We are planning a bareboat charter with TMM out of St. Vincent in April. We will be traveling with another family with children ages 8-12. Is this a safe area for travel? Any ideas for stops, restaurants, sights...would be appreciated.

I think that the Grenadines are not considered as safe as the BVI for boaters, but if you use common sense and do a lot of reading on the area before you go, you should be fine. Depending on the time that you'll have to sail, try to go to Bequia, Carriacou, Tobago Cays, and Mayreau. Bequia is my favorite--it is absolutely beautiful. The sailing in the Grenadines is great and we saw many families both living aboard and vacationing while there. Have a wonderful time. <BR>

I agree with the previous message, the British Virgins are definetly nuber one. Sailing out of Las Crobas in Puerto Rico to the Spanish Virgins of Culebra, Vieques, and the U.S. Virgins is equally beautiful and rewarding.

I agree with the others that, with children, the BVI are definitely a better choice. The passages between islands in the Grenadines are quite a bit longer, and the seas a bit rougher. The BVI are real close together, and you are never more than a couple of hour's sail from a mooring. And then there's the issue of safety. BVIslanders are very friendly, but we encountered a good deal of hostility in the Grenadines, especially in Bequia.

There seems to be a conflict of experiences. Check out the posting "Crewed Charters" and you get different opinions of the Grenadines.