Sailors Guide to Grenada
Known as the “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, Grenada is one of the region’s most popular cruising destinations. With protected anchorages, excellent marine services, welcoming locals, and year-round sailing conditions, it’s easy to see why so many sailors choose to make Grenada their home port or seasonal base.
Why Sailors Love Grenada
- Safe and sheltered anchorages
- Excellent yacht maintenance and repair facilities
- Duty-free marine supplies
- Friendly cruising community
- Convenient international airport
- Year-round warm climate
- Stunning beaches and waterfalls
- Easy access to nearby islands including Carriacou and the Grenadines
Buying a Yacht in Grenada
Grenada’s position at the southern end of the Caribbean makes it a popular destination for long-distance cruisers. As a result, buyers can often find a diverse range of vessels, including:
- Bluewater cruising yachts
- Catamarans
- Monohull sailboats
- Powerboats
- Liveaboard vessels
- Performance and racing yachts
Many yachts available in Grenada have recently completed Atlantic crossings or Caribbean cruising seasons, making them well-equipped and ready for further adventures.
Sea Trials and Surveys
Grenada’s protected waters provide ideal conditions for inspections, surveys, and sea trials. Buyers have access to experienced marine surveyors, boatyards, riggers, engineers, and specialists who can assist throughout the purchasing process.
Start Cruising Immediately
One of the biggest advantages of buying in Grenada is that you’re already in one of the world’s premier cruising grounds. Once the sale is complete, the Grenadines, St. Vincent, Martinique, and the wider Caribbean are all within easy reach.
Selling a Yacht in Grenada
Access to Serious Buyers
Grenada attracts sailors from Europe, North America, and across the Caribbean who are actively looking to purchase cruising yachts. Many buyers visit specifically to view boats that are already in the region and ready to sail.
No Taxes on Yacht Sales in Grenada
One of the major benefits of selling a yacht in Grenada is that there are currently no local taxes payable on the private sale of a yacht in Grenadian waters, making the process straightforward and attractive for sellers.
A Popular Exit Point for Cruisers
Many owners choose to sell in Grenada after completing:
- An Atlantic crossing
- Caribbean cruising adventures
- Long-term liveaboard journeys
- Circumnavigations
As a result, buyers often seek well-maintained boats that are already equipped for offshore cruising.
Best Anchorages
Prickly Bay
One of Grenada’s most popular cruising hubs, offering excellent protection, restaurants, bars, marine services, and a lively sailing community.
Mount Hartman Bay
A quieter alternative close to Prickly Bay with beautiful surroundings and good shelter.
St. George’s Harbour
Convenient for exploring the capital, provisioning, and enjoying Grenada’s historic waterfront.
Tyrell Bay, Carriacou
A favourite among long-term cruisers, offering excellent shelter, friendly local businesses, and easy access to the Grenadines.
Marine Services & Yacht Support
Grenada is widely regarded as one of the best places in the Caribbean for yacht maintenance and refits.
Services available include:
- Boatyards and haul-out facilities
- Fibreglass and composite repairs
- Engine servicing
- Electrical and electronics specialists
- Rigging services
- Sail repairs
- Marine surveyors
- Bottom painting and antifouling
Many sailors choose Grenada specifically for major maintenance projects due to the availability of skilled marine professionals.
Provisioning
Stocking up in Grenada is easy, with a range of supermarkets, fresh produce markets, and marine suppliers available throughout the island.
You can find:
- Imported and local groceries
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Seafood and local produce
- Marine hardware and chandlery supplies
- Duty-free yacht parts and equipment
Explore Beyond the Boat
When you’re ready to step ashore, Grenada offers plenty to discover:
Beaches
Enjoy world-class beaches, including the famous Grand Anse Beach.
Waterfalls
Visit beautiful inland waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.
Diving & Snorkelling
Explore colourful reefs, underwater sculptures, and abundant marine life.
Local Culture
Experience Grenada’s vibrant markets, festivals, music, and world-famous spices.
Island Adventures
Take a short sail to Carriacou and the Grenadines for some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular cruising grounds.
The Cruising Lifestyle in Grenada
A Thriving Cruising Community
Grenada is renowned for its friendly and supportive sailing community. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned ocean sailor, it’s easy to meet like-minded people.
Throughout the season you’ll find:
- Weekly cruiser gatherings
- Live music nights
- Beach barbecues
- Charity events
- Sailing rallies and regattas
- Marine seminars and workshops
- Yacht club events
- Sundowner meetups
Many local businesses actively support the cruising community, creating a welcoming atmosphere for new arrivals.
Sailing Events and Regattas
Grenada hosts a variety of sailing events throughout the year, attracting participants from across the Caribbean and beyond.
Highlights often include:
- Grenada Sailing Week
- Round Grenada Race
- Carriacou Regatta
- Cruisers’ rallies arriving from the Atlantic
- Local yacht club races and social sailing events
For many yacht owners, these events provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow sailors and enjoy some friendly competition.
Explore the Grenadines
One of the biggest advantages of owning a yacht in Grenada is having immediate access to some of the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds.
Within a short sail you can visit:
- Sandy Island
- Union Island
- Mayreau
- Tobago Cays
- Canouan
- Bequia