Boating

From St. Vincent you can charter a monohull or catamaran (bareboat or complete with captain, crew, and cook) to weave you through the Grenadines for a day or a week of sailing or for a full- or half-day fishing trip. One of the most spectacular cruising areas in the world, particularly for sailing, the islands of the Grenadines are close enough to allow landfall at a different island every day, yet some are far enough apart to allow for true blue-water sailing. Bequia and Union Island have excellent yacht services and waterfront activity. Mustique is a dream destination, as is Mayreau. Visitors on yachts can dine at the private Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent resorts. Canouan is a prime yacht-chartering locale, and many of its beaches are accessible only by boat. The nearby Tobago Cays are a don't-miss destination for snorkeling and diving.

Boats of all sizes and degrees of luxury are available for charter. Bareboat charter rates in high season start at about $385 and go up to $1,000 or more per day for monohull sailing yachts and $600-plus per day for catamarans; add $130 per day for a captain and $110 per day for a cook. Rates for a crewed luxury sailing yacht begin at about $7,500 per week for two guests and $18,500 or more per week for boats that accommodate eight guests.

Barefoot Yacht Charters. Barefoot's owners, the Barnard family, have been sailing the Grenadines for seven generations. The company's bareboat fleet of 25 catamarans and monohulls are in the 32- to 50-foot range. Blue Lagoon Marina, Windward Hwy., Ratho Mill, St. Vincent, VC0274. 784/456–9526; www.barefootyachts.com.

Horizon Yacht Charters. Luxury bareboat or crewed charters, either monohull or catamaran that range from 37 to 51 feet, are available for sailing the Grenadines or for one-way charters through the Grenadines to Horizon's base in Grenada. Blue Lagoon Marina, Windward Hwy., Ratho Mill, St. Vincent, VC 0274. 473/439–1000; 866/463–7245; www.horizonyachtcharters.com.