Having nature in mind as you sail through the Grenadines is a pretty easy task for most.
To sail, enjoy and not leave an eco footprint may feel a little more challenging. However, there are many simple things you can do that actually make a huge difference to our waters and their ecosystems, all while having a vacation of a lifetime!
As world ocean day is upon us, it’s a perfect time to band together and find new ways to help the nature playground that we all love and enjoy.
Saying Yes to Less Plastic. Not NO to all Plastic.
Using no plastic at all may seem like a wish that can never be fulfilled. After all, it has become part of how we live, consume and dispose. It’s so easy to purchase and to use. It may feel like it will take too much effort to stop it altogether. Because of these factors, it may just not be that simple to stop using it cold turkey. Starting by just becoming aware of it’s use and how it breaks down (or doesn’t) in the sea and how you can minimize usage may just be enough to create some of the change we need to see in our ocean environments.
Let’s look at a few ways you can sail with sustainability in mind!
How to Sail with Sustainability in mind?
Ready to become more environmentally friendly while saving money and having the vacation of your dreams? Now that sounds desirable.
Sailing and sustainability already go hand in hand. It is already one of the most eco-friendly vacations to take. Sailing boats are powered by the wind and if the weather shows up in your favour, you may be able to go most of your trip without using your engine.
As we are working at our end to make your experience even better whilst looking after our environment, here are some simple things you can do to make your trip even greener:
Reducing plastic
You can minimize your plastic use by bringing your own water bottle with you. There are many options are that stainless steel or glass with outer protective covering. You could also bring along a fun, bright coloured cloth bag for all of your shopping experiences. Paper plates and cups may be an option for you if you are having beach picnics etc.
Go with the wind
You have likely put so much time and thought into your vacation so you can relax, unwind and enjoy some well deserved down time. So, if you find yourself on a light wind day in a calm anchorage, instead of rushing off to the next spot, you could use the day for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, enjoying the sunshine and beach picnicking.
Choose natural sea washes, gentle gels, sunscreens and cleaning products
There are natural products available that have been made with the environment and the sea specifically in mind. Some are natural shampoos and body washes, others are sunscreens and sea scrubs and gels that are made for use in the ocean. Whatever you choose, bring along products for your sailing trip so you don’t harm the beautiful marine life. Also if you are cleaning on board, our team has some great suggestions for you!
Wherever you can, choose paperless options
When arriving at Barefoot, you will always be given the option to choose paperless invoices via email rather than printing them out. Go on, opt for it!
Recycle
If you have plastic bottles on board, bring them back to the base and give them to us, so all the waste doesn’t end up in the water down islands. We may be able to pass them on for recycling or up cycling on the island. You may also like to get involved in beach clean ups as you pass through the islands and do your part to help us keep the islands clean. 
Choose to eat locally
We have fresh food markets in St Vincent that are worth seeing if they coincide with your trip. You can also purchase locally grown food at some of our supermarkets and also small farmers selling their own home grown produce on the roadside. Many islands also have their own versions of these. Also, there are some local restaurants that boast locally grown and sourced produce. When eating out speak to the restaurant owners and choose where you spend your dollars carefully to reduce your eco footprint and support more sustainability in the islands.
Remember, every little bit counts. Have a fantastic sail and smile wider knowing you are saving the environment for our generations to come!
The last couple years have been challenging and traveling to the islands for a yacht charter has been a dream for many of you.
Now that you are able to reach the beautiful Grenadines islands again, nothing would make us happier than knowing your time here is a dream come true and that travel to and from the islands is becoming easier and more stress free.
Whilst flights and testing may not have all looked picture perfect in the past, we are so happy to share these new updated covid protocols for entry to St Vincent and the Grenadines.
It is our hope with each step we take forward, we are able to share ways of making your vacation the best possible. We are so looking forward to seeing you back in the islands sailing soon.
New Protocol for Fully Vaccinated Travellers to St Vincent and the Grenadines
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Fully vaccinated travelers are now able to enter St Vincent as long as visitors arrive with a negative Covid 19 or negative SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test. In this case, new protocol states travelers will not be re-tested on arrival or need to undergo the previous 48 hour quarantine time.
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Prior to travel, visitors to St Vincent and the Grenadines will need to complete the Pre-Arrival Form at www.health.gov.vc
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Travelers who have recently had Covid 19 (between 10 days and 2 months) can apply for an exemption to enter St Vincent and the Grenadines with a positive result, as long as proof of the original positive test is provided and proof of full vaccination is shown.
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In some instances, it may still be necessary for travellers to undergo testing on arrival which is outlined in the full document below.
There are other processes that may also need to be followed. All processes are outlined in the full Protocol for fully vaccinated Travellers 3rd March 2022 document, which can be downloaded below.
St Vincent aims to provide a safe entry of travellers to the islands in a manner that reduces risk of the importation and transmission of COVID-19 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
We are all excited to see you back here enjoying the best of the islands.
Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will launch direct flights from London Heathrow to St Vincent from October 2021.
The twice-weekly service marks the first direct flight from Europe to the Caribbean island, and will be operated by an A330-300 aircraft with 31 Upper Class, 48 Premium and 185 Economy seats.
Tickets on sale from October 13, 2020.
The airline describes the Caribbean nation as fitting for those looking for a luxury break, eco adventure, scuba diving or sailing voyage thanks to its ‘yacht-filled harbours, chic private isles, coral reefs and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Explore and discover St Vincent and the 32 islands that make up the breath-taking Grenadines.
Covid-19 regulations per Nov 20’th 2020:
St Vincent and the Grenadines is currently exempt from the FCO’s advice against all non-essential international travel, meaning that travellers are not required to quarantine upon return to the UK.
Those travelling from the UK to St Vincent and the Grenadines must, however, present a negative PCR test taken by a certified or accredited laboratory within five days of arrival. They will also be retested on arrival and must quarantine for five days in a tourism authority approved hotel*
Note; *You can apply for doing this 5 day quarantine onboard a yacht prior your charter (if you are familiar with yachts/Yacht equipment)- and it must be done in a secure quarantine area approved by the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The yacht will then have to be ready before arrival with provisioning and supplies, so there will be no contact with other people than your travel friends/companions until you are released from quarantine.