Petit St. Vincent, or PSV as it is known, is slightly out of the way at the far end of the Grenadine island chain, and is a less crowded anchorage as a result.  The entire island is home to the ultra-exclusive Petit St. Vincent Resort, which consequently restricts the number of attractions that are available ashore.  If you are looking for a quiet anchorage to lounge around without being disturbed, this is it.

If you anchor in the shallow section, just to the southwest of the dinghy dock, you will be treated to one of the most spectacularly colorful patches of water in the entire Caribbean.  The white sand bottom reflects the brilliant sunshine in the crystal clear water, creating a kaleidoscope of turquoise, emerald, and deep blue colors unmatched anywhere.  At night, the deck lights from your boat are reflected by the sandy bottom, creating an eerie glow reminiscent of a swimming pool.

Resort with "State-of-the-Art" Telecommunications

The Petit St. Vincent Resort is over-the-top exclusive, and caters to the very well-heeled vacationers looking for seclusion and personal service.  It is not part of a resort chain, but rather the personal creation of Haze Richardson, who lives on the island with his wife Lynn and their seven yellow labs. 

Guests stay in custom-designed cottages set in a variety of locations on the island that make the most of their immediate surroundings.  Some are notched into the hills and bluffs to catch the breeze and savor the stunning ocean views, most are hidden away in the palms, steps from a private beach.

In place of a telephone, there is a small bamboo flagpole with a message box in front of each cottage. When guests hoist the yellow flag, a member of the staff will come by in a mini-Moke to pick up the message - room service, lunch on the beach, whatever the guest wants.  The red flag is the “do not disturb” signal.

Given that this resort caters to the privacy of its guests, visiting cruisers are only permitted to walk the grounds around the main complex, so you will not be able to wander around the island on your own.  If you ask, the resort will show you a cottage if one is vacant.

I have been advised that the food at their restaurant is absolutely excellent, although  more on the expensive side, at around $80 US per head.  It has been recommended for those looking for a more upscale dining experience.  They usually reserve only a few tables for visiting cruisers, so a reservation is recommended.  If you do not have dinner here, at least go to the bar for a cocktail.

More Great Snorkeling

There is great snorkeling to the north of the island and near the Mopion Sandbank.  Both are reachable only after a lengthy dinghy ride.  Be certain you have taken the proper safety measures to protect against outboard motor failure, given that the current is strong.  You do not want to end up in Panama.  Because of the current, it is advisable to plan your dive by swimming upstream first, then drifting back to your anchored dinghy.