The Calivigny Coast Explained: Bays, Marinas and Where You Can Swim

East of Lance aux Epines, Grenada's south coast breaks into a series of long, narrow bays and wooded peninsulas: Mount Hartman, Woburn, Clarke's Court, Calivigny, Westerhall. On a map it looks like a coastline made for beaches. In reality it is mostly a coast of mangroves, fishing villages, marinas and anchorages, with only a few small sandy spots and plenty of private frontage.

People staying in the area, or visiting its marinas and restaurants, often ask where they can actually swim. The answer is that you can, but the swimming here works differently from the open beaches of the south-west. This guide explains the main bays, what each is like and how to get into the water without trespassing or swimming into a boat channel.

How this coast works

The bays east of the airport are drowned river valleys, long fingers of sea reaching inland between ridges. Their heads are lined with mangroves and seagrass rather than sand, and reefs and small islands, including Hog Island and Calivigny Island, shelter their mouths. The result is calm, protected water that sailors love, especially during the hurricane season, and that local fishermen have used for generations.

What it does not produce is a long white beach. Sandy patches exist on headlands, islands and the occasional cove, but much of the shoreline is rocky, muddy or covered in mangroves, and a lot of the waterfront belongs to villas, resorts and marinas. Swimming tends to happen from docks, boats, small beaches on the islands or the few public shore spots.

Understanding this saves frustration. If you want a classic beach day, drive back to Grand Anse, Morne Rouge or Magazine, or go out to La Sagesse. If you want calm water, mangroves, boats and a slower pace, this coast has plenty to offer.

The bays, one by one

Mount Hartman Bay. The first bay east of Lance aux Epines, home to a marina and the jumping-off point for Hog Island, which is reached by footbridge or water taxi. Hog Island's sheltered beach is the best swimming spot in this part of the coast.

Woburn Bay. Fronted by the fishing village of Woburn, with a small waterfront, restaurants and boats moored offshore. Water taxis to Hog Island and Calivigny run from here. It is a working bay rather than a swimming beach.

Clarke's Court Bay. A long, sheltered inlet with mangroves and a marina, one of the calmest anchorages on the south coast. Paddling a kayak along the mangrove edges is the best way to enjoy it.

Petite Calivigny Bay. Home to Le Phare Bleu, a small marina and boutique resort with a restaurant and pool, popular with sailors.

Calivigny Island. Privately owned and run as an exclusive resort. It is not a public day-trip destination.

Westerhall Point. A residential peninsula of villas with views over the bays on either side, mostly private frontage.

Where you can swim

The most rewarding swim in this area is on Hog Island, where a sheltered sandy beach and good snorkelling sit a short boat ride or walk from the mainland. Many residents of the Calivigny coast treat it as their local beach.

At the marinas, swimming is generally from designated areas, pools or the dock edges where permitted; ask staff before jumping in, since boats manoeuvre in tight spaces. Some restaurants and small resorts let customers swim from their docks or small beaches, which is a pleasant way to cool off after lunch.

Further east, the coast of St David offers grey-sand beaches such as Petit Bacaye, where village fishermen keep their boats. These face the Atlantic side more directly and can have stronger surf and currents, so they are better for a walk and a careful paddle than a long swim. La Sagesse, a little further on, is the best-known beach of the south-east.

Exploring by kayak and boat

Kayaking. The calm water and mangrove edges of Clarke's Court and Woburn bays suit kayaks and paddleboards. Some marinas, resorts and tour operators rent equipment or run guided paddles; check what is available locally.

Mangroves. Paddle slowly along the edges to see herons, crabs among the roots and juvenile fish in the shallows. Do not land in or cut through the mangroves.

Island hopping. Water taxis from Woburn can take you to Hog Island and around the bays. Agree the price and return time first.

Sailing. Day sails and charters operate from several south-coast marinas, and some include a swim and snorkel stop off one of the islands.

Protected area. The Woburn and Clarke's Court Bay marine protected area covers much of this water. Follow any rules on anchoring, fishing and taking marine life.

Getting around the area

The Calivigny coast is spread out along narrow roads. Some practical points:

• A car or taxi is the easiest way to move between the bays. Distances are short but roads wind up and down the ridges.
• Route buses serving the south-east of St George parish pass through Woburn and nearby villages; marinas and peninsulas usually require a walk from the main road.
• Parking is limited at small waterfronts; use marina or restaurant parking only as a customer.
• Many access roads to the water lead to private property or gated developments. If in doubt, ask.
• Allow extra time around Woburn and the roads to the marinas at busy times.
• After dark, roads are unlit in places; take a taxi rather than walking back from dinner.

A slow day on the Calivigny coast

This part of the island suits an unhurried day built around the water rather than the sand. One way to put it together:

1. Start early with a kayak or paddleboard along the mangrove edges of Clarke's Court or Woburn Bay, before the trade wind picks up and while birds are feeding.
2. Return the equipment and drive or take a taxi to Woburn, where the waterfront has small restaurants and fishing boats coming and going.
3. Arrange a water taxi to Hog Island for late morning, agreeing the price and return time before you set off.
4. Swim and snorkel off the beach through the middle of the day, using tree shade or your own umbrella.
5. Head back in mid-afternoon and finish with a late lunch or early dinner at a marina restaurant, where you may be able to swim from a dock or pool as a customer.
6. If you have time on another day, continue east into St David to see Westerhall, Petit Bacaye and La Sagesse.

Pitfalls and what to check

This coast is calm and friendly, but it is not set up like a beach resort area. Keep in mind:

• Swimming in boat channels or near marina entrances is dangerous. Stay in designated areas or near the shore away from traffic.
• Water close to anchorages and mangrove heads may be less clear and can be affected by runoff after rain.
• Private frontage is common. The sea is public, but crossing private land to reach it is not.
• Calivigny Island is private; do not land without permission.
• Atlantic-facing beaches further east can have strong surf. Swim only in calm conditions and never alone.
• Facilities change as marinas and restaurants open, close or are redeveloped; check before planning a day around any one place.

Frequently asked questions