La Soufrière volcano
Saint Vincent's highest point, reachable via a hiking trail offering panoramic views over the whole archipelago on a clear day.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Made up of the volcanic island of Saint Vincent and around thirty Grenadine islets, this Lesser Antilles archipelago is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. Between the turquoise waters of the Tobago Cays, the laid-back charm of Bequia and the quiet glamour of Mustique, each island reveals a different side of this unspoiled Caribbean destination.
Why visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines draws sailors and divers with its dozens of turquoise-water islets, including the Tobago Cays Marine Park. The main island, volcanic and densely forested, contrasts with quieter Grenadine islands like Bequia or Mustique, offering everything from nature hikes to exclusive island getaways.
What to discover in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Saint Vincent, the main island, is dominated by the La Soufrière volcano, whose summit offers a spectacular view over the archipelago on a clear day. The capital, Kingstown, retains a lively market and colonial-era buildings, while Wallilabou Bay, once used as a film set for pirate movies, preserves the coastline's unspoiled atmosphere. The Kingstown Botanical Gardens, among the oldest in the Americas, round out a visit to the main island.
To the south lie the Grenadines, around thirty islets of which only a handful are inhabited. Bequia, known for its boat-building heritage and traditional small-scale whaling history, charms visitors with its relaxed atmosphere around Admiralty Bay. Mustique, a private island favoured by an international clientele, cultivates a quiet kind of luxury, while the Tobago Cays form a protected marine park where turtles and tropical fish swim through intensely blue waters, a favourite stop for passing sailors throughout the year, even outside the busiest sailing season.
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Saint-Vincent-et-les-Grenadines in pictures
Highlights
Between a volcano, historic gardens and idyllic islets, the archipelago packs a wide range of landscapes into a compact territory.
Tobago Cays
A protected marine park of several turquoise-water islets, especially popular for snorkelling and spotting sea turtles gliding among the coral reefs.
Bequia island
An island known for its traditional boat-building heritage and laid-back atmosphere, centred around Admiralty Bay and its small local guesthouses.
Mustique island
A private island of quiet luxury, favoured by an international clientele seeking privacy, exclusive beaches and an escape from mass tourism.
Wallilabou Bay
A coastal site known for serving as a film set for pirate movies, retaining an unspoiled, authentic atmosphere loved by photographers.
Kingstown Botanical Gardens
Among the oldest botanical gardens in the Americas, located close to the capital on Saint Vincent, home to a wide variety of tropical plants.
Practical information
- Capital
- Kingstown
- Area
- 389 km²
- Population
- About 111,000 inhabitants
- Language
- English (official)
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Time zone
- UTC-4 (AST)
- Climate
- Tropical
- Best season
- January to May (dry season)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit the archipelago?
The dry season, from January to May, offers more stable conditions for sailing and hiking around the islands. Hurricane season, from June to November, calls for extra caution when travelling by boat.
How do you travel between the islands?
Ferries and small planes connect Saint Vincent to the main Grenadines, such as Bequia, Canouan or Union Island. Chartering a sailboat or motorboat remains the best way to explore the quieter islets.
Do you need a visa to visit?
Many travellers, including citizens of European countries, can enter visa-free for short tourist stays of a few weeks. It is best to check current entry requirements with the authorities before departing.
Which currency should you use?
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the official currency, though US dollars are also widely accepted at many tourist establishments across the Grenadines, particularly on the more frequently visited islands.
Is the archipelago suitable for beginner sailors?
Yes, the sheltered waters between islets and the generally short distances between anchorages make it an accessible destination for beginners, though some exposed passages do call for more sailing experience.
Can you visit Mustique without staying there?
Access to Mustique remains limited and is mostly reserved for visitors staying on the island or arriving by private boat, unlike Bequia, which is far easier to reach by ferry.
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