Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide. Mayreau lies between Union Island and Canouan and functions as a small, low‑infrastructure waypoint with two primary anchorages: Salt Whistle Bay on the northwestern side and Saline Bay on the southwestern side. It has deepwater approaches, predictable seabed contours, and reliable shelter in settled trade‑wind conditions. Navigation is straightforward from the west and southwest, with depths remaining above 40–60 m offshore and shoaling gradually toward the island’s lee.

The sailing environment is shaped by the northeast trades, typically 15–22 kn, with moderate seas offshore and calmer conditions inside the western bays. The eastern and southeastern coasts are reef‑fringed and exposed to Atlantic swell, with depths dropping rapidly from 30 m to 5–10 m over coral shelves. Marine infrastructure is minimal, and all major services are taken in Union Island or Canouan. Mayreau’s role is anchorage‑based, with limited provisioning and no technical support.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Approaches

Approaches from the west and southwest are clear, with depths above 40–60 m until close to the island, shoaling to 10–20 m over sand and grass before entering Salt Whistle Bay or Saline Bay. Approaches from the east, northeast, and southeast are reef‑fringed and exposed to Atlantic swell, with depths dropping from 30 m to 5–10 m near the reef line; these sectors require daylight and visual navigation and are not used for routine entry. Tidal range is small at 0.3–0.6 m, and currents are weak, with minor set between Mayreau and the Tobago Cays during fresh trades.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Anchorage

Salt Whistle Bay. Salt Whistle Bay is the island’s most iconic anchorage, with depths of 5–10 m over sand and generally reliable holding. The bay is partially protected by a narrow sand spit, creating calm conditions in settled trades. Space is limited, and the anchorage becomes uncomfortable during northerly swell events. Dinghy access is straightforward via the beach, with calm landings in most weather.

Saline Bay. Saline Bay lies on the southwestern side and offers 10–15 m over sand with moderate shelter from the prevailing trades. The bay is larger and deeper than Salt Whistle, with more consistent holding and less crowding. Swell can enter during strong southerly or westerly systems, but conditions remain manageable in typical trade‑wind weather. Dinghy access is via the beach or small local docks.

Windward Coast. The eastern and southeastern coasts offer no viable anchorage due to reefs, shoaling to 5–10 m, and full exposure to Atlantic swell.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Marina Facilities

Mayreau has no marina, no docks for visiting yachts, and no haul‑out capability. The island does not provide fuel, water, or chandlery access. All operational support is taken in Union Island or Canouan. Dinghy access is limited to beach landings in Salt Whistle Bay and Saline Bay.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Weather

Weather follows the standard Windward Islands pattern, with northeast trades between 15–22 kn and moderate seas offshore. Salt Whistle Bay is calm in settled conditions but becomes uncomfortable during northerly swell. Saline Bay offers more consistent shelter. Rainfall is seasonal, with passing showers common. The island offers no cyclone‑grade shelter and is not suitable for hurricane‑season lay‑up.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Provisioning

Supermarkets. Mayreau has small village shops offering basic provisioning, including packaged staples, beverages, limited fresh produce, and frozen goods. Stock levels vary and are not suitable for full provisioning. Major provisioning is done in Union Island or Canouan.

Markets. There is no formal market on the island. Fresh produce is sold by small vendors in the village above Saline Bay, depending on delivery schedules.

Fish Markets. There is no fish market on Mayreau. Fresh fish is obtained from local fishermen when available or sourced in Union Island.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Cuisine

Local cuisine is based on seafood and Grenadines staples. Fried jackfish, grilled mahi‑mahi, and stewed saltfish are common, served with rice, plantains, or ground provisions. Pelau appears frequently, combining rice, chicken, and pigeon peas. Seasoning is mild to moderate, using thyme, onion, garlic, and local herbs. Dining options are concentrated near Salt Whistle Bay and the village above Saline Bay.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Fuel Supplies

Fuel is not available on Mayreau. All refuelling is done in Union Island, where diesel and petrol can be taken by jerry can or directly at small docks depending on depth and conditions.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Water Supplies

Water is not available on the island. Yachts rely on onboard storage, water makers, or jerry‑can transfers from Union Island. There are no dockside hose connections or yacht‑service points.

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Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Marine Services

Marine services are non‑existent. Any mechanical, electrical, rigging, or sail work is handled in Union Island, Carriacou, or Grenada. Mayreau functions strictly as an anchorage with minimal shore support.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Customs

Local behaviour is informal and courteous. Respect for private property, controlled dinghy speeds near shore, and proper waste disposal are expected. Noise should be kept low near residential areas. Interactions with local residents are straightforward and conducted in plain language.

Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide - Summary

Mayreau provides deepwater approaches, two reliable anchorages with 5–15 m depth profiles, and minimal provisioning and services. Salt Whistle Bay offers iconic shelter in settled conditions, while Saline Bay provides more space and consistent holding. Navigation is straightforward, and operational demands are modest for a self‑sufficient yacht. Mayreau Yacht Cruising Guide for all you need to know.