[Matt]

Hello everyone, we’re leaving in early May for about ten days in the Grenadines. I hope our getaway won’t be ruined by sargassum seaweed – it seems that forecasters are predicting massive quantities this year.

My question concerns clearance procedures in the different islands: are we required to present ourselves at a “port of entry” on each island, or once the formalities are completed on one island in a territory, can we disembark peacefully elsewhere without additional formalities? Probably a somewhat naive question, but so far in all my sailing in the Caribbean, I’ve had to change countries at each island 🙂

[Sylvain]

The St. Vincent Grenadines: 1 country, and with your clearance done in Bequia, you can go to all islands north of Carriacou. So Union, Canouan, the Tobago Cays, Mayreau, etc… Coming from Martinique, you can stop at Rodney Bay in St. Lucia. Not particularly interesting, but a peaceful night, then to Cumberland in St. Vincent where people are kind and helpful (however, you’ll need EC dollars), then Bequia where you do your entry. You can also go directly down to Bequia. You sail around the Grenadines and clear out at Bequia before heading back up. Don’t forget to fill out “sailclear,” it makes clearances (entry and exit) easier. Also don’t forget to clear out of Martinique and clear in when returning.

[Matt]

Thank you very much. We were thinking of avoiding St. Vincent due to the numerous problems encountered by some people, but if there’s a nice spot, why not. For Sailclear, it’s already done. Regarding St. Lucia, can you confirm that Rodney Bay is now the only place where we can do clearance? It seems strange to me, but that’s what I read somewhere. Last time (4 or 5 years ago) we did it in Marigot or Soufrière, I can’t remember which.

[Dany]

Hello, I once did the entry clearance at Union, in 2016. At the end, a gust of wind blew through the office, and all the papers and carbon copies flew out the window, while the “official” remained completely impassive 🙄😁. As a result, when heading directly back to Martinique, I didn’t do an exit clearance… Not sure the archives are very up to date in that area!
I can confirm about Rodney Bay – it’s possible to stop for the night without doing an entry clearance, and without going ashore of course.

Don’t forget to make a stop at Chatham Bay – it can be windy, but the anchorage is excellent and the place is worth stopping for.

[Sylvain]

Don’t hesitate, stop at Union Clifton – the charter boats haven’t been going there since the hurricane, your visit will lift the spirits of the locals.

[Author]

Posts