Report / Saint Vincent in the Caribbean, a stopover at the heart of Afro-Caribbean culture

Wallilabou Bay

Saint-Vincent-et-les-Grenadines, a state in the Lesser Antilles, seduces with its wild anchorages and warm Afro-Caribbean culture. A paradise for yachtsmen in search of authenticity and a change of scenery.

With its crystal-clear waters and rich Afro-Caribbean heritage, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the most popular destinations for yachtsmen. The archipelago, made up of a string of small islands, boasts a lively, warm culture marked by an incomparable welcome. While sailing here is enchanting for its fluidity and breathtaking scenery, the anchorages reflect a wild, unspoilt nature, ideal for recharging your batteries and exploring.

Peaceful stopovers on Kingston's doorstep

  • Young Island

Just a stone's throw from Kingston, Young Island attracts yachtsmen with its accessibility and calm. This well-protected anchorage is the perfect place for a quiet stopover, with the added bonus of being able to explore the local wildlife and enjoy the island's peaceful ambience, while being only 20 minutes from the capital. Buoys provide secure mooring.

Young Island © Seaseek
Young Island © Seaseek

Slightly further south, Blue Lagoon Bay, popular for its protected environment, has several mooring buoys. It's a great place to get away from it all, exploring coastal paths and discovering St. Vincent's lush vegetation. The perfect place to spend the night or a longer stay, Blue Lagoon offers a peaceful environment in which to recharge your batteries, while remaining close to the local culture and lively life of Kingstown.

Blue Lagoon Marina
Blue Lagoon Marina
  • Wallilabou Bay

Another original anchorage popular with yachtsmen is at Wallilabou Bay, on the island's west coast. In addition to the opportunity to moor in splendid surroundings, visitors can explore one of the filming locations for the movie Pirates of the Caribbean . According to boater testimonials, little remains today, and maintenance seems to have been neglected. A piece of collapsed pontoon, a few cannons scattered along the jetty, and an old house still standing, housing photos of the actors and the filming, all add to the charm of the place.

Wallilabou Bay
Wallilabou Bay
Wallilabou Bay
Wallilabou Bay

Around the island, an immersion in the soul of the Grenadines

  • Baliceaux

Baliceaux, an island of wild charm, is a place steeped in history. With little traffic, it offers a sheltered anchorage where yachtsmen can contemplate its splendid natural setting while reflecting on its past as a land of exile for the Garifunas, the original inhabitants.

Baliceaux © The Navigation Family
Baliceaux © The Navigation Family
  • Britannia Bay at Mustique Island

Protected from north-easterly to south-easterly winds, Britannia Bay is an anchorage where mooring on a buoy is compulsory, with a rate of 220 XCD for 3 nights, or around 75 euros. The pristine beaches contribute to a pleasant experience, where a warm welcome and the opportunity to explore the island at leisure enrich the stay. In the 17th century, Mustique and its neighboring islands were pirate havens. Their strategic position in the Caribbean Sea made them essential points of passage for freebooters, who sought to evade colonial authorities and replenish their supplies. In the 18th century, however, the sugar cane trade took over, and the islands became plantation centers. Today, Mustique is known for its superb private villas and exclusive atmosphere, but its historical roots of piracy and plantations are still present in its cultural heritage.

Britannia Bay à Mustique Island © The Navigation Family
Britannia Bay on Mustique Island © The Navigation Family

Afro-Caribbean traditions and the art of living

The archipelago's Afro-Caribbean culture, forged by a mixed-race past, is reflected in its festivals, dances and music. The St. Vincent Carnival, in particular, attracts yachtsmen every year eager to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere where calypso and steelpan punctuate the celebrations. Kingston's lively and colorful markets offer an opportunity to discover local crafts and authentic regional flavors, with spicy dishes such as callaloo or cassava bread, perfect for a gourmet refuel between two sailings.

Célébration à Saint-Vincent © Saveurcaraibes
Celebration in Saint-Vincent © Saveurcaraibes
More articles on the theme