Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is made up of a lovely main island and collection of smaller but no less charming sister islands.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines travel guide
The quintessential Caribbean paradise islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines have it all – sunshine, sand, sea and swaying palms. Comprising 32 islands, this archipelago is situated south of St Lucia, and has become famous for its celebrity visitors such as Mick Jagger and fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger. Despite their fame, the islands remain unspoilt and charming.
The largest island in the chain is St Vincent, home to the country’s capital, Kingstown. This island was the location for the film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and many of the islanders were used as members of the cast. The Grenadine islands all offer their own special charm. They include magical Mustique, located 29km from St Vincent, home to idyllic Macaroni Beach, famous for its breathtaking beauty and for being a celebrity playground.
Then there’s Bequia, the second largest island in the group, 9km from St Vincent. Canouan lies a little further, 40km south of St Vincent. It’s home to a number of major resorts. The smallest inhabited island is Mayreau, which is still relatively unspoilt and only boasts one small resort area, Saltwhistle Bay, where yachting enthusiasts hang out.
There are 5 small uninhabited isles in iconic Tobago Cays, just off Mayreau, where people come to enjoy unsurpassed snorkelling and deep sea diving. These islands are all situated in a national park and are only reachable by boat on a day trip from Mayreau or one of the other Grenadine islands. Although part of this archipelago, Union island is actually closer to Grenada. You can reach it on a domestic flight from St Vincent and Martinique. Its small port town, Clifton, is authentic and untouched.
Let’s not forget Palm Island, home to an abundance of wildlife including lots of sea turtles, and Petit St Vincent, 64km from St Vincent, which is a boutique resort in its entirety.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a hot spot for hgh-end yachts so the area is great to explore with restaurants that cater for distinguished travellers.
Best time to visit: Peak season is from December to April. Rather visit in the shoulder seasons, spring (May and June) or fall (November) when the weather is still great and prices are cheaper. Avoid hurricane season, July to October.
Best Area for Sightseeing: It’s hard to choose which island to stay on and which to explore. See Things to do in St Vincent & the Grenadines below for some ideas.
Shopping in St Vincent & the Grenadines: Check out workshops, souvenir and gift shops for handicrafts, items made of straw, grass rugs and other souvenirs. You’ll find the best shopping in Kingstown on St Vincent, especially at the St Vincent Craftsmen’s Center on Frenches Street. On the island of Bequia, head for Noah’s Arkade in Port Elizabeth for great gifts and souvenirs.
Food & Restaurants in St Vincent & the Grenadines: The fish and seafood is superb, and if you’re staying at a luxury resort, you’ll have plenty of dining options. Otherwise try the beach bars and casual eateries on the islands to enjoy some traditional fare.
Nightlife: Most of the nightlife is provided by hotels and resorts although there are some bars and clubs in Kingstown and on the Leeward Coast.
Beaches: Saltwhistle Bay Beach on Mayreau is legendary, while on Bequia you’ll find another gorgeous stretch of sand, Lower Bay Beach, south of Port Elizabeth. In Mustique you have to visit famous Macaroni Beach, a haven for sun worshipers and surfers alike. There are 2 great beaches on Canouan – Grand Bay Beach and South Glossy Beach – both offering stunning sand and calm water for swimming.
Things to do in St Vincent & the Grenadines:
- Explore Kingston’s public market for souvenirs and a stunning local atmosphere.
- Visit the historic St Vincent Botanic Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
- Swim with turtles in the Tobago Cays.
- Explore exclusive Mustique.
- Laze on Bequia’s fabulous beaches.
- Enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving in the stunning coral reefs off Canouan.
Best way to get around: If you’re exploring the bigger islands, take a taxi. On St Vincent, Bequia and Mustique you can rent a car.