Mayreau is tiny — under 4 km² — with one hilltop village, a few hundred residents, almost no roads and no airport. It is also home to Salt Whistle Bay, a perfect half-moon of white sand backed by palms, with the Atlantic just a few metres away over a narrow isthmus.
From the little stone Catholic church at the top of the village, built by a French priest, you look east straight down onto the Tobago Cays and Horseshoe Reef. The island took a heavy hit from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, and some businesses are still rebuilding.
Top things to do: Mayreau
Swim at Salt Whistle Bay
Calm, shallow and crystal clear on the Caribbean side. Walk across to the windward beach to see the Atlantic crashing just behind it.
Walk up to the church
From Saline Bay, where the ferry calls, a steep concrete road climbs through the village to the church and its viewpoint — the best free view of the Tobago Cays anywhere.
Lunch in the village
A handful of family-run bars and restaurants serve fish, conch and rum punch. Hours are relaxed; ask around in the morning.
How to get to Mayreau
- Ferry: the inter-island ferries between Kingstown and Union Island call at Saline Bay a few times a week. See our island-hopping guide.
- Water taxi: from Union Island, roughly 20–30 minutes.
- By yacht: Salt Whistle Bay and Saline Bay are both popular anchorages, one hop from the Tobago Cays.
Insider tips
- There is no bank on Mayreau — bring enough cash.
- Combine Mayreau with a day in the Tobago Cays: many Union Island boat trips stop at Salt Whistle Bay for lunch.
- Check what has reopened since Hurricane Beryl before planning an overnight stay.
Tours that include Mayreau
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Mayreau:
Boat trip from €112 Bequia Day Cruise with Drinks and Photos
The only bookable way on GetYourGuide to get a taste of the Grenadines in a day. You cruise to Bequia, swim or snorkel off Princess Margaret Beach, then have lunch or a drink by Admiralty Bay before sailing back — with photos of the day included.
- Sail across to Bequia, the first of the Grenadines
- Swim and snorkel at Princess Margaret Beach
- Drinks or lunch at a Port Elizabeth waterfront bar
Private boat charter from €1561 per group Private Charter Tour to Bequia Island
The whole boat to yourselves for a day trip to Bequia. At the group price it only makes sense for a large party — up to 18 people — but for a family reunion or a group of friends it is the most comfortable way to see the first of the Grenadines.
- Your own boat and crew for the day
- Swimming and snorkelling at Princess Margaret Beach
- A complimentary photo shoot of the day
