Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide. Union Island sits at the southern end of the Grenadines and functions as the primary service and logistics hub between Carriacou and the mid‑chain islands. It has deepwater approaches, multiple anchorages with distinct shelter profiles, and reliable provisioning in Clifton and Ashton. Navigation is straightforward in settled trade‑wind conditions, with deep water close to shore and predictable seabed contours on the lee side. The island is a routine stop for yachts transiting north–south through the Grenadines.

The sailing environment is shaped by the northeast trades, typically 15–22 kn, with moderate seas offshore and calmer conditions inside the reef‑protected bays. The eastern and southeastern coasts are exposed to Atlantic swell and are not used for anchoring. Marine infrastructure is concentrated around Clifton and Ashton, with Chatham Bay providing a quiet, deep, sheltered anchorage on the west coast.

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Approaches

Approaches from the northeast, east, and southeast are reef‑fringed and exposed to Atlantic swell, with depths dropping from 30–40 m to 5–10 m near the reef line. These sectors require daylight and visual navigation and are not used for routine entry. Approaches from the west and southwest are clear, with depths above 40–60 m until close to the island, shoaling gradually to 10–20 m over sand and grass before entering Clifton or Ashton through marked channels. Tidal range is small at 0.3–0.6 m, and currents are weak, with minor set between Union Island and Palm Island during fresh trades.

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Anchorage

Clifton Harbour. Clifton is the primary harbour and the island’s operational centre. Depths run 5–10 m over sand and patches of grass inside the reef, with good holding in the central basin. The harbour is partially protected by the reef but remains exposed to strong easterly winds and can become uncomfortable in heavy trades. Traffic is high, and space is limited. Dinghy access is straightforward via the town dock.

Ashton Harbour. Ashton lies southwest of Clifton and offers 5–10 m over sand and mud with better shelter from the prevailing trades. The harbour is partially enclosed by reefs, creating calmer conditions than Clifton. Depths remain consistent across the anchorage, and holding is generally reliable. Shore access is easy via small docks and beach landings.

Chatham Bay. Chatham Bay on the west coast provides 10–20 m over sand with excellent shelter from the prevailing trades. The bay is deep, wide, and quiet, with minimal swell and reliable holding. Depths decrease gradually toward the beach, allowing comfortable anchoring throughout the bay. Dinghy access is straightforward via the beach, with calm conditions in most weather.

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Marina Facilities

Union Island has no full‑service marina or haul‑out facility. Clifton provides fuel, water, and basic yacht support through small docks and local operators. Ashton offers limited shore access and small‑scale services. Chatham Bay has no facilities and functions purely as an anchorage. All major mechanical, electrical, rigging, and sail work is handled in Carriacou or Grenada.

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Weather

Weather follows the standard Windward Islands pattern, with northeast trades between 15–22 kn and moderate seas offshore. Clifton is exposed to strong easterlies and can become choppy in heavy trades. Ashton remains calmer due to reef protection. Chatham Bay is the most sheltered anchorage on the island. Rainfall is seasonal, with passing showers common. The island offers no cyclone‑grade shelter and is not suitable for hurricane‑season lay‑up.

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Provisioning

Supermarkets. Clifton has small supermarkets offering moderate provisioning, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen goods, beverages, and packaged staples. Ashton provides smaller shops suitable for topping up mid‑cruise supplies. Stock levels vary but are generally adequate for routine cruising.

Markets. Clifton hosts small produce vendors supplying fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and local staples depending on delivery schedules. Availability varies and should not be assumed for specific items.

Fish Markets. Local fishermen sell fresh catch directly at the waterfront in Clifton and occasionally in Ashton. Species include mahi‑mahi, tuna, kingfish, and reef fish. Supply is weather‑dependent.

Union Island 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 in Clifton and Ashton, with simple beach‑side operations in Chatham Bay.

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Fuel Supplies

Fuel is available in Clifton, where diesel and petrol can be taken by jerry can or directly at small docks depending on depth and conditions. Supply is generally reliable but should be confirmed locally for larger volumes.

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Water Supplies

Potable water is available in Clifton at small docks and via jerry‑can transfer. Ashton offers limited water access through local operators. Chatham Bay has no water supply. Water makers reduce reliance on shore facilities but are not essential for short stays.

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Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Marine Services

Marine services are limited to basic mechanical and electrical support provided by local technicians in Clifton and Ashton. There are no haul‑out facilities, rigging services, or sail lofts on the island. Major repairs and specialized parts are sourced in Carriacou or Grenada.

Union Island 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.

Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide - Summary

Union Island provides deepwater approaches, three distinct anchorages with reliable holding and predictable depth profiles, and moderate provisioning and fuel access in Clifton and Ashton. Chatham Bay offers the island’s best shelter, while Clifton serves as the operational centre. Navigation is straightforward in settled conditions, and operational demands are modest for a self‑sufficient yacht. Union Island Yacht Cruising Guide for all you need to know

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