Things to Do in Mayreau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, a pristine Caribbean paradise that feels like a well-kept secret. With a population of just around 300 residents and no cars, roads, or large resorts, this tiny island offers an authentic escape from the modern world. The entire island can be walked in under an hour, featuring powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of Caribbean island life. The island's crown jewel is Saline Bay Beach, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, where visitors can swim in calm, shallow waters perfect for snorkeling. Mayreau's charm lies in its simplicity – solar power provides electricity to most establishments, fresh water is precious, and the pace of life moves to the rhythm of the trade winds. This unspoiled destination attracts discerning travelers seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and an authentic Caribbean experience away from crowded tourist destinations.

Top Things to Do in Mayreau

Saline Bay Beach Relaxation

Spend time on one of the Caribbean's most stunning beaches, featuring a perfect horseshoe of white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters. The beach offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities with colorful coral reefs just offshore. The shallow, protected bay makes it ideal for families and those seeking peaceful water activities.

Booking Tip: No booking required - the beach is free to access. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer day-trip visitors. Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent from local operators for $15-20 per day.

Village Walk and Local Culture

Explore Mayreau's charming village perched on the hillside, home to the island's small community and offering panoramic views of the surrounding Grenadines. Visit the local church, interact with friendly residents, and learn about traditional Caribbean island life. The walk to the village provides beautiful vantage points for photography.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free and recommended. Local guides can be arranged through guesthouses for $20-30 for a more detailed cultural experience. Best visited in the morning when it's cooler and locals are more active.

Snorkeling and Diving

Discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in the pristine waters surrounding Mayreau. The island offers some of the best snorkeling in the Grenadines, with easy access to reefs directly from the beach. Advanced divers can explore deeper sites with colorful soft corals and tropical fish species.

Booking Tip: Snorkeling gear rental costs $15-25 per day from local operators. Diving trips can be arranged through Union Island operators for $60-80 per dive. Best visibility is typically in the morning before afternoon winds pick up.

Sunset Viewing and Photography

Experience breathtaking sunsets from various vantage points around the island, particularly from the hilltop village or western beaches. The unobstructed horizon and minimal light pollution create spectacular evening displays. The golden hour provides perfect lighting for photography of the surrounding islands and seascapes.

Booking Tip: Free activity best enjoyed from 5:30-6:30 PM year-round. Bring a flashlight for the walk back down from the village after dark. Some restaurants offer sunset dinner packages for $40-60 per person.

Island Hopping Day Trips

Use Mayreau as a base to explore nearby islands including Union Island, Canouan, and the famous Tobago Cays marine park. Day trips typically include multiple stops, snorkeling opportunities, and beach time on different islands. These excursions showcase the diversity of the Grenadines archipelago.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost $80-120 per person including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book through local boat operators or guesthouses at least one day in advance. Weather-dependent, so have flexible dates during your stay.

Getting There

Mayreau has no airport, so access is exclusively by boat from other Grenadines islands or mainland Saint Vincent. The most common route is via Union Island, which has an airport with connections to Barbados and Saint Vincent. From Union Island, water taxis and scheduled ferry services operate to Mayreau, taking about 20-30 minutes and costing $15-25 per person. Alternatively, visitors can take the mail boat from Kingstown, Saint Vincent, which operates several times per week, or arrange private boat transfers through tour operators and yacht charter companies.

Getting Around

Getting around Mayreau is delightfully simple as there are no roads, cars, or motorized vehicles on the island. Everything is accessible on foot via sandy paths and trails, with the entire island walkable in 30-45 minutes. Most accommodations and restaurants are concentrated around Saline Bay, while the village sits on the hillside about a 15-minute walk inland. Golf carts are occasionally used by locals for heavy lifting, but visitors explore entirely on foot, making it a peaceful, environmentally-friendly destination where the journey is part of the experience.

Where to Stay

Saline Bay Beach Area

Station Hill Village

Salt Whistle Bay

Grand Col Point

Catholic Island View

Windward Coast

Food & Dining

Dining on Mayreau is an intimate affair with a handful of small restaurants and beach bars serving fresh seafood, Caribbean specialties, and international dishes with a local twist. Most establishments are family-run operations offering lobster, conch, fresh fish, and traditional dishes like callaloo and rice and peas. Saline Bay Beach has several beachfront restaurants perfect for lunch with your toes in the sand, while the village offers more authentic local dining experiences. Reservations are recommended and often necessary, especially for dinner, as ingredients are limited and prepared fresh daily. Expect to pay $25-45 for dinner entrees, with most restaurants operating on island time and seasonal schedules.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Mayreau is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and trade winds provide comfortable cooling breezes. This period offers the most reliable weather for beach activities and island hopping, though it's also the busiest and most expensive time. The shoulder seasons of May-June and November can offer good value with decent weather, while July through October brings higher temperatures, humidity, and the possibility of tropical storms. Year-round temperatures range from 75-85°F (24-29°C), making Mayreau a viable destination in any season for those seeking warm weather and Caribbean sunshine.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in Eastern Caribbean dollars or US dollars as there are no ATMs or banks on the island, and credit cards are rarely accepted

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent as these items are not available for purchase on the island and the pristine marine environment needs protection

Water is scarce and precious on Mayreau, so practice conservation by taking short showers and being mindful of usage - most water is collected rainwater or imported

Things to Do in Mayreau