DISCOVER UNFORGETTABLE CRUISING DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE
DISCOVER UNFORGETTABLE CRUISING DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE
The best starting point for a Grenadines kite and wingfoil cruise depends on whether you prioritise easy flight connections, more time under sail or faster access to the riding areas. Starting from a well-connected island simplifies the journey but usually involves longer sailing passages. A more remote departure can require additional travel while giving you quicker access to uncrowded anchorages and kite spots.
When people book a kite and wingfoil cruise aboard a sailing catamaran, they usually have a clear picture in mind: escaping crowded spots, discovering untouched nature and remote anchorages, and spending more time on the water than in marinas. They are looking for freedom, wind, silence and space.
However, the very first decision presents a challenge: where should the cruise begin?
The choice of starting point can have a significant influence on the itinerary and the overall cruise experience. Our Grenadines cruise destination guide provides more information about the cruising area, activities and life aboard.
Well-connected departure locations can be very appealing. Direct flights, frequent connections and competitive airfares make the journey easier and more predictable. They may also reduce travel fatigue, simplify travelling with watersports equipment and provide convenient access to supermarkets, marinas and other services.
For many guests, particularly those joining a sailing cruise for the first time, this can feel like the safest and most convenient option. However, that convenience comes with a trade-off. Destinations served by major airports generally attract more visitors and more boats. An easier journey to the starting point does not necessarily provide the quickest route to the remote and uncrowded experience guests are looking for.
To truly escape the crowds, you often need to sail longer sometimes several hours or even a full day and night just to reach the areas and kite spots that feel remote and truly untouched.
Another option is to choose a more remote starting point rather than the airport with the easiest international connections. This may involve fewer available flights, a slightly longer journey or occasionally a higher ticket price.
At first, this can appear to be a disadvantage. In practice, however, travelling a little further often brings you much closer to the experience you came for.
Beginning the cruise away from the main tourist hubs means fewer boats from the first day and shorter sailing distances to remote anchorages. Instead of spending valuable cruise time leaving busy marinas and populated areas behind, you begin the journey closer to nature, uncrowded waters and the most interesting riding locations.
A remote starting point can also provide greater flexibility for spontaneous stops and watersports sessions. With fewer boats and less traffic, the crew has more freedom to follow the conditions and adapt the itinerary to the group.
This is particularly valuable on a kitesurf- or wingfoil-focused cruise. Shorter transit distances can mean more time for riding, easier access to uncrowded conditions and quieter anchorages in the evenings.
Rather than spending the first part of the cruise trying to get away from civilisation, you begin the adventure already away from it. You exchange some convenience during the journey for a more immersive and rewarding cruise experience.
An easily accessible departure point may be the right choice if you prefer simpler flight connections, potentially lower airfares and familiar travel infrastructure. It is also a good option if you enjoy sailing and see the longer passages as an important part of the experience alongside kitesurfing and wingfoiling.
Starting farther south allows you to experience more of the Grenadines under sail. For guests who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, these passages can be a memorable part of the cruise.
A more remote starting point may suit you better if your priority is reaching the riding areas quickly. Shorter passages generally mean more time for kitesurfing and wingfoiling, fewer boats and riders, and earlier access to quiet anchorages.
It can also be a more comfortable option for guests who are concerned about seasickness or who prefer to limit longer sailing passages. You may have a slightly more complicated journey to reach the yacht, but once aboard, you are already closer to the heart of the cruising area.
A kite and wingfoil cruise is more than a conventional holiday. Life aboard follows the conditions, the islands and the rhythm of the group. Your choice of departure point helps determine how that experience begins.
Would you prefer to gradually sail into the more remote parts of the Grenadines, or begin the cruise close to the riding areas? Do you enjoy longer sailing passages, or would you rather keep the sailing distances shorter and spend more time on the water?
Sometimes a slightly longer journey by air allows you to arrive at the experience you are looking for sooner. A sailing cruise is one of the few ways of travelling where less convenience can ultimately provide more freedom.
Once the yacht is anchored in a quiet bay, surrounded by nature, steady wind and very few other boats, the additional effort required to reach a remote starting point can quickly feel worthwhile.
Martinique offers the most sailing-focused itinerary, St Lucia provides a balance between travel and riding time, and St Vincent generally gives the quickest access to the central Grenadines.
| Departure port | Typical passage on our itineraries | Typical cruise length | Usually best suited to | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martinique | About 20 hours | 10 days | A longer, sailing-focused cruise | The longest passage of the three options |
| St Lucia | About 12 hours | 7 days | A balance of accessibility, sailing and riding | A substantial passage is still required |
| St Vincent | About 6 hours | 7 days | Less transit and more time within the Grenadines | Flights may require an additional connection |
Please note: Passage times are approximate and depend on the route, yacht, wind and sea conditions. Flight schedules and connections should be confirmed before booking.
Our Grenadines cruises can begin in Martinique, St. Lucia or directly within the Grenadines, depending on the scheduled itinerary. Each departure point creates a different route through the islands, with varying sailing distances and opportunities for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and exploring ashore. The itinerary examples below show what each option may look like in practice.
The longest and most sailing-focused itinerary, combining open-water passages with an extensive journey through the island chain.
Because Martinique is located further north, the journey to the Grenadines takes about 20 hours of sailing time before arriving in the Grenadines. It is a great option if you love the idea of combining sailing Kitesurfing and Wingfoiling in one vacation.
Another advantage is that Martinique is very easy to reach, especially from Europe. There are regular direct flights from several major European cities, making travel logistics simple and reliable.
Advantages
Direct flights from Europe
More islands and sailing routes included
Considerations
Longer trip required (10 days recommended)
Longer sailing distance at the beginning and end
A balanced option offering convenient international access, varied sailing and plenty of time within the Grenadines.
Departing from St. Lucia is a great option if you prefer a shorter trip of about one week.
St. Lucia is closer to the Grenadines than Martinique, which means we can reach the main kite and wingfoil spots more quickly. Sailing time is about 12 hours. This allows us to maximize the time spent on the water during a 7-day trip.
St. Lucia is also relatively easy to reach internationally, with flights from Europe, the United States, and other Caribbean islands.
Advantages
The shortest access to the central cruising area, with less transit sailing and more time for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and exploring the islands.
Starting the trip from St. Vincent puts us right on the doorstep of the Grenadines. From here, the best kite and wingfoil spots are only a 6 hour sail away.
This option allows us to spend almost the entire trip inside the Grenadines, with very little transit sailing. It’s the fastest way to reach iconic locations such as Union Island, Mayreau, and the Tobago Cays.
However, St. Vincent is a bit more remote and flights can be less frequent, often requiring a connection through Barbados, St. Lucia, or another Caribbean hub.
Advantages
Fastest access to the Grenadines
Maximum time on the water
Ideal if you want to focus mainly on kiting or wingfoiling
Considerations
Flights to St. Vincent may require an additional connection
Slightly more complex travel logistics
Continue Your Journey
Explore the destination, learn more about life aboard and find the available cruise dates and rates for your Grenadines adventure.
06. February 2026
Written by Chris Ziaja, Ocean Ad-Ventures skipper, based on 20 years of first-hand experience operating sailing and watersports cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
English 
Español 
Deutsch