ST VINCENT GRENADINES (BEQUIA, MUSTIQUE, CANOUAN, MAYREAU, TOBAGO CAYS, UNION ISLAND)

The Grenadines — Bequia / Union Island: boating safety

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The Grenadines of St Vincent are a chain of small islands running south from St Vincent toward Grenada. Admiralty Bay on Bequia in the north and Clifton on Union Island in the south are the usual yachting stops. Charter boats island-hop between them, with the Tobago Cays Marine Park as the main highlight.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 999
Call 999. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

St Vincent & the Grenadines: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Local rules

In the Tobago Cays Marine Park, use the moorings or anchor in sand, never on coral or seagrass. Fishing is banned, as is discharging bilge or wastewater, and the speed limit is 5 knots.

Tobago Cays Marine Park · Tobago Cays Marine Park ▾
tobagocays.org (2026-10-14): “Do not anchor in coral or sea grass beds, but use moorings where provided or select sandy areas. Do not take any corals or other marine life. Do not fish.”
tobagocays.org (2026-10-14): “Do not discharge bilge or wastewater in the Park. Do not disturb nesting or roosting seabirds. Do not exceed speed limit of five knots. Do not bring pets to the Park.”

Do not buy lobster out of season, which runs from 1 May to 31 August.

Tobago Cays Marine Park ▾
tobagocays.org (2026-10-14): “Do not buy lobster out of season (that is from May 1 to August 31).”

Hazards

The most extensive coral reefs in St Vincent lie on the windward sides of Mayreau, Union Island and the Tobago Cays, so take care with navigation and anchoring there.

Tobago Cays Marine Park ▾
tobagocays.org (2026-10-14): “Around the windward sides of Mayreau, Union Island and the Cays exists the most extensive and well-developed coral reef complexes in St Vincent.”

Hospital and medical

Bequia Hospital serves the northern Grenadines and Clifton Hospital on Union Island serves the southern Grenadines. The main Accident & Emergency department is at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on St Vincent.

Ministry of Health, St Vincent and the Grenadines · Ministry of Health, St Vincent and the Grenadines · Ministry of Health, St Vincent and the Grenadines ▾
health.gov.vc (2026-10-14): “Northern Grenadines Health District Health Facility Telephone Number Bequia Hospital 458-3294”
health.gov.vc (2026-10-14): “Southern Grenadines Health District Health Facility Telephone Number Clifton, Union Island Hospital 458-8339”
health.gov.vc (2026-10-14): “A&E, Milton Cato Memorial Hospital 456-1955”

Arriving from abroad

Visiting yachts must go straight to a designated port of entry and clear in before stopping at any other anchorage. Fly the Q flag, and only the captain goes ashore, with crew lists, the clearance from your last port, passports and the ship's papers. Private boats pay a Cruise Tax, and charter boats need an SVG Cruising License. Check which Grenadines ports are currently open for clearance before you arrive.

Ministry of Tourism, Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines · Ministry of Tourism, Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines ▾
tourism.gov.vc (2026-10-14): “Visiting yachts arriving in the territorial waters of St. Vincent & The Grenadines must proceed directly to a designated port of entry to complete clearance formalities before stopping at any other anchorage.”
tourism.gov.vc (2026-10-14): “Private vessels must pay a Cruise Tax to enable unlimited stay in St. Vincent & The Grenadines waters, and charter boats must be in possession of a St. Vincent & The Grenadines Cruising License.”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near The Grenadines — Bequia / Union Island?

Call 999. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doRan aground? What to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose powerChartering in St Vincent & the Grenadines: licence & rules

Nearby destinations

St George's, Grenada 65 nmSt Lucia — Rodney Bay 66 nmMartinique — Le Marin 87 nmGuadeloupe — Pointe-à-Pitre 192 nmAntigua — English Harbour 241 nmSint Maarten / Saint-Martin 319 nmTortola 377 nmSt. Thomas and St. John 380 nm

Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com