The Best Anchorages in the Grenadines: A Skipper's Guide
Sailing south through the Grenadines offers some of the finest cruising grounds in the Caribbean, with short passages between islands and a diverse choice of overnight spots. Having sailed SVG for over two decades, we have dropped anchor in every bay and cove along this chain. Here is our personal shortlist of favourite anchorages from St Vincent to Union Island, along with practical notes on holding, swell, and shelter.
Northern Anchorages: Bequia and Mustique
Admiralty Bay in Bequia remains the quintessential Caribbean anchorage and our usual first stop after departing Blue Lagoon. Tucking in close to Princess Margaret Beach offers excellent holding in clean sand at depths of five to nine metres, well protected from the prevailing trade winds. The bay provides easy dinghy access to waterfront restaurants, local fruit vendors, and shore-side facilities, making it as convenient as it is scenic.
Britannia Bay on Mustique offers a distinctly different atmosphere, set against manicured estate hillsides. Mooring balls are managed by the island company to protect the seabed, providing secure moorings in typical easterly conditions, though light swell can roll in during north-westerly winter systems. Ashore, a quiet stroll leads to Basil's Bar for sunset drinks over the water, offering a relaxed and sophisticated evening stop.
The Heart of the Chain: Mayreau and the Tobago Cays
Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau is justly celebrated for its crescent of white sand and turquoise water fringed by coconut palms. Holding is good in sand, though the anchorage is compact and fills quickly by mid-afternoon during peak charter season. For maximum shelter, drop anchor well inside the northern hook, or if the bay is full, consider Saline Bay just around the corner, which offers wider swinging room and steady holding.
The Tobago Cays Marine Park is the highlight of any charter in these waters, where yachts anchor behind the protection of the vast Horseshoe Reef. Holding is dependable in soft sand between three and five metres, but because the low-lying cays offer little windbreak, you will experience the full force of the trade winds across the deck while resting in calm, flat water. For a memorable daytime excursion, take the dinghy out towards the uninhabited sand spit of Petit Tabac for pristine snorkelling.
Southern Highlights: Union Island and Beyond
Chatham Bay on Union Island is one of the most tranquil and well-sheltered anchorages in the entire Grenadines. Backed by steep, undeveloped green hills on the island's western lee, it provides complete shelter from easterly swell with excellent holding in sand and mud at four to eight metres. It is an ideal place to drop anchor for a peaceful evening, with a handful of rustic beach bars offering fresh lobster dinners right on the sand.
Whether you are planning a bareboat charter, hiring a skipper, or booking a fully crewed yacht, our team are always on hand to help you plan your itinerary and arrange your charter details.