• Wave icon Trip Type: Coastal
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
  • Pin icon Region: Caribbean & The Americas
Introductory

Adventure Rating:
Introductory

None

Experience Required:
None

Up to 12 Days from £2,199

Dates, Prices & Travel

Discover the insanely beautiful Grenadines between St Lucia & Grenada

Embark on an unforgettable adventure sailing vacation through the Windward Islands, where each island offers its unique paradise. The Grenadines are a world of fragrant nutmeg plantations, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, giving the perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural richness and great sailing. Sail to the enchanting St. Vincent, a land of rugged volcanic landscapes and the gateway to the idyllic Grenadines, ideal for island-hopping and exploring hidden coves. Discover Bequia, the largest island of the Grenadines, known for its maritime history, whale-hunting heritage, and beautiful harbours. Swim in the world-famous Tobago Cays, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters amidst astonishing coral reefs teeming with marine life and turtles. Other islands on this route include Union Island, with its dramatic volcanic silhouette, St Lucia and Mustique. Join us on this magical sailing vacation, packed full of adventure, discovery and learning.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime with Europe’s #1 rated adventure sailors?

Rubicon 3 expeditions are genuine sailing adventures rather than luxury sailing vacations. You will be off the beaten track, possibly out on the open ocean, depending on the route you choose and sailing to and exploring remote and beautiful places. The expert Rubicon 3 instructors will train you and ensure you are fully involved in all aspects of the experience, including navigating, helming, trimming sails, cooking and looking after the yacht. As a true sailing adventure, it is much less predictable (& much better!) than a packaged experience, with itineraries planned day by day and shaped by local circumstances and weather. To take part in the adventure, the crew must come with the right attitude, an open mind and a desire to be fully involved.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see the dates this trip runs. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

 

Sailing Area

Grenadines sailing area map
Grenadines sailing route
The Yachts

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Key Information
What’s included
  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket with PLB

  • All sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included
  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas (where required)

  • Discretionary crew tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
sailing crew in caribbean

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.

Landing rib on beach
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
deserted island in the caribbean

 

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

December 23, 2024
St Lucia

End Date & Location

January 3, 2025
St Lucia

Price

£2,499

Deposit

£999

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: December 23, 2024

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: St Lucia

Start Port: Rodney Bay

Start Marina: Rodney Bay Marina

End Date: January 3, 2025

End Time: 09:00

End Country: St Lucia

End Port: Rodney Bay

End Marina: Rodney Bay Marina

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: St Lucia (IATA Code: UVF)
Fly Out of: St Lucia (IATA Code: UVF)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in St Lucia.
  • It is scheduled to be in Rodney Bay Marina.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on December 23 2024, so you will need to be in St Lucia by December 22, 2024.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in St Lucia.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Rodney Bay, St Lucia
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into St Lucia on the evening of January 2, 2025, and you will need to disembark by 09:00 Janaury 3 2025.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel from St Lucia or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

January 7, 2025
St Lucia

End Date & Location

January 16, 2025
St Lucia

Price

£2,199

Deposit

£999

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: January 7, 2025

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: St Lucia

Start Port: Rodney Bay

Start Marina: Rodney Bay Marina

End Date: January 16, 2025

End Time: 10:00

End Country: St Lucia

End Port: Rodney Bay

End Marina: Rodney Bay Marina

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: St Lucia (IATA Code: UVF)
Fly Out of: St Lucia (IATA Code: UVF)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in St Lucia.
  • It is scheduled to be in Rodney Bay Marina.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on January 7 2025, so you will need to be in St Lucia by January 6, 2025.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in St Lucia.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Rodney Bay, St Lucia
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into St Lucia on the morning of January 16, 2025, and you will need to disembark by 12:00 Janaury 16 2025.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel from St Lucia or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

January 21, 2025
St Lucia

End Date & Location

January 30, 2025
St Lucia

Price

£2,199

Deposit

£999

Availability

Available

Trip Information

Start Date: January 21, 2025

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: St Lucia

Start Port: Rodney Bay

Start Marina: Rodney Bay Marina

End Date: January 30, 2025

End Time: 10:00

End Country: St Lucia

End Port: Rodney Bay

End Marina: Rodney Bay Marina

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: St Lucia (IATA Code: UVF)
Fly Out of: St Lucia (IATA Code: UVF)

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in St Lucia.
  • It is scheduled to be in Rodney Bay Marina.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on January 21 2025, so you will need to be in St Lucia by January 20, 2025.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in St Lucia.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Rodney Bay, St Lucia
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into St Lucia on the morning of January 30, 2025, and you will need to disembark by 12:00 Janaury 30 2025.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel from St Lucia or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

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