The quiet, hilly island of Canouan is said to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Grenadines and is located in the midst of one of the best tropical cruising grounds in the world. The island is tiny, measuring only 3 ½ miles by 1 ¼ miles (6 km by 2 km) and is owned by St. Vincent. It was one of the last islands to be settled by Europeans because of its mountainous and heavily forested geography.

Canouan was first colonized by the French and later the English. The Atlantic side of the island is protected by an extensive barrier reef. Charlestown Bay (also known as Grand Bay) is a good place to pick up a mooring off the Tamarind Bay Resort at the northern end of the island. The resort has a fine dining restaurant as well as a more casual option with live music. 

It also has a Jim Fazio-designed golf course. The other resort on the island, Raffles, is a favorite with the international jet set and has a golf course that has been voted the best in the Caribbean on several occasions as well as a casino.