13-day catamaran cruise in the Grenadines

Do you dream of taking a cruise in the Grenadines but don’t know which route to choose or which islands to include? Discover our incredible 13-day family journey aboard this magnificent catamaran.

 

Paradise, that’s how we could simply sum up this catamaran cruise in one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world spanning two countries: Sainte-Lucie and Saint-Vincent and the Grenadines.

If these names may already sound familiar and invite you to escape, we had long entertained the idea of one day taking a family cruise to this corner of the world. And when we were offered to test a brand-new catamaran fresh from the shipyard, we immediately jumped on a plane headed for the Caribbean! We embarked with Gabriel, our son who was almost 3 at the time of the trip, as well as my father, my sister, and three very good friends to experience it to the fullest.

If you’re not quite sure where the Grenadine Islands are located, they are a group of islands situated south of the Lesser Antilles, just below Martinique. And it was from the Marin port in Martinique that we began a 14-day journey to discover this archipelago. A cruise that enchanted us and still leaves us, one must admit, a bit nostalgic since this trip was an incredible interlude in an area of the world still preserved from overtourism.

 

| PRESENTATION OF OUR CATAMARAN

Let’s start by introducing your future home for two weeks, this stunning catamaran moored at Marin Marina, about 45 minutes from Fort-de-France airport, on the south of the island. It is a brand-new catamaran just over 13 meters long, featuring 4 large double cabins with ample storage, each with its own private bathroom and WC; a spacious living area comprising an indoor room with a kitchen and large sofa; a covered outdoor deck with a large table, lounging spaces to enjoy sailing in the shade; and a forward area with a large bench and a big net for sunbathing or reading.

 

This catamaran’s equipment level is clearly above average compared to most you’ll encounter, thanks in particular to its very pleasant upper deck, ideal for drinks at sunset, and the appliances chosen by the owners (fridge, freezer, oven, cooktop, barbecue, water fountain supplied by the desalination unit, speaker, coffee machine, etc.), ensuring ideal comfort onboard and the ability to cook during the trip. If cooking throughout the cruise worries you, you can arrange for a hostess to handle provisioning for an additional fee, of course. (see info at the end of the article)

Marin Marina also offers essential services before departure: a tackle shop for those wanting to fish using rods available on board, and shops for stocking the boat, including a wine merchant for local rums.

You can also pre-order all your groceries through specialized companies that deliver to the dock or directly to the boat (for a supplement). Note that you can top up fruits and vegetables on Union Island as well as in St. Vincent and Sainte-Lucie, but prices can soar on the smaller islands. Plan well to avoid being caught off guard.

The catamaran is rented by the boat, not by cabin. This avoids being grouped with other clients and gives you great freedom in choosing your route. You can create and personalize your cruise based on your desires and adjust it en route if you wish.

Here is the itinerary we created, combining as much variety as we like, with sailing times, water activities, and island visits. Of course, the advantage of this type of cruise is that the program remains flexible as long as sailing times allow.

 ➡️ I reserve my catamaran cruise in advance by clicking here

| ITINERARY OF OUR CATAMARAN CRUISE

Day 1 & 2: First sailing to Bequia

After arriving early afternoon in Fort-de-France and completing the mandatory captain’s briefing, our adventure begins with an approximately 16-hour crossing to Bequia, preceded by taking seasickness medicine to guard against potentially rough seas depending on individual sensitivity.

This first relatively calm crossing sets the tone: all smooth as even in the dead of night the temperature stays at 28°C, and the excitement of this voyage delays our bedtime so we can enjoy the sea lit by a full, bright moon. Our disconnection is already underway. At 6 AM, dawn awakens us as we sail alongside Saint Vincent on a glassy sea, sails furled, breakfast watching boobies fishing and frigatebirds soaring overhead. Magic happens.

Shortly after noon, we arrive at Bequia, the first island of the Grenadines, just below Saint Vincent, and the first stop of our cruise. Anchored in Admiralty Bay, we find vibrant local life with reggae beats carrying us straight into the tranquil world of the Grenadines. We have truly reached paradise!

While clearing customs, we explore this small island of 5,000 inhabitants, where tourism drives the economy. Along the bay you’ll find restaurants, two dive centers, hotels, and small shops selling local crafts.

 

• OLD HEGG TURTLE SANCTUARY

South of the island you’ll find the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, a marine turtle sanctuary working to preserve turtles by treating injured individuals before release, and relocating eggs from the beach to incubators to boost hatchling survival. To get there, take a taxi from town entrance, about a 15-minute drive. The visit is quick and worthwhile if you wish to support a noble cause or if you’re with children who will enjoy seeing the turtles. However, the project is poorly presented and hard to understand as the attendant’s Caribbean-accented English was challenging, making this visit non-essential.

Entrance Fee: 15 EC$ (approx. €5)

Taxi: 100 EC$ for 6 people (approx. €35) – negotiable

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM

• SCUBA DIVING IN BEQUIA

Another option is scuba diving. Bequia’s sites feature coral-rich bottoms and the wreck of a ship at 18 meters deep, its cabin just below the surface, a fabulous playground for marine life with an amazing array of colors. We dove with the Dive Bequia club, a PADI & SSI affiliate, the island’s only dive shop, no frills, attentive guides, highly recommended.

Price: €135 for 2 dives including gear rental (BCD, tanks, fins, mask & wetsuit)

Day 3 – 2nd stop: Mustique

After two full half-days in Bequia, we set off on a short 2-hour sail to Mustique before sunset. Don’t be put off by its name, no swarms of mosquitoes here!

This private island, known in English as Mustique, is famed as the stars’ retreat. Bought by a Scotsman in 1959, he gifted a parcel to Queen Elizabeth II’s unconventional sister, Princess Margaret, who built her favorite villa here.

In the late ’80s, Mustique was sold to a private consortium and developed into 89 villas managed by the Mustique Company. It became a haven for stars like Mick Jagger and wealthy families. You can hire a driver to tour the island or simply enjoy its small “village” with a tearoom, grocery, and the legendary Basil’s Bar, known for nightly concerts animating the anchorage.

Another highlight is its palm-fringed beaches. Equipped with small covered garden tables, they’re perfect for picnics and extraordinary swimming experiences.

 

Day 4 – 3rd stop: Mayreau

A short late-afternoon sail (1h30) brings us to one of the trip’s most beautiful anchorages, Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau.

This postcard-perfect landscape alone justifies a stop. A tiny island of 300 residents and just 4 km², Mayreau is the smallest inhabited Grenadine island, accessible only by boat, adding to its charm.

It’s popular with kitesurfers at Saline Bay and Windward Carniash, shallow beaches ideal for beginners.

At Salt Whistle Bay are several beach bars and vendors selling T-shirts, jewelry, and accessories. Climb the hill to visit the village and its picturesque church with views of the Tobago Cays, our next destination.

Don’t miss Mayreau, a timeless island of tranquility.

Day 5 & 6 – 4th stop: The Tobago Cays

About 1h30 from Mayreau lies perhaps the highlight of your trip, the Tobago Cays.

This group of uninhabited islands is a fantastic marine reserve. Comprised of five islets connected by coral reef, it became a marine park after purchase by the State of Saint Vincent from a private owner.

A jewel of translucent, warm waters and white-sand beaches where you can swim with green turtles grazing the seagrass, spot stingrays, harmless reef sharks, groupers, and other reef fish.

The islands themselves offer discoveries at Baradal, with hawksbill turtles, red-footed iguanas, and boobies.

Plan at least two days here to engrave these turquoise scenes in your memory forever.

Days include landing parties on islands like Baradal or Petit Tabac, where a scene from “Pirates of the Caribbean” was filmed on a pristine beach all to yourself. Or stay aboard for reading, sunbathing, sleeping, or cooking. We simply LOVED it!

 

Day 7 – 5th stop: Union Island

Reluctantly we leave the Tobago Cays late in the day to dock at Clifton Harbour on Union Island to prepare for the second half of our trip. At Clifton you’ll find a local market for fresh produce.

This wasn’t our favorite anchorage but a useful stop, especially to restock at reasonable local farmer prices. Union Island, the southernmost populated Grenadine island, is the largest settlement after St Vincent. Clifton Harbour buzzes in the evening as locals gather in the main square for drinks and dancing, classic Caribbean life.

From here you can sail to Chatham Bay on the west coast for a calm, wild anchorage perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and the lone beach bar. We preferred this secluded nature spot all to ourselves.

 

Day 8 & 9 – 6th stop: Saint Vincent

Early on Day 8 we hoist anchor for a long sail to Saint Vincent. A slightly rougher 7-hour crossing leads us to an anchorage off Young Island near Kingstown.

This spot isn’t ideal for swimming off the back of the boat due to strong currents but is perfectly positioned between the private beach of the intimate Young Island Resort (available for a bar purchase) and Villa Marina with its bars and restaurants.

The contrast with the Grenadines is striking as we face more urban landscapes with many colorful houses.

 

After a beach afternoon, the next day begins with visiting Kingstown’s markets, the botanical gardens, and the Vermont Nature Trail.

 

• SAINT VINCENT MARKET HALLS

We use local “collectivo” buses, visible stops along the road, for just 2–3 EC$ to Little Tokyo at Windward bus station, the terminus near the markets. If a bus passes without stopping, it’s full; the next one will stop. This vibrant local transport is an experience in itself.

In town, visit the vegetable and fish market halls facing each other before heading to the botanical garden, with a stop at St. George’s Cathedral.

 

• SAINT VINCENT BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Saint Vincent Botanical Garden is a natural oasis housing around 500 plant varieties across 80,000 m². Established in 1765, it showcases the island’s botanical richness, including rare and endemic species. Highlights include palms, orchids, and medicinal and aromatic plants. It even hosts a direct descendant of the original breadfruit tree brought by Captain Bligh, still a regional staple.

The walk is pleasant with shaded paths and clear species labels. Guides are available at the entrance.

Whether interested in plant history, conservation, or just seeking a serene retreat, this garden is a must-see.

Entrance: 5 EC$ per person (~€1.7 in 2024)

Guided tour: 10 EC$ per person (~€3.4 in 2024)

• VERMONT NATURE TRAIL

The Vermont Nature Trail is a picturesque 3.2 km hike in the Vermont Nature Reserve, about 15 km from Kingstown. It’s crucial for conservation of flora and fauna and offers an immersive tropical forest experience. The trek takes 2–3 hours, depending on pace and photo stops. Terrain varies from gentle slopes to steeper sections and can be muddy, hiking shoes recommended.

You’ll see ferns, colorful tropical flowers, and maybe the rare Saint Vincent Parrot (Amazona guildingii), various hummingbirds, the Whistling Warbler, and the St. Vincent Tanager.

Ideal for experienced hikers or nature lovers, this trail reveals the untouched beauty of the Caribbean.

Entrance: 5 EC$ per person (~€1.7 in 2024)

Getting there:

Transport in Saint Vincent is straightforward: just hire a taxi, rates are posted at attractions. We paid 550 EC$ round-trip (~€185) for a group of 8, with driver waiting during the hike.

If time allows, you can ask the taxi to stop at a roadside river near the trailhead for a refreshing swim in freshwater pools, lush and delightful.

Alternatively, book a tour including transport, guide, and entry by reserving this Vermont Nature Trail excursion.

 

• DARK VIEW WATERFALL

We skipped a longer stop to visit Dark View Waterfall near Chateaubelair, northwestern St. Vincent. Accessible by scenic road through banana plantations, the twin falls drop 61 m into a natural pool. A bamboo bridge adds adventure, swim in clear pools afterward. A perfect nature escape.

Book here: Dark View Waterfall tour

 

Day 10 & 11 – 7th stop: Sainte-Lucie

After a day in St Vincent, we set off at dawn for a long 6h30 sail to Soufrière in southern Saint Lucia. The morning light reveals verdant islets, spectacular! Our captain even caught a large barracuda whose tender flesh we enjoyed later.

Arriving early afternoon, Soufrière’s twin Pitons greet us, a majestic backdrop!

 

We planned two full days here, enough to explore Soufrière, dive at Anse Chastenet, enjoy mud baths at the Sulphur Springs, and trek the Tet Paul Nature Trail with Piton views, all arranged with local guides for €40/person.

 

• TET PAUL NATURE TRAIL

The Tet Paul Trail near Soufrière is UNESCO-listed Pitons terrain. The easy 1-hour trek offers stunning Gros Piton and Petit Piton views, plus panoramic island scenes. You’ll see tropical plants, pineapples, cashew fruit, and medicinal herbs. A must in Saint Lucia.

Cost: $10 US/adult (~€9.25 in 2024), $5 US/child under 10

Hours: 8 AM–5 PM

 

• SUGAR BEACH

After the trek, enjoy Gros and Petit Piton views from Sugar Beach. Public sand is free; the private hotel area allows bar purchases if you skip the sunbeds. Stunning spot.

 

• ANSE CHASTENET MARINE PARK & DIAMOND FALLS BOTANICAL GARDEN

On Day 2 at Saint Lucia we started at 7:45 AM diving Anse Chastenet with Scuba St-Lucia for two dives in the protected marine park, tremendous wall dives, varied corals and fish. Non-divers can snorkel too with amazing shallow-life.

After diving, our driver picked us up in Soufrière for the garden tour. The Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, one of the island’s oldest gardens, was established by French colonists in the late 18th century. You’ll see historic structures and mineral baths built for French troops, still popular. We saved bathing for the next Sulphur Springs stop.

 

• SOUFRIÈRE SULPHUR SPRINGS

A 10-minute drive from the botanical garden and steps from the volcanic crater, Soufrière’s geothermal park springs are famed for skin, joint, and respiratory benefits thanks to sulfur’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Don’t miss the chance for a rejuvenating soak in 38–45°C baths. After the first soak, slather volcanic mud on your skin and rinse again. The sulfur smell is mild compared to the well-being you feel.

The site has changing cabins and clear rinse showers. To avoid crowds, visit early or just after midday rather than peak morning-to-afternoon hours.

You can also explore the volcano’s fumaroles and bubbling mud pools, colored yellow, orange, green by minerals. The sulfur scent is part of the unique experience.

Cost: 25 EC$ per person (~€8.5 in 2024) for baths only – 40 EC$ per person (~€13.5)

Hours: 9 AM–5 PM

Tours often include a waterfall swim spot, refreshing 25–30°C waters. We found a hidden cascade in lush jungle, perfect finale.

For advance booking, reserve a full-day tour covering botanical gardens, volcano springs, and Tet Paul Trail here:

➡️ Book your Soufrière excursion 

Day 12 & 13 – 8th stop: Anse Cochon and sail to Martinique

For our last two days, we wanted to savor every moment onboard. We sailed north to Martinique, stopping overnight at Marigot Bay.

We spent a day at Anse Cochon, a sheltered cove perfect for swimming, but close enough to Rodney Bay’s cruise ship port that dozens of party catamarans arrive midday. We recommend a morning stay or off-season visit to avoid crowds, then sail to Marigot Bay for a sunset drink at Chateau Myggo, a final Caribbean vibe before the 4–5-hour sail to Sainte-Anne, Martinique.

Our final day is logistical, returning to Martinique with a farewell swim at Sainte-Anne beaches and an overnight at the Marin port for our morning flight back to Paris.

Note: Saturday morning the Marin market near the port offers passion fruit, exotic jams, and vanilla pods, a perfect souvenir to extend the enchantment at home.

 

| BEST TIME FOR A CATAMARAN CRUISE IN THE GRENADINES

If you plan a family or friends catamaran cruise through my provider, here are the best times to sail in the Grenadines, avoiding cyclone season.

The ideal window is early December to around April 15. Note high-season rates over Christmas and New Year.

The months of January, February, and March offer the calmest winds and currents for swimming.

Low season runs April 15 to June 30. Cruises still operate in July and August, but cancellations for bad weather are possible.

We traveled April 26–May 12, 2024, late season, few boats at anchor, though some windy currents in the Tobago Cays made turtle swims tiring and sometimes risky.

| CAN YOU CRUISE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?

We asked this ourselves! With Gabriel nearly 3 onboard alone, we found it entirely feasible if you follow safety guidelines and my reservation advice (if booked through me).

Many charters only accept children 10 or 12+, so private charters are advantageous for families.

 

| COST OF A CATAMARAN CRUISE

Prices vary by season, airfare, and onboard options.

For our 15-day private cruise, expect about €2300–€2500 per person, including:

• The catamaran rental with mandatory skipper
• The tender + engine
• Barbecue
• Bedding and towels
• Masks and snorkels
• Final cleaning

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights
• Provisions
• Customs clearances
• Boat and tender fuel (due end of trip)
• Extras: paddleboard, kayak, fishing rods, wifi
• Personal expenses: restaurants, bars, site entries, souvenirs
• Travel insurance

Optional: a hostess for full provisioning, cooking, and dishes, a huge time-saver.

 

Shorter cruises (10–12 days) obviously reduce costs.

 

| BOOKING YOUR GRENADINES CRUISE

The boat is rented private only, so share with 8 people to split costs and book early. Couples can still enjoy the 4 double cabins (160 cm beds).

Charter durations are flexible, 7, 10, 12 days or even day trips, departing Martinique only. Day charters can host up to 12 guests.

Two booking options:

– Book yourself via the link below

 

➡️ I reserve my catamaran cruise in advance by clicking here

 

– Or as an accredited travel agency, I can handle flights, the charter, and all logistics. You’ll benefit from my insider tips for provisioning, excursions, route planning, and more.

Contact me at contact@mademoiselle-voyage.fr