Union Island Island
Grenadines island popular for diving and yachting
Union Island in the Grenadines serves as a sailing and diving base with Clifton harbour, nearby Tobago Cays moorings, good dive sites, kite- and windsurfing and small guesthouses catering to yachtsmen.
Union Island at a Glance#
Address: Union Island, Grenadines Parish, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Admission: Ferry and airport transfers vary; expect modest domestic fares for local services
About Union Island#
Union Island is a small island in the southern Grenadines that functions as a yachting and tourist hub within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The island is compact and known for its sheltered harbours and beaches.
Tourists use the island as a base for sailing, snorkeling and beach visits; the village of Clifton is the main arrival point with marinas and basic visitor services. Notable beaches and bays include Chatham Bay and nearby reefs that attract day trips and anchored yachts.
Union Island has long been inhabited and was integrated into the colonial and postcolonial patterns of settlement across the Grenadines, serving historically as a small fishing and inter-island trade port before tourism grew in the late 20th century.
The island lies in the Grenadines chain of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, south of the main island of Saint Vincent and near neighbouring Grenadine islands such as Mayreau and Canouan.
- Access: Served by a small regional airport and regular boat connections to neighbouring Grenadine islands, making it a popular base for sailing and island-hopping.
What to See#
- Clifton Harbour: Clifton is the island’s principal village and main port, providing ferry and inter-island transport links plus shops and services for visitors.
- Chatham Bay: Chatham Bay on the island’s leeward side is a well-known beach and sheltered anchorage frequented by yachts and day visitors for swimming and snorkeling.
How to Get to Union Island#
Union Island (airport code UNI) has small regional flights from Saint Vincent and Grenadines and inter-island ferries from Kingstown, Saint Vincent. Private charter boats commonly call at Clifton Harbour.
Tips for Visiting Union Island#
- Clifton is the island's main hub-book accommodation and water taxis in advance during high season.
- Hop between nearby Grenadine islands by local boat charters; snorkeling around the island's coral gardens is excellent and less crowded than more famous sites.
Best Time to Visit Union Island#
Best reached by short regional flights into Union Island (UNI) or by ferry from St. Vincent - dry season is busiest for sailing and diving.
Weather & Climate near Union Island#
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1611 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 94 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 50 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 24° - 29° | 26° | 55 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 73 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 107 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 25° - 30° | 28° | 180 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 25° - 30° | 28° | 167 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 173 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 184 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 201 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 218 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 24° - 29° | 27° | 109 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
