Saltwhistle Bay, Mayreau is a compact, naturally sheltered stop on many southern Grenadines yacht charter routes. Its calm leeward beach, walkable island setting and proximity to the Tobago Cays make it especially useful as a swimming, lunch or overnight stop. Whether it belongs in your itinerary depends on weather, anchorage space, the yacht’s draft and operating area, and how much time your group wants ashore.
This small island is located between Canouan and Carriacou in the Grenadines. Saltwhistle Bay incorporates the entire northern tip of Mayreau. Thus, it offers two beautiful beaches to choose from – the leeward and the windward. Windsurfers and kiteboarders frequented the world-class beach area, the Windward.
Share your dates, guest count, preferred yacht type, cabin needs, embarkation point, and total trip budget. We will compare current yachts and plan a Grenadines route that can include Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Union Island, and Bequia.
Request Grenadines Yacht OptionsChoose a seven-night or extended itinerary and share your preferred departure point. Routes and anchorage access remain subject to the yacht, weather, sea conditions, and current local guidance. No obligation to book. Advisory services are free.
| Choose this stop when… | Consider another stop when… |
| Your group wants a relaxed beach, calm-water swimming and an easy tender ride ashore. | The group prioritizes a full-service marina, extensive shopping or late-night entertainment. |
| Your route connects Canouan or Tobago Cays with Union Island, Petit St. Vincent or Grenada. | Weather, swell, crowding or holding conditions make another anchorage safer. |
| Guests would enjoy a village walk, viewpoint and informal local dining. | Guests need step-free shoreside access or dependable resort-level facilities. |
Best fit: couples, families and small groups who value a scenic anchorage and an unhurried day. The bay should be treated as one flexible route option—not a guaranteed overnight stop.
Mayreau lies north of Union Island and west of the Tobago Cays. On a one-way or round-trip Grenadines charter, Saltwhistle Bay often works as a transition between the central islands and the Tobago Cays or lower Grenadines.
| Route direction | Practical placement | Why it works |
| North to south | After Bequia, Mustique or Canouan; before Tobago Cays and Union Island. | Creates a quieter beach stop before reef-focused days or the passage south. |
| South to north | After Union Island, Petit St. Vincent or Carriacou; before Tobago Cays or Canouan. | Provides a swimming and shoreside pause while moving north. |
| Short Tobago Cays route | Pair Mayreau with Tobago Cays and Union Island. | Keeps the itinerary geographically concentrated and reduces pressure to collect too many islands. |
Seven-night routes may include Mayreau for several hours or one night. Longer charters provide more flexibility to stay, return, or substitute Saline Bay or another island when conditions change. The captain determines the final sequence based on weather, sea state, clearances, safety and guest priorities.
Saltwhistle Bay is popular and can become busy, particularly during the main winter sailing season. The anchoring plan is an operational decision for the captain—not a fixed promise in the published itinerary.
The sheltered side of the bay is the main attraction for most charter guests. Plan a beach morning, paddle session or quiet lunch rather than trying to turn the stop into a full-day excursion list. Water conditions still require the captain’s assessment.
Mayreau’s main road connects Saltwhistle Bay, Old Wall village and Saline Bay. The climb is steep in places, so allow time, carry water and wear suitable footwear. The hilltop area near the Catholic church is known for views toward the Tobago Cays and neighboring islands.
Mayreau Gardens, east of the island, is recognized by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority as a snorkeling and dive area. It is a separate boat-access activity, not a swim from the beach. Conditions, currents, marine-park rules and the yacht’s equipment should be confirmed before including it.
The windward beaches offer a more exposed landscape and may appeal to experienced wind-sports guests. Swimming or launching equipment there should occur only when the captain or qualified local operator considers conditions suitable.
Dining is informal and availability can be seasonal. The official tourism listings identify Saltwhistle Beach Club Bar & Restaurant, Dennis’ Hideaway and Island Paradise Restaurant & Bar among Mayreau options. Names, hours, menus, reservation requirements and tender access should be reconfirmed shortly before the charter.
| Charter priority | Yacht consideration | Planning guidance |
| Beach access and group space | Crewed sailing catamaran | Often a strong fit for relaxed island-hopping; compare tender, water toys, cabin plan and crew service. |
| Traditional sailing | Crewed sailing yacht | Good for guests who value the passage as much as the destination; allow a weather-led schedule. |
| Faster island coverage | Power catamaran or motor yacht | May reduce passage time, but fuel use, range, draft and expense terms require confirmation. |
| Active water time | Any yacht with verified equipment | Confirm snorkeling gear, paddleboards, wind-sports equipment and instructor requirements yacht by yacht. |
Saltwhistle Bay is typically experienced as part of a Grenadines yacht charter, often paired with Tobago Cays, Union Island, and Bequia.
This is not a place most travelers reach easily—arriving by yacht is what makes the experience seamless.
Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines, with an area of about 1.5 sq. miles and a population of about 300. The population is centered in an unnamed village located on a hilltop southwest of the island. It is an isolated community, accessible only by boat. Electricity was provided only recently (2002) by a central generator located on Saline Bay.
There is a single-lane concrete road leading from the pier on Saline Bay through the village to Saltwhistle Bay. The top of the island is crested with the small elementary school, the telecommunications building; the beautiful brick and stone Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, christened on May 12, 1930, and a Pentecostal church. From the crest of the hill behind the Catholic Church, there is a beautiful overlook of the Tobago Cays, Canouan, and Union Island.
Saltwhistle Bay is probably the most picturesque anchorage in the entire Grenadines, with its sweeping crescent beach of white sand lined with tall coconut trees. If there ever was a definitive paradise beach destination, this is it. You will want to brag about this place when you return. Bring your camera and lots of film.
Mayreau also has a boutique resort located on Saltwhistle Bay, a particularly beautiful spot for anchoring yachts. This small anchorage, home to the Saltwhistle Bay Resort, guarantees a reasonably isolated beach experience.
The Saltwhistle Bay Resort is one of the unique resort properties in the Caribbean. It has eight stone cottages scattered among the palm trees and flowering shrubs, just a few paces from the beach. You have to look hard to see them. As a result, the resort guarantees the privacy of its guests. Each cottage has its separate name, wooden shutters, ceiling fans, a stone-built shower, and batiks on the walls.
In the outdoor dining, guests will see a charming stone and palm thatch in the bar area set in the palm trees along the beach. A circular stone wall on each table is covered by a thatched roof. An experience that you will surely remember is the soft lighting at night that creates a dining atmosphere that is totally amazing. The food is excellent and very reasonably priced, and the service is friendly and personal.
This is a great spot to pull up a cooler full of refreshments and a picnic basket. Watch the afternoon pass slowly by as you recline under the shade of a coconut tree. If you need something from the boat, just swim out.
At the south end of the beach near the dock, island residents have set up several thatched huts from which they sell T-shirts, shells, and various kinds of local jewelry and art. The infamous “Yellow Man” hangs out on this part of the island when he is not out hustling tourists, as this is where he conducts his beach barbecues and cooks the lobsters he sells.
Also, visitors can easily go to a surf beach on the island’s windward side. Visitors would find it definitely worth exploring. If you can’t resist nature’s beauty, follow the beach on the windward side of Saline Bay. The views of the surrounding islands and reef formations make for a great outing, an experience enjoyed by only a few visitors.
You must not visit the island without heading to the village at the top of the hill. There was a time when you had to endure the “wrath of the path” to reach it from Salt Whistle Bay. It featured extreme hazards such as a very steep incline, slippery mud, broken glass, boulders, and various free-range farm animals.
In 2002, the Government made good on a promise to pave that path, and Highway #2 became a reality. Despite the steep grade, the road is totally passable, even at night. This road finally makes access to the four restaurants and services in the village from Salt Whistle Bay totally feasible.
Previously, the paved road from Saline Bay was always recommended for visitors to access the village. Since Saltwhistle is the prettier of the two anchorages, you can now stay here and have it all.
Saltwhistle Bay Mayreau MAP
Share your dates, guest count, preferred yacht type, weekly budget and the experiences that matter most. BVISAIL can compare suitable yachts and build Mayreau into a realistic Grenadines route—while leaving the captain flexibility to respond to actual conditions.
Often, but an overnight stop is never guaranteed. Space, weather, swell, mooring or anchoring conditions and the captain’s judgment determine whether the yacht remains in the bay.
The eastern side of Mayreau forms part of the protected area, and official fee schedules have included Salt Whistle Bay. The captain should verify the current boundary, fees and rules for the intended activity and anchoring location.
A half-day can cover the beach and lunch. A longer stop allows time for the village walk, viewpoint and dinner. The right duration depends on the wider route.
Usually, subject to current restaurant operations and reservations. Confirm the chosen venue, opening hours, payment options and dietary arrangements before arrival.
Families often enjoy the beach and sheltered setting, but supervision, swimming ability, tender transfers, heat and the steep village walk should be considered for each child.
Sun protection, water, secure footwear for the hill walk, a dry bag and cash are sensible. Follow the crew’s guidance for tender pickup and valuables.
If this is your first charter, BVISAIL can also help you understand how chartering works, what is included, how pricing works, and how to prepare for your week aboard.
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