Things to Do in Mayreau

Fewer than 300 people live on Mayreau, making it the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines. This 1.5-square-mile speck of land operates without cars, crowds, or the usual Caribbean tourism machine—just clean beaches and the kind of pace that erases your concept of time. The single village sits perched on the highest hill, while two perfect bays anchor the north and south ends. The geography packs serious diversity into this tiny space. Salt Whistle Bay consistently ranks among the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, while Saline Bay offers better snorkeling and shelter from rough seas. Rolling hills between the bays provide hiking routes with panoramic views across the entire Grenadines chain. Most people arrive by boat—either day trips from neighboring islands or as part of sailing adventures through the archipelago.

Dining options stay refreshingly simple. The Salt Whistle Bay Club delivers the most upscale experience—grilled fish, lobster, and conch with tropical cocktails right on the beach. Village restaurants and rum shops serve authentic local dishes like curry goat, rice and peas, and whatever fish came in that morning. Most meals need advance arrangements since ingredients arrive by boat—and vegetarian options might be limited to rice, beans, and whatever vegetables are currently available.

December through April delivers the most reliable weather. Less rainfall and calmer seas define the dry season, though expect more boats in the anchorages and higher prices for everything during peak season. May and November offer excellent value with good weather but fewer crowds—hurricane season runs June to November, though direct hits rarely affect the southern Grenadines. Late April or early May provides the best balance of dry weather, reasonable prices, and manageable crowd levels.