The first view you get of St Vincent and the Grenadines will probably be from the air, as most visitors arrive in a propeller plane. Seeing the white, gold and black sand beaches spread out before you is the perfect way to start a vacation.
What is it?: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a Caribbean island chain known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a perfect escape for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility in a beautiful, unspoiled setting.
Affordability: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is moderately priced, with luxury resorts and upscale dining options available, but there are also more affordable accommodations, local food, and transportation options. Budget travelers can enjoy the island without breaking the bank by opting for guesthouses and local eateries.
Safety: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is generally a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. As with any destination, visitors should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas, particularly when exploring more remote parts of the islands.
Popularity: The islands are less crowded compared to other Caribbean destinations, making them ideal for travelers looking for a peaceful, laid-back vacation. Popular destinations like Bequia, Union Island, and Mustique offer unique experiences, attracting visitors interested in nature, sailing, and secluded beaches.
Tourist Infrastructure: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a decent infrastructure for tourism, particularly in major islands like Saint Vincent and Bequia, with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and activities. There are ferries connecting the islands, but transportation options can be more limited on smaller islands.
Weather: Tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season when the weather is most pleasant. The rainy season lasts from May to November, bringing more humidity and occasional storms, though it’s still possible to visit during this time.
Best Time to Go: December–April for the best weather, perfect for exploring beaches, enjoying water sports, and relaxing in the sun. The rainy season from May to November is less crowded, but comes with higher humidity and a risk of storms.
Known For: Bequia, Union Island, Mustique, pristine beaches, sailing, coral reefs, luxury resorts, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant Caribbean culture.
Top Destinations: Bequia • Union Island • Mustique • Saint Vincent • Tobago Cays • Palm Island • Young Island
-
Nature Buffs: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a paradise for nature lovers, offering lush rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches like those on Bequia and Union Island, along with excellent hiking trails and marine life for snorkeling and diving in the Tobago Cays.
-
History Buffs: While Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is more known for its natural beauty, it offers historical sites like the colonial architecture of Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent, and the unique culture of the islands, including the indigenous heritage and European colonial influences.
-
Beach Bunnies: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a beach lover’s dream, with unspoiled beaches such as Mustique‘s quiet shores, the sands of Bequia, and the secluded coves of Palm Island, all offering crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, lounging, and water sports.
-
Digital Nomads: Bequia and Saint Vincent offer reliable internet and a peaceful environment, making the islands suitable for digital nomads. However, the infrastructure may not be as robust as in larger destinations, and the cost of living can be higher on more developed islands.
-
Families: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is family-friendly, with a variety of activities such as exploring the Tobago Cays, visiting local beaches, and taking boat trips around the islands, making it an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Many of the islands are complete resorts in themselves. All you have to do is find a yacht to take you there and then sit back and enjoy the lush volcanic scenery, blossom and blue waters. In fact, yachting is one of the main pastimes, and St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the world’s most enticing places to learn to sail, which could be your passport to handfuls of lush, volcanic islands encircled by fabulous coral reefs and cooled by a perpetual trade winds.
What’s Cool
Calypso and steel drum bands, dancing in the street, cool breezes, coral reefs, pulling your yacht up at a deserted island.
What’s Not
Crowded buses, lack of public transportation in the evenings and on Sundays, danger of hurricanes.
Highlights
Kingstown: the capital of St Vincent is a lively place, particularly when everyone comes to town on Saturday morning to attend the market.
Bequia: is the largest island of the Grenadines and home to Admiralty Bay, a favorite spot for yachters. With gold-sand beaches, great diving and snorkeling, and traditional fishing still practiced, its no wonder most people end up spending time here.
Fort Duvernette Island: at the top of the island you’ll find some old cannons, circling ospreys and excellent views of the yachts on the water below.
Mustique: the white-sand beaches and azure waters of this privately owned island have attracted members of the British Royal family.
Canouan: likes to boast that it has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Tobago Cays: the only way to get to these amazing coral reefs and deserted beaches is by charted yacht.
Falls of Baleine: you’ll have to take a boat to visit these 60 foot falls, but they are a great location for an afternoon of swimming and picnicking.
Warm and tropical all year around, you’ll probably find June and July the hottest months and December and January the busiest.
Festivals & Events
People on St Vincent and the Grenadines celebrate with Calypso, steel drum bands, bright colors and dancing in the street.
March: you have to wonder what anyone on the islands has to sing the blues about, but the rhythms are sure to get you moving at the Blues and Rhythms Festival.
April/May: Easter Regatta and Big Drum Festival is when yachters have to vie for attention with a Calypso competition and the traditional African and French Big Drum Dance which closes the festival.
June/July: groups of up to 150 people compete in the street for best costume and best band with Calypso and steel drum beats in the air at Carnivale.
December: Christmas festivities begin nine days before Christmas and include races, music in the streets and carol singing.
Sailing: probably the most popular pastime in the area, there are an abundance of yachts to rent which come with or without a crew.
Diving and snorkeling: black coral, antique liquor bottles and scores of seahorses are visible under the waves off the islands’ shores.
Hiking: the popular route up the 4,000 foot Soufrière volcano can be quite difficult, but there are plenty of rainforest walks for the less practiced hiker.
Cultural sightseeing: explore the islands’ churches and cathedrals, Fort Charlotte and Kingston Market.
To get to St Vincent and the Grenadines, most visitors take a propeller plane from another Caribbean country such as Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia or Trinidad and Tobago. Several airlines make the trip. Cruise ships often stop on St Vincent and the Grenadines and there are several international ports if you are arriving by sea. It is easy to charter a yacht, and if you haven’t sailed before, a crew. Boat is by far the best way to get around the islands and if you’re fearful of renting your own craft, ferries ply the waters on a fairly regular basis.
St Vincent and the Grenadines are fairly low risk in terms of crime and safety. Kingston has a very low crime rate and tourists don’t often have problems here. Unless you’re planning to stay for a long time, it’s probably best to stick with bottled water on your trip to avoid the possibility of an upset stomach from the tap water. If you do need a doctor, Kingston has the only major hospital on the islands.