The Grenadines comprise a chain of over 600 islands that are located in the south-eastern area of the Lower Antilles of the West Indies. They are scattered over a distance of about 100km ranging from St Vincent to Grenada with the northern area an administrative region of St Vincent and the Grenadines while the southern islands are a dependency of Grenada. The St Vincent group of islands consists of Canouan, Bequia, Mayreau, Mustique and Union Island as well as hundreds of islets. Carriacou Island is the largest in the Grenada group with an area of about 34 square kilometres.

The area is rich in natural beauty and has long been a favored destination for recreational sailors and the millionaire jet-set. One doesn’t have to be independently wealthy, however, to enjoy the wide variety of Caribbean experiences the area has to offer. Following is a brief description of some of the Grenadine islands and what they offer.

• Bequia – this is the most visited of the islands and offers swimming, hiking and diving in location of remarkable natural beauty. Some of the most notable locations on the island are Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay which feature white sandy beaches backed by tropical greenery that are located close to the capital, Port Elizabeth.

• Mustique – famous as a magnet for royalty, rock stars and the mega-rich, this is a private island that boasts some of the most expensive accommodation in the region. Less moneyed travelers, however, can make do by making a day trip on yachts that depart from Bequia to enjoy manicured lawns, beautiful beaches and, perhaps, a cocktail at the famous Basil’s Bar that overlooks the main harbor.

• Mayreau – this singularly undeveloped island has a small population of locals and has long been a secret destination for yachties. Salt Whistle Bay, an almost horseshoe shaped crescent that is lined with white beaches and coconut palms, is a fantastic place for a swim while there are plenty of smaller, more isolated bays to explore as well.

• Carriacou – this island is home to the Grenadine islands and features a vibrant annual carnival, significant music festivals and cultural attractions such as the Big Drum Dance (which features locals performing traditional, ancestral dances) and the Maroon and String Band festival which celebrates drumming, dancing and local foods. Needless to say the island also has its fair share of stunning tropical beaches including the aptly named Paradise Beach and the more secluded Anse La Roche which is a small cove surrounded by coral reefs.