If you ever thought about an island vacation and exploring the secluded beaches and small islands of the Grenadines, then i think we have just the thing for you.
This is exactly what we did during the week 27 June - 3rd July, and the best i can say to describe it is.… WOW!

We sailed on the Diamant, a two masted brigantine schooner with a fiberglass hull and gleaming wooden interior, run by Island Windjammers. The Diamant is much smaller than the original Windjammer boats, but is definitely big on 'atmosphere'. It is the only boat in the fledgling fleet, but is off to a great start.

We boarded at Port Louis on Sunday evening and left port on Monday morning…early. Once we were aboard on Sunday, we were introduced to Swizzlers (there is rum in it!.) and were briefed on our route by Captain Doug.

Everything is informal on the cruise, and during the briefing on Sunday, we were encouraged to kick off our shoes and either relax and unwind, or lend a hand with the running of the boat or whatever we wished.

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The Crew were exceptional, going out of their way to make sure that we had whatever we needed, whether it is seasickness medication, sunblock or rum swizzler and snacks.

They also never imposed, letting us set the pace, which was great because we never felt rushed. If you just want to curl up in the shade with a book and drink, or go snorkeling or exploring the island you are anchored next to, that was fine.

The Boat

The food (thanks Philbert, for expanding my waistline) on the entire cruise was wonderful, seemingly the right match for what we did on that day. It was not overly 'heavy', and the portions were well suited. There was always more for the asking…if you could find space after the dessert.
Hearing the meal bell ring made us feel a little like lemmings… all headed to the lounge to see what was on the menu for the day. Nothing gives you an appetite like being on the ocean, and there were usually few people around because of the after lunch siesta.

Stops we made:

This is where we boarded the boat on Sunday evening, got our briefing and met the rest of the guests and crew.

We set sail on monday morning… early! There is a tradition of playing 'Amazing Grace' when leaving port, and this continues to be true.

Stopped here around midday on Monday, and after lunch, we had the chance to explore the beach (there is a nice bar and lounge at the southern end of the beach that is well worth a visit), swim and snorkel or use the 'Tarzan' swing off the front of the boat. Just about everyone tried this out.

Mayreau - Saline Bay
That evening, we sailed on towards Mayreau, where we anchored in Saline Bay for the night.
The captain informed us that there was a 'cultural' walk after dinner…for anyone interested…..(basically, go ashore and check out the local bars). We were lucky enough to have a full moon on this cruise, and we watched it rise over the Grenadine islands from the top of the main hill on the island…well worth the walk uphill after dinner, and it gives you the chance to work off some of those calories ;-)

Bequia - Admiralty bay
Early the next morning we set sail for Bequia, having a late breakfast just outside the port and then anchoring closer in to shore. The crew ran regular shuttles to the shore, so we did some souvenir shopping and tour of the turtle sanctuary (not to be missed).
Ate lunch and dinner ashore and next morning we headed towards the Tobago Cays.

Tobago Cays
The Cays are exceptional….you can swim with the Greenback turtles, explore the islands with their iguana residents or just float around in the shallows… we did it all!
After midday, we hiked to the top of one of the island which gave us a view of the Cays and the reefs. I think that the photos speak for themselves!! (A pair of shoes and sunblock is a good idea if you decide to do this…and don't forget the camera!)

Union Island - Happy Island
By the end of the day, we were simply worn out and welcomed the slow cruise from the Cays to Union Island, where we anchored not far from Happy Island. This is a small artificial island made primarily of conch shells and concrete….. and the main drink is a rum punch which encourages you to be 'Happy'.
We overnighted here and set sail for Carriacou the next morning.

Carriacou - Hillsborough, Sandy Island
The evening was very overcast, and everyone stayed on board… catching up on their nap and snack time.
We had some live entertainment that evening, which was a nice touch, while sailing to our overnight anchorage by Sandy Island. Our last morning aboard dawned bright and sunny, and we had the island entirely to ourselves. Snorkeling here is exceptional, or you can just wonder along the white sandy beach and enjoy the sun.

Grenada St.George's
On midday Friday, we finally set sail for St.George, and the end of our cruise.

The Guests:

One thing which a couple pointed out, was that allowing for an extra day or two at the beginning and end of the cruise was a good way to start and end the vacation, as there was so much to see and do on Grenada, even if it was just vegetating under a coconut tree with a cocktail in your hand and waiting for the island to stop rocking.

Of course, one of the things which make a cruise a success, are the people you meet, but without a doubt, everything met or exceeded our expectations.

We never thought that we would enjoy it as much as we did, but this will certainly not be the last time we go sailing up the islands… we're definitely hooked and would go again in a heartbeat!

More Photos & Videos

Videos: 1. Small Carriacou Band playing on the Diamant accompanied by Krisma - as we were anchoring off Sandy Island - 2.Tobago Cays -

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Great report! I knew you would love it! The photos are fantastic!

Crystal , July 10, 2010

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