[Matt]

Hello, We are planning a trip to the Grenadines next March, and some people are talking about safety issues at anchorages (thefts…). Do you have any information or experience to share on this subject?

[Dany]

Saint-Vincent:

I once stopped at Wallilabou Bay, no security issues BUT here you must buy from boat boys, to maintain social peace.
North of St. Vincent, during the return to St. Lucia, expect a tough two-hour beating at the start of the channel in the volcanic bypass area with trade winds.
From January to late March, it’s 40 syndical knots plus if a squall arrives. I always use two reefs in the mainsail.

In the Grenadines:

Bequia: no aggression problems, BUT once an anchorage sold as “blessing” broke, the boat nearly hit a concrete pier, since then, I’m on anchor. A superb stopover with a great atmosphere.

Mayreau, Tobago Cays: national park, rangers in uniform who come to collect anchoring fees with receipts. Zero security issues in the Tobago Cays.

Union: superb, especially Happy Island. Boat boys insist on selling you a mooring, quite expensive (70 EC for a 38-foot boat last year), but possibility to anchor without problems, but close to the reef as there are 10-12m depths elsewhere.

Grenada’s Grenadines: Carriacou: zero problems, except for the local in Tyrell Bay who tries to sell you one of his moorings for 40 EC per night, but you can anchor. Nice cheap restaurant at the boatyard where you can eat well for little.
On return: Union -> Bequia. Exit clearance at Bequia, and directly to Marigot Bay provided you leave early from Bequia.

[Author]

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