The Grenadines

Grenadines (St Vincent)
St Vincent - 133sq miles 18 mi long x 11mi wide population est 97,638

Bequia - 7 sq miles, population est 4,861, 9 miles from SV
    pronounced Beckway

Mustique (Moustique) - 2sq miles, population est 552 private island, 17 miles from SV

Canouan - 3.2 sq miles, population est.1,165, 29 miles from SV
     pronounced Canawon

Mayreau - 1 sq miles population est 254, 35 miles from SV
     pronounced Mayroo or Myroo -both are used by locals

Tobago Cays - scattering of 5 atolls, no population 

Union - 3 sq miles, population est 1,935 including Palm and PSV, 36 miles from SV

Palm - resort island, see Union

Petit St Vincent (PSV) - private island, see Union

Grenadines (Grenada) included but not included in The Grenadines depending on who you talk to

Petite Martinique 

Carriacou
     pronounced Carriacoo

The Grenadines are basically a mini-archipelago made up of volcanic islands, coral reefs and sandy patches.  Despite the smallness of islands and difficulty in getting here via conventional travel, it is a very popular cruising destination for charter boats, full time cruisers, kite surfers, divers and snorkelers.  The rich and famous also jet in on private planes to uber posh boutique resorts - Mustique and such.

One of many, many reefs

On a personal level, anchoring behind a reef is somewhat new to us since we skipped the Bahamas on the way down.  We have done it a few times but not that much.  It's still astonishing that we can find shelter behind a tiny little reef that may or may not stick up a foot or two above the water.  Seriously? There are so many, many reefs here, it's amazing.  To me, it's weird to nose right up tight to the edge of a reef and drop the anchor.  While the sound of the surf tumbling on the reefs during the day is soothing - given the picture perfect- postcard setting, at night it's a tad....exciting to hear that same surf very near by in the dark.  

Yachts anchored behind a reef

Challenges

Reefs, reefs and more reefs.  Rocks awash as well.  

Water and fuel are limited and expensive - we have big tanks and a watermaker so this is not an issue

Limited repair services - we are good for now....fingers crossed

Provisioning is limited to small shops and an occasional fruit and veg vendor - they charge more

Restaurants charge more

Boat boys

Limited connectivity - cell and wifi - what's new

Rewards

Turquoise waters

Sandy beaches

Stunning sunrises and sunsets

Snorkeling and scuba diving

Post card perfect settings

Nice boat boys 

Endless boat and people watching possibilities 

Friendly locals

Simple
Peaceful

Turtles, dolphins, whales, fish