To the south of Lesser Antilles, the Grenadines stretch between Saint-Vincent And Grenada, like a scattering of islands set upon an infinite gradient of blues. This archipelago, composed of some thirty islets, seduces with its translucent lagoons, its preserved seabeds and its peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the large seaside resorts.
Sailing in the Grenadines archipelago aboard a catamaran offers the rare luxury of slowing down, living to the rhythm of the wind, letting yourself be carried by the sea, and rediscovering the simplicity of travel. On board, days are structured around stopovers, swimming, and shared moments; you hoist the sails, help with maneuvers, and savor the silence of the open sea.
Founded in the Seychelles in 2000, the boat rental company Dream Yacht Today it offers 40 destinations and two main options: cabin cruises, ideal for solo travelers or couples; and private rentals, with or without a skipper, for sailing in complete freedom.
Boarding at Le Marin, Martinique
Departure takes place every Saturday at 18 p.m. from the Marina du Marin, in southern Martinique. Travelers can choose to arrive the same day from Paris or arrive a little earlier to enjoy the Creole atmosphere before boarding.
At 17:30 p.m., meet at the Dream Yacht office for check-in. Main luggage is left there before boarding with just a small travel bag, more practical for life on the boat. A welcome cocktail then brings the passengers together for a friendly briefing with the skipper and the cook, who will be in charge of navigation and meals for the week. Conversations quickly become lively among the travelers from diverse backgrounds: an American couple, some Bretons, expats from the Caribbean… An eclectic group, united by the same desire to disconnect.
The Dream Panga catamaran, a six-cabin Bali 5.4, departs Martinique under a sky ablaze with stars. The sea is exceptionally calm. At dawn, the outline of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines appears on the horizon. The passengers are accompanied by the fleeting passage of a few dolphins. The journey truly begins.
Bequia and Mayreau, first stops
The first stop is Bequia (pronounced "Beh-koo-ay"), the largest of the Grenadines. While the skipper takes care of customs formalities, the passengers discover the turquoise waters of the bay and dive in for their first swim. The island, peaceful on Sundays, retains an authentic charm, nestled between verdant hills and small, colorful houses.
The crew then set sail for Mayreau to make the most of the following day. In the mid-afternoon, the Dream Panga dropped anchor in Salt Whistle Bay, bordered by an almost surreal white sand beach. It is the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, with approximately 300 residents. Sunset quickly became a daily ritual for the group, shared over drinks on board.
The next morning, a walk leads to the perched village of Mayreau. In twenty minutes, the road climbs to a church overlooking the entire bay. From there, the view of the neighboring islands is breathtaking. The scars of Hurricane Beryl, which struck the island in July 2024, are still visible. A local organization, wearemayreau.org, is contributing to the reconstruction. The locals warmly welcome visitors with fresh coconuts, music, and impromptu conversations. The catamaran's cook prepares lunch on the beach, using a barbecue borrowed from the locals. A simple and genuine moment of sharing.
Tobago Cays, the heart of the lagoon
In the afternoon, we set sail for the Tobago Cays, a jewel of the Grenadines. This string of five uninhabited islets forms a lagoon protected by a coral reef. The shades of azure mingle with the sailboats at anchor, creating a scene of surreal beauty. Some take out paddleboards or canoes, while others prefer snorkeling to observe turtles and rays. Swimming to a deserted islet where cacti, frangipani trees, and iguanas thrive is possible.
As evening falls, a celestial spectacle captivates everyone on board: the sun sets opposite the rising full moon, like two celestial bodies meeting for the first time. The following day, a lunch of grilled lobster on the beach completes this magical stopover, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Saint Vincent and Saint Lucia
Next stop: Saint Vincent, where nature reclaims its domain. Elegant brown boobies accompany the boat before diving with precise movements to capture their prey. After lunch, a guided excursion leads to a waterfall hidden in the tropical vegetation.
The walk, winding between banana trees and vines, ends in a freshwater pool where everyone refreshes themselves before returning to the catamaran. The lushness of the island contrasts with the tranquility of the lagoon, offering a moment of pure nature.
Last stop: Saint Lucia, recognizable by its two volcanic peaks rising from the sea.
The catamaran docks near the village of La Soufrière.
Today's excursion leads to the botanical garden, where a vibrant Caribbean flora flourishes: hibiscus, alpinias, musk plants… Higher up, the road leads to the heart of the crater of the still-active volcano. Sulphur fumaroles serve as a reminder of the raw power of the elements. Travelers then plunge into the naturally bubbling 38°C pools, cover themselves in mineral mud, and rinse off under a naturally warm waterfall. A unique experience before setting sail again for Martinique, where the crossing ends.
Sailing in the Grenadines is about rediscovering time in a different way. A week without internet access, where days drift by with stopovers, swims, and encounters. An experience that combines the freedom of travel with the simplicity of sharing, in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions of the Caribbean.
In 2026, Dream Yacht further enriches its offering with three new cabin itineraries: Abacos Dream Premium (January 2026) in the turquoise lagoons of the Bahamas, Koh Samui Dream Premium (May 2026) in the heart of the Gulf of Thailand and Kornati Sail Share (2026 season) in the Croatian archipelago, a paradise for sailors.
Report and photos:
Maxime Dobremel
