Saint Vincent
The riches of this country are not glitz and glamour, busy nightlife and designer shops, but the rich life of relaxation, peace and tranquillity.
Drop your anchor near a picture postcard island, swim in the clear warm water and sip rum cocktails on the deck, while you listen to the gentle slapping of the waves on the hull.
This uniquely beautiful archipelago of islands boasts soft white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and a rugged mountainous terrain of lush tropical rainforests filled with coconut and banana trees.
St Vincent itself is the most northerly island in the Grenadines chain. This lively town is a throwback to colonial times with cobblestone streets and locals rushing about their daily lives.
It is an island of natural beauty with mountains and valleys, rivers, cascading waterfalls and La Soufiere, one of the world’s most studied active volcanoes.
Excellent facilities for provisioning are available, with a large selection of restaurants and bars serving local Creole cuisine and fabulous locally caught seafood.
Sailing south from St Vincent it is a short distance to Bequia with its large natural harbour providing great access to the quaint town and beautiful white sandy beaches. Local shops and restaurants in Port Elizabeth will entice you ashore for an evening’s entertainment.
Further south the exclusive and world famous resort island of Mustique, a hot spot for the rich and famous welcomes visiting charter parties and provides numerous stunning coral reefs and deserted sandy beaches.
Explore the exceptionally beautiful Canouan, the multi coloured reefs of the Tobago cays or the lively atmosphere of Union Island.
Sailing through the Grenadines from St Vincent offers you variety, diversity, and relaxation with excellent sailing conditions and line of sight navigation.
» Beautiful beaches
» Line of sight navigation
» Picturesque harbours
» Abundant marine life
» Diverse sailing options
The Grenadines
The Grenadines are a part of the Windward Island chain of the Lesser Antilles.
They form a barrier between the Atlantic to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the West. There are over 30 small islands and cays making up the Grenadines, some belong to Grenada and the rest to St Vincent.
Beautiful and unspoilt – these islands are a myriad of turquoise bays and anchorages just waiting to be explored. The Grenadines evokes visions of exotic and idyllic island life on an island chain buried deep within the Caribbean Sea, uncluttered by tourist exploitation.
Sailing these incredible waters is a unique and fascinating experience. Most of the islands are fringed with coral reefs and the extraordinary variety of tropical reef fish makes snorkelling and diving a bright and colourful experience.
The visibility in these waters is excellent due to the density of the volcanic and granite based sand that falls quickly when disturbed.
Dolphins, whales, turtles and a large variety of other marine life frequent these waters that are so pristine the travel awards repeatedly vote the Grenadines as one of the best diving destinations in the world.
Enchanting sailors for centuries the island-hopping opportunities are irresistible. Once the realm of real pirates these sensational islands are best explored by boat.
Whether you choose to start your charter in St Vincent or Grenada your holiday experience in the Grenadines is sure to be a trip of a lifetime.
» Beautiful beaches
» Line of sight navigation
» Picturesque harbours
» Abundant marine life
» Diverse sailing options
Weather Conditions
Climate
General weather for St Vincent
The location of the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Northeast trade belt means that they are blessed with almost perfect sailing weather year round. A St Vincent yacht charter offer a superb mix of blue water sailing and island hopping.
St Vincent features a tropical climate with very little season variation throughout the entire year.
The summer months are typically from May to October, with September commonly being the hottest month of all. Temperatures throughout this time will normally stay above 30ºC and will never fall below 23ºC. Sea temperatures throughout the summer are a very comfortable 24ºC, often peaking to 26ºC in the hottest months of August and September. Since rainfall is quite high throughout the summer, average sunshine hours are not as high as some would expect. Nevertheless the sun is guaranteed to be out seven to eight hours per day.
There is very little variation in both temperature and rainfall between summer and winter. Even though these months are theoretically the coldest time of the year, the air and sea temperatures are barely cold enough to be classed as winter.
The winter months offer exciting and challenging sailing, the summer is more relaxed. St Vincent and the Grenadines are considered low risk for hurricanes.
The prevailing winds are north-easterly and range from 10 – 20 knots (11 – 23 Mph) from June to October and 15 – 25 knots (17 – 28 Mph) from November to May. The tidal range is approximately 45 cms (18 inches). This is a destination for the more experienced sailors.
Average Conditions - St Vincent
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
High Temperature (c) |
28 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
28 |
28 |
Low Temperature (c) |
21 |
21 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
Precipitation (mm) |
130 |
97 |
104 |
110 |
149 |
234 |
305 |
282 |
270 |
309 |
270 |
186 |
Average Sunshine Hours |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
Current Forecast:
| Day | Temp | Wind | Wave | Vis | Weather |
| Thu 26th |
30°C |
18 kts |
0.2 ft | 9 km |
|
| Fri 27th |
29°C |
13 kts |
0.1 ft | 7 km |
|
| Sat 28th |
29°C |
10 kts |
3.2 ft | 6 km |
|
| Sun 29th |
30°C |
12 kts |
3.2 ft | 7 km |
|
| Mon 30th |
30°C |
12 kts |
2.9 ft | 6 km |
|
General Information
Time Difference
Time difference between the UK and St Vincent is - 4 hours
Flights to St Vincent And Grenadines
Travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines is via Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia or Trinidad and Tobago, and then on to St Vincent and the Grenadines in a prop plane. LIAT (LI) is the main airline serving St Vincent & the Grenadines. Other airlines include Air Martinique, Caribbean Airlines, Caribbean Star, Mustique Airways and SVG Air.
Transfers
E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD) – Fly first to Barbados, and then fly to St Vincent with Liat (35 minutes). Also fly to Grenada or St Lucia and on to St Vincent with Liat. Departure Tax: EC$40
Recommendations: Pre-book & pay at base or a taxi at the airport. Transfers: E.T Josuha Airport– Blue Lagoon base.
One way by taxi: US$14 per taxi up to 4 pers. (EC$35) Additional pers. US$2 per person (EC$5.4)Transfers between 11pm & 7am add US$5 extra (EC$13.5).
Duration: 15 mins.
Internal Flight information
SVG Air operates a private charter service for the 35 minute route from St Vincent to Martinique. Suitable aircraft are available for carrying 5 - 19 passengers each. Prices start from USD 875 (subject to government tax and subject to change). Bookings and further information: pgravel@svgair.com.
Luggage
We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.
Passport and Visas
Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.
Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
If your child is not already included on a valid British Passport they are required to hold their own passport.
EU Passport holders do not require a visa.
Non-British passport holders should check with their local Consulate direct. It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary.
Customs and Immigration
Each Island has its own customs regulations and you will find it necessary to ‘clear’ both in and out of customs at an official location for each territory.
Customs regulations apply to the importation of foodstuffs, especially meat, fish and all fresh produce.
Charge |
St Lucia |
St Vincent |
Grenada |
Customs Overtime |
US$5.75 |
US$5.75 |
US$7.50 |
Airport Departure Tax |
US$11 |
EC$40 |
US$11 |
Sailing Information
St Vincent is a recommended for RYA Dayskipper (or equivalent) or above, - equates to 20 days sailing, 400 miles on an equivalent yacht or RYA Day Skipper qualification with experience to a higher level. RYA Coastal Skipper qualification or ICC qualification with experience to a higher level.
An experience resume can be considered in place of an official license or qualification.
Wind/Weather – 10-25 knots
Navigation - Understand tidal flow, ability to navigate in open waters, cope with strong currents and be able to make a passage plan.
Anchor/Mooring - Primarily anchoring, some slightly more exposed anchorages with poor anchor holding ground.
Sailing Licences
Although no sailing licences are required we strongly advise that you take any sailing certification on holiday with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police. If you have not already done so then Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing CV to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sailing in this region.
Cruising Permits & Taxes
Cruising Permit |
St. Lucia |
St. Vincent |
Grenada |
|
US$7.50-US$20.00 |
US$0.75/ft |
Up to 40 ft = US$20 |
Cruising Tax |
EC$5 per person per day (to a max. of 7 days) |
||
Night Time Sailing
You are not permitted to sail at night unless it has been agreed with the base manager prior to departure.
Mooring Fees and Taxes
St Lucia |
St. Vincent |
Grenada |
US$12-US$16 |
31ft to 51ft = EC$100 |
US$6 to US$22 |
Payable when clearing at customs.
The Windward Islands are actually 4 separate countries
1. Martinique (part of France)
2. St Lucia (south to Martinique)
3. St Vincent & the Grenadines (south to PSV)
4. Grenada (including Carriacou & Petit Martinique)
Mooring facilities are provided in some areas for overnight stays These are managed by local restaurants & bars or marinas. Charges are variable but start at US $15 a night.
A marine park fee for Tobago Cays is 10$ EC per day per person.
Charts & Pilot Book
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. Charts and pilot books can be purchased by mail order from the UK chandler Force4. www.force4.co.uk
Fuel
Cost is approximately 0.98 euro per litre
Banks & Money Exchange
The nearest ATM cash machine is at E.T. Josuha Airport, 15 minutes taxi ride from the base.
Currency
Currency: EC Dollars St. Vincent & throughout the Grenadines (US$1 = EC$2.6)
Euro Martinique & Guadeloupe
US dollars are also acceptable in all the Windward Islands.
Credit Card Information
Credit cards can be used for payment in larger establishments and restaurants.
General Information
Language
English is the official language of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some islanders speak a French patois, representing a mixture of African and French grammar.
Cost of living in St Vincent
Lunch for 2 at a mid range restaurant is approximately $45.00EC (without drinks). A bottle of bear is approximately $5 - $8EC. A bottle of wine is approximately $30.00EC.
Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.
Shopping
Most shops open weekdays from 9am-4pm and generally only Saturday mornings over the weekend.
There is a small, but fully equipped supermarket at the marina. It is open seven days a week from 8.00 to 5.00 pm. If clients prefer to visit Sunrise Supermarket which is a bigger supermarket, they can take a taxi to go to the supermarket opposite the airport. The opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 pm; Sunday 8.00 a.m. till noon.
Electrical & Phones
Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220v you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.
Mobile phones
Card and coin phones can be found all over the island.
You can buy phones cards in Post Offices and some shops.
If using a public phone you can dial 115 to get the operator for credit card and collect calls.
Please note that our Lagoon Hotel also offers telephone and office services at standard local rates.
It is also advisable to bring your Mobile, and to ensure sure you have global coverage.
Car and Jeep Hire
Ranges from $US50 to US$80 per day.
You must purchase a local licence, which is US$16 and your current driving licence must have been valid for at least 3 years.
Driving is on the left.
Provisioning
Provisioning is available in this location.
