Mayreau, one of the smallest inhabited islands in St Vincent and the Grenadines, covers just about 1.5 sq miles and has a population of less than 300 people. Yet, its compact size doesn’t diminish its charm. Mayreau offers a paradise escape from the hustle and bustle of its bigger sister islands – this is where raw beauty meets authentic Caribbean culture. But with a few unique things to do in Mayreau, what truly makes it stand out amidst the 32 islands and cays in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Hurricane Beryl’s Impact on St Vincent and the Grenadines
On 1st July 2024, Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 hurricane, devastated St Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly affecting the Southern Grenadines. Union Island experienced severe damage, with 90% of buildings either damaged or destroyed. Petit St Vincent, the Tobago Cays, Mayreau, and Canouan were also heavily impacted. Bequia, Mustique, and the mainland of St Vincent did not escape unscathed either. Now, more than ever, the country needs tourism to aid its recovery.
We have every confidence that these beautiful islands will recover and rebuild, but they need assistance. While some activities in Mayreau mentioned in this blog may not be available at the moment, we are certain you will still have an incredible experience in this amazing country.
Things to Do in Mayreau: Natural Attractions
1. Swim and Sunbathe at Salt Whistle Bay
Salt Whistle Bay is the quintessential Caribbean dream. Stretching over a kilometre, this bay offers velvety white sands juxtaposed with the cerulean waters. The beach is lined by nothing but palm trees, exotic trees and a few rustic beach bars and restaurants. It’s no wonder that visiting Salt Whistle Bay tops the list of things to do in Mayreau for many visitors.
Talking of beach bars, there are a few cool ones to visit during your trip to Salt Whistle Bay, including the well-named ‘Last Bar Before The Jungle’. Here, you can enjoy a sumptuous seafood dish after a refreshing swim!
Swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling are just a few things to do on Mayreau’s iconic beach. The water is incredibly calm and clear making it ideal for spotting vibrant marine life just a few meters from the shore.
2. Kifesurf at Windward Beach
Windward Beach, on the Atlantic side of Mayreau, is tantalisingly close to Salt Whistle Bay. Literally, the two beaches come close to meeting at the narrowest section of the island! If you walk north on Salt Whistle Bay to this point, you’ll find yourself standing between both beaches.
Windward Beach stands out for its natural beauty. The rugged, golden sands here aren’t just for relaxation; they also serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles. Additionally, its windy conditions make it a popular spot for kitesurfers. If you visit Mayreau from April to July, you might be fortunate enough to witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach!
3. Take in the Panoramic Views from Mayreau’s Station Hill
Situated 165 metres above sea level, this viewpoint from Station Hill, located in the unnamed village, offers unparalleled views of the neighbouring islands and the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. From the crest of the hill behind the Catholic Church, there is an overlook of the Tobago Cays, Canouan and Union Island.
If you’re setting off from Salt Whistle Bay, take the only road up to the unnamed village, which takes about 15-20 minutes on foot and has an elevation of just under 80 metres. As you walk up to the village, the view keeps getting better!
While you’re here, wander through Mayreau’s unnamed village, where most of its residents reside and where you’ll also find one or two cafes and a playground.
This is also a great place to watch the sunset in Mayreau. But, whether you choose to make the journey in the day or at dusk, the picturesque landscape from the hill remains a highlight of the things to do in Mayreau.
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Things to do in Mayreau: Cultural Experiences
1. Walk up to Mayreau Catholic Church
Among the cultural things to do in Mayreau, visiting the Mayreau Catholic Church, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is a must.
Perched atop Station Hill, this historic Church is not only significant to the local community but also offers unparalleled views. Behind the church, there is an overlook of the Tobago Cays, Canouan and Union Island.
The doors to the Church are usually open if you wish to see the interior or pray.
2. Engage with the Locals
The heart of Mayreau lies in its warm and welcoming residents. Simply strike up a conversation at one of the beach bars, you never know who you’ll meet and the stories they have to tell.
The small yet vibrant hub of the unnamed village is also a great place to immerse yourself in local life.
Things to do in Mayreau: Food and Drink
Grabbing some delicious food and trying local beer or a rum punch during your trip presents yet another set of exciting things to do in Mayreau.
1. Try Traditional Local Dishes
The national dish of St Vincent and the Grenadines is roasted breadfruit accompanied by fried jackfish. Breadfruit is a symbol of the islands and was introduced to St Vincent and the Grenadines from Tahiti in the 1700s.
Breadfruit is a large, round, tropical fruit with a rough green exterior. When cooked, it is very starchy, similar to baked bread or potato. Jackfish is a marine fish that is silver or bluish-grey in colour. It has a mild, meaty taste and a firm texture when cooked.
While in Mayreau, sampling the national dish is a must! The various beach bars and restaurants scattered across the island serve tantalising local flavours that shouldn’t be missed.
2. Eat at the Beach Bars and Grills
The island vibe of Mayreau is best experienced with a drink in hand and toes in the sand. Make your way along Salt Whistle Bay and explore the different beach bars and grills that dot the beach.
From the laid-back Bushman BBQ and Zaveek BBQ to characterful, rustic restaurants like Nadi’s Bar & Restorante, Last Bar Before the Jungle and Roots Lobster & Trucking, you’re guaranteed to get to try tantalising seafood, meats and local produce.
And don’t forget to try a tropical cocktail, rum punch or Hairoun – the options are endless.
3. Try Hairoun, the Local Beer
Hairoun is the local beer of St Vincent and the Grenadines. It is brewed at St Vincent Brewery Limited.
Head to one of the beach bars, order a Hairoun, and cheers to the unspoiled beauty surrounding you.
Things to do in Mayreau: Water Activities
1. Snorkelling and Diving in Mayreau
Exploring the underwater world is without a doubt one of the favourite things to do in Mayreau. Mayreau is among the best islands in the Grenadines for shore snorkelling and diving, as the island is fringed by coral reefs and exceptionally clear waters.
Here are some of the best diving spots in Mayreau:
- Mayreau Gardens: A dive site that is 55 to 80 feet, depending on the current direction.
- Valley Dive: Rich in marine life from sharks and rays to schools of fish. Its striking coral and average depth of 90 feet make it special.
- Mayreau Wall Dive: A drift dive dropping to about 100ft, it has vast schools of fish, sharks, rays, and an impressive underwater landscape.
- Puruni Wreck: This is a 1918 English gunship that is resting in 40 feet of water, suitable for all diving levels.
- Hot Springs: Only for advanced divers, this underwater volcano has unique thermal features. Surrounded by stunning corals, depths range between 80-100ft.
If you’re interested in diving during your trip to Mayreau, have a look at Jean-Michel Cousteau Diving – Caribbean.
2. Go on a Sailing or Boat Trip
Sailing in St Vincent and the Grenadines is not just a hobby; it’s a way of life. Given the archipelago nature of St Vincent and the Grenadines, with 32 islands and cays, owning or chartering a boat, or hopping on a boat tour, is incredibly popular.
If you don’t have your own boat, you could charter a boat and sail around Mayreau and its neighbours. Alternatively, you can hop on a pre-organised boat trip or take a water taxi from a neighbouring island.
This experience allows you to explore secluded coves, untouched beaches, and vibrant reefs.
Best Time to Visit Mayreau
Mayreau enjoys a tropical climate, typical of the Caribbean, meaning there’s plenty of sunshine all year round.
However, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, the island witnesses fewer rain showers and less humidity, making it the ideal time for beach activities and exploring.
June to November marks the rainy season in St Vincent and the Grenadines, where occasional showers and potential tropical storms are more frequent. On the bright side, this period sees fewer tourists, giving you a more intimate experience with the island. Also, it can be a time for discounted accommodation rates.
How to Get to Mayreau
Discovering how to get to Mayreau is simpler than it seems. Although it’s a tiny island, set apart from busy tourist destinations, reaching it is quite straightforward – but it can only be accessed by boat!
1. By Sea
The only way to reach Mayreau is to hop on a boat, such as the regular ferries from neighbouring islands, a sailboat or a water taxi. Here are some of the popular methods and routes:
- From Union Island or Bequia: There are regular ferry services from Union Island and Bequia to Mayreau.
- From St Vincent (Mainland): There are also ferries from the mainland of St Vincent to Mayreau. This is a longer journey as St Vincent is at the top of the island chain, but it offers a scenic route through the Grenadines archipelago.
- Private yacht charters and sailboats: Chartering a boat or sailing to Mayreau is also a very popular way to get there. If you’re on a Caribbean sailing trip, you can drop anchor in Mayreau’s Salt Whistle Bay or Saline Bay, both popular anchoring spots.
- Pre-organised Tours: You may opt to join a pre-organised boat trip that includes multiple islands in the Grenadines, such as a catamaran cruise from Bequia with Gusto, or a water taxi from Union Island. These tours often have stops in Mayreau, as well as visiting neighbouring islands such as Palm Island and Morpion Island. This is a hassle-free way to explore multiple islands, including Mayreau.
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2. By Air
While Mayreau doesn’t have its own airport, the nearby Union Island Airport serves as a popular gateway for those looking to head to Mayreau. Numerous flights, primarily from Barbados and St Vincent, land at Union Island. Upon arrival, it’s a short boat ride away to Mayreau.
How to Get Around Mayreau
Mayreau’s small size means that it’s perfect for exploration by foot. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.
For longer journeys or when carrying luggage, local taxis are available.
If you’re planning to visit the surrounding cays or go island hopping, boating is another popular means of transport between the bays.
Places to Stay in Mayreau
Mayreau’s limited accommodation options only add to its untouched allure. Given its serene environment and limited size, accommodation options in Mayreau are few and far between.
Dennis’ Hideway is one option if you’re looking for a cosy, authentic Caribbean experience.
For a more luxurious stay, Saltwhistle Bay Retreat offers beachfront luxury and Mayreau Beach Club & Villas is an exclusive, glamorous hotel, located on Twassante Bay.
If you’re looking for a broader range of accommodation options, the nearby islands, like Union Island, present more diverse offerings. They are more catered to tourists and range from luxury guesthouses to budget-friendly accommodations.
Ferries and boat services make it relatively easy to commute between the islands, ensuring Mayreau is always within reach.
Find places to stay on islands near Mayreau:
Be Conscious and Sustainable in Mayreau
With pristine beauty comes the responsibility of preserving it. Mayreau is a testament to nature’s magnificence, and sustainable tourism ensures it remains that way for future generations. If you’re travelling to Mayreau, adopting eco-friendly practices goes a long way.
- Ensure you leave no rubbish behind, especially at the beaches.
- Use local guides, shop locally-made products, and eat at local restaurants. This not only provides an authentic experience but also ensures the community benefits directly from your visit.
- If you’re diving or snorkelling, ensure you don’t touch the coral reefs or marine life.
It’s all about leaving a positive impact and ensuring that the things to do in Mayreau remain unmissable for years to come.
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Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Mayreau
Mayreau, with its mesmerising beaches, authentic experiences, and friendly locales, is truly a gem in St Vincent and the Grenadines. And one of the best things to do in Mayreau is simply to soak in its natural beauty and the warm, local charm.
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