Saint Vincent and the Grenadines travel guide
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a chain of islands in the southern Caribbean: the green, volcanic main island of Saint Vincent and a string of small Grenadine islands stretching south towards Grenada. It is a sailing paradise with turquoise anchorages, small villages and little development. It suits sailors, divers and travellers who prefer quiet islands to big resorts.
Places worth the trip
Tobago Cays Marine Park
Five small uninhabited islands inside a horseshoe reef, with clear water where green turtles graze in the seagrass. Day trips run from Union Island and the other Grenadines, and the anchorage is popular with yachts.
Bequia
The largest of the Grenadines, with the yacht-filled Admiralty Bay, the small town of Port Elizabeth, beaches such as Princess Margaret and Lower Bay, and a tradition of boatbuilding and model-boat making.
La Soufrière
The active volcano at the northern end of Saint Vincent, which last erupted in 2021. When conditions allow, a hiking trail climbs through rainforest to the crater rim; check the current status before planning a hike.
Kingstown Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1765, among the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere. They include a breadfruit tree grown from one of the plants brought by Captain Bligh in 1793.
Dark View Falls
Two waterfalls in the rainforest on the leeward coast of Saint Vincent, reached by a bamboo bridge and a short trail, with pools to bathe in.
Mustique
A privately managed island known for its villas and famous visitors. Basil's Bar and the beaches are open to visitors arriving by yacht or boat.
Union Island and Mayreau
Union Island, with its dramatic peaks, is the southern gateway and a kitesurfing spot. Mayreau, nearby, has Salt Whistle Bay, a curved beach often visited by yachts.
Wallilabou Bay
A bay on Saint Vincent's west coast used as a set for the Pirates of the Caribbean films, with some props and structures still standing.
Interesting facts about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- The country is made up of 32 islands and cays, only nine of which are inhabited.
- Bequia is one of the few places where a limited, traditional form of whaling is still permitted under international rules.
- Argyle International Airport on Saint Vincent opened in 2017, allowing direct international flights for the first time.
- The breadfruit that Captain Bligh brought to Saint Vincent became a staple food, and roasted breadfruit with fried jackfish is the national dish.
- Saint Vincent was one of the last Caribbean islands to be colonised by Europeans, because of resistance by the Kalinago and Garifuna peoples.
Best time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The dry season, from December to May, is the best time for sailing and beaches, with steady trade winds. June to November is the wetter season and the Atlantic hurricane season, peaking from August to October, though the southern Grenadines lie towards the southern edge of the hurricane belt. Vincy Mas, the carnival, takes place around late June and early July, and Bequia hosts a regatta around Easter.
Getting around
Ferries connect Kingstown with Bequia several times a day, and slower inter-island ferries continue to Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island. Small planes fly between Saint Vincent and several of the Grenadines. On Saint Vincent, minibuses run along the coast roads, and taxis and rental cars are available, although roads are winding and steep; a local driving permit is needed. Many visitors explore the Grenadines by chartered yacht or on day trips by boat.
Practical details
- Capital
- Kingstown
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Languages
- English
- Plug types
- A, B, G
- Voltage
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 911 (999 also works)
- Driving side
- left
- Tipping
- A service charge is often added in hotels and restaurants. Otherwise around 10% is usual, and tip boat crews and guides.
Staying online in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Mobile coverage is good in Kingstown and the main towns of Saint Vincent and Bequia, with 4G in populated areas. It becomes patchy on the volcano, in the rainforest and in some anchorages and smaller islands, such as the Tobago Cays. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, guesthouses and many bars, though speeds vary. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, and download maps offline before sailing between islands.
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Download Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offline before boat trips.
- Windy: Wind and wave forecasts, useful for sailing and ferry crossings.
- WhatsApp: Commonly used to contact boat operators, taxis and guesthouses.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines travel FAQs
By ferry, small plane or boat. Regular ferries link Saint Vincent with Bequia and the southern islands, small planes fly to Bequia, Canouan, Mustique and Union Island, and many visitors charter a yacht.
When the volcano is calm and trails are open, yes, with a guide recommended. It erupted in 2021, so check the current status and trail conditions before you plan the hike.
Yes, on the main islands. Coverage is weaker in some anchorages and remote cays. Roaming on a home plan can be costly, so a travel eSIM gives you local data while keeping your own number.
The East Caribbean dollar is the local currency, and US dollars are accepted in many tourist businesses. Bring cash for the smaller islands, where ATMs are few.