Port information & tips for Mayreau
Mayreau is the smallest inhabited jewel of the Grenadines and a true paradise for those seeking peace in the southern Caribbean. The island impresses with its untouched nature, authentic Caribbean flair, and dreamlike white beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. Absolute highlights include the picturesque Salt Whistle Bay with its crescent-shaped beach and the panoramic view from the small stone church in the mountain village of Old Wall over the nearby Tobago Cays. Since Mayreau does not have a deep-water port, guests reach the Saline Bay Pier comfortably by tender boat. Thanks to the island's manageable size, the charming village center is also just a short, scenic walk from the landing point.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The island of Mayreau in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an idyllic, small island that is exclusively accessible by sea, as it does not have its own airport. Cruise ships usually anchor off the coast, and guests are conveniently transported by tender boats to the Saline Bay Concrete Wharf, the island's central landing point.
Airplane (International Arrival)
For travelers from the DACH region, the journey usually leads through international hubs in the Caribbean. Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St. Vincent is the country's main airport and offers direct connections from London, among others. A popular alternative is Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) on Barbados, which receives many direct flights from Europe and serves as an important hub for onward flights to the Grenadines. From Germany, connections to SVD (e.g., via Air Canada from Frankfurt) are possible with a flight time of around 17 hours.
Onward Travel: Domestic Flight & Ferry
The actual journey to Mayreau begins with a connecting flight to Union Island Airport (UNI), the nearest regional airport. From St. Vincent (SVD), SVG Air takes you to Union Island in about 20 minutes. From Barbados (BGI), the flight to Union Island takes around 50 minutes. From Union Island Airport, a short taxi transfer takes you to the port of Clifton, from where water taxis or local ferries reach Mayreau in about 10 minutes. There are also ferry connections from Kingstown, St. Vincent, that call at Mayreau; however, these are less recommended for arrival on embarkation day due to their duration and schedules.
Pre-Cruise Stay
Given the multi-stage journey by long-haul flight, domestic flight, and water taxi, a relaxed start to your cruise vacation with an overnight stay in advance is highly advisable. One or two nights in a hotel on St. Vincent, for example near Argyle International Airport, or on Barbados allow you to begin the onward journey to Union Island and finally to Mayreau refreshed and without time pressure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
In Mayreau, you can reach the island easily by tender boats that dock directly at the pier in the picturesque Saline Bay.
On Foot
The charming island can be wonderfully explored on foot, and the walk up to the village of Old Wall takes only about 10 to 15 minutes. This path leads past small, colorful houses and also offers a fantastic view of the surrounding Tobago Cays.
Water Taxis
Local water taxis are available directly at the landing pier and take guests to the famous Salt Whistle Bay in the north in a short amount of time. These boats are ideal for a relaxed coastal ride while providing a flexible transfer to the region's most beautiful snorkeling spots.
Island Taxis
At the pier in Saline Bay, off-road pick-up taxis usually wait for visitors to transport them comfortably over the steep hill into the island's interior. Thanks to this straightforward transportation option, travelers can quickly reach the viewpoints and enjoy their stay on the quiet island immediately.
On the idyllic island of Mayreau, the best way to spend your day is on a discovery tour on foot to fully enjoy the untouched nature and the spectacular views of the surrounding Grenadines.
Salt Whistle Bay
This crescent-shaped bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and, thanks to its crystal-clear water and fine white sand, is the perfect place for a relaxed sunbath and first-class snorkeling right off the shore.
Old Wall Village
The island's only charming village is located on the central hill and offers visitors authentic insights into relaxed island life; additionally, colorful bars and small local restaurants invite you to linger over Caribbean specialties.
Church Viewpoint
The historic stone church on the highest point of the island is a significant cultural landmark and simultaneously offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the turquoise reefs of the Tobago Cays, making this spot ideal for unforgettable souvenir photos.
Salt Whistle Bay
The dreamlike Salt Whistle Bay is easily accessible from the pier in Saline Bay via a picturesque approximately twenty-minute walk over the island's hill and impresses with its characteristic double bay featuring white powdered sugar sand. This protected bay offers ideal conditions for swimming in turquoise waters and also features charming, rustic beach bars serving cool drinks and local snacks. Thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and natural shade under palm trees, you can spend a perfect beach day here in one of the most beautiful bays in the Grenadines. It is best to visit the bay immediately after arrival to enjoy the morning tranquility to the fullest, and plan about thirty minutes for the walk back to the tender boat to ensure you return to the ship on time and completely relaxed.
The way back to the port in Saline Bay or to the tender pier in Salt Whistle Bay is relaxed and straightforward on the small Grenadine island.
On Foot
From the picturesque village of Old Wall, the path leads directly downhill via the only paved road back to Saline Bay or in a northerly direction to Salt Whistle Bay. Thanks to the short distances and clear routing, you can easily reach your pier within 15 to 20 minutes while enjoying the fantastic view of the neighboring islands.
Island Taxis
At central points such as the church on the hill or at the Salt Whistle Bay Club, local pick-up taxis are often available to take guests comfortably to the port. These rides can be easily organized on-site and, thanks to the helpful drivers, allow for a time-saving return after a relaxing day at the beach.
Tender Boats
The return journey to the ship is safe and direct with the ship's own tender boats from the main pier in Saline Bay or from the marked spot on the beach at Salt Whistle Bay. Since the ships usually anchor within sight in the bay, orientation is easy and the boats run at regular intervals thanks to the well-coordinated service.
