Saint Vincent

Perhaps the most beautiful island of them all, Saint Vincent is a mass of jagged green peaks and steep-sided, verdant valleys, many of which are partly cultivated. The people of Saint Vincent are industrious both on land and sea, and if it were not for the limitations imposed on air traffic by the very inadequate runway, the island would surely have made great strides.

As it is, however, a country-village atmosphere still prevails, and Saint Vincent is utterly delightful and it is worth renting a small bus with driver for the day. Waterfalls, mountains, jungle + a unique atmosphere is found here.

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines you'll probably find it worthwhile to troll while you sail, game fishing is excellent here.

These include the northeast coast and the Devil's Table in Bequia, ¡le de Quatre, Grand and Sandy bays in Mystique, the east coast of Canouan, all of Mayero and the Tobago Cays, all of Palm Island, and Petit Saint Vincent and the surrounding reefs.

Apart from being staggeringly beautiful, the northern end of the island beats even Dominica for sheer ruggedness. The lightly slumbering volcano Soufriere (if you have been counting, this is the fifth with that name) dominates the area, and from its 3,600-foot summit one can look down into the dark-green depths of a crater lake that itself is 2,000 feet above sea level.

You will remember that Soufriere in 1979, tired of playing second fiddle to Martinique's Mont Pelée, staged a spectacular eruption, which resulted in the rapid evacuation of the entire northern end of the island.

Landmark of the Windwards, the Pitons on Saint Lucia

Although there is no anchorage under even the most perfect conditions, the yachtsman should try to land a party to visit the Falls of Baleine on the northwestern extremity of the island. Get in as close to the little beach as possible and send the dinghy in through the surf.

The yacht should then stand well offshore, for there can be some really violent squalls close in under the cliffs.

The tiny village of Wallibu is situated just north of Chateaubelair Bay. When we first went there, the inhabitants disappeared from sight, Villages like this dot the shore of Saint Vincent.

We were aware only of furtive movements in the surrounding jungle.

Later the local people overcame their shyness, and whenever we appeared they would flock out to the yacht in their boats.

Take some old clothes ashore, and your kindness will really be appreciated. Here again, the yacht should stand well off rather than attempt to anchor close ashore.

Chateaubelair Bay itself is deep and usually too rolly for anything longer than a lunch stop.

We arrange a 2 week charter cruising trough the best of the Caribbean islands onboard the sailboat Audrey with capacity for 6 persons including: Captain and cook and all meals with open bar. The price is $125 per person a day with a minimum of 4 persons. For more information please contact us: audrey@explore-yachts.com

St. Vincent: The Explore Charter Cruising Guide for the Caribbean.

Saint Vincent