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Caribbean Sailing Vacation FAQ
At LTD Sailing - “Living the Dream!” we understand that you'll have questions about our sailing school, your instructor, the food, or even what to wear. We’re happy to help! If the answer isn’t here, please contact us.
Basic Cruise and Learn
Grenada is located at the Southern end of the Caribbean chain of islands about 103 miles north of Trinidad. It is an independent country about the size of Detroit. It's also known as Lesser Antilles and West Indies. At 12’11”N, 61’67”W it's considered below the hurricane belt for insurance purposes.
Grenada has direct flights from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The international airport is the Maurice Bishop International Airport. Use the airport code: GND. See “Getting Here”
You can get away with surprisingly little here in the islands. The temperature doesn’t fluctuate much – day to night or month to month. The sun can be pretty harsh, however, because we are located so close to the equator. A hat, airy long sleeve shirts, and sunscreen will protect you from the sun. We provide linen, towels, and fun! Contact us for a more detailed list or check this page.
High season starts 15 December and ends at the end of April. You'll want to book early for those dates. If you don’t see the dates available that you want on our on-line calendar, give us a call! We'll do our best to accommodate you.
You'll be required to fill out customs and immigration cards before you depart the plane. Have a pen handy! Most tourists to Grenada are automatically awarded a visa for 90 days. The immigration card will ask for an address to where you’re staying. There are no formal “addresses” on the islands. Just use the name of your hotel or charter base (Sunsail at Port Louis Marina or LTD Sailing in Secret Harbor.) As always, be courteous and respectful.
Whenever you want. The time of year you sail is only limited to the time you have available. The consistent trade winds make Grenada an ideal sailing destination. Grenada is below the hurricane belt (June – 30 November) Our blackout dates run from around 20 September to 20 October because that is the mostly likely time for heavy weather. (PLUS we get to go on vacation as well as attend the Annapolis Boat Show!)
Some cell phones that have international access will work in the islands, but be careful of roaming charges. Be sure to ask your provider before making any calls or using data. Phones are available for local calls. Please be respectful to your instructor and put away your phone during class time. We need your undivided attention.
There is free internet access at the charter base or LTD Sailing office. Most of the restaurants we visit have internet access but it’s limited. But why not step away from the computer and enjoy your sail? It’s called “Digital Detox” and you'll love it. Promise!
The weather is a consistent 80 – 85 degrees everyday AND night with few exceptions. Seriously! You will enjoy warm days and warm nights. The trade winds blow steady across the islands making for some of the best sailing in the world!
Statistically, the Southern Caribbean islands get less hurricane action than the Northern Islands (according to the National Hurricane Center.) The “official” hurricane season is June – November. Grenada is far enough south that we rarely get hurricanes. We can get tropical waves that come across during that time but they are usually short lived. You can see them from a distance – a dark gray patch of sky that touches down to the sea. As a result, you get a warm fresh water shower and a beautiful rainbow across the bow of your boat!
Thank you for asking. For the comfort of the entire crew as well as insurance restrictions, there is no smoking allowed inside the boats. If you find it necessary to smoke while aboard, please go to the stern on the downwind side. (Ask your instructor.) You'll also have ample opportunity to smoke during shore excursions.
Credit cards are accepted in a surprising number of places in the islands. But if you're eating meals ashore, buying souvenirs or paying for a mooring ball – you should bring cash. The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC) is the local currency (2.67 EC to 1 US dollar so 30 EC is about $11 USD. The average lunch is about 27 EC, dinner around 50 EC, T-shirts are usually 25 EC, a local beer is 5 EC, a rum punch is 10 EC. The U.S. dollar (small bills – $20 or less) are accepted everywhere in the Southern Caribbean.
Complete the online form or contact us by email: [email protected]. We'll confirm your dates and send you an online registration form. Each person in your party will need to complete a registration form. We send out informational emails up until the time of your trip so we want to be sure everyone gets the same information. We also need information about allergies, food preference, etc. from each individual.
The earlier the better to get the premier sailing dates. High season is late December through the end of April. .
Yes, absolutely! Just jump off the back of the boat for great snorkeling at any of the anchorages we visit. We even supply the snorkel gear! We would be happy to arrange for a dive along the way as time allows (during trips 10 days or more.) We suggest you pack your personal snorkel for your own comfort and get the fins here.
Questions About the Sailing School
Yes! That's part of the fun! There's nothing like the gentle rocking of a boat to lull you to sleep after a great day on the water – kinda like a giant hammock. All the linens – sheets, towels, pillows etc. are provided.
No problem! You're welcome to join any class that has an opening. In fact, many of our students come by themselves to take a class. It's a great way to meet other sailors from all over the world! A minimum of two students are required to book a class. Or, if you prefer, we will be happy to schedule a private class – just contact us to make arrangements.
It depends on the course. We offer classes that fit every skill level – those just starting out, those with some experience, or even those who own your own boat. Before long, you'll be living your sailing dreams!
We're the designated sailing school for Sunsail in the Southern Caribbean so we teach on the same yachts we have available for charter. We also have private charter boats that we teach on within the 40 – 45 ft. range.
All of your meals are included except for three dinners which we will enjoy ashore – island style! How does lobster pizza sound? Conch fritters? Or lobster BBQ on the beach? The students do most of the cooking on board. We have had some AMAZING meals! Mango French toast, fresh Ahi tuna, and, of course, cheese burgers in paradise. So, bring your culinary skills and lets have a throw-down! We're happy to accommodate any dietary requests – just let us know what we can do for you.
Four is the maximum of students we have on board the boat. This allows for plenty of wheel time, opportunities to crew as well as group and one-on-one instruction. The only exception would be if a group of friends/family wanted to take a private course together.
Yes! Many of our guests bring along a friend/spouse to enjoy sailing and the islands while you learn. And if they'd like to try their hand at grinding the winch or hoisting the main, they are welcome to join in the fun. We offer a discount of $100 to any sailing school guests who aren't interested in certification.
The mornings are usually spent covering material and the afternoons are spent sailing or exploring. You can look forward to a different anchorage each night! We always take the time to ensure you have an enjoyable Cruise and Learn vacation.
We encourage you to study as much as possible before the trip so you can spend your time sailing and exploring. This speeds up the time spent talking and leaves more time for sailing!!
We often get requests for private courses and we're happy to tailor a class to your personal needs. Please contact us for more details.
Yes! We specialize in the Southern Caribbean – St. Lucia, St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada. Additional fees may apply to certain trips such as one-way return or airfare for the instructor to BVI, Antigua, etc.
Almost everything! Provisioning includes all breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and three evening meals. You're responsible for textbooks, meals on shore, alcoholic beverages, and souvenirs, etc.
