Why The Grenadines? - Barefoot Offshore Sailing School

Join us in beautiful St. Vincent & The Grenadines!

32 Islands and Cays to explore above and below the water. With some of the best sailing grounds in the Caribbean.

St Vincent & The Grenadines is one of the most beautiful yacht cruising grounds in the world, with stunning natural scenery, world-class snorkelling and diving, pristine beaches, friendly inhabitants – but no crowds, mass tourism or high rises. In some ways, it’s like stepping back into the Caribbean of 50 years ago – but with first-rate amenities available.

The itinerary for our ASA week is not carved in stone and we welcome input from the guests. Below we show some of the spots you’ll be likely to visit, including the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where construction of buildings is prohibited by law, and you’ll get to swim with protected turtles.

Bequia

an hour’s sail from our base at Blue Lagoon.

A charming island of sea-faring traditions, steeped in nautical history. Wooden schooners are still built on the beaches. The picturesque anchorage at Admiralty Bay is one of the most popular with visiting cruisers.

Canouan

A three hour beam reach from Bequia.

Laid-back, friendly and with a sleepy, old-world charm, Canouan offers stunning views of the central Grenadines from the east coast. This island of farmers and fishermen is also home to the lovely Tamarind Beach Hotel.

Mayreau

An hour’s sail from Canouan

This tiny island with one small road offers two great anchorages – one is at Salt Whistle Bay (“the Caribbean beach dream come true”), with a crescent-shaped harbour, a long white, sandy beach and crystal-clear water, and the other is just to the south at Saline Bay, where you can snorkel or dive the wreck of a World War 1 gunboat.

The Tobago Cays

Half an hour’s sail from Mayreau.

To many people, this marine park represents the high spot of the Grenadines. The uninhabited Cays comprise numerous islets and coves, protected by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. You can relax, snorkel or beach-comb in complete seclusion in this rare tropical paradise, accessible only by boat. The Cays are a marine park and sanctuary allowing us the opportunity to swim with and see many turtles and rays! Moorings are available.

Palm Island

An hour’s sail from the Cays

This small island resort has 24 beach-front stone cottages, open-air dining and beautiful white, sandy beaches. Just a short hop from the Tobago Cays, Mayreau or Union Island, it’s a favorite lunch-time stop.

Union Island

Half an hour’s sail from Palm Island

The “cross-roads” of the Grenadines, this mountainous island has a good anchorage at Clifton Harbour, home of the Anchorage Yacht Club. Union is also the home of the extraordinary Happy Island – built by hand, by one man and with a great bar and food for afternoon sun-downers and bites to eat.