Mustique is a 5.7 km² island that has been privately owned since 1958, when Colin Tennant (later Lord Glenconner) bought it and gave a plot to Princess Margaret as a wedding present. Today it is run by the Mustique Company, owned by the villa owners, and it is famous for rock stars, royals and discretion.
That said, it is not closed. Yachts can moor in Britannia Bay, charter flights land at the little airstrip, and visitors are welcome at Basil’s Bar, the beaches and the island’s two hotels. What you will not find are crowds, cruise ships or budget prices.
Top things to do: Mustique
Swim at Macaroni Beach
The island’s showpiece: a long, white Atlantic-side beach with rolling surf, thatched picnic shelters and hardly anyone on it. On calmer days the water is a brilliant turquoise.
Drinks at Basil’s Bar
A bamboo bar built out over the water in Britannia Bay, and for decades the island’s social centre. Wednesday nights and the annual music festival are legendary.
Snorkel and beach-hop by mule
Visitors rent “mules” (small open buggies) to tour the island’s coves — Lagoon Bay, Gelliceaux and the rest. The snorkelling off the southern beaches is excellent.
How to get to Mustique
- By yacht: the most common way for visitors. Moorings in Britannia Bay are managed by the Mustique Company and carry a fee; anchoring is not permitted.
- By air: Mustique Airways and SVG Air fly small aircraft from Argyle and Barbados to the island’s airstrip.
- By boat charter: a private day charter from St Vincent or Bequia. There is no public ferry to Mustique.
Insider tips
- Photography of villas and residents is frowned upon; respect the island’s privacy rules.
- Most villas can be rented through the Mustique Company — a surprisingly practical option for a large group.
- Budget accordingly: everything on Mustique is priced for its clientele.
Tours that include Mustique
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Mustique:
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
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
