TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Southern Caribbean Grenadines vs. BVI

I have been chartering in the BVI for many years. I recently ran into a former Moorings executive who said I must try the Grenadines. I would appreciate any comments from those who have done both and could compare the sailing, daytime activities, evening and overnight (anchorage comfort) experience. I know it is farther and less protected between islands. I also understand the wind is a bit stronger on average. And one of my few complaints about the BVI is how crowded most anchorages are. Thank you for your thoughts.
Doug

I LOVE the Grenadines, but it is completely different than the BVI's. There are several posts on here with comments on the differences, here's a recent one:

BVI's vs. Grenadines

And another:

After the BVi's

I hope you do get a chance to go!

I love both. BVI is great for the easy sailing and convenience of all the facilities.

Grenadines is better for less crowds and more secluded anchorages. Greater variety between the islands as well. Plenty of places to anchor so you save $25-30 every night - which adds up to quite a lot over a week or two. Downsides of the Grenadines is hassle in some places from boatboys (not as bad as it used to be) and the greater distances between stops (of course that is an advantage to serious sailors)

While I agree full heartedly with Mike to most of his advice the Vendors (aka boat boys) are generally a great bunch. Granted on St. Vincent they can be a real pain and also pulling into Clifton on Union they can be overly aggressive. If you look like you know what your doing and look’s as though you know where you want to end up a simple gesture will wave them off. The most aggressive I’ve seen are in Clifton. They want to sell you their mooring which is probably an old outboard or engine block with a piece of aged poly attached to an oil bottle. You’d be better off anchoring on the middle reef than to trust those. In most other anchorages the “boys” are trying to offer a service. Whether fresh bread in the AM or a BBQ on shore, maybe even some fresh fish that you’d wish you’d had caught. When approached just give them a fist bump and a wave off till you get settled. Listen to their offer when everyting cool mon. You might be surprised. The Dines are still one of my favorites.

I agree with Mike.

Be prepare for wilder sailing, and more careful navigation in some spots... around the Tobago Cay's for example.

The BVI is more 'tame,' and has far more infrastructure and amenities.

They are very different and both very enjoyable.

we don't sail ourselves but have hired a boat with captain for i think 4 times now in the BVI's and loved it. But then spent a land based vacation last year in the Grenadines and stayed on St. Vincent, Bequia, and Mayreau. The next time we do go we will definately want to be on a boat. From a sailor's perspective we can't offer much but can tell you that way less crowded and the views are gorgeous, the people are friendly. I would try it. If you do, Salt Whistle Bay is not to be missed and you can overnight there. Another plus is less expensive there for food, drinks and what not.

Thanks to all for the input. No real surprises. Quick follow up questions are do you have any thoughts on the rockiness of the anchorages(under normal conditions) and availability of restaurants?

We are on a cat so very rarely suffer from rocking in anchorages. I can think of one place that might be rolly on a mono... Saline Bay, Mayreau. Other than that I would say they are ok.

You'll find restaurants in nearly all overnight stops. In the Tobago Cays there are no restaurants but the boat boys will do you a beach bbq.

I was in a mono, both in December and in June, and didn't find it rolly in the anchorages much, except, as Mike said, in Saline Bay on Mayreau - and it still wasn't as bad as some of the norther anchorages in the BVI's during a swell.

There are places to eat at every stop except for Petit Nevis just south of Bequia and the Cays.

Some places only have one choice, but most have a few you can choose from.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia and Clifton Harbour, Union Island have lots of choices within a few blocks area of the docks.

Most of the other anchorages have one or two places close by the docks, and a few farther away, which might entail a long walk or taxi ride.

I never made it to Chatham Bay, Union Island, but there are several beach bbq places (are they restaurants now?) along the beach.

I was never concerned with where to eat or drink, even in the off season there were plenty of choices.

Great info! Now all I need to do is find a crew up for the trip. Thank you to Dawn and Mike (I chartered Jeannius 6-7 years ago) for the quick responses.
Doug

NP Doug!

I'm sure if you have trouble filling a boat among your friends that there would be plenty of people on here that would love to go!

Like Dawn said Saline can be a bit of a roll if you have north swells. You can usually still anchor there comfortably but get as far north in the bay as you can. Be careful there are some area’s to the north that have either bad holding or stuff you can get fouled on. The Cay’s are another place that can get lively. The reef knocks down most but if it’s nasty tuck in behind Bardel. Chatham is cool. If it’s blowin a stink and the swells are doin there thing just anchor in the N.E. corner of the bay. The winds cascade off the peaks, keeps the bugs at bay, but doesn’t mess the anchorage.
If you need a guide let me know <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

The one problem in Saline Bay if you go too far to the north is that you risk getting in the way of the ferry - which will NOT get out of the way for you....

If you need help filling the boat, let me know! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Agreed TOTALY. But if the swells are doing what swells do and you're out of option "B"..... Personly in settled weather a hook as far south as you dare is a better option. But then again if they're setting up chairs on the beach I'd really rather be drinking Jauanty's (sp) punch.

Dinners: Black Boy and Debbie's in Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau, and Robert Righteous and de Youths on the hill on Mayreau; Chatham Bay on Union go to Sun Beach Eat, get the lambe (conch); Mustique, visit the FireFly Inn, expensive but good, moorings are mandatory and $75 for 3 days, don't miss the humping turtles: Bequia,get a roti at the Whaleboner or the Green Bole, dinner at Frangiapani, ice cream at Gingerbread; St. Vincent, visit Dark View Falls at Chateaublair, use the boat boy George.
Tell them all that Captain Mark sent you, you will get a free rum punch at Black Boy's and at Sun Eat Beach if you do!
Cheers!