GRENADINES

There are several Islands that make part of the Grenadines.  The ones we visited were Petit St-Vincent, Petite Martinique, Union, Mayreau, and Tobago Cays.

We were initially going to anchor in Petite Martinique, however, it looked like an extremely uncomfortable anchorage so we went across to Petit St-Vincent instead.  Petit St-Vincent is a private Island owned by a Texan.  On the Island, there’s an exclusive high end resort where guests have their own bungalow.  If they require something, all they have to do is raise a flag outside their bungalow and here comes a butler.  There is no wifi on this island.  We went for a walk on the beach past the “Do not go any further sign” and saw a nicely set up dinner table for 2 on the beach with lanterns.  It was something like out of the Bachelorette TV show.  It looked very romantic indeed.

The next day, we dinghied over to Petite Martinique since we’d never been there before.  It was Sunday so of course, everything was closed but that was ok with us.  We walked the only road until there was no more then continued on a dirt path.  Along the way we many goats and sheep then we heard a young kitten meowing.  We gave it some water for which it drank in it’s entirety.  For a split moment I wanted to adopt it but….I just can’t justify an animal on a boat, not me.

WE DON'T SEE PIGS THAT OFTEN

WE ALSO DON'T SEE BILLY GOATS TOO OFTEN

A little further up we came upon a beautiful meadow with one house that had a most beautiful view.  It was a breathtaking area.  We met a local who was building a garden not far away and he encouraged us to climb to the top of the island.  So, we did.  The view of our boat at Petit St-Vincent made it worthwhile. 

OUR BOAT ANCHORED AT PETIT ST-VINCENT, VIEW FROM PETITE MARTINIQUE

The only unfortunately thing about this island is that its beach is not anything to write home about.  In fact, it’s one of the ugliest beaches I’ve seen.  Well, there really isn’t any tourists that stay on this island other than a day trip like we did. 

THE ONLY MAIN ROAD ON PETITE MARTINIQUE

There are only approximately 200 inhabitants on the little island of Mayreau.  Water here is scares therefore cultivation and livestock pose some difficulty.  Fish is a huge part of the local diet.  Every drop of drinkable water is caught and conserved.  The drum is very popular and present in many celebrations including a type of rhythm just for a ‘rain dance’.  About 20 years ago, there was no electricity on this island.  Mayreau is only  1.5 square miles and has 1 main road.  For years, this tiny island was owned by one family, the St-Hillaires whose relationship with the inhabitants was feudal.  The workers did not own the land until the 70s when the people were able to change their houses to concrete structures.  Finally, in 1986, the inhabitants were able to purchase their plots.  Mayreau was settled by Europeans and was then deforested and exploited.  Slave labor was used to cultivate the land for the cash crop of cotton and fuel in the production of lime (a form of cement made from burning the coral of surrounding reefs).  Mayreau was initially claimed by the French who let the island to tenants.  Legend has it that the master was killed by his workers because he was particularly cruel and harsh.  Today, crime is nonexistent apart from petty theft and there is no police station.   There was a ‘Luxury hotel’ where the cottages are still standing but it is no longer operational. Ahhhhh, Salt Whistle Bay in Mayreau is a most beautiful, picture postcard island beach.  Since we have a shallow draft we can anchor really close to the beach.  From this vantage point, we can see both the leeward and windward side of the island.  NOT SUCH A BAD PLACE FOR BOAT JOBS It’s a little walk over the hill to Saline Bay on Mayreau.  It’s a much bigger bay than Salt Whistle bay and very beautiful also with more full time cruisers versus the bareboat charters in Salt Whistle Bay.    THE CHURCH UP ON THE HILL HAS A DRUM DOGS LIKE TO DIG FOR SAND CRABS The Tobago Cays are made up of 4 little islands called Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal and Sandy.  There is a turtle sanctuary where you can snorkel with the turtles however they do ask you to ‘give them space’.  Beyond the islands is Horseshoe Reef where the snorkeling is fantastic.  There can be a strong current so beware.  I spotted a ray and watched it swim, what luck !