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Chartering in the Grenadines: the Tobago Cays and clearing between two countries
Short answer
The Grenadines belong to two countries,
St Vincent and the Grenadines in the north and Grenada with Carriacou in the south.
Sail between them and you clear out and in again.
In the Tobago Cays a marine park fee and zones apply.
The Grenadines are a chain of small islands between St Vincent and Grenada. Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island belong to St Vincent and the Grenadines, while Carriacou and Petite Martinique belong to Grenada; there are charter bases on both main islands. The trade wind blows steadily from the east and the hops are short, but there is current between the islands and reefs often lie just below the surface. In many bays boat boys come alongside offering moorings, bread or fish; agree the price first.
The Tobago Cays are a marine park behind a large horseshoe reef, known for turtles and clear water. Rangers collect a fee per person per day and explain the zones: anchoring and moorings only in the marked areas, no fishing, and extra care in the turtle area. If you move between the two countries you clear out at Union Island and clear in at Carriacou, or the other way round. Clearing in takes a crew list, ship's papers and passports; the base supplies the boat documents and tells you where the offices are and when they open.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. The southern Grenadines were long seen as less exposed, but Hurricane Beryl struck Carriacou and Union Island hard in July 2024. Most charters therefore run from December to May. Move between reefs only in good light with the sun behind you. The base normally wants a recognised certificate such as an ICC or RYA Day Skipper and real experience. If you damage someone else's boat or property with the charter yacht you are personally liable, so your own skipper liability insurance belongs in the preparations.
Worth remembering
St Vincent
Bequia to Union Island, Tobago Cays
Grenada
Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Cross the border in the Grenadines and you clear out and in again.
Questions
What owners ask us about this
What does a visit to the Tobago Cays cost?
Rangers collect a fee per person per day; the base will tell you the current amount. A mooring is charged on top if you take one.
Where do I clear between St Vincent and Grenada?
Usually out at Union Island and in at Carriacou, or the reverse going north. Until you have cleared in, the crew may not go ashore in the other country.
When is the season in the Grenadines?
December to May, outside the hurricane season, when the trade wind is steady.
Related
Not sure whether you qualify?
Whether it is “Chartering in the Grenadines: the Tobago Cays and clearing between two countries” or another question: send us your residence and the flag your boat flies. You will get a straight answer in one email; including a no, if that is the answer.
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