BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide
Martinique to the Grenadines: the star itinerary of the Antilles
Le Marin, Saint Lucia, Bequia, the Tobago Cays: the run south to the Grenadines — customs, anchorages and budget, week by week.
By Clément Lacaille, editor of Boat-Comparator · updated
If the Antilles are one of the world's great cruising basins, the run from Martinique to the Grenadines is their signature route. The starting point: Le Marin, the largest charter base in the Caribbean, deep inside a perfectly sheltered bay on Martinique's south coast.
The classic run (one week)
First leg to Saint Lucia (Rodney Bay or the Pitons, a 3-4 hour reach), then the long leg to Bequia, gateway to the Grenadines (5-6 hours) — and from there paradise tightens: Mustique, Canouan, and the Tobago Cays, five islets behind a horseshoe reef where you anchor among the turtles. Return via Union Island, or carry on one-way to Grenada.
Customs, without the stress
Three countries on the route (France, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines): clearance happens at each entry and exit, increasingly online (SailClear) or at a dockside office. Budget the fees (a few tens of euros per country) and keep the whole crew's passports within reach.
When to go, what it costs
Dry season December-April, sustained easterly trades (18-25 knots: the inter-island crossings are proper passages, sea legs advised). A 40-45 ft catamaran runs €3,500 to €7,000 per week by season; monohulls, rarer here, go for 30-40% less. One-way to Grenada adds a repositioning fee — compare offers with and without.
The advice that changes everything
Don't overload the programme: the Grenadines are to be savoured. Two nights in the Tobago Cays beat six islands ticked off at a run — and the beat back north against the trades deserves a full day of margin in the plan.
Free checklist
Rent a boat with no nasty surprises
Deposit, insurance, check-in inspection, fuel, navigation areas, weather: our checklist covers everything to verify before booking and on departure day. Sign up to access it and receive our tips by email.
Thank you! Your checklist is ready: Rent a boat with no nasty surprises →
Go through a professional
Would you rather go through a professional?
Skipper, local rental company, boating school: describe your plans in a minute. We pass your request on to partner professionals (3 at most), who may get back to you. Free, no commitment.
Your situation:
BOAT-COMPARATOR is neither a rental company nor a skipper: we only put you in touch. Your data and our partners (in French).