How to Visit the Tiny Caribbean Island of Mayreau

Spanning some of the Caribbean’s most vibrant blue waters, the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is notoriously difficult to reach—unless you have a jet. The Grenadines are so special that islands like Mustique and Canouan have even been known to elude billionaires.

Yet, hidden among luxury private island resorts and harbors for mega-yachts, the tiny island of Mayreau (pronounced my-rou) is a happy exception, having escaped almost any development. Adorned with the pristine, protected waters of the Tobago Keys Marine Park and enviable anchorages like Saltwhistle Bay, it’s surprising that Mayrio has flown under the radar of developers for so long.

Mayreau’s permanent population of just 300 residents is working diligently to recover from the destruction of Hurricane Barrel in 2024. “The island is very damaged,” says Natisha Alexander, a community activist and local teacher. “But it’s been impressive to see the rebuild.” The first-of-its-kind Windward Mayreau Resort recently opened on the lesser-seen Windward side of the island.

Maybe Mayreau will follow in the footsteps of its neighbors in the Grenadines, but for now, it’s as carefree, unfussy, and untouched by destination as you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean. “Mayreau is perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful, relaxing escape, appealing to those who enjoy swimming, fresh seafood, and a true Caribbean atmosphere away from the big crowds”. Marcia Sandy, Reservations Manager at Kanoan Estate Resort & Villas.

Best hotels and resorts

Miro Beach Club and Villas

With many visitors only visiting Mayreau during the day, there are few accommodation options available. Mayreau Beach Club and Villas stands head and shoulders above the rest as an upscale retreat on a tranquil bay. The boutique hillside property has just 10 rooms and villas, many with private plunge pools and gazebos. In addition, there is an intimate beach club with a dramatic three-tiered infinity pool and a small restaurant.

Best things to do

Take a trip to the Tobago Keys Marine Park.

Mayreau sits on the western edge of the 1,400-acre Tobago Keys Marine Park, the crown jewel of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Five uninhabited islands surround a sheltered, sandy-bottom lagoon where visitors can swim with sea turtles before disembarking for a hike or picnic on beaches hidden beneath towering palm trees. Travelers flock to these protected waters on multi-day sails with local charter companies such as Dream Yacht Worldwide, but when you stay on Mayreau, you can enjoy easy access to the area and day trips with local guides.

Lounge on Saltwhistle Bay.

A thin strip of land separates the Caribbean from the Atlantic at Mayreau’s northern tip, offering dramatic views across the peaceful, sheltered anchorage known as Saltwhistle Bay. Hurricane Barrel wreaked havoc on the cluster of cool, casual beach bars and seaside eateries that made this area the undisputed heart of the island. But some have since reopened and are keen to revive Saltwhistle Bay.

Go scuba diving and snorkeling.

Visit the Mayreau Gardens to discover a famous rock formation that hides coral and marine life in every tropical color. Considered one of the most impressive diving destinations in the Grenadines, its wrecks can be combined with excursions. Purnia British gunship that has been sitting under 40 feet of water off the island’s coast for more than a century. “Mayreau doesn’t have its own dive shop,” explains Alexander, “but most visitors schedule an excursion with Grenadines Dive on Union Island. They will pick up snorkelers and divers from Mayreau before going around.”

Best restaurant

Island Paradise Restaurant

Escape the beach for a proper bite at Island Paradise Restaurant, a simple spot in the center of the village overlooking a palm-fringed garden. Conch curry and Creole style are a favorite, though the chutneys, flavorful barbecue ribs and grilled lamb and lobster are worth returning for.

farm escape

Seasoned sailors know that one of the best places to eat and drink on Mayreau is on the calmer windward side of the island, far from the beach bars at Saltwhistle Bay. Pull the dinghy up to The Ranch Escapade, where the pristine white sands invite guests during the day with ice-cold drinks and simple, delicious Caribbean fare.

Denise’s Sanctuary

Head up the hill to Dennis’ Hideaway in the heart of the village for fresh-caught fish and lobster right off the grill, complemented by local dishes like callaloo and savory pumpkin soup. This place also offers some simple yet spacious rooms for rent. Although it was heavily damaged during the hurricane, Dennis’ highway has reopened.

Areas to visit

The village

The only town of Mayreau is so small, it doesn’t even have a proper name, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. Treat yourself to a long, lazy afternoon away from the island’s prized beaches, enjoying the beautiful views from this hilltop location and visiting light-hearted local spots like Robert Wright’s and D’Youths, known for its colorful Caribbean decor.

Caribbean side

Vessels ranging from tiny speedboats to masticating megayachts stake out space along the shores of Mayreau’s Caribbean side, mainly anchoring in calm Saltwhistle Bay for a day of sun and sand. Grab a bite at one of the many sandy toe spots before heading south to Saline Bay for a less crowded sunset.

Windward side

Skirting around the northern point of Mayreau to the less-seen windward side, the full, intense beauty of the Tobago Cays is encountered. Although this part of the island is only accessible by a handful of hiking trails, its bare beaches are a must-stop before heading to the marine park. “It’s one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing, with reliable winds from mid-November to mid-July,” says Kamran Mohsenin, developer and founder of the new Windward Mairio Resort, which has 15 beachfront and ocean-view villas and an on-site restaurant.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Mayreau is between December and April. “If perfect weather is your priority, then expect dry, sunny days with temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for enjoying the beaches,” says Sandy. Summer in the southeastern Caribbean offers excellent conditions for snorkeling and scuba, but June through November is hurricane season, with hot, humid weather, even when no major storms are in sight.

Head to Mayreau in late April for the small but mighty Mayreau Regatta, which brings together sun, sand and plenty of local food during a multi-day festival. Or, plan a visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in late June or early July to coincide with the country’s official Carnival celebration, Vinci Mass.

How to get there

Mayreau’s small permanent population and still-nascent tourism industry make getting to the island part of the adventure. Most visitors access the beach-bound bays via private or small-group charters from nearby Kanoan or Union Island, whether as part of a day trip or for an extended stay.

“Served by three different ferry companies, Mayreau is currently accessible five days a week for those without their own vessel,” explains Alexander. The fastest passenger-only boats make the trip to mainland St. Vincent in two hours, but more frequent boats that do double duty can take five hours to carry cargo.

Either way, a visit to Mayreau begins by arriving at St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport (SVD), which receives flights from New York, Miami, Toronto, and several other Caribbean islands, though often on a seasonal basis. You can skip St. Vincent entirely with a private charter from Tradewind Aviation, the leader in private air travel in the region, offering direct flights to neighboring Canoean and Union Island.

How to get around

It’s impossible to get lost on Mayreau: only one main road runs across the island from Saltwhistle Bay to Saline Bay, passing through villages along the way. Most visitors access the island’s beaches, bays, and waterfront accommodations by boat, allowing for breezes. The road trip to the village can be steep, so stick to the shade or take a ride from one of the handful of friendly locals on the island.