Boat hire in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Boat Rental in the Grenadines

Experience the exotic Caribbean with boat rentals in the Grenadines. Discover paradisaical island life with tropical coastlines and secluded beaches and bays. From harbours in Kingstown, Ribishi and Port Elizabeth, you can charter a range of outstanding vessels to explore the Grenadines' many lush islands and islets. With steady winds and calming waves, sandy shorelines await with tranquil sailing amid breathtaking panoramas over the clear Caribbean water. Choose from a wide variety of crewed, skippered and solo boats and charter a holiday to remember.

Whether you're a novice or an expert at sea, St. Vincent and the Grenadines are ideal for sailing at all levels. Offering exotic vistas and unspoilt sandy beaches, the region caters to a wide range of prices and budgets, with rentals for a week or longer. The glistening shores and spectacular sunsets of this alluring area of the Caribbean make it ideal for romantic getaways, but it is also perfect for family holidays and larger sailing groups with a skipper or solo. 

How much do boat rentals in the Grenadines cost?

The price of renting a boat in St Vincent and the Grenadines varies greatly depending on a number of factors.  Some of these factors include, the type of boat you want to hire, the length and make of the boat, the number of people and also the type of boat.

Catamaran charter in St Vincent and the Grenadines costs from £3550 per week in high season, while in low season you can expect prices to start from £2480 per week.

Sailing boat rental in the Grenadines, on the other hand, costs from £2076 for a week in high season, while the prices start at £1445 for a week in low season.

Is a bareboat charter in St Vincent and the Grenadines possible?

Yes!  In St VIncent and the Grenadines it is possible to hire a boat both with and without a skipper and you don’t need a boating licence for a bareboat charter.  You simply need to prove you can competently handle the boat you want to hire.

A bareboat charter in St Vincent and the Grenadines is perfect for sailors who want to explore the islands with freedom.  Rent a boat with a skipper, meanwhile, if you want a more relaxing holiday where you are guided around these breathtaking islands by an experienced guide.

What can you do while sailing in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

With almost 600 islands in the Grenadine island chain, 32 of which are located in St Vincent and the Grenadines, there is an endless list of things to do and places to visit.  Naturally, with so many islands at your disposal, island-hopping is a must and something made so much easier with a boat rental.  On the different islands, you can look forward to experiencing many diverse ecosystems and geographical features, just some of which include rainforests, waterfalls and coral reefs.  With so many reefs located in the seas surrounding the islands, scuba diving and snorkeling are activities that you simply must participate in, given the amount of sea life the reefs attract, and you can even see the wreckages of ancient ships that sank in the past.

Even if the biological diversity of the marine ecosystem doesn’t interest you, you will find something to suit your interests on these islands.  You can visit the bustling ports and participate in a number of different watersports by day.  Or, if you’re more interested in the food and the nightlife, Blue Lagoon Marina and Port Elizabeth have a number of fantastic restaurants and bars where you can sample fresh seafood, while Happy Island, Palm Island and Clifton are the perfect places to try some cocktails.  They are home to some of the best beach bars in the Caribbean and Janti Ramage’s bar on Happy Island is unique because it was built completely from conch shells the local fishermen discarded.

Here are some of the best places to visit:

• Bequia

Bequia is the largest island in the Grenadines and naturally, it has many of the most beautiful beaches, including Friendship Beach, Princess Margaret Beach, Lower Bay and Industry Bay.  All of these beaches provide a wide range of unique diving experiences nearby, with many wrecks, coral reefs and caves within a short distance from the shore.  If you want to pass a little time on shore, you can also visit the Bequia Maritime Museum.

• Tobago Cays

Tobago Cays offers some of the best sailing and snorkeling opportunities in the Caribbean on account of its horseshoe reef.  This reef has created a calm lagoon with unbelievably blue waters that attracts all sorts of marine life, including turtles, whales, dolphins and even flying fish.

• Petit St Vincent

Petit St Vincent is the smallest island in the Grenadines and is the ideal place for a digital detox if you fancy stopping off here for a couple of days.  On this island, there is no wifi and in the many resorts, there are also no televisions or phones in the rooms, meaning that if the guests want room service, they have to hoist a flag up outside their room.  Although most choose to relax by lounging on one of the many hammocks dotted around the island, there are also many hiking trails on the island for the more adventurous holidaymakers.

• Sandbanks

If you want a truly unique experience, you should visit one of the sandbanks.  In the Grenadines, there are two main ones: Mopion and Punaise.  Hanging out on a sandbank is the ultimate relaxing experience as you are literally relaxing on a stretch of sand in the middle of the sea, with nothing else for miles around.  It’s also the perfect place to have a picnic and snorkel.

• Union Island

On Union Island, you can walk the entire perimeter on the coastal path, as well as visiting the towns of Clifton and Ashton while you’re at it.  Ashton is a traditional fishing village and by stopping off here, you’ll have the opportunity to see some very colourful fishing boats.  Whilst on this island, you can also climb up Old Fort Hill.  A former outpost for French troops, this is the best place to get a spectacular view of the Grenadines, as well as visiting the ruins of a 17th century French fort below.

• Botanic Gardens of St Vincent

The Botanic Gardens of St Vincent are located just a mile from Kingstown and are dedicated to preserving rare native plants, as well as other tropical plants.  Built in 1765, it is one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in the world.  Hidden within the gardens, you can also find the Nicholas Wildlife Aviary, which runs a captive breeding program aimed at conserving the St Vincent amazon parrot, currently classed as a vulnerable species.

• Dark View Falls

Dark View Falls consists of two spectacular waterfalls, located at the foot of La Soufrière Volcano.  The falls are just 15 minutes from the nearest car park, but can be a little tricky to reach if you’re scared of heights as you have to cross a bamboo bridge to get there.  If you can brave the bridge, though, you won’t regret it as the pools below the falls are the perfect place to swim and cool down.

• Mustique

Mustique is a former royal residence, given to Princess Margaret in 1959 as a wedding present.  This island, though small, is a fantastic place to visit on account of the rich and diverse wildlife found throughout the island, including many bird species, most of which you can see while hiking along the North Point trail.

What are the weather and sailing conditions like in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

Temperatures are high in the Grenadines year round, rarely falling below an average of 30°C (86°F) and the water temperature remains consistently at around 24°C (75.2°F).  From December until April, the weather is warm with the classic dry heat that you expect from the Caribbean, hence why this is the high season.  

St. Vincent is amazing for sailing as sailors here can take advantage of the northeast trade winds and winds during the high season can reach a speed of 25 knots (around 29 mph).  The swells in this time will be between 3 and 5 feet (1-1.5 metres).

During the low season, the winds are slower, usually 10-20 knots (11.5-23 mph), but the swells are 5-7 ft (1.5-2 metres).

People wishing to go between July and October should be aware of the fact that this is the official hurricane season for St Vincent and the Grenadines.  This doesn’t mean that you should completely avoid the islands during this time period, but you should try to track where the hurricanes are going to hit and plan your trip accordingly.

When is the best time to go sailing in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

In general, the best time to go sailing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is between May and November.  As the high season runs from December until April, it is between May and November that you will find fewer crowds and, in general, lower prices.  

However, when planning your trip, you must remember that the official hurricane season in St Vincent and the Grenadines runs from July until October.  Hurricanes don’t always hit the islands but it is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast so you aren’t caught unawares.

Where are the best ports and sailing areas in St Vincent and the Grenadines

With more than 40 anchorages, St Vincent and the Grenadines have a lot of different sailing areas to choose from.  Some of the best are listed below:

• Young Island

This island is located to the south of St Vincent and offers visitors all the amenities they could want, whilst not compromising the typical Caribbean atmosphere of the island.  It is protected from most winds and is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters.  Behind the white sand beaches, you can see mountains covered in lush, green vegetation and if you feel like exploring, you can head over to the rock of Fort Duvernette.

• Baliceaux South-West

This bay, on the island of Baliceaux, which was discovered by the Spaniards in the 15th century, is rarely crowded, despite offering fair protection from the wind.  The sea can get a little rough as a result of easterly swells, but for a quick trip, the conditions are pleasant.  This island is full of sheltered coves that are fascinating to explore, and it also offers up many opportunities for snorkeling, sunbathing and hiking.

• Britannia Bay, Mustique

Aside from being a former royal residence, there are many reasons to visit the island of Mustique and Britannia Bay, an anchorage in the west of the island.  There are many amenities, as well as a lot of entertainment on this island, but the real reason why it is so popular is the wildlife.  The seas around this island are full of coral reefs and it is also a popular breeding ground for many turtles and herons.  While you’re there, it’s strongly recommended to head over to Bazil’s Bar, where you can enjoy cocktails on the beach.

• Saline Bay, Mayreau Island

In spite of the beautiful white sand beaches, most of the lure of this island lies in the water.  The surrounding sea is packed full of excellent snorkeling opportunities and for experienced divers, the famous Mayreau Hot Springs presents a unique diving experience.  At Mayreau Hot Springs, you have the opportunity to see impressive coral reefs in a rare underwater volcanic setting.

If you venture onto dry land, it is easy to get to the only village on the island, where you can sample some local food in one of the few restaurants, or buy some souvenirs for your friends and family in the shops.  If you like photography, Saline Bay also offers a great viewpoint of the Tobago Cays.

There are many more areas that are good for sailing in these islands, some of which include:

Tobago Cays

Union Island

Mopion Island

And many more…

How to get to your boat charter in St Vincent and the Grenadines

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, there are 5 ‘major’ airports scattered across many of the different islands.  Currently it is only possible to get a direct flight from Miami, New York, Toronto in Canada and some of the other Caribbean islands.  If you’re coming from anywhere else, you will have to stop off, usually at either Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia or Trinidad and Tobago.  If you’re flying with either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, your flight will stop off at Bridgetown in Barbados.  Once you’re on St Vincent or one of the other islands, the easiest way to travel between islands is by boat, making a boat charter particularly idea for this location.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

What is the price to hire a boat in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the high season and the low season?

The average cost of hiring a boat in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is approximately 1,461£ per day during the high season, and around 1,044£ per day during the low season.

What is the cost per day to hire a skipper in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

The cost of hiring a skipper varies depending on the destination and the boat owner. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the average price for a skipper is around 165£ per day.

What is the average length of boats in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, boats have an average length of 13 meters.

Is it possible to hire a boat in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines without a license?

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, there are 2 boats available for hire without a license. Additionally, many boats can be hired with a skipper.

Which boat manufacturers are the most popular in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the most popular boat manufacturers are Barracuda and Dufour.

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