Original post
Hi,
We're considering a catamaran cruise in the Grenadines in 2020... what do you think is the best time? Between February, March, and April... Thanks!
Best time for a catamaran cruise in the Grenadines
by Tisa24
Translated into English.
Hi TIsa,
I’ve been living in and sailing cruising catamarans in the French West Indies since 2000. I know the Caribbean region like the back of my hand.
As for the best time… it really depends on what you’re looking for. December, January, February: the wind tends to be stronger—20–25 knots, sometimes up to 30 knots. The weather is characterized by squalls (cumulonimbus clouds), so expect strong gusts and frequent reefing maneuvers. The wind generally comes from the east to northeast. The sea is cooler, around 24–26°C. Sunny spells are interrupted by heavy showers.
March, April, May: the wind tends to shift from east to southeast (as summer approaches) and also weakens toward the end of March, around 15–20 knots. Squalls become less frequent from April onward, giving way to rainier nimbostratus clouds but with less intensity. April is generally sunnier with fewer cloudy spells. Sea temperatures rise to 27–28°C.
So, depending on the wind and weather conditions you prefer, you can make your choice. This is just a general trend—it’s not an absolute truth. You might end up with a week that doesn’t match what I’ve described… that’s just how the weather works!!
For the Grenadines, I recommend starting from Martinique with a minimum of 10 days. Anything shorter than that turns it into a rally rather than a cruise. Also, keep in mind there are a few long legs at the start and on the return. February to April is peak season, so rental prices are quite high. The best deals are usually after May 15th.
If you’re looking for a catamaran, a skipper, or even a skipper/instructor (who can teach you sailing while you’re on board, so you can become a crew member or sail independently), feel free to contact me via private message.
Enjoy your trip to the West Indies!
I’ve been living in and sailing cruising catamarans in the French West Indies since 2000. I know the Caribbean region like the back of my hand.
As for the best time… it really depends on what you’re looking for. December, January, February: the wind tends to be stronger—20–25 knots, sometimes up to 30 knots. The weather is characterized by squalls (cumulonimbus clouds), so expect strong gusts and frequent reefing maneuvers. The wind generally comes from the east to northeast. The sea is cooler, around 24–26°C. Sunny spells are interrupted by heavy showers.
March, April, May: the wind tends to shift from east to southeast (as summer approaches) and also weakens toward the end of March, around 15–20 knots. Squalls become less frequent from April onward, giving way to rainier nimbostratus clouds but with less intensity. April is generally sunnier with fewer cloudy spells. Sea temperatures rise to 27–28°C.
So, depending on the wind and weather conditions you prefer, you can make your choice. This is just a general trend—it’s not an absolute truth. You might end up with a week that doesn’t match what I’ve described… that’s just how the weather works!!
For the Grenadines, I recommend starting from Martinique with a minimum of 10 days. Anything shorter than that turns it into a rally rather than a cruise. Also, keep in mind there are a few long legs at the start and on the return. February to April is peak season, so rental prices are quite high. The best deals are usually after May 15th.
If you’re looking for a catamaran, a skipper, or even a skipper/instructor (who can teach you sailing while you’re on board, so you can become a crew member or sail independently), feel free to contact me via private message.
Enjoy your trip to the West Indies!
Hi, the sea is calmer and the weather generally more stable from mid-March until early June. Best regards, Alex.
Hi there! I’d like to visit the Grenadines from March 29 to April 12, 2026, with my two kids. Catamaran cruises seem really expensive for the four of us. Since we live in the southern Caribbean, we can take a short flight to St. Vincent. I was thinking of island-hopping, maybe by ferry or boat? And perhaps making our way down to Grenada.
We could arrive in St. Vincent and depart from Grenada.
Does anyone know if this is doable? Thanks so much!
We could arrive in St. Vincent and depart from Grenada.
Does anyone know if this is doable? Thanks so much!
Hi there! It’s actually even better from Grenada—less touristy, more deserted islands, etc. White Island, Sandy Island...
I can share a contact if you’d like.
Log in first, then come back to this page.
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Hello.
I’d like to rent a catamaran in the Canary Islands or the Azores for a week and sail around the island, staying about 5–6 km from the coast to try to spot dolphins, whales, turtles... and drop anchor in a cove each evening to spend the night.
I’ve never done this kind of trip before, so I’m looking for advice from people who’ve experienced this type of travel.
I’d like to do this trip in early July or early August.
I’d like to rent a catamaran with a professional skipper. Ideally, the boat would belong to the skipper.
We’d be a group of 6: 4 adults and 2 teens (12 and 16 years old). The teens are strong swimmers, love the sea, and have already swum in the ocean (diving from a boat).
Which departure destination should I choose? The Canary Islands or the Azores?
Should I go with an independent professional skipper or book through a big company? I usually prefer to support locals or island residents when I travel.
How far from the coast should we go to spot cetaceans?
Catamaran or monohull?
It’s with the advice of experienced travelers that I’m building this trip step by step. 😊
There are my ideas, my wishes, and then there’s reality. 😄
Thanks in advance for your help.
I’ve never done this kind of trip before, so I’m looking for advice from people who’ve experienced this type of travel.
I’d like to do this trip in early July or early August.
I’d like to rent a catamaran with a professional skipper. Ideally, the boat would belong to the skipper.
We’d be a group of 6: 4 adults and 2 teens (12 and 16 years old). The teens are strong swimmers, love the sea, and have already swum in the ocean (diving from a boat).
Which departure destination should I choose? The Canary Islands or the Azores?
Should I go with an independent professional skipper or book through a big company? I usually prefer to support locals or island residents when I travel.
How far from the coast should we go to spot cetaceans?
Catamaran or monohull?
It’s with the advice of experienced travelers that I’m building this trip step by step. 😊
There are my ideas, my wishes, and then there’s reality. 😄
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing the first episode my son made about his return sailing trip from Guadeloupe to Brittany on a 9-meter sailboat. It’s nothing fancy—just a moment of escape and shared joy. If you’re interested in this kind of adventure, feel free to ask him questions on his page. Have a great day! Eric
Sailing crossing
I’m sharing the first episode my son made about his return sailing trip from Guadeloupe to Brittany on a 9-meter sailboat. It’s nothing fancy—just a moment of escape and shared joy. If you’re interested in this kind of adventure, feel free to ask him questions on his page. Have a great day! Eric
Sailing crossing
Hi there,
We’re doing a sailing trip. Do you know if it’s possible to order main groceries online and have them delivered to the marina? We’re leaving from Rhodes.
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
This question has probably already been asked on this forum. What would be the best way for me to learn how to sail a boat? I’m 45, have no experience in the matter, but I’ve got plenty of time available and I live in Marseille. I’ve tried courses at different schools here, but they’re all focused on competition—it’s not my thing at all. I’d like to learn so I can eventually think about traveling by sailboat. Thanks for your insights!
This question has probably already been asked on this forum. What would be the best way for me to learn how to sail a boat? I’m 45, have no experience in the matter, but I’ve got plenty of time available and I live in Marseille. I’ve tried courses at different schools here, but they’re all focused on competition—it’s not my thing at all. I’d like to learn so I can eventually think about traveling by sailboat. Thanks for your insights!
Hi there,
I'm looking for advice on booking a boat from Padang Bai (Bali) to Gili Meno. It's for August.
Which company? Which website to book on? Are there any companies that go straight to Meno (without changing boats at another Gili)? Or is it better to do it in two legs?
Thanks for your helpful tips
I'm looking for advice on booking a boat from Padang Bai (Bali) to Gili Meno. It's for August.
Which company? Which website to book on? Are there any companies that go straight to Meno (without changing boats at another Gili)? Or is it better to do it in two legs?
Thanks for your helpful tips
Hello,
I rented a catamaran with my kids to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. We’re leaving from Athens on June 4th for a 7-day cruise. I’d love to have a vow renewal ceremony on one of the islands in the Saronic Gulf on June 17th.
Do you know of any spots, tips, or contacts who could help me organize this ceremony followed by a great restaurant?
Thank youuuuuu
Hi everyone!
I’ve been following this forum for a while to gather some info about the journey I’m currently on. So, this is my first post here.
Here’s the scoop! For over fifteen years, I’ve been connected to Cape Verde by heart and by blood. An uncle of mine settled there about thirty years ago and opened a sailing school on the island of Boavista. Sadly, he passed away and is now buried in Praia, but I still have cousins and many friends in the country. I’ve spent quite a few stays there, some longer than others, and I’m starting to get by in Creole.
A few years ago, I had the urge to travel from France to Cape Verde by road. Not just going from point A to point B by plane, but taking the time to measure the space between my birth country and my adopted one. To see the landscapes, cultures, and people that separate them. I hit the road two weeks ago, heading toward Dakar. Right now, I’m in El Jadida, Morocco, traveling mainly by bus.
But here’s the point of my request: once I’m in Senegal, I plan to find a sailboat or cargo ship heading toward the Cape Verde islands. I expect to be between Saint-Louis and Dakar around mid-August. So, I’m open to any tips for this crossing or to being put in touch with a sailboat planning the trip around that time.
I’m not a sailor, but I’ve got some basic sailing knowledge from my uncle that I’d love to improve. And I can kill time by holding my own on a chessboard!
Cheers,
Bertrand.
PS: I know there are flights from Dakar to Praia, but I’d really prefer not to end my trip in a flying metal cage!
I’ve been following this forum for a while to gather some info about the journey I’m currently on. So, this is my first post here.
Here’s the scoop! For over fifteen years, I’ve been connected to Cape Verde by heart and by blood. An uncle of mine settled there about thirty years ago and opened a sailing school on the island of Boavista. Sadly, he passed away and is now buried in Praia, but I still have cousins and many friends in the country. I’ve spent quite a few stays there, some longer than others, and I’m starting to get by in Creole.
A few years ago, I had the urge to travel from France to Cape Verde by road. Not just going from point A to point B by plane, but taking the time to measure the space between my birth country and my adopted one. To see the landscapes, cultures, and people that separate them. I hit the road two weeks ago, heading toward Dakar. Right now, I’m in El Jadida, Morocco, traveling mainly by bus.
But here’s the point of my request: once I’m in Senegal, I plan to find a sailboat or cargo ship heading toward the Cape Verde islands. I expect to be between Saint-Louis and Dakar around mid-August. So, I’m open to any tips for this crossing or to being put in touch with a sailboat planning the trip around that time.
I’m not a sailor, but I’ve got some basic sailing knowledge from my uncle that I’d love to improve. And I can kill time by holding my own on a chessboard!
Cheers,
Bertrand.
PS: I know there are flights from Dakar to Praia, but I’d really prefer not to end my trip in a flying metal cage!
Hi everyone, our friend is a real Captain with experience—last time we rented in the Balearics and it was amazing. This year, we’d like to rent a sailboat for a week in May or September to sail around the Cyclades. I have a few questions, starting with the wind.
1/ Does it really blow very hard during these periods? Some crew members aren’t exactly seasoned sailors.
2/ Is it better to rent from Athens or one of the Cycladic islands from a cost and time-management perspective? We only have a week.
3/ Which are the most beautiful and wild or least crowded islands, and where should we start?
4/ Do you know of a good sailboat rental agency?
Thanks a million for your answers—I hope some fellow sailors will chime in too!
Thanks a million for your answers—I hope some fellow sailors will chime in too!