Within the same region
Grenada & the Grenadines vs US Virgin Islands
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Grenada & the Grenadines | US Virgin Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | easy |
| Recommended level | intermediate | beginner friendly |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 20 / 15 kn | 17 / 13 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | XCD (pegged to USD) | USD |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $10,500 | $9,500 |
| Luxury tier price | $40,000 | $36,000 |
| 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
Hurricane season June-November. Less crowded than BVI; easy day-sail to BVI. US citizens do not need passport.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 5 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.
US Virgin Islands averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Grenada & the Grenadines is generally rated moderate and US Virgin Islands is easy. 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: $3,500
- Mid season: $9,500
- High season: $19,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $36,000+
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
- Buck Island (St Thomas) — Underwater snorkel trail; reef fish
- Magens Bay (St Thomas) — Often named one of the world's most beautiful beaches
- Caneel Bay / Honeymoon Beach (St John) — Crystal clear water; snorkeling
- The Baths (drive-up alternative) — BVI side easily accessible by ferry
- Christiansted, St Croix — Danish colonial architecture
Which Should You Choose?
Choose US Virgin Islands. 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 US Virgin Islands. Read the must-visit lists above.
Grenada & the Grenadines has 1 cultural anchorages vs US Virgin Islands's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"If you only have 7 days and want both sides, base yourself in St Thomas (USVI) and day-sail to BVI. The USVI has easier entry (US citizens no passport needed) and reliable provisioning in Red Hook or Yacht Haven. The BVI has better-protected anchorages, smaller distances between islands, and the iconic spots (Baths, Norman Island). Most of our guests do 3-4 days USVI + 3-4 days BVI; this works well from Christmas to April when seas are calm."
Timing and Budget: Grenada & the Grenadines vs US Virgin Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is the best time to visit Grenada & the Grenadines vs US Virgin Islands? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Grenada & the Grenadines vs US Virgin Islands? ▾
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Choose Between Grenada & the Grenadines & US Virgin Islands
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