Discover Charlstown: Bay, Canouan’s History and the Grenadines

In the immediate vicinity of Charlstown lies Charlestown Bay, also known as Grand Bay. It is the main anchorage and the site of the village; the bay is popular for swimming and snorkelling. The dual name helps you recognise the bay by either name. For trip planning, a maritime function and two specific waterside activities are presented side by side.

History of Canouan

In 1921, a hurricane destroyed the original village in the north of Canouan. The island was subsequently resettled in the better-protected Charlestown. This sequence gives the local history a concrete connection: the destruction of the northern village was followed by the relocation of settlement to Charlestown. The island’s history thus offers another perspective alongside waterside activities.

Grenadines: nature on land and from a boat

In the broader destination of the Grenadines, nature experiences range from birdwatching by boat to exploring hiking trails. Catholic Rock Bird Sanctuary is home to nesting and resting colonies of seabirds. They can be observed from a boat using binoculars or a telescope. On the trails of Petit Bateau, James Bay and Petit Rameau, you can discover tropical plants and animals, including iguanas and birds. Observing from a boat and following trails through nature offer two different perspectives on the Grenadines.

Reefs and protected areas of the Tobago Cays

In the broader destination of the Grenadines, the four-kilometre-long Horseshoe Reef is the longest of the four major reef systems in the Tobago Cays Marine Park. It encloses Petit Bateau, Petit Rameau, Baradal and Jamesby; Petit Tabac lies east of the reef, outside it. The park’s marine area surrounds five uninhabited cays, the inhabited island of Mayreau and three small islands.

The Marine Park encompasses coral reefs, nesting and feeding grounds for sea turtles, and small mangrove systems. Its habitats also include a salt lake on Mayreau and seagrass meadows. Diving opportunities at Horseshoe Reef also vary: they are found on the sheltered, shallow inner side and along the deeper outer drop-off. When planning your trip, you can therefore weigh up different reef areas and nature-watching opportunities.

The Tobago Cays have been declared a wildlife reserve. Fishing, jet skis and anchoring dinghies are prohibited there. Check the current local rules before taking part in activities.

Weighing up travel interests when searching for accommodation

When searching for a holiday rental with Charlstown as your destination, it helps to compare your preferred priorities: Charlestown Bay in the immediate vicinity, with swimming and snorkelling, or nature experiences in the broader destination of the Grenadines, such as birdwatching by boat, hiking trails and reef diving. If you have several interests, you can consider which of them should carry the most weight in your further trip planning.

For the broader travel overview: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.