Ready for a genuine sailing adventure? No Rubicon 3 route has a set itinerary. The skipper and mate will look at the wind and weather at the time and make a plan with you. You may discover a fantastic place and want to spend an extra day exploring, or the wind is from the wrong direction, so you sail somewhere off the initial plan. Making the adventure up as we go is all part of the magic of these trips in the West Indies.
Where are the Grenadines
The Grenadines are the southern chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea’s Lesser Antilles and a hidden gem. They lie between St Lucia to the north and Grenada to the south. They are like taking a step back to the 1970s, with a laid-back vibe and far less tourism than the northern islands. It makes for a magical sailing adventure. Technically, they run between Grenada and St Vincent, but we add on the iconic Mustique and St Lucia just to the north of them.
Our route explores as many islands as possible, possibly sailing to Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Union Island, Mayreau, the Tobago Cays, Canouan, Mustique and Bequia.
This is a coastal sailing route with very few long stretches. Expect around four hours of sailing a day and plenty of time to explore ashore. You will drop anchor and discover beautiful villages, swim in turquoise waters on coral reefs, and relax on white sand beaches.
The trade winds give perfect conditions to explore this part of the Caribbean Sea on a sailing yacht, and the beautiful locations we stop at each day make this a magical adventure.
St Lucia
This beautiful island is celebrated for its dramatic Pitons and rainforests, including the renowned Edmund Forest Reserve and the captivating Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. The island has a storied past marked by Franco-British rivalry, now reflected in the colonial charm of Castries and the historical richness of Pigeon Island National Park. Sulphur Springs Park is a one-of-a-kind drive-in volcano we must try if we can.
Bequia
Bequia, the largest island in the Grenadines, is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and relaxed Caribbean charm. The island has a fascinating history of deep-sea fishing and boat-building. It is also home to stunning beaches like Princess Margaret and Lower Bay, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Admiralty Bay, the island’s bustling heart, is a great anchorage fringed by a lively waterfront with shops, cafes, and bars. The island’s unique whaling heritage is still preserved, and attractions like the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary must be visited. Bequia’s history, marked by Arawak and Carib peoples and later European colonialism, is evident in its culture and architecture.
Mustique
Mustique is a small private island that epitomizes luxury and exclusivity in the Caribbean. Famed for celebrity visitors and upscale villas, the island has stunning, pristine beaches like Macaroni Beach and Lagoon Bay. Everything is beautifully maintained, with lush vegetation and exotic wildlife. Mustique’s history adds to its allure; it was once a sugar plantation and was later transformed into a luxurious private haven by Lord Glenconner in the 1950s. We must visit the iconic Basil’s Bar and the Cotton House.
Canouan
Canouan is another gem in the Grenadines. It is a small paradise island renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Grand Bay Beach. Its powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters make it a wonderful place to relax and swim. Canouan was once a quiet fishing community. Although it is much developed, it retains a sense of unspoiled charm.
The Tobago Cays
The Tobago Cays, a cluster of five small, uninhabited islands in the Grenadines, are a quintessential Caribbean paradise, and we could easily spend a full week sailing and exploring just here. These cays are renowned for their stunning, unspoiled beauty, featuring some of the clearest blue waters and finest white sand beaches in the Caribbean. The cays are encircled by the Tobago Cays Marine Park. This protected area offers some of the best snorkelling and diving experiences in the world, with perfect coral reefs and abundant marine life, including sea turtles and bright and colourful fish. The Horseshoe Reef, surrounding the cays, is particularly famous for its pristine coral formations.
Mayreau
Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island in the Windward Islands and a real hidden gem. Accessible only by boat, it boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the region, like Salt Whistle Bay, renowned for its crescent-shaped beach and crystal-clear water. Mayreau’s small village is home to a warm, welcoming community, providing a glimpse into a laid-back, traditional Caribbean lifestyle. The island’s rustic charm is preserved by a lack of significant development, making it a haven for those seeking the more intimate and unspoiled experience that the Grenadines specializes in. You’ll love the spectacular panoramic views from the island’s hilltop Catholic church, overlooking the neighbouring cays and the stunning Tobago Cays Marine Park. Nearby, we can anchor for lunch at Petit Tabac, the beach where Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” was marooned.
Union Island
Union Island, next to Palm Island, is the southern gateway to the Grenadines and a vibrant hub of activity and culture. Known for its dramatic topography, the island features striking hills and beautiful beaches, such as Chatham Bay and Big Sand Beach. Its lively town, Clifton, is its bustling heart, with colourful markets, local shops, and cafes, all providing an authentic taste of Caribbean life.
Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Carriacou and Petite Martinique are part of Grenada but are closer geographically and culturally to the Grenadines. They are captivating islands known for their unspoiled beauty and rich cultural heritage. Carriacou, the larger of the two, is celebrated for its traditional boat building, vibrant music and dance traditions, and stunning white sandy beaches such as Paradise Beach. The island’s capital, Hillsborough, is a charming blend of colourful architecture and friendly locals. Petite Martinique, smaller and more serene, is a haven of tranquillity. Their relatively untouched landscapes and the warm hospitality of their residents make Carriacou and Petite Martinique idyllic stops if we get that far.
The Sailing Season in the Grenadines
The ideal time to join us for sailing adventures in the Grenadines is during the dry season from December to May. This is marked by sunny and stable weather, lower humidity, and steady trade winds, creating perfect sailing conditions. This period sees less rainfall and zero risk of tropical storms. The trade winds during these months are consistent and predictable, typically ranging from 10 to 25 knots, providing excellent sailing experiences. The sea also tends to be calmer, enhancing comfort for those onboard.
The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter
This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation but a proper sailing adventure. Sailing with Rubicon 3, unlike a leeward islands yacht charter company like Sunsail or Moorings, means you’ll have a far more authentic and in-depth experience.
- Tailored Experience: Unlike standard leeward islands yacht charters, every day, the Rubicon 3 team work hard to tailor the experience to your specific interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkelling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
- Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 have extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure. Unlike other yacht charter destinations, the Grenadines allow you to explore islands much off the beaten track.
- Learning Opportunities: Sailing in the southern Caribbean with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.
The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter
This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation but a proper sailing adventure. Sailing with Rubicon 3, unlike a leeward islands yacht charter company like Sunsail or Moorings, means you’ll have a far more authentic and in-depth experience.
- Tailored Experience: Unlike standard leeward islands yacht charters, every day, the Rubicon 3 team work hard to tailor the experience to your specific interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkelling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
- Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 have extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure. Unlike other yacht charter destinations, the Windward Islands, in particular, offer places off the beaten track.
- Learning Opportunities: If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip not just as a vacation but also as a learning opportunity.
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