Caribbean
Ships anchor offshore; tenders transport passengers to the small beach landing.
Choose the Right Port Day
Only 3-4 Hours
Tender to shore, swim/snorkel at Salt Whistle Bay Beach (30 min walk or brief taxi), return by tender schedule. Skip town walks.
Best Beach
Salt Whistle Bay Beach—calm, clear water, good snorkeling, curved sand beach. 15–20 min walk from village or short taxi ride.
With Kids
Salt Whistle Bay Beach for shallow water and calm conditions; some families hire a local boat for a protected lagoon snorkel (negotiate price on shore).
Cheapest Option
Tender to shore (included), walk to Salt Whistle Bay Beach (free), bring snorkel gear from ship or rent locally ($5–10 USD). Total cost under $20 USD per person.
Best Overall
Spend the day at Salt Whistle Bay Beach, snorkel in the lagoon, buy lunch from a beach shack, skip the village. Most cruisers find this the only reason to stop here.
What To Avoid
Don't expect a town with shops or museums; the village is tiny and quiet. Skip organized shore excursions unless you want a boat tour to nearby islands—they often double the cost for minimal added value.
Quick Take
- Port Type
- Small island beach port (tender-based)
- Best For
- Snorkelers, beach relaxation, quiet island experience, passengers on small-ship cruises
- Avoid If
- Seeking shops, restaurants, cultural activities, or town exploration; mobility-limited travelers
- Walkability
- Village itself is walkable in 15 minutes, but attractions require boat or taxi
- Budget Fit
- Low to moderate; beaches are free, food and transport modest
- Good For Short Calls?
- Good; 4–5 hours sufficient for beach + snorkel or lagoon visit
Port Overview
Mayreau is a tiny, quiet island in the Grenadines with fewer than 300 residents. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the small beach dock. The village sits back from the shore and offers almost no shops, restaurants, or tourist infrastructure—this is not a cruise-town stop. The port's appeal is entirely the beach and snorkeling, especially Salt Whistle Bay Beach on the southern coast, known for calm water, excellent visibility, and reef snorkeling. Most cruisers spend their day swimming and snorkeling rather than exploring the village.
Is It Safe?
Mayreau is very safe. The island is small, sleepy, and welcoming. Petty theft is minimal and violent crime virtually unheard of. The main hazard is the tender operation—sea state can be choppy, so secure footing when boarding/disembarking. Sun exposure is intense; bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. Medical facilities are nonexistent; any serious injury requires evacuation by coast guard or helicopter.
Accessibility & Walkability
The village and beach dock are relatively flat, but the path to Salt Whistle Bay Beach is unpaved, uneven, and has no handrails. Wheelchairs are not practical. Tender boarding can be awkward in swells. Travelers with mobility issues should consult the ship about tender feasibility and consider staying aboard.
Outside the Terminal
You'll tender to a small beach dock. The village—a handful of colorful houses, a small church, and a basic store—sits 50–100 meters uphill on a dirt track. The scene is very quiet and slightly ramshackle; there are no touts, no souvenir shops, and very little activity. Most cruisers head straight to Salt Whistle Bay Beach rather than linger in the village.
Beaches Near the Port
Salt Whistle Bay Beach
Crescent-shaped sandy beach with shallow, calm lagoon. Excellent snorkeling, very clear water, palm trees, occasional local food vendors. The best and most visited beach on the island.
Saltwhistle Bay (Northern Section)
Less crowded extension of the bay; similar calm water and snorkeling but fewer amenities and fewer other cruisers.
Local Food & Drink
Mayreau has no restaurants. A few local vendors operate simple beach shacks at Salt Whistle Bay, selling grilled fish, roti, dhal, fresh fruit, and drinks. Expect to pay $5–12 USD for a meal. Bring cash in small USD bills; card payment is unlikely. Many cruisers pack snacks or a picnic lunch from the ship. Drinking water is available at the shacks; bring your own water bottle as a backup.
Shopping
There is essentially no shopping on Mayreau. A tiny general store in the village sells basic groceries and drinks but no souvenirs or cruise-type merchandise. Do not expect to buy gifts or crafts here. If shopping is important, plan it for a different port or buy from the ship.
Money & Currency
- Currency
- East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- USD Accepted?
- Yes
- Card Payments
- Minimal; assume cash-only for local vendors and beach shacks
- ATMs
- None on the island; withdraw cash on a previous port or from the ship
- Tipping
- Optional; 10–15% appreciated at food shacks if paying cash
- Notes
- Bring small USD bills ($1, $5, $10). Change may be given in XCD. No card machines at beaches.
Weather & Best Time
- Best months
- December–April (dry, calm seas, light winds)
- Avoid
- September–November (hurricane season; heavier rain, rougher seas)
- Temperature
- 75–85°F (24–29°C), low humidity in winter; 80–88°F (27–31°C) in spring/fall
- Notes
- Sea conditions are the main variable; rough swells can make tenders uncomfortable or cancel them. Sun is intense year-round; sunscreen is essential.
Airport Information
- Airport
- Canouan Airport (CIW) or St. Vincent Argyle International Airport (SVD)
- Distance
- Canouan ~10 km; St. Vincent ~35 km
- Getting there
- Ferry, speedboat, or private boat charter. No road access from Mayreau.
- Notes
- Mayreau is rarely a home port or pre-cruise stop. Most cruises are day calls. No direct flights to Mayreau; flying in requires connection via Canouan or St. Vincent.
Planning a cruise here?
Windstar Cruises, Seabourn, Star Clippers & more sail to Mayreau.
Getting Around from the Port
Tender
Ships anchor 100–200 meters offshore. Tenders run throughout the day on a posted schedule.
Walking
Village is small; Salt Whistle Bay Beach is 15–20 min walk south via the main track. Coastal track is uneven dirt and gravel.
Local taxi or boat
Negotiate directly with taxi operators at the tender dock or locals at the beach for rides or island tours.
Top Things To Do
1
Snorkeling at Salt Whistle Bay Beach & Lagoon
The main event. The lagoon has calm, clear water and a shallow reef with colorful fish, some sea turtles, and coral. Visibility is often 40–60 feet. Beginners and strong swimmers both find something worthwhile.
Book Snorkeling at Salt Whistle Bay Beach & Lagoon from $5⚡ Popular — books out early. Reserve before you sail.
2
Beach & Picnic at Salt Whistle Bay
The beach itself is a crescent of white sand backed by palm trees. Water is shallow and calm. A few local vendors operate simple food shacks; bring cash (USD) for fresh fish, roti, or drinks. No crowding.
Book Beach & Picnic at Salt Whistle Bay from $53
Boat Tour to Nearby Islands or Reefs
Local operators at the dock offer trips to nearby small islands, reef tours, or uninhabited cays. Often includes snorkeling stops and lunch. Quality and itineraries vary; negotiate price and ask other passengers about their experience first.
Book Boat Tour to Nearby Islands or Reefs from $40Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Bring or rent snorkel gear before 10:00 AM; rental shacks get busy and may run low on stock mid-day.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and reef-safe lotion; the sun reflects off water and sand intensely, and medical help is far away.
- Check tender schedules at the gangway immediately upon arrival; note the last tender time and plan your return accordingly.
- Bring a waterproof bag or leave valuables on the ship; there is nowhere secure to store belongings on the beach, and theft is rare but possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Ships anchor offshore, and tenders arrive at a simple beach dock. There are no facilities, shops, or information services at the dock.
Yes, it's a 15–20 minute walk south on an uneven dirt track. Wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen. A short taxi ride ($5 USD) is quicker and worth it if you're short on time.
The ship will announce cancellation and keep you aboard. This is uncommon but possible in winter swells. Monitor the gangway notice; if seas are rough upon arrival, the crew will make the call early in the day.
Mayreau is a tiny, undeveloped island perfect for beach relaxation and snorkeling with minimal crowds.
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