Explore: Union Island
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General Info
ALERT: La Soufrière volanco on the northern end of St. Vincent erupted on Friday April 9, 2021. 16,000 people had to be evacuated and falling ash was felt on all neighbouring islands. See this news report for the details and updates, plus how you can help.
COVID19:
- For yachting protocols see SVG Biosecurity.
Description:
Union Island is located midway between Grenada and St. Vincent and is equidistant from Barbados, Trinidad and Martinique. It is the largest island in the southern Grenadines and the clear waters of the protected bay at Clifton Harbour is a popular anchorage.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
The safety department at SVG Air strongly urges yachts to avoid the area within 2 miles of the airport’s final approach area in Union Island. Parasailing activities south of the airport can cause difficulties in aircraft landing there.
Security
Dinghy and outboard theft and petty theft from yachts is increasing here. Be extra vigilant with securing your valuable items at all times (including dock lines and fenders) and be sure to lift and lock your dinghy and outboard at night.
Read Piracy & Security reports and comments from cruisers.
Position:
12° 35’30″N, 61° 24’25″W (entrance to Clifton Bay)
Last updated: July 2019
Clearance
For full details on clearance, fees and regulations see SVG Formalities.
Customs and Immigration are now based in the same building (but in different offices) near the main square in Clifton.
Offices are open Monday to Fridays – 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Clearance is quick and straightforward.
http://www.customs.gov.vc/island-info-union-island.php
Phone: 784-485-8294
Last updated: January 2020
Docking
Anchoring and Moorings:
Union Island has several anchorages around the island. Do not anchor in coral or seagrass beds, but use moorings where provided or select sandy areas.
Clifton Harbor
This is the most popular spot because it’s close to the Anchorage Yacht Club, restaurants and bars, provisioning services, hotels and guest houses, and tourist information services.
There are moorings in Clifton Harbor put down by the Tobago Cays Marine Park (white in color). Most are located out close to the reef and have TCMP on them. A park ranger will come to collect the fee and if a boat boy helps you with the mooring, they are supposed to give you their card to pass on to the park rangers who will then give the boat boy commission. If the boat boy asks you to pay him directly, tell him you cannot pay him unless he provides a receipt. Be sure to check the mooring for strength.
Dinghy Docks: There is a dinghy dock just outside the elegant L’Aquarium restaurant in the Bourganville complex and a secure dinghy dock at the Anchorage Yacht Club.
Last updated: January 2020
Ashton Lagoon
Ashton Lagoon is the largest bay in the Grenadines. The secluded harbor has a unique mangrove/seagrass/coral reef ecosystem. To protect the fragile habitat ten new moorings have been put in the lagoon by Sustainable Grenadines and are currently free for visiting yachts to use. The moorings are white and marked with blue SusGren and a number.
Chatham Bay
This is a popular anchorage on the west coast of the island with beautiful views. Pick a sandy patch to drop your anchor in, however, avoid under the cliff to the north-west of the bay as this is now a dive site. Some brief intense gusts of wind do at times roll down the hills surrounding the bay, but in general, it’s a calm anchorage. It is common to see a great many sea turtles here and the snorkelling is good on the north and south sides of the bay. This bay is pretty underdeveloped, however, there are some small beach bars/restaurants ashore and the low key Chatham Bay Resort. The beach bar owners are very helpful and can normally assist cruisers if required.
Frigate Rock
Ten new mooring blocks have been installed in the Frigate Rock area, Union Island, by the Sustainable Grenadines Inc. This is a popular spot for kite and windsurfers.
Docking:
There are stern-to berths at the Anchorage Yacht Club, the Bourganville dock and at several other small docks.
Last updated: January 2019
Related Businesses
Anchorage Yacht Club Hotel
Address: Clifton Bay, Union Island, The Grenadines, St Vincent & the Grenadines,
VHF Channel 16, 68
Room for up to 12 monohulls or 7 catamarans. Offers customs & immigration assistance as well as water, ice, garbage disposal, dinghy... Read More
Bougainvilla Marine Mall
Address: Union Island, The Grenadines, St Vincent & the Grenadines,
Offers marina services to boats up to 70 feet. Has Ice and water available at the dock. Laundry service available.... Read More
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