GRENADA FLOTILLA CRUISE
SET SAIL WITH COLGATE SAILING ADVENTURES® IN THE SPICE ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN
November 4-11, 2023
Grenada, known as “The Spice Isle of the Caribbean,” is a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cocoa. Its picturesque mountainous terrain is abundant with fragrant plants and rare tropical flowers. A hike into the mountains takes you to beautiful waterfalls that flow into large pools where you can swim. Dotted with crater lakes, Grenada is bordered by stunning white and black sand beaches and the surrounding seas are a great place to enjoy your sailing skills!
A WINTER DESTINATION WITH MUCH TO EXPLORE
There is much to see and do in Grenada, making this cruise unique among others. Of Grenada’s many attractions, some of the most special include historic forts, spice plantations, rum distilleries, colorful coral gardens, bustling open-air markets, waterfalls nestled in lush rain forests, an organic chocolate factory, and the crater lake at Grand Etang National Park and Forest Preserve.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE
These trips are hands-on activities that require complete, unaided mobility getting on and off docks, boats, and dinghies.
All participants must complete a Sailing Resume (see link below) before being confirmed on the trip, including answering questions regarding existing medical conditions that may hinder an individual’s full participation.
From those who sign up, a Skipper and Mate will be assigned to each boat based on the completed Resumes, but all aboard are expected to participate in handling each yacht.
SAILING RESUME FOR FLOTILLA CRUISES
BEAUTIFUL SAILING IN SPRIGHTLY WINDS
Lying in the southernmost portion of the Windward Islands, this area in November usually experiences Northeast winds ranging from 10 to 25 knots, putting you on a variety of points of sail as you explore the region in delightful warm weather. Cruising around Grenada and to nearby islands, your days are filled with stimulating sailing, snorkeling, and exploring sandy beaches, fun shopping and dining and inland tours to the Spice Isles many attractions. As always, Nate and Heather Atwater will provide an interesting itinerary at the first-night Meet and Greet Orientation party. Here are some of the places you may visit.
DRAGON BAY
After a nice day of sailing around the islands, pick up a mooring ball in Dragon Bay and dinghy to Moliniere Point for some amazing snorkeling. The bay’s palm-fringed beach is stunning, with black volcanic sand bordering bright blue waters.
CARRIACOU
The town of Hillsborough, on a lovely beach, offers charming seaside dining. A short walk from the docks is a museum featuring an eclectic collection of art and historical pieces. There are several rum shops, and you’ll likely find locals building traditional boats on the beach. You might stop at Sandy Island for lunch and snorkeling before heading to Tyrell Bay where ashore you’ll find great dining, fresh seafood and fruits, jewelry shops and the Tipsy Turtle, a nice stop for a drink before heading back to your yacht.
UNION ISLAND
Clifton Harbour is the main port, with roads and trails offering some of the best hiking and biking in the Grenadines. It is recommended you hire a local guide to see the best view points. There are several towns in addition to Clifton Harbour, some with boutiques selling clothing, local original art, hand-made jewelry, and gifts. And of course, there are many rum shops. Dining ashore includes fun restaurants, some with live entertainment. Visiting Clifton requires customs and immigration clearance out of Grenada, so this may be an optional stop.
TOBAGO CAYS
Tobago Cays Marine Park is made up of five deserted islands, with some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Horseshoe Reef nearly encircles the four main cays, with Petit Tabac just beyond. Spending a full day here at least is a must – to snorkel, swim, and relax in unspoiled beauty. Sea turtles can be watched in a special area on Baradel. Local Grenadians are available to set up a beach barbecue, and if you are going to buy t-shirts anywhere, get ready for the many locals visiting your yacht with t-shirts, ice, bread, and lobsters!
PETIT MARTINIQUE
A nice sail to Grenada’s northern most island brings you to more great snorkeling and exploring. Many of the residents here make their living building boats, especially plywood speedboats and welcome visits to watch them at their craft, then enjoy a picnic on the white sands of Mopion, surrounded by amazing reefs. If you need to restock beer and staples Matthew’s Shopping Center is the place. Next door is an apparel and jewelry shop owned by Matthew’s daughter.
PRICKLY BAY
One of the best anchorages in the area is at Prickly Bay, where you’ll find a beautiful palm-fringed beach with a protected swimming area. Ashore is a diverse selection of dining options, hotels, a golf club, tennis courts and plenty of shopping. Customs and immigration are available at the yacht club in the anchorage, where you can enjoy live steel drum band music at the yacht club’s bar. A land tour can also be organized to cool off in rain forest waterfalls.
GEORGE’S BAY
Though we haven’t talked much about the sailing, it is a given that Grenada cruising is both relaxing and challenging, with short and long passages. You won’t be disappointed, that is until you must end the cruise in St. George’s Harbour at The Moorings base in Port Louis Marina. St. George’s is the capital city of Grenada, an 18th century gem with a mix of colonial buildings crowned by orange fish-scale tiles and multicolored homes against an emerald backdrop. A stroll along St. George’s narrow streets is another must – visiting shops, dining at many great restaurants and bars. There are over 3,000 species of Caribbean plants at Bay gardens. The Carenage along the inner harbor and Fort George built in 1705 are both great spots for photo-op views. On Saturdays (start and end day of this flotilla cruise) the place to be is St. George’s Market Square.
THE COLGATE SAILING ADVENTURES® GRENADA FLOTILLA FLEET
The yachts reserved for this cruise are two Moorings 4500 and two Moorings 5000 catamarans. All have four cabins and four heads, large saloons and outside dining and lounging areas. Big and spacious, these fun yachts are the perfect platform for enjoying lots of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring throughout the Grenadines. As always, cruise leaders Nate and Heather Atwater will assign crews and choose a designated skipper and mate from the most experienced for each boat – based on resumes required for participation in any Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla cruise.
CRUISE PACKAGE AND PAYMENT TERMS
Nate and Heather Atwater – Flotilla Cruise Leaders
- Single Private Cabin: $5,500
- Double Shared Cabin: $4,800 per person
For Offshore Sailing School graduates holding US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification:
- Single Private Cabin: $5,200
- Double Shared Cabin: $4,500 per person
If there are two or more in your party, only those with the designated certification may use the discount. A 30% deposit per person is required when you sign up. The balance or full payment is due 120 days before the start date of this vacation charter – no later than July 7, 2023. You will be required to sign the cruise Terms & Conditions when you sign up which spells out cancellation and transfer policies. No refunds or changes are allowed after July 7, 2023. Just 11 cabins are available on this fantastic Windward Islands cruise as winter starts to take over up north! Don’t wait, signup today!
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION
- Single or shared cabin for two with ensuite head
- Meet & Greet party on first day with heavy hors d’oeuvres or a light dinner (cash bar)
- Group dinner ashore during the cruise (cash bar)
- Provisions including all breakfasts and lunches, some snacks, and three dinners for dining aboard
- Commemorative cruise polo and cap
- WiFi capability aboard
- Damage waiver fee
- Comprehensive handbook with all the details you need to know to plan your trip and enjoy this cruise
- Cruise hosts aboard the lead boat to guide you through the week
Each boat will put a kitty together (usually starting with $100 per person) to cover mooring and docking fees, extra provisions and other costs that all on the boat share. Other costs you may incur include (but are not limited to) your travel to and from the Grenada airport, taxi from airport to base and back to airport, hotel stays ashore if desired, any alcohol or other beverages you wish to have aboard, meals ashore other than the group dinners, excursions, kayak and other rentals. The currency in the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), one XCD = 0.37 US Dollar. Most credit cards are also accepted.
HOW TO GET TO THE BASE IN GRENADA AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Maurice Bishop International Airport, at the southern tip of Grenada, is 5 miles from St. George’s, with direct and indirect flights from the U.S., Canada, and London. For more information and reservations call The Moorings in-house flight specialist at 866-549-2003. This flotilla cruise starts at noon on Saturday, November 4, and ends at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023. We advise coming in a day early to explore St. George’s and provide links to hotels in that area recommended by The Moorings when you sign up. You need a valid passport, with expiration date no less than 6 months after your departure from the islands. The comprehensive handbook we prepare and send to you after signing up will give you plenty of links for where to stay ashore, dining out, things to do, travel, and more.
For flights to/from the Caribbean, we recommend you contact The Moorings’ in-house flight specialists at 866-649-2003. They successfully book flights for thousands of their charter customers.
