Grenadines: Places You Didn't Like and Why

[Saleen411]

Any recent opinions on Mustique? I've read mixed reviews, like this one....


"One thing to consider about Mustique is that they are tightening the screws on cruisers and what you can do on island. You can pay to take a taxi ride but you can't hang out at the nice beaches. We skipped it this trip and didn't miss it at all."

It's on the itinerary and some people love it.

Thanks.

[jcarr]

Originally Posted by Saleen411

Thanks Johnny...Have you been to Chatham Bay?....supposed to be really nice..

Chatham bay was my favorite spot from Grenada to Bequia, large anchorage, not crowded, good holding, snorkeling and good food.

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by jcarr

Chatham bay was my favorite spot from Grenada to Bequia, large anchorage, not crowded, good holding, snorkeling and good food.

Thanks jcarr.

[argonauta1]

Assuming you will check out of the Grenadian part of the Grenadines at Union Island before heading for Tobago Keys and Bequia, agree that the anchorage at Clifton is exposed to prevailing winds and usually crowded. To avoid the inevitable stress, last time, I anchored at very sheltered Chatham Bay on the west side of Union. Great spot and a cab is available to drive you over to Clifton for customs. It is an excellent way to combine that with a bit of shopping and an island tour. We arrived at Chatham Bay from St Georges, Grenada late PM and did the formalities in the morning and were at Tobago Keys by mid afternoon. Nice beach restaurant at Chatham Bay and you can arrange the cab for next day. Not the fastest pit stop but relaxed!

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by argonauta1

Assuming you will check out of the Grenadian part of the Grenadines at Union Island before heading for Tobago Keys and Bequia, agree that the anchorage at Clifton is exposed to prevailing winds and usually crowded. To avoid the inevitable stress, last time, I anchored at very sheltered Chatham Bay on the west side of Union. Great spot and a cab is available to drive you over to Clifton for customs. It is an excellent way to combine that with a bit of shopping and an island tour. We arrived at Chatham Bay from St Georges, Grenada late PM and did the formalities in the morning and were at Tobago Keys by mid afternoon. Nice beach restaurant at Chatham Bay and you can arrange the cab for next day. Not the fastest pit stop but relaxed!

That's a great idea. Thanks!

[captain_dave]

We cruised for 10 days from St Vincent one way to St George, Grenada, this past March. Agree with Dale on his cruising comments. Chatham Bay and Dragon Bay were our favorite spots. Bequia too. From Chatham Bay you can take a short hike up to the top of the mountain and get a spectacular view. Tyrell Bay and Clifton were disappointing. Our biggest problem was with our chartered boat from Horizon - an older 50 ft Beneteau it should never have been put in charter there were so many broken things. Keep your boat locked when away and lock up your dinghy at night. Good Luck!

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by daletournier

Zero problems getting rid of your trash that I've experienced.
.

Hey Dale....

Been reading Chris Doyle's book on the Windwards and he has a lot to say about trash disposal. He says the Grenandines in particular don't have the facilities to handle cruiser's trash. He says DON'T give your trash to a "vendor" who will not dispose of it properly.

He said some will just take it to the beach, pick thru it and leave it there.

BTW, we're heading to St Lucia on Tuesday. I assume you've already departed the fix?

[WantTo]

I agree with the recommendation to stay away from St. Vincent. Look at the reviews in Active Captain. It has been years since we were there, but I left reviews for most of the places we visited going south in early 2014 then north in late 2014 - early 2015. We loved Bequia.

[gmakhs]

It's better to find out for yourself since everyone is different and looking for different kind of pleasures but since you asked .
Crowded , rude , expensive and spoiled that applies to the Grenadines .
Crossed an ocean only to find out that Caribbean is one of the worst places to cruise, it ours more stress that it suppose to .
West Africa had less crime and more friendly people
Asia the same
Europe doesn't even compare
Caribbean the least favourite except some.exceotions .
Grenadines in the Caribbean you can't even swim without a boat boy motoring at full speed over you .

Go visit and let us know your experience .

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by captain_dave

We cruised for 10 days from St Vincent one way to St George, Grenada, this past March. Agree with Dale on his cruising comments. Chatham Bay and Dragon Bay were our favorite spots. Bequia too. From Chatham Bay you can take a short hike up to the top of the mountain and get a spectacular view. Tyrell Bay and Clifton were disappointing. Our biggest problem was with our chartered boat from Horizon - an older 50 ft Beneteau it should never have been put in charter there were so many broken things. Keep your boat locked when away and lock up your dinghy at night. Good Luck!

A one way is what we wanted to do originally. However just being 2 of us we decided the extra $1500 fee was just a bit too steep.

We're starting in St Lucia next week and sailing as far south as we feel comfortable. Our second day will pretty much be an all day sail from Marigot to Bequia. Will see where we go after that.

Yea, been there done that with a POS charter boat. Not fun. We've had really good luck the last few years chartering newer cats.

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by gmakhs

It's better to find out for yourself since everyone is different and looking for different kind of pleasures but since you asked .
Crowded , rude , expensive and spoiled that applies to the Grenadines .
Crossed an ocean only to find out that Caribbean is one of the worst places to cruise, it ours more stress that it suppose to .
West Africa had less crime and more friendly people
Asia the same
Europe doesn't even compare
Caribbean the least favourite except some.exceotions .
Grenadines in the Caribbean you can't even swim without a boat boy motoring at full speed over you .

Go visit and let us know your experience .

I did ask and I appreciate your response.

I will be more than happy to share our experiences when we get back.

[jcorsican]

We spent 2 years is that area. Tyrell Bay is great. Bequai is great. I wouldn't go to St. Vincent even if I was carrying an AK47.....same for MOST of St. Lucia, except Rodney Bay. Union is OK.

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by jcorsican

We spent 2 years is that area. Tyrell Bay is great. Bequai is great. I wouldn't go to St. Vincent even if I was carrying an AK47.....same for MOST of St. Lucia, except Rodney Bay. Union is OK.

Haha....no mincing of words there!!

We may have to stop somewhere on St Vincent on our way back to St Lucia.

Blue Lagoon maybe. Based on what most EVERYBODY says, we're not too keen on spending the night at one of the more remote locations in St Vincent....but I WOULD feel a lot better if I had an AK-47.

[Godshalk]

We visited Salt Whistle last winter and found it very crowded.

[DeValency]

Good suggestions here but do yourself a very inexpensive favor and order this Chris Doyle pilot/guide book. It is the best thing to have in hand for cruisers over there. You can see his other guides at the list...
The Cruising Guide to the Southern Leeward Islands https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997854049..._OLLJDbK47P24Q

Enjoy!