Grenada Yacht Charters: The Spice Island and Beyond
Grenada offers a particularly rewarding combination of Caribbean sailing, natural beauty and island culture. Known as the Spice Island for its nutmeg, cinnamon and other tropical crops, this green and mountainous country has attractive beaches, sheltered bays and a colourful capital in St George's.
For sailors, Grenada is also the southern gateway to the Grenadines, one of the Caribbean's most celebrated cruising grounds. A yacht charter can combine time exploring Grenada itself with passages north to Carriacou, Petite Martinique and, with sufficient time, the islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Whether you prefer a bareboat charter, a yacht with a skipper or a fully crewed sailing holiday, Grenada offers an appealing balance between relaxed island exploration and more adventurous sailing.
An Island Worth Exploring
Grenada is much more than a convenient starting point for a cruise through the Windward Islands. Its mountainous interior is covered in tropical vegetation, with waterfalls, spice plantations and rainforest trails offering plenty of reasons to spend time ashore.
St George's is one of the Caribbean's most picturesque capitals, its colourful buildings rising around a natural harbour. The town's markets, historic fortifications and lively waterfront give visitors an opportunity to experience Grenadian life beyond the beaches and resorts.
Along the southwest coast, Grand Anse Beach is a particular attraction, while the southern shoreline is indented with bays that have become popular with visiting yachts. Many have waterfront restaurants and easy access to local communities, making them pleasant places to relax before or after a longer passage.
A Different Caribbean Experience
One of Grenada's attractions is its distinctive local character. Although tourism is well established, the island retains a strong sense of its agricultural, maritime and cultural traditions.
English and French influences remain visible in place names, architecture and local history. Music, food and festivals are an important part of everyday life, while the island's markets offer everything from fresh tropical produce to the spices for which Grenada is famous.
This character extends north to Carriacou and Petite Martinique, where traditional boatbuilding and fishing remain important parts of island life. The atmosphere is quieter and the pace less hurried, providing a pleasing contrast with the more developed centres of the Caribbean.
A Gateway to the Grenadines
For many charterers, Grenada's greatest attraction is its position at the southern end of the Grenadines cruising area. A northbound voyage takes you first to Carriacou, with its clear water, sandy beaches and sheltered anchorages.
Beyond lie Union Island, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays, where small islands, coral reefs and brilliant turquoise water create some of the Caribbean's most memorable cruising scenery. With more time available, a charter can extend to Canouan, Mustique and Bequia.
The passages between these islands are rewarding, although the prevailing trade winds can make northbound sailing more demanding than the return journey. Allowing sufficient time for favourable weather and unhurried exploration is an important part of planning a successful Grenada charter.
Bareboat, Skippered and Crewed Yacht Charters
Grenada is particularly appealing to sailors who enjoy open-water passages as well as quiet anchorages. Bareboat monohulls and catamarans are available, with catamarans especially popular for their comfortable living spaces and shallow draught.
For those who would prefer not to take responsibility for navigation and handling, a professional skipper can be arranged on suitable bareboat yachts. Fully crewed charter yachts offer another option, with permanent professional crews providing a more comprehensive onboard service.
At Sail Connections we will compare suitable yachts and departure bases to help you make the most of your available charter time.
Sailing Grenada: Cruising Grounds and Charter Bases
Grenada lies at the southern end of the Windward Islands, approximately 100 nautical miles north of Trinidad. The country comprises the main island of Grenada, Carriacou, Petite Martinique and several smaller islands, providing an attractive cruising area in its own right.
The principal yacht charter bases are around St George's and the sheltered bays of the southern coast. From here, itineraries can focus on Grenada's local anchorages or extend north through the Grenadines, depending on the length of charter and the crew's experience.
Grenada's Charter Bases
Port Louis Marina, close to St George's, is a major departure point for yacht charters, offering modern marina facilities and convenient access to the capital. Other charter operations may use marinas around the southern coast, including the areas of Clarkes Court Bay and Secret Harbour. The actual departure base depends on the operator and yacht selected.
Maurice Bishop International Airport is on the southwest peninsula, within convenient travelling distance of these principal sailing centres.
Cruising the Southern Coast
The southern coast of Grenada has a succession of deeply indented bays offering a variety of anchorages and marina facilities. Prickly Bay, Mount Hartman Bay, Clarkes Court Bay and neighbouring waters are familiar names to Caribbean sailors.
These bays provide opportunities for swimming, visiting waterfront restaurants and exploring the surrounding coastline. They also offer useful sheltered locations for preparing a yacht before heading north, although the suitability of individual anchorages depends on the weather and sea conditions.
A charter focused on Grenada alone can provide an enjoyable combination of short coastal passages, relaxing anchorages and excursions inland.
North to Carriacou and Petite Martinique
The passage north from Grenada to Carriacou is one of the longer legs in a typical Grenadines itinerary, generally requiring most of a sailing day. The route passes the smaller islands off Grenada's northern coast, with limited opportunities for sheltered stops along the way.
Carriacou rewards the journey with a different pace of life and some beautiful anchorages. Tyrell Bay is a well-known yachting centre, while Sandy Island and Anse La Roche are among the area's attractions. Petite Martinique lies a little further east and is a small island with strong maritime traditions.
These islands are part of Grenada, so a passage from the main island to Carriacou does not normally involve international customs clearance.
Exploring St Vincent and the Grenadines
North of Carriacou lies the independent country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Union Island is a natural first stop for yachts arriving from Grenada, with Clifton Harbour providing facilities for customs and immigration clearance.
Beyond Union Island are Mayreau and the Tobago Cays, renowned for their beautiful anchorages, coral reefs and clear turquoise waters. These islands are popular destinations for charters beginning in Grenada, although the longer passages and prevailing trade winds need to be considered when planning an itinerary.
For a more comprehensive guide to cruising these islands, including Canouan, Mustique and Bequia, see our Martinique, St Lucia & the Grenadines destination guide, which explores the wider Windward Islands cruising area and the possibilities for longer north-to-south sailing itineraries.
Choosing a Grenada Sailing Itinerary
A one-week charter can include Grenada, Carriacou and some of the southern Grenadines, although this involves several substantial passages and allows relatively little time at each destination.
With 10 to 14 days available, the itinerary becomes much more relaxed. There is time to explore Grenada before travelling north, enjoy several of the Grenadines and return without feeling pressured by a fixed schedule.
For longer holidays, a one-way charter between Grenada and St Vincent or another permitted departure base may be worth considering. Availability, cross-border permissions and possible relocation charges depend on the charter operator.
Sailing Conditions Around Grenada
Grenada enjoys warm tropical conditions throughout the year, with sea temperatures suitable for swimming and snorkelling in every season. The main sailing season generally runs from December through to May, when the northeast and easterly trade winds are well established.
During this period, winds commonly range from 15 to 25 knots, although stronger conditions occur. The open passages between the islands can develop a lively sea, particularly when sailing north against the trade winds and prevailing current.
From June through November, winds are often lighter and more variable, with higher humidity and increased rainfall. This period also coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. While Grenada's southerly location has historically offered some advantage, serious storms remain possible and charter availability can be restricted.
Sailors should also be aware of reefs, local currents and the need for careful navigation around some of the smaller islands. Conditions and charter operator requirements should always be checked before departure.
The map below has been produced using internet tools and pin placements may not be exact. It is intended as a rough a guide. For further research and preparing itineraries, we suggest you refer to quality on-line maps and charts.
Why choose Grenada for a yacht charter?
Grenada combines beautiful Caribbean sailing with an attractive island culture, sheltered southern anchorages and access to the Grenadines. It is particularly appealing to sailors seeking variety and a less hurried holiday.
What is the best time of year to sail in Grenada?
December to May is generally the best period for sailing in Grenada, with established trade winds and relatively dry weather. Conditions are usually warmer, wetter and more variable during the remaining months.
What are the sailing conditions like around Grenada?
Grenada offers rewarding trade-wind sailing, often with winds of 15–25 knots during the main season. Longer passages towards Carriacou and the Grenadines can involve exposed waters, currents and lively seas.
Where do Grenada yacht charters depart from?
Most Grenada yacht charters depart from Port Louis Marina near St George's or marinas along the southern coast. The exact base depends on the charter operator and the yacht selected.
Can you sail from Grenada to the Tobago Cays?
Yes. The Tobago Cays are a popular destination on Grenada yacht charters, generally reached via Carriacou and Union Island. Allow several days for the journey, border formalities and time to enjoy the islands.
What is special about Carriacou and Petite Martinique?
Carriacou and Petite Martinique offer a quieter Caribbean experience, with traditional seafaring communities, beautiful beaches and clear water. They make appealing destinations in their own right, not simply stops on a longer cruise.
How long should I allow for a Grenada sailing holiday?
A week is sufficient to explore Grenada and Carriacou, with some southern Grenadines possible. Ten to fourteen days is preferable for a relaxed cruise that also includes the Tobago Cays and islands further north.
Is Grenada suitable for less experienced sailors?
Grenada's sheltered southern bays are suitable for relatively straightforward cruising, but longer passages through the Grenadines require greater experience. A skippered charter is worth considering for crews unfamiliar with these sailing conditions.
Can I sail between Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines?
Yes. Yacht charters can cross between Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, subject to operator permission and customs requirements. Carriacou and Union Island are convenient points for arranging international clearance.
Can I arrange a one-way yacht charter to or from Grenada?
One-way yacht charters between Grenada and other Windward Islands bases may be possible, depending on operator arrangements. They offer an appealing way to explore the Grenadines without retracing the entire route.
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