Mayreau Contents
Destinations | Caribbean | St. Vincent & The Grenadines | Mayreau
Mayreau is one of the smallest inhabited islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, yet it makes an excellent stop on a private yacht itinerary. Located in the southern Grenadines between Canouan and Union Island and immediately west of the Tobago Cays, the island combines white-sand beaches, clear water, a small hilltop community, and easy access to protected marine environments.
Furthermore, exploring Mayreau by yacht allows your group to experience the island without following ferry schedules or changing accommodations. Your captain can select a suitable anchorage, arrange time ashore, and combine Mayreau with nearby destinations such as the Tobago Cays, Union Island, Canouan, and Petit St. Vincent.
Why Visit Mayreau by Yacht?
Mayreau suits travelers who want a quieter and less-developed side of the Caribbean. Rather than large resorts, shopping districts, and busy marinas, the island offers beaches, local restaurants and bars, walking routes, snorkeling, diving, and traditional Grenadines island life.
Highlights may include:
- Anchoring near Saltwhistle Bay
- Swimming and relaxing along white-sand beaches
- Walking through Old Wall village
- Visiting the hilltop Catholic church
- Enjoying views toward the Tobago Cays
- Exploring Saline Bay
- Snorkeling or diving around nearby reefs
- Visiting the Tobago Cays Marine Park
- Dining or having a drink at a local island establishment
- Spending a quiet evening aboard your private yacht
Additionally, your captain can adjust the day’s activities according to weather, sea conditions, anchorage availability, marine park regulations, and your group’s preferences.
Marinas and Anchorages on Mayreau
Mayreau does not have a marina comparable with major Caribbean yacht centers. Instead, visiting yachts generally experience the island from suitable anchorages.
Saltwhistle Bay is one of the island’s best-known yacht anchorages.
The exact anchorage or landing location will depend on:
- Yacht size and draft
- Wind direction
- Sea and swell conditions
- Anchorage availability
- Local regulations
- Guest activities
- Captain preference
Therefore, guests do not need to choose an anchorage themselves. Your captain will select the most suitable option for the yacht and current conditions.
This flexibility is one of the advantages of exploring Mayreau on a professionally crewed yacht.
Mayreau Highlights
Saltwhistle Bay
Saltwhistle Bay is one of Mayreau’s signature yacht-charter stops.
Located toward the northern end of the island, the bay is known for its curved white-sand shoreline and protected setting. Additionally, visiting yachts frequently use the area as an anchorage, making it a natural place to begin exploring Mayreau.
Afterward, guests can spend time swimming, relaxing on the beach, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply enjoying the view from the yacht.
Depending on local conditions, you may also go ashore and begin the walk toward the island’s village.
Because beaches and anchorage conditions can change, your captain should always determine the most appropriate location for anchoring, landing, and swimming.
Saline Bay
Saline Bay lies along Mayreau’s southwestern coast and provides another attractive place to experience the island.
The bay has a broad white-sand beach and a jetty used by local ferry services. Compared with spending the entire day aboard, going ashore here provides an opportunity to see another side of the island and experience its relaxed atmosphere.
From Saline Bay, visitors can also explore the road leading inland toward Old Wall and eventually across the island toward Saltwhistle Bay.
For yacht charter guests, your captain will determine whether Saline Bay fits the day’s route based on sea conditions and the yacht’s operating requirements.
Walk Through Old Wall Village
One of the best ways to experience Mayreau beyond its beaches is to walk through Old Wall, the island’s main village.
The community sits in the elevated interior of the island between Saline Bay and Saltwhistle Bay. Along the way, visitors can see local homes, small businesses, bars, eateries, and experience everyday Grenadines island life.
The walk involves an uphill section, so comfortable footwear and water are recommended.
Visit the Hilltop Church
A small stone Catholic church is one of Mayreau’s recognizable landmarks.
Its elevated location also provides impressive views across the surrounding Grenadines. On a clear day, visitors can look toward neighboring islands and the turquoise waters surrounding the Tobago Cays.
Therefore, the village walk offers more than exercise. It provides an opportunity to experience Mayreau’s community, scenery, and culture away from the beach.
Snorkeling and Diving Around Mayreau
The waters surrounding Mayreau add another reason to include the island in a yacht itinerary.
Mayreau Gardens lies off the island’s eastern coastline between Mayreau and the Tobago Cays. Additionally, the reef formation is known as one of the area’s notable diving locations, with coral formations and marine life attracting divers to the region.
Other diving opportunities in the surrounding marine park include reef systems and the historic Purunia wreck.
Snorkeling opportunities are also available throughout the southern Grenadines. However, currents, wind, visibility, and sea conditions can change quickly. Your captain, crew, or local dive operator should recommend suitable sites for your group.
Guests who want scuba diving should confirm whether their yacht offers onboard diving or whether rendezvous diving with a local operator needs to be arranged.
Visit the Tobago Cays from Mayreau
One of Mayreau’s biggest advantages for yacht charter guests is its proximity to the Tobago Cays.
Additionally, the Tobago Cays Marine Park lies immediately east of Mayreau and protects internationally important coral reefs, seagrass beds, turtle habitat, beaches, and small islands.
A yacht itinerary may combine Mayreau with areas around:
- Petit Bateau
- Petit Rameau
- Baradal
- Jamesby
- Petit Tabac
- Horseshoe Reef
Depending on local regulations and conditions, guests may snorkel, swim, explore beaches, enjoy watersports, or relax aboard while surrounded by the remarkable scenery of the southern Grenadines.
Because the Tobago Cays are protected, yachts and guests should follow all applicable marine park rules, mooring requirements, environmental guidelines, and instructions from park authorities.
Dining on Mayreau
A meal or drink ashore can add local character to a Mayreau yacht charter.
Meanwhile, small restaurants and bars can be found around Old Wall and the Saltwhistle Bay area, with menus often featuring Caribbean cuisine, seafood, grilled dishes, and local ingredients.
However, Mayreau remains a small island, so restaurant schedules and availability may vary throughout the year.
For this reason, ask your crew to confirm which establishments are operating before making plans ashore.
Alternatively, return to your yacht for a private meal prepared by your onboard chef while enjoying the sunset from the deck.
How Much Time Should You Spend on Mayreau?
Mayreau can work as a daytime stop, but an overnight stay gives your group more time to experience the island without rushing.
A possible Mayreau yacht charter day could include:
- Morning arrival near Saltwhistle Bay
- Swimming or paddleboarding
- Time relaxing on the beach
- A walk toward Old Wall
- Lunch aboard the yacht
- Afternoon snorkeling or watersports
- Sunset drinks aboard
- Dinner aboard or ashore
- Overnight near Mayreau when conditions allow
- Morning departure toward the Tobago Cays
Alternatively, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays can be combined across two days for a slower itinerary.
Your final schedule should remain flexible because weather, sea conditions, park regulations, and anchorage availability can affect the route.
Is Mayreau Suitable for Families?
Mayreau can be an excellent addition to a family yacht charter, particularly for groups that enjoy beaches, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxed exploration.
Children may enjoy spending time in the water while adults relax aboard or onshore. Moreover, a crewed yacht gives families the flexibility to return to the yacht whenever younger guests need food, shade, rest, or a change of activity.
However, the road toward Old Wall includes an uphill walk. Parents should consider the age, mobility, and comfort level of each family member before exploring the island on foot. Also, Your captain and crew can recommend alternatives for guests who prefer to remain near the beach or yacht.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mayreau?
Mayreau has a warm tropical climate throughout the year.
Across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the historical dry season generally runs from December through May. These months can be attractive for travelers looking to combine sailing, beaches, snorkeling, and island exploration.
Conditions vary throughout the year, however. Wind, rainfall, tropical weather systems, and sea conditions can influence yacht itineraries.
Therefore, rather than planning around weather averages alone, work with your charter advisor and captain to select appropriate travel dates and maintain a flexible itinerary.
Mayreau and the Mayreau Regatta
Mayreau’s culture remains closely connected to the sea.
One of the island’s traditional events is the Mayreau Regatta, which generally includes sailing, fishing, community celebrations, food, music, and beach activities.
Event dates and programs can change from year to year. If attending the regatta interests your group, confirm the current schedule before booking your flights and yacht.
Include Mayreau in a Grenadines Yacht Itinerary
Mayreau works particularly well as part of a longer St. Vincent and the Grenadines yacht charter.
Depending on your embarkation point, charter duration, yacht, and weather, your itinerary may connect Mayreau with destinations such as:
- Bequia
- Mustique
- Canouan
- Tobago Cays
- Union Island
- Palm Island
- Petit St. Vincent
A private yacht allows your group to move between these islands while keeping the same accommodations, crew, meals, and onboard amenities throughout the vacation.
Your captain can also adjust the order of stops according to local conditions.
Ready to Plan Your Winter Mayreau Yacht Charter?
CKIM Group Inc. can help you compare available yachts, review inclusions, and plan a winter Mayreau itinerary that fits your group.
- Compare available yachts
- Review charter inclusions
- Plan your winter Mayreau route
FAQ – Mayreau
Mayreau is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Grenadines, located between Union Island and the Tobago Cays. Additionally, it’s a secluded paradise known for pristine beaches, local culture, and an authentic, laid-back Caribbean vibe.
Yes! While Mayreau doesn’t have full-service marinas, visitors can anchor offshore in designated areas. It’s a popular stop for charter yachts, especially in Saltwhistle Bay and Saline Bay, offering calm waters and easy beach access.
Explore Saltwhistle Bay, relax on Saline Bay, hike to scenic viewpoints, or wander through the colorful village of Old Wall. Don’t miss local festivals like the Mayreau Regatta for music, food, and community celebrations.
Absolutely. Mayreau’s clear waters and nearby coral reefs make it ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The area around Saline Bay and the nearby Tobago Cays is especially popular for marine exploration.
Despite its small size, Mayreau offers local dining gems like Dennis’ Hideaway and Robert Righteous Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy Caribbean cuisine, fresh seafood, and handmade rum punch in a relaxed beachfront setting.
Mayreau stands out for its tranquility, authenticity, and natural beauty, offering a peaceful Caribbean escape away from the crowds.
Explore the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Islands
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