Caribbean Island Hopping: Sailing from Martinique to the Grenadines

Two weeks under sail in the Caribbean trade winds. From Martinique we sail to the Pitons of St Lucia and on south to the Grenadines – Bequia, Mustique, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays, where we swim with turtles and end the day with a lobster party on the beach. You will log real miles, sail open-water passages between islands and clear customs in several countries.

Course information

Sailing on a different scale

Caribbean Island Hopping is a mile-building cruise for sailors who want to experience yachting on a bigger scale than the Adriatic. Steady 15–25 knot trade winds, open channels between the islands with Atlantic swell, and anchorages where the water stays turquoise even ten metres deep. Every passage between islands means a new country, so you will also go through clearance – the customs and immigration routine every ocean sailor knows.

What you will learn

Skill	What you will learn
Sailing	beating hard into the trade wind and running downwind
Passages	longer day passages and an optional night passage
Anchoring	anchoring and picking up moorings in marine parks
Navigation	passage planning around inter-island currents
Weather	reading tropical weather
Clearance	customs and immigration when entering each country

Highlights

The Pitons, St Lucia. Two volcanic peaks rising straight out of the sea above Soufrière – you will see them from the deck long before you arrive. If the crew agrees and the weather allows, you hike Gros Piton with a local guide for a 360° view over the Caribbean.
Tobago Cays. Drop anchor behind Horseshoe Reef, swim with turtles off Baradal and end the day with a lobster party right on the beach.
Bequia and Mustique. Soak up the old-Caribbean sailing spirit on Bequia, then get a glimpse of the high life on Mustique.
Mayreau and Union Island. Swim in turquoise water under the palms of Salt Whistle Bay, one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean.

Join with your own boat

You can book a place on board as an individual, or join our flotilla with your own boat and crew. In that case you are responsible for your boat and crew yourselves, but you have an experienced NYS instructor who plans each leg for you and helps wherever needed. Ideal for sailors with skippering experience who would rather not head into unfamiliar waters alone.

Mile-building cruises with NYS

Mile-building cruises are a core part of sail training at NYS Sailing School, an RYA Training Centre. We choose each destination for what you will learn there – and the Caribbean in trade-wind season is one of the best places to get a feel for real ocean conditions without crossing the Atlantic.

Sailing route

Information & terms

Duration: 2 weeks (Saturday–Saturday)
Sailing area: Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines
Route: Le Marin – Sainte-Anne – Rodney Bay – Marigot Bay – The Pitons – Bequia – Mustique – Canouan – Mayreau – Tobago Cays – Union Island – back to Martinique The route is for guidance only; the exact plan depends on the weather and the crew.
Embarkation: Saturday 18:00, Le Marin, Martinique – we set sail on Sunday morning
End of cruise: Friday of the second week at around 18:00; you can stay on board until Saturday
Getting there: fly to Fort-de-France (FDF), Martinique – from Europe usually via Paris; about 45 minutes by car or taxi from the airport to Le Marin
Expected conditions: steady 15–25 kn trade winds, open waters with ocean conditions
Suitable for: Competent Crew and Day Skipper graduates as well as other, more experienced sailors; previous experience helps but is not required
Miles: logged, count as tidal waters towards RYA qualification requirements
Price includes: yacht charter and instructor
Price does not include: flights and transfers, shared crew kitty (food, fuel, marina and mooring fees), clearance fees, Tobago Cays Marine Park fee, Gros Piton guide, lobster party, travel insurance
Language: Cruises are led by Slovak or Czech instructors; at least basic English is recommended
Documents: passport valid for at least six months after your return
What to bring: light sailing clothes, a waterproof jacket and trousers for passages, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel and mask

FAQ

Do I need sailing experience?

It is not required, but it helps. The cruise is ideal for Competent Crew and Day Skipper graduates, and also, for example, for their partners.

Do the miles count as tidal waters for RYA Yachtmaster courses?

Yes. The miles are logged and count as tidal miles towards the requirements for further RYA courses and exams.

Is the Gros Piton hike compulsory?

No. The hike is optional and only happens if the crew agrees and the weather allows.

What documents do I need?

A passport valid for at least six months after your return. We clear customs in several countries during the cruise.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

In Le Marin marina, Martinique. The nearest airport is Fort-de-France (FDF).

General questions about our cruises →