Port information & tips for Canouan
Canouan is an exclusive jewel in the heart of the Grenadines, boasting untouched nature and a luxurious flair. The island enchants with powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, making it an ideal retreat for both relaxation seekers and explorers. Absolute highlights include the picturesque Shell Beach, the elegant Sandy Lane Yacht Club, and Mount Royal, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island chain. Ships dock at the modern pier of the Sandy Lane Yacht Club or at Grand Bay Jetty, from where the main town of Charlestown is just a few minutes away. Thanks to these short distances, the most beautiful stretches of coastline are easily and comfortably accessible.
Canouan, an enchanting island in the Grenadines, is visited by cruise ships as a port of call, with guests typically brought ashore by tender boat as the ships anchor off the coast. Direct travel from the DACH region is only possible by plane with stopovers due to the island's location and infrastructure.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily by plane, although no direct long-haul flights to Canouan (CIW) are offered. Travelers first fly to a major Caribbean hub, such as Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) on Barbados or Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St. Vincent. From Barbados (BGI), you can reach Canouan Airport (CIW) by connecting flight in about 20 to 50 minutes. The flight time from Argyle International Airport (SVD) to Canouan (CIW) is even only about 15 minutes. Regional airlines such as SVG Air, Mustique Airways, and interCaribbean Airways serve these routes.
Transfer & onward journey
After landing at Canouan Airport (CIW), the short distance to the Charlestown Jetty, the landing point for the cruise ship tender boats, is only about 3 kilometers. Local taxis are available for this convenient transfer. For exploring other islands in the Grenadines, ferry connections exist, for example with the Jaden Sun Fast Ferry from Kingstown (St. Vincent) via Bequia and Canouan. The ferry ride from Bequia to Canouan takes about 60 minutes.
Pre-cruise hotel
Due to the long flight time from the DACH region and the necessary inter-island transfers, staying at a pre-cruise hotel before the start of your cruise is highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed arrival and the avoidance of travel stress on embarkation day. You can find hotels both on Canouan itself and on the larger hub islands such as Barbados or St. Vincent. Many of the luxurious resorts on Canouan also offer a smooth and often free transfer from the airport.
Check-in & embarkation
Please note that with your travel documents, you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the planned departure.
Also during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
