Sailors Guide to the Southern Caribbean
From the iconic Pitons of St. Lucia to the turquoise anchorages of the Grenadines and the world-class marine services of Grenada, the Southern Caribbean offers some of the finest sailing anywhere in the world. Whether you’re buying your first yacht, planning an extended cruise, or looking for the perfect place to base your boat, this guide will help you explore the region.
Why Sail the Southern Caribbean?
- Safe and sheltered anchorages
- Excellent yacht maintenance and repair facilities
- Duty-free marine supplies
- Friendly cruising community
- Convenient international airports
- Year-round warm climate
- Stunning beaches and waterfalls
- Easy access to nearby islands
Buying a Yacht
The islands of the Southern Caribbean are 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 have recently completed Atlantic crossings or Caribbean cruising seasons, making them well-equipped and ready for further adventures.
Start Cruising Immediately
One of the biggest advantages of buying here is that you’re already in one of the world’s premier cruising grounds. Once the sale is complete, the wider Caribbean are all within easy reach.
Selling a Yacht
Access to Serious Buyers
The area 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.
A Popular Exit Point for Cruisers
Many owners choose to sell here 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.
Location Guide
St. Lucia – The Gateway to the Southern Caribbean
St. Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s most popular sailing destinations and an ideal starting point for exploring the Southern Caribbean. With modern marinas, excellent international flight connections and spectacular scenery, it’s a favourite with both charterers and yacht owners.
Highlights
- Home to the award-winning Rodney Bay Marina.
- Excellent provisioning, chandlery and marine services.
- Direct international flights from Europe and North America.
- Iconic landmarks including the Pitons and Marigot Bay.
- A popular base for charter fleets and private yachts.
- Easy sailing to Martinique to the north or St. Vincent & the Grenadines to the south.
Perfect for
- Starting a Caribbean cruise
- Charter holidays
- Marina stays
- Easy international access
St. Vincent & the Grenadines – Island Hopping at its Best
Few places offer sailing quite like St. Vincent & the Grenadines. With dozens of islands and cays, short passages and crystal-clear waters, it’s widely regarded as one of the world’s premier cruising destinations.
From the colourful waterfront of Bequia to the famous Tobago Cays Marine Park, every island has its own character, making the Grenadines a paradise for sailors.
Highlights
- Short, easy passages between islands.
- Spectacular anchorages and white-sand beaches.
- World-class snorkelling and diving.
- The Tobago Cays Marine Park and protected coral reefs.
- Friendly waterfront villages and beach bars.
- A favourite destination for catamarans and monohulls alike.
Must-visit islands
- Bequia
- Mustique
- Canouan
- Mayreau
- Tobago Cays
- Union Island
Perfect for
- Island hopping
- Family cruising
- Snorkelling and diving
- Relaxed anchorages
Grenada – The Marine Hub of the Southern Caribbean
Grenada has earned a reputation as one of the Southern Caribbean’s leading destinations for yacht owners. Combining beautiful cruising grounds with a well-established marine industry, it’s an ideal place to buy, maintain and enjoy a yacht.
Whether you’re preparing for an ocean passage, planning a refit, or simply looking for a secure base, Grenada offers a wide range of marinas, boatyards and experienced marine professionals, all set against the backdrop of the island’s lush landscapes and welcoming sailing community.
Highlights
- One of the Caribbean’s largest concentrations of marinas, boatyards and marine services.
- Excellent facilities for yacht maintenance, repairs and refits.
- A popular location for long-term berthing and hurricane-season storage.
- Easy access to the Grenadines, making it an ideal cruising base.
- Friendly, established cruising community with year-round sailing activity.
- Beautiful anchorages, waterfalls, rainforests and world-class diving.
Must-Visit Areas
- Prickly Bay – A favourite anchorage with restaurants, marine services and a lively cruising community.
- Port Louis Marina – A modern marina in the heart of St. George’s offering premium berthing and amenities.
- Clarke’s Court Bay – A sheltered area with boatyards, repair facilities and marinas.
- Carriacou & Tyrell Bay – A relaxed cruising destination known for its protected anchorage and traditional boatbuilding heritage.
Perfect For
- Buying or selling a yacht
- Yacht maintenance and refits
- Long-term berthing
- Hurricane-season storage
- Exploring the Grenadines
- Blue-water cruising preparations
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.
Cruising Distances
Approx Sailing Times
St Lucia → Bequia | 8-10 hrs
Bequia → Mustique | 2 hrs Mustique → Tobago Cays | 3 hrs
Tobago Cays → Union | 1 hr
Union → Carriacou | 3 hrs Carriacou → Grenada | 5 hrs
Please note: Sailing times are approximate and will vary depending on your yacht, weather conditions, sea state and route. The passages between the islands are generally straightforward, making the Southern Caribbean one of the world’s best regions for island-hopping by yacht.
Explore Beyond the Boat
When you’re ready to step ashore, the islands offer plenty to discover:
Hiking & Nature
- Hike the iconic Pitons in St. Lucia.
- Explore Grand Etang National Park and its rainforest trails in Grenada.
- Visit waterfalls, volcanic peaks and nature reserves throughout the region.
- Enjoy panoramic viewpoints over bays, beaches and neighbouring islands.
Beautiful Beaches
- Relax on the white sands of Salt Whistle Bay in Mayreau.
- Swim at Grand Anse Beach in Grenada.
- Visit the golden beaches of St. Lucia and the secluded coves of the Grenadines.
Snorkelling & Diving
- Snorkel among sea turtles in the Tobago Cays Marine Park.
- Dive coral reefs, wrecks and underwater sculptures.
- Explore colourful marine life in crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Beach Bars & Local Cuisine
- Enjoy fresh seafood and Caribbean flavours at waterfront restaurants.
- Experience lively beach bars and sunset cocktails.
- Sample local specialities including grilled lobster, fresh fish and island rum.
Culture & Events
- Visit colourful local markets and artisan shops.
- Experience vibrant Caribbean music, festivals and sailing events.
- Discover the history and charm of historic towns and fishing villages.
Gardens & Wildlife
- Visit botanical gardens and spice plantations.
- Watch for tropical birds, sea turtles and dolphins.
- Explore protected marine parks and nature reserves.
Shopping & Local Markets
- Browse local craft markets for handmade souvenirs.
- Stock up on fresh produce and island delicacies.
- Visit boutiques, galleries and duty-free shopping areas.
Sunset Views
- Watch spectacular Caribbean sunsets from your yacht or a waterfront restaurant.
- Enjoy sundowners overlooking picturesque anchorages.
- Experience the relaxed island atmosphere that makes the Southern Caribbean so special.
The Cruising Lifestyle
A Thriving Cruising Community
The Southern Caribbean 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.