Sitting aboard a gently rocking yacht, moored in a glassy lagoon of bottle-blue water fringed by platinum sands and coconut palms, sipping a rum punch, weighing anchor and sailing across to another island and arriving just a few hours later the same day. In St Vincent and the Grenadines, this is just how many visitors spend their time.
Sailing is the best way to see these islands and these islands are some of the best places to sail anywhere in the world.
The whole archipelago is easily accessible in a short space of time as all the islands are close together. Secluded bays or vibrant local harbours, wherever you choose to drop anchor depends simply on your mood.
Bareboat charter, skippered yachts or day sailing, all are available so even those spending their first time under sail can enjoy the pleasure of a yacht moving over calm tropical waters in a steady breeze.
Diving
Under the water, St Vincent and the Grenadines is just as beautiful as above. The reefs are healthy, the visibility is good and the waters warm.
There are several reputable dive operators on St Vincent, Bequia and Union islands that will take you to a number of world-class sites throughout the Grenadines. The emphasis is on quality diving and just as on the land, there are no crowds jostling to see the best sights.
The geography of the islands is particularly fortunate as the seas surrounding them are the meeting points for the Atlantic and Caribbean and is also swept by the Gulf Stream. This means there is an abundance and diversity of species both large and small; sharks, rays, turtles, reef fish and delicate small creatures. St Vincent is particularly good for unique "small creature safari" dives where the emphasis is to look closely at the things that are all too often overlooked. One of the highlights is the delicate sea horses that are regularly spotted. Whilst the Grenadines also has a profusion of reef species, it is here that many of the larger marine wildlife, such as turtles, larger pelagic fish, occasional sharks and rays can be seen.
|
Dive Operator Bill Trewes talks about small creature 'critter' diving...
"With critter dives you take your time; dives last much longer... the colours are fantastic... people come here from diving all over the Caribbean." |
Find a diving holiday or a holiday in Bequia, where you can sail
Read about other activities on the islands