Destination comparison
Grenada & the Grenadines vs Mexico
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Grenada & the Grenadines | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Mexico & Central America |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | May, Oct |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | easy to moderate |
| Recommended level | intermediate | beginner friendly |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 20 / 15 kn | 16 / 10 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | XCD (pegged to USD) | MXN (Mexican Peso) / USD widely accepted in tourist areas |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $10,500 | $8,500 |
| Luxury tier price | $40,000 | $32,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Stronger trade winds than Northern Caribbean; typically 18-25kt in winter. Tobago Cays is the must-do sail. One-way Grenada to St Lucia possible.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sea of Cortez peaks November-April with reliable northerly winds (El Norte) and dry desert air. Caribbean Mexico is best November-May but watch for sargassum seaweed in summer. Hurricane risk closes most Caribbean charter bases June-October.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 12 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Grenada & the Grenadines averages 20 knots in winter and 15 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
Mexico averages 16 knots in winter and 10 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Grenada & the Grenadines is generally rated moderate and Mexico is easy to moderate. The difference matters: Grenada & the Grenadines asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $4,000
- Mid season: $10,500
- High season: $20,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $40,000+
- Low season: $3,200
- Mid season: $8,500
- High season: $17,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $32,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Tobago Cays — Five uninhabited islands; turtle snorkeling
- Petit St Vincent — Quiet luxury island
- Mayreau — Saltwhistle Bay
- Bequia - Friendship Bay — Local charm
- Espiritu Santo Island (Sea of Cortez) — UNESCO biosphere; sea-lion colony; snorkelling
- Playa Balandra (La Paz) — Crystal-clear shallow lagoon; turquoise water
- Cabo Pulmo — Hard coral reef, world-class diving
- Isla Mujeres / Cozumel (Caribbean side) — Snorkelling, reefs, party town
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Mexico. Charter fleets are abundant, marina staff speak English, checkout sails are standard.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Grenada & the Grenadines vs Mexico. Read the must-visit lists above.
Grenada & the Grenadines has 1 cultural anchorages vs Mexico's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"Mexico gives you two completely different charters: the Sea of Cortez and the Riviera Maya. The Sea of Cortez (La Paz) is the sailor's one - whales, sea lions and empty anchorages from November to April. The Riviera Maya (Cancún-Cozumel) is the easy week: clear water, marinas every 20 miles, and the best provisioning in the region. Both are bareboat-friendly with a checkout sail; neither has the crowded feel of the Caribbean's busier islands."
Timing and Budget: Grenada & the Grenadines vs Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions
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Choose Between Grenada & the Grenadines & Mexico
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