspot for agriculture. During the colonial period, plantations thrived, with crops like sugar and arrowroot being shipped off to Europe. These plantations were powered by the labor of enslaved Africans, whose descendants today make up the majority of the population.

In the 1960s, Saint Vincent was the setting for the cult classic film Island in the Sun, starring Harry Belafonte. The movie brought a wave of Hollywood glamour to the islands, and while it may not have turned them into the next big thing, it certainly sparked a flicker of interest in their stunning beauty.

And let’s not forget the pirates! Long before Johnny Depp ever donned his tricorn hat, the waters around these islands were prowled by real pirates, using the many coves and hidden bays to stash their treasure. Blackbeard himself sailed these waters, although his ghostly treasure remains elusive to this day. The influence of these seafaring bandits still lingers, especially in the colourful maritime culture you’ll see in villages like Barrouallie, where traditional boat-building techniques have been passed down through generations.

The British influence remains, but it’s woven into a much larger blend of African, French, and Garifuna cultures. You’ll notice it in everything from the architecture of Kingstown’s churches to the cricket matches played on dusty pitches across the islands. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence in 1979, and the spirit of resistance that defined the Garifuna still prevail.

Today, the islands continue to evolve, with tourism playing a larger role in the economy. But it’s the local festivals, like the lively Nine Mornings Festival, where Vincentians celebrate Christmas with early morning caroling and street parties, that keep the community spirit alive and well.

Formalities

Boat Clearance

Clearance formalities for entry and exit from the islands of the Caribbean are mandatory for all pleasure boats, whether for personal or professional use, arriving or departing by sea. The clearance must be pre-filled online at https://www.sailclear.com/ before proceeding to the customs office. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, unlike other islands, all crew members must go to the customs office during both the entry and exit procedures.

Visa requirements for travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs

Other ressources

Topography

Sailing through Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a sailor’s playground, but it’s not without its challenges. The reliable trade winds offer consistent, brisk sailing, but the occasional gusts and sudden squalls mean sailors should always be cautious.

Keeping a reef in the sail might be wise here. Be sure to give a wide berth to Saint Vincent’s western coast — there’s a known wind shadow effect that can stall progress if you’re hugging the shore too closely. Heading south, the wind funnels through this passage between Saint Vincent and Bequia, posing a challenge with suddenly stronger winds.

As you continue into the Grenadines, the landscape shifts, offering more protected waters and smaller islands. Mustique, Canouan, and Union Island are popular stops, but beware of the reefs that lace the waters here, coral heads are scattered just beneath the surface. Some of these areas are marked by buoys, but a sharp lookout and slow progress are key to avoiding the reefs.

Safety

While Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is generally a safe sailing destination, it’s wise to lock up and stow gear securely when anchoring. There have been occasional reports of tender theft, so basic precautions go a long way in ensuring a peaceful stay.

Sailing season in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The Caribbean Sea is known for its tropical and semi-tropical climate, where warmth and humidity reigns. Year-round the region’s climate is shaped by the trade winds, which blow consistently from the east or northeast, helping to temper the heat while offering a steady breeze that has long been favoured by sailors.

Dry Season (December to May)

The dry season, from December to May, is characterised by warm, sunny days and cool nights. The skies are mostly clear, rainfall is minimal, and temperatures hover around a comfortable 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The sea remains warm, but the atmosphere feels lighter, the winds more reliable, and the danger of tropical storms subsides. This period sees consistent trade winds and minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for sailing.

Wet season (May to December)

This period sees an uptick in humidity, and with it, frequent, sometimes intense rainfall. While the downpours rarely last long, they can be fierce, particularly in the afternoons. Tropical storms and hurricanes are a significant feature of the Caribbean’s climate during this time.

Hurricanes

The official hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from 1 June to 30 November, but within that, there are variations. On rare occasions, hurricanes can occur as early as May. The hurricane season peaks between August and October.

These powerful systems develop over warm ocean waters, where sea temperatures soar to around 80°F (27°C) or higher in the summer months. These hurricanes move westward or northwestward, often gaining strength before barreling toward the islands, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain. The southern Caribbean islands, closer to South America, tend to be less affected by hurricanes, but they are not immune.

FAQ