PALM ISLAND

( ST-VINCENT GRENADINES)

Save for its three separated hillocks, at low water this tiny island looks just like a tender to nearby Union I. It’s surrounded by a huge coral reef stretching several hundred metres to seaward. Relative to its small size, Palm I not only has the prettiest length of white sand but the biggest reef as well. Only the W coast is accessible, though it’s often disturbed by swell and a light chop which you should watch out for when coming to the dock in your tender. It’s more sensible to pull the dinghy up on the beach or use a stern anchor to secure it.

Ashore A pretty hotel development has hidden its bungalows under the trees of a splendid coconut plantation. The latter was planted years ago by the Texan circumnavigator John Caldwell. He fell in love with the tiny island, then called Plum I (or Ile Prune in French), rented it for 99 years from the government, gave it the more fitting name of Palm I and built his small resort complex. Since his death a big hotel chain has taken the place over and refurbished it to luxury standards. Close to the dock there’s a small complex with the office, some small shops and a pleasant bar restaurant. The latter is open to visitors who can enjoy the terrace, which is on the same level as the wonderful, golden sand beach. On the other hand, the inner part of the island is for hotel guests only unless you have special permission.

PETIT ST.VINCENT (P.S.V)

(ST-VINCENT GRENADINES)

This is the last of the St Vincent Grenadines. Coming from the S you cannot, at least in principle, stop in PSV before clearing in at Union, though there seems to be a certain latitude if you only stop briefly. PSV is an attractive little island of two small hills, a huge barrier reef and lovely beaches on the lee coast. To reach the anchorage coming from Union, pass between the two sand islets of Punaise and Morpion-the latter with a conspicuous small thatched umbrella on it. The pass between the two lines up with the W end of Petite Martinique on 163°. You can make a short stop here to bask on the sand or go for a snorkel over the reef; moor inside of the reef, N of PSV.
Caution Watch out for the current.

The centre of the anchorage is shoal and one generally anchors at the N end, close to the hotel jetty. The anchorage, fairly crowded in high season, can be rolly and currents cause yachts to make bizarre pirouettes. The passage between PSV and Petite Martinique is only navigable by shoal drafters or tenders.
A large dock closes off the E end of the beach, but there are no facilities for yachts there. There’s a dock in the middle of the beach to enable landing near the restaurant and resort.
Ashore Founded by the American, Haze Richardson, Petit St Vincent Resort has now been taken over by a hotel group which has made it even more luxurious to target the top end of the market. Cruising folk can enjoy the bar and restaurant (dress code applies) with its terrace prettily overlooking the bay and giving a wonderful view as far as Petite Martinique. On some evenings dinner is accompanied by a steel band. Visitors should book in advance; access to the bar is otherwise limited (in theory up until 1800hrs). Avoid disturbing the peace and quiet of the hotel guests or trespassing on the open green spaces around the cottages. The beaches and reefs, however, are open to all.