|
The best way to appreciate the Grenadines is by sailing there. The region is visited by only a handful of 'yachties' in search of eternal summer, making these islands one of the most exclusive sailing grounds in the world. Sprinkled in the crystal clear waters between the volcanic peaks of St. Vincent and Grenada is a 60-mile trail of palm-studded sandbars, coral reefs and tiny islets that haven't changed much since Columbus first sailed these waters. Our ships can sail right up to an islet and anchor of a deserted beach. You can ride the tender ashore, or just jump from the Mandalay and swim to the beach. Enjoy the ultimate beach day until your Captain gives the cue to hoist sails. If it's nightlife and cultural stimulation you desire, Grenada and St. Vincent have just that, plus excellent beaches, lush rainforests and all kinds of water sports.
St. George's, Grenada
An attractive colonial-era town spilling down a hillside above the Carenage, with its horseshoe-shaped harbor, Grenada's capital of ST GEORGE'S received the full brunt of Hurricane Ivan's high winds, and the bevy of new terracotta-coloured roofs stand in testament to the power of the wind.
St George's won't take more than a day to explore, and it's worth taking time away from the beach to do so. Though the market is at its liveliest on Saturday morning, most shops close on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays, making the town a quiet place during those times – except when a cruise ship moors at the spanking new docks, in which case the town explodes into a frenzy of activity, market stalls spring up on shore, restaurants and bars fill up, street vendors and local guides come out in force.
Carriacou
Peaceful and removed describes this patch of paradise. Green rolling hills descend to sandy white beaches (typical of the Grenadines.) At Tyrrel Bay, under the shade of palms at the edge of the sea, you can watch local men building schooners by hand. Still unspoiled by mass tourism, this is the perfect spot for getting away-from-it-all.
Mayreau, Grenadine Islands
The island of Mayreau is a true break from reality, with only one road, virtually no development, and farm animals outnumbering the inhabitants. One of the Grenadines, in the larger chain of Windward Islands, it has beautiful beaches, and plenty of solitude. View it as your own private island.
Union Island, , Grenadines
The most southerly island of the Grenadines, Union Island is a mere three miles by one mile, garnished with two dramatic peaks and a population of 2000. Once you land on shore, you won’t want to leave. Union Island is a sailor’s delight offering pretty anchorages, a couple of rowdy bars and some good restaurants. There is mile after mile of undisturbed sand and wild mangoes for the taking.
St. Vincent, Grenadine Islands
St. Vincent glimmers like an emerald in the sea. A boat ride along the coast is the best way to appreciate the island’s volcanic origins; and visit the Falls of Baleine, a breath taking waterfall that spills from a mass of foliage into a rockbound pool. Kingstown, the capital, is an 18th century town worth exploring. A walking tour begins at the docks and leads to the farmers’ market (Saturday mornings), past shops, restaurants, and old churches. Beachcombers will find beautiful black sand on the leeward side, proof of the island’s volcanic birth. Its botanical gardens are the oldest in the hemisphere.
Bequía, Grenadines
Pretty as a picture describes our beloved Bequia. You’ll be captivated by the island’s charm while strolling along the lovely harbor with its shops, restaurants, and pastel-painted gingerbread homes. There’s a long tradition of boat building and you’ll find a slew of handcrafted model ships, old nautical charts, and rare sailing books to bring back home.
St. George's, Grenada (return)
Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with picturesque towns, this verdant island has long been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa. The seductive fragrance drifts through the colorful Saturday markets and Grenada's dense forests. In the interior of this volcanic island are cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rain forests, and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes imaginable. The capital, St. George's, is widely held to be the loveliest city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes.
|
