Within the same region
Grenada & the Grenadines vs Saint Lucia
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Grenada & the Grenadines | Saint Lucia |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | moderate to difficult |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 20 / 15 kn | 18 / 14 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | XCD (pegged to USD) | XCD (pegged to USD) |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $10,500 | $10,000 |
| Luxury tier price | $40,000 | $38,000 |
| 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
Northern end of Windward chain; longer passages. Pitons protected area. Strong Atlantic swells December-April.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 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.
Saint Lucia averages 18 knots in winter and 14 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Grenada & the Grenadines is generally rated moderate and Saint Lucia is moderate to difficult. The difference matters: Saint Lucia 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: $3,800
- Mid season: $10,000
- High season: $19,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $38,000+
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
- Pitons (UNESCO) — Twin volcanic peaks; iconic St Lucia
- Soufrière — Drive-in or anchor; sulfur springs
- Marigot Bay — Dramatic hurricane hole
- Anse Cochon — Sheltered cove
Which Should You Choose?
Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Grenada & the Grenadines or Saint Lucia.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Grenada & the Grenadines vs Saint Lucia. Read the must-visit lists above.
Grenada & the Grenadines has 1 cultural anchorages vs Saint Lucia's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Timing and Budget: Grenada & the Grenadines vs Saint Lucia
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is the best time to visit Grenada & the Grenadines vs Saint Lucia? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Grenada & the Grenadines vs Saint Lucia? ▾
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Choose Between Grenada & the Grenadines & Saint Lucia
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