Mayreau Island, St. Vincent and The Grenadines: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

With just 300 permanent residents inhabiting a mere 1.5 square miles (3.9 km²), Mayreau stands as one of the least populated inhabited islands in the Caribbean. This tiny gem in St. Vincent and the Grenadines offers an authentic escape from the region’s more commercialized destinations. Despite its small size, Mayreau delivers an outsized experience with pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and a laid-back atmosphere that embodies the true essence of Caribbean paradise.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Mayreau is part of the adventure. The island has no airport, making boat travel the only way to access this secluded paradise. Most visitors arrive via neighboring islands, particularly Union Island, which has a small airport receiving flights from St. Vincent and Barbados.

To begin your journey, fly into E.T. Joshua Airport on St. Vincent or directly to Union Island Airport. From Union Island, you can take a water taxi or ferry to Mayreau, a journey of approximately 30 minutes across stunning turquoise waters.

Alternatively, many travelers visit Mayreau as part of a sailing trip through the Grenadines, stopping at this island paradise for a day or longer. Charter boats and organized sailing tours are widely available from St. Vincent, Bequia, and other nearby islands.

Best Time to Visit Mayreau Island

The ideal time to visit Mayreau is during the dry season from December to April. During these months, you can expect temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 85°F), with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. This period also offers optimal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and beach activities with clear visibility in the surrounding waters.

The rainy season runs from June to November, coinciding with the Atlantic hurricane season. September and October typically see the highest rainfall and potential for tropical storms. While prices may be lower during this period, weather disruptions could impact your travel plans and water activities.

Getting Around Locally

Mayreau’s tiny size makes it wonderfully easy to navigate. The island has just one main road connecting Salt Whistle Bay to Saline Bay, passing through the unnamed village along the way. Walking is the primary mode of transportation, allowing you to fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

For those who prefer not to walk, especially when traveling uphill to the village (which sits about 80 meters above sea level), local taxis are available. These are typically pickup trucks that can transport you and your luggage around the island. Alternatively, some visitors rent bicycles for exploring, though be prepared for some steep inclines.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options on Mayreau are limited but charming, ranging from simple guesthouses to more upscale boutique properties. The island’s small size and lack of major development contribute to its authentic appeal, offering visitors a genuine Caribbean experience away from large resort chains.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Mayreau’s dining scene revolves around fresh seafood, local ingredients, and authentic Caribbean flavors. Most restaurants are casual beach bars and family-run establishments serving dishes that reflect the island’s cultural heritage and abundant marine resources.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Roasted Breadfruit with Fried Jackfish – The national dish of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, featuring starchy breadfruit (similar to potato when cooked) paired with locally caught jackfish.
• Conch – Prepared in various ways including curried, creole-style, or in fritters.
• Lobster – Freshly caught and typically grilled with local herbs and spices.
• Callaloo Soup – A traditional Caribbean dish made with leafy greens similar to spinach.
• Rum Punch – The quintessential Caribbean drink, often made with local rum and tropical fruit juices.

Popular Dining Spots

Don’t miss trying Hairoun, the local beer of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while watching the sunset at one of the beach bars along Salt Whistle Bay.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Salt Whistle Bay

Salt Whistle Bay is Mayreau’s crown jewel and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. This perfect crescent of powdery white sand is lined with swaying palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. The bay’s protected location creates ideal swimming conditions, while the northern end of the beach narrows to a thin strip of land where you can see both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean simultaneously.

Tobago Cays Marine Park

Located just a short boat ride from Mayreau, the Tobago Cays Marine Park is a protected area comprising five uninhabited islands surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped coral reef. This underwater paradise offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean, with opportunities to swim alongside sea turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral formations in pristine waters.

The Village and Catholic Church

Mayreau’s unnamed village, the island’s only settlement, sits atop a hill offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The Church of the Immaculate Conception, a historic Catholic church perched at the highest point, provides spectacular vistas of the Tobago Cays, Canouan, and Union Island. The village itself offers a glimpse into authentic island life with its colorful houses and friendly locals.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While Mayreau doesn’t have formal museums, its cultural heritage is woven into the fabric of daily island life. The island’s small size and close-knit community have preserved traditions that visitors can experience through interactions with locals, community gatherings, and seasonal celebrations.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

This historic Catholic church sits at the highest point of the island, offering not only spiritual significance but also breathtaking panoramic views. The simple yet beautiful structure serves as both a religious center and community gathering place. Visitors are welcome to enter when the doors are open, providing a peaceful moment of reflection amid stunning surroundings.

Mayreau Regatta

Held annually in late April, the Mayreau Regatta brings together sailing enthusiasts, locals, and visitors for a vibrant celebration of maritime culture. The four-day event features boat races, beach parties, local food, and music, showcasing the island’s seafaring heritage and community spirit.

Local Crafts and Traditions

Throughout the village, you may encounter locals creating traditional crafts, from woven baskets to handmade jewelry using local materials. These artisans often welcome visitors to observe their work and share stories about island traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Snorkeling and Diving

The waters surrounding Mayreau offer world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities. Key sites include:

• Mayreau Gardens – A stunning reef formation with depths of 15-24 meters (50-80 feet) featuring colorful corals and abundant marine life.
• Puruni Wreck – A 1918 English gunship resting in 12 meters (40 feet) of water, accessible to divers of all levels.
• Tobago Cays – Just a short boat ride away, offering exceptional snorkeling with sea turtles in protected waters.

Sailing and Boat Excursions

Sailing is integral to life in the Grenadines, and Mayreau serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding waters. Day trips to nearby islands and cays can be arranged through local operators, while Salt Whistle Bay provides a perfect anchorage for those arriving by yacht or catamaran.

Hiking and Island Exploration

Despite its small size, Mayreau offers several walking trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints. The hike from Salt Whistle Bay to the village takes about 20 minutes uphill but rewards with panoramic vistas of neighboring islands and both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

Kitesurfing

The windward (Atlantic) side of Mayreau offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing, particularly from November through July when consistent trade winds create ideal conditions. The beach near Windward Mayreau Resort is a popular launching spot for this exhilarating water sport.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Mayreau is generally a safe destination with low crime rates, but as with any travel location, it’s important to exercise common sense and respect local customs.

Safety Tips

• Bring adequate sun protection, as the Caribbean sun can be intense even on cloudy days.
• Stay hydrated, especially when hiking or engaging in water activities.
• Be aware of your surroundings when swimming, and never swim alone or at night.
• The island has limited medical facilities, so bring any necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.
• When snorkeling or diving, never touch coral reefs or marine life.

Local Etiquette

Mayreau’s residents are known for their friendliness and hospitality. To ensure positive interactions:

• Greet locals with a friendly “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “good evening” before starting a conversation.
• Ask permission before taking photos of people or their property.
• Dress modestly when visiting the church or walking through the village.
• Support local businesses by dining at island restaurants and purchasing from local vendors.

Environmental Responsibility

Mayreau’s natural beauty depends on conservation efforts. Practice responsible tourism by:

• Taking all trash with you, especially from beaches and hiking trails.
• Using reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems.
• Conserving water, as the island has limited freshwater resources.
• Respecting protected areas and wildlife, particularly in the Tobago Cays Marine Park.

Visitor Comments About Mayreau Island

Practical Travel Tips

Your Caribbean Paradise Awaits

Mayreau Island represents the Caribbean at its most authentic—a place where natural beauty remains largely untouched, where locals welcome visitors with genuine warmth, and where the pace of life invites true relaxation. From the picture-perfect shores of Salt Whistle Bay to the vibrant underwater world of surrounding reefs, this tiny island delivers experiences that linger in memory long after your tan has faded.

Whether you’re seeking a day trip during a sailing adventure or a longer stay to fully embrace island life, Mayreau offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the simple pleasures of sun, sea, and sand. In an age of increasingly commercialized travel destinations, Mayreau stands as a reminder of what makes the Caribbean truly special—pristine nature, cultural authenticity, and the unhurried rhythm of island time.