The Tobago Cays are a truly magical place. We had been trying to make it there ever since we arrived in Bequia a few weeks earlier, but as always seems to be the case this season, we were waiting for the high winds to die down. Finally, after three straight weeks of winds never dropping below 15 knots, we said to heck with it. With only a month left before haulout, we couldn’t wait around for the weather to decide to cooperate. So we left Mayreau and sailed east for an hour to the Tobago Cays Marine Park.

The Tobago Cays (which for the record have nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago and are part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines) are best visited in calm conditions because the only thing separating the anchorage from the Atlantic Ocean is a large reef. It was so windy and the current so strong that we were sadly unable to snorkel the reef while we were there, but there was enough wildlife just around the boat to more than make up for it. For two glorious days, we were surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters, with turtles popping up literally all around us. Every day we went snorkeling and swam with fish, turtles and rays. One day, as David was about to jump in the water, we even saw a shark clear as day swim by under his feet. It was such an amazing experience to be right in the middle of all this marine life. And because the islands in the Cays are uninhabited, there is very little light pollution, so the number of stars in the night sky was absolutely incredible. This spot filled us with a deep sense of respect for Mother Earth and is truly one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited.

Union Island was the last of the magical islands we visited in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We spent 3 days in Clifton, the colourful main town packed with restaurants, shops, cafes and local produce vendors.

We then sailed to the western side of the island and anchored in tranquil Chatham Bay, surrounded by a long beach, tall hills and fishing boats. Here we spent a few days snorkeling, eating, drinking, chilling at beach bars, and hiking with the Marg and Tom from Belize Magique (Bowmanville, ON), Robin and Tad from Bisou and Jesse and Tina from Lionheart II (both from Australia). We also had a trio of spotted eagle rays who routinely swam around the boat. Swimming with these beautiful and graceful creatures was a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Where the wind takes us next: Carriacou