Behind the Sandy Toes Cruise Calendar: How We Schedule Our Cruises
Planning a dream day on the water and wondering how the Sandy Toes cruise calendar comes together? You’re not alone. We update the Sandy Toes cruise calendar progressively so guests always see our most accurate sailing plans—and we’re working toward a booking module that will list all cruises in one place. Until then, contact us to book. Below, we’ll walk you through the key factors that shape dates and timings, why some trips shift, and how to secure the cruise that suits you best.
What you’ll learn
- The core factors that determine our cruise dates and departures
- How we tailor schedules for Tobago Cays, Mustique, Bequia Coastal Cruises, and St. Vincent transfers
- Why minimum numbers and guest comfort matter
- Practical tips to plan with confidence and maximize your chances of sailing
The short answer: how is the Sandy Toes cruise calendar set?
We schedule cruises based on four essentials: weather, sea conditions, minimum numbers, and operational availability. All day trips are subject to availability, scheduling, weather & sea conditions and minimum numbers.
The boat, the routes, and why they matter
Sandy Toes is a custom-built, twin‑engined island tour boat designed for comfort and stability, with a catamaran layout that’s favoured in the Windward Islands for a smoother ride than traditional monohulls. She’s 42 ft long with a beam of 18.5 ft, powered by 2×300 HP outboards, and typically cruises at 15–19 knots. Passenger capacity is up to 25, with features including multiple seating zones, a raised helm, a bar area, music system, marine guest toilet, swim ladder, snorkelling gear, swim noodles, and generous luggage space for transfers.
Those details influence scheduling in practical ways:
- A comfortable cruising speed helps us reach destinations like Saltwhistle Bay and Tobago Cays within planned windows.
- The catamaran design improves ride quality in trade winds and typical swell, but we still plan around sea state for guest comfort.
- Capacity is “up to 25,” yet guest numbers may be limited for certain cruises for comfort and at the Captain’s discretion.
Key factors that shape dates and departures
| Factor | What it means for your date |
|---|---|
| Weather | We avoid unfavourable systems and time departures to make the most of calmer windows. |
| Sea conditions | Wind, swell, and visibility guide decisions—especially for snorkelling‑forward itineraries. |
| Minimum numbers | Shared day trips require a minimum number of guests to run. |
| Guest comfort | Even when conditions are safe, we may limit capacity for a more comfortable ride. |
| Route characteristics | Certain routes (e.g., Tobago Cays’ approach) benefit from specific timing and conditions. |
| Operational availability | Crew, maintenance windows, and scheduling across multiple cruise types all factor in. |
How we schedule by experience
Tobago Cays Day Trip (~8 hrs)
- Typical timeline: 08:45 boarding, 09:00 depart Port Elizabeth; stop at Saltwhistle Bay (Mayreau); short hop to Tobago Cays; return to Bequia around 16:30. The timeline may vary with weather and sea conditions.
- Why dates may shift: The Tobago Cays marine park is prized for pristine snorkelling with wild hawksbill turtles and vibrant reefs. We prioritize clarity, manageable swell, and safe approaches through the tight passage between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau. If conditions are not ideal, we may adjust or move the date to preserve the experience.
- What to know: Drinks (water, beer, rum punch, sodas) and snacks are included, along with snorkelling gear and park entrance fees/taxes. Meals are not included and are available on shore. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, any medication, a towel, change of clothes, and cash for lunch. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, physically challenged persons (not wheelchair accessible), persons who have recently had surgery, those with respiratory or back problems, or weak swimmers.
- Pricing guidance: $275 per adult | $175 per child (6–15 yrs). Children under 6 are free, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mustique Day Trip
- Why dates may shift: Mustique days often include an island tour, time at Basil’s Bar, and lunch options on shore. We align timing with sea conditions for a comfortable crossing and with island logistics for a relaxed day ashore. Visitor fees for entry are included in pricing.
- What to know: Drinks and snacks are included on board; meals are available on shore. Minimum numbers apply; capacity may be limited for comfort.
Bequia Coastal Cruise (~2.5 hrs)
- Typical timeline: 16:00–18:00, with a gentle late‑afternoon route past Princess Margaret Beach, Lower Bay, Moonhole, the airport, and into Friendship Bay for photos. Timings may vary seasonally and with weather.
- Why dates may shift: We plan these relaxed cruises around light, breeze, and sea state to keep the experience smooth and scenic.
- What to know: $150 per adult | $75 per child (6–15 yrs). Drinks and snacks included.
St. Vincent ↔ Bequia Transfers
- What’s offered: Pick‑ups and drop‑offs at Blue Lagoon marina on St. Vincent—a short 20‑minute taxi ride from Argyle International Airport—ideal for late evening arrivals that miss regular ferries. The hotel’s tour boat will operate some St. Vincent–Bequia transfers from 25 October 2026 onwards; check the calendar and contact us to book.
- Why dates may shift: Transfers are coordinated around flight timings, sea conditions, and vessel availability.
Departure point and on‑the‑day details
- Home base and meeting point: We depart/arrive from the floating dock at Dockside Marine (next to Laura’s restaurant) in Port Elizabeth, Bequia.
- What’s included on day trips: Water, beer, rum punch, sodas, and snacks; snorkelling gear; park entrance fees/taxes. Taxi transfers are not included.
- Family notes: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 6 sail free on our listed day trips.
Why minimum numbers matter on the Sandy Toes cruise calendar
Shared day trips rely on a minimum number of guests to run. This keeps pricing fair and experiences sociable while ensuring we can staff and supply the boat appropriately. If a date is shy of its minimum, we may:
- Keep the date open a bit longer as the calendar fills progressively
- Suggest alternative dates that are already confirmed or close to confirmation
- Offer a private charter option if you prefer a guaranteed sail for just your party (subject to availability)
We may also reduce the guest count below maximum capacity for extra comfort, at the Captain’s discretion.
How weather and sea conditions shape scheduling
Even with a stable forecast, wind and swell can vary across the Grenadines. While Sandy Toes’ catamaran design helps smooth the ride, we still plan conservative, comfort‑forward schedules. That’s why you’ll see:
- Early starts for longer itineraries to make the most of calmer morning seas
- Flexible return windows to keep the day unhurried and enjoyable
- Occasional date moves to align with better conditions, particularly for snorkelling highlights
If you’re prone to motion sensitivity, consider a seasickness tablet prior to departure (available at Bequia’s pharmacy).
Pricing notes at a glance
- Tobago Cays Day Trip: $275 per adult | $175 per child (6–15 yrs)
- Bequia Coastal Cruise: $150 per adult | $75 per child (6–15 yrs)
- Visitor’s fees for entry to Mustique and Tobago Cays are included in our pricing
- Children under 6 are free; all children must be accompanied by an adult
Note: Some guest numbers may be limited for comfort; minimum numbers apply to shared trips. Day trips and timelines are subject to weather, sea conditions, scheduling, and availability.
Practical takeaways: plan with confidence
- Check the calendar early and often
- We update the Sandy Toes cruise calendar progressively. If you’re date‑flexible, you’ll have more options as new sailings are added.
- Contact us to book or discuss options
- Our team can advise on dates nearing minimum numbers, comfort‑focused capacity decisions, and private charter availability.
- Build a little flexibility into your plans
- If snorkelling at Tobago Cays is a must‑do, consider a 1–2 day window. That way, if seas are better the following day, you can pivot.
- Match the cruise to your day
- Short on time? Opt for the Bequia Coastal Cruise. Have a full day? Choose Tobago Cays or Mustique.
- Pack for comfort and sun
- Bring swimwear, sunscreen, any medication you may require, a towel, cash for lunch ashore, and a change of clothes. Drinks and snacks are on us.
- Travelling with kids
- Children under 6 sail free on our day trips; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Choose itineraries and times that suit your family’s rhythm.
- Consider private charter for fixed dates
- If you have a special celebration or a non‑flexible date, private charter can be the simplest way to lock in your plan.
Frequently asked questions (quick answers)
How often is the Sandy Toes cruise calendar updated?
We update the calendar progressively to reflect the latest availability and conditions.
Why did a date I wanted change?
All day trips are subject to availability, scheduling, weather & sea conditions and minimum numbers. We may adjust to protect safety and guest experience.
What’s included on day trips?
Water, beer, rum punch, sodas, and snacks; snorkelling gear; park entrance fees/taxes. Meals are available on shore and not included. Taxi transfers are not included.
Where do cruises depart from?
Dockside Marine’s floating dock (next to Laura’s restaurant) in Port Elizabeth, Bequia.
Can I privately charter Sandy Toes?
Yes. Private charters are available—contact us for rates and availability.
Do you offer St. Vincent transfers?
Yes. We operate St. Vincent–Bequia transfers via Blue Lagoon marina, ideal for late‑evening arrivals that miss regular ferries. Some transfers will operate from 25 October 2026 onwards; check the calendar and contact us to book.
What if I get seasick?
If you’re concerned, consider a seasickness tablet prior to departure (available at Bequia’s pharmacy). Our catamaran design helps offer a smoother ride than traditional monohulls.
Conclusion: your best day on the water, thoughtfully planned
The Sandy Toes cruise calendar balances the spirit of adventure with safety and comfort—adapting to weather and sea conditions, aligning with minimum numbers, and fine‑tuning each route’s timing. Whether you choose Tobago Cays, Mustique, a Bequia Coastal Cruise, or a St. Vincent–Bequia transfer, our goal is the same: an effortless, unforgettable experience on the water.
Ready to sail? Check the Sandy Toes page and contact our team to book or discuss dates:
- Sandy Toes: https://bequiabeachhotel.com/sandy-toes
- Email: reservations@bequiabeach.com
- Tel/WhatsApp: +1 784 458 1600
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our Tobago Cays Day Trip, Mustique Day Trip, Bequia Coastal Cruise, St. Vincent Transfers, and the full range of Experiences & Activities across Bequia.