🇻🇨 St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Caribbean's Hidden Gem - Unspoiled Paradise

Capital

Kingstown

Population

110,000

Language

English

Currency

E. Caribbean Dollar

Best Time

Dec - May

Flight Time (US)

4-5 hours

Flight Time (Toronto)

5-6 hours (via connecting)

Flight Time (London)

9-10 hours

Flight Time (Paris)

9-10 hours

Discover St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines comprises 32 islands and cays creating one of the Caribbean's most pristine and unspoiled destinations. St. Vincent, the largest island, showcases volcanic landscapes with La Soufrière volcano, lush rainforests, dramatic black sand beaches, and authentic Caribbean culture largely untouched by mass tourism. The smaller Grenadine islands - including Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, and the uninhabited Tobago Cays - deliver exclusive luxury resorts, world-class sailing, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters teeming with marine life.

The nation stands as a premier Caribbean sailing destination, with yacht charters exploring the Grenadines from Bequia through the Tobago Cays Marine Park - a protected area featuring five uninhabited islands surrounded by coral reefs where sea turtles swim freely. Mustique attracts celebrities and royalty seeking privacy on a private island with exclusive villas. Canouan offers ultra-luxury resorts including Mandarin Oriental and Soho Beach House. The combination of natural beauty, environmental protection, authentic culture, and world-class hospitality earned St. Vincent and the Grenadines recognition as Caribbean's Leading Green Destination.

Award-Winning Excellence

2025 World Travel Awards

St. Vincent and the Grenadines earned an impressive 13 World Travel Awards in 2025, including the prestigious Caribbean's Leading Green Destination award, recognizing the nation's commitment to environmental protection, sustainable tourism, marine conservation, and preserving natural beauty across its 32 islands and cays.

13
Total Awards Won
32
Islands & Cays
Green
Caribbean Destination

Caribbean-Wide Award

  • St. Vincent & The Grenadines - Caribbean's Leading Green Destination 2025

Island-Specific Award Winners

  • Mandarin Oriental, Canouan - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Resort 2025
  • Bequia Beach Hotel - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Hotel 2025
  • Bequia Beach Hotel - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Beach Hotel 2025
  • Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025
  • Soho Beach House Canouan - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Boutique Hotel 2025
  • Petit St. Vincent - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Private Island Resort 2025
  • Canouan Estate Resort & Villas - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Villa Resort 2025
  • Canouan Estate Resort & Villas - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Wedding Hotel 2025
  • The Residence @ The Cotton House - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2025
  • Villa ONE @ Grenadine Hills - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Luxury Private Villa 2025
  • Two-Bedroom Oceanview Suite @ Mandarin Oriental, Canouan - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Hotel Suite 2025
  • Fantasea Tours - St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Leading Tour Operator 2025

Top Attractions & Things to Do

  • Tobago Cays Marine Park - Protected paradise with five uninhabited islands, pristine reefs, swimming with sea turtles, and world-class snorkeling
  • La Soufrière Volcano - Active volcano on St. Vincent with challenging hike to 4,048-foot crater and lunar-like landscape
  • Bequia - Charming Grenadine island with Princess Margaret Beach, Port Elizabeth, whaling heritage museum, and laid-back Caribbean culture
  • Mustique - Exclusive private island with celebrity villas, pristine beaches, Basil's Bar, and secluded luxury (day visitors welcome)
  • Canouan - Luxury island with Mandarin Oriental, championship golf, pristine beaches, and upscale Caribbean relaxation
  • Dark View Falls - Twin waterfalls on St. Vincent accessible via nature trail through tropical vegetation with swimming pools
  • Botanical Gardens (Kingstown) - Oldest botanical gardens in Western Hemisphere (1765) with tropical plants, breadfruit tree descendants from Captain Bligh
  • Owia Salt Pond - Natural rock pool on St. Vincent's northern coast formed by volcanic rocks with protected swimming
  • Fort Charlotte - Historic fort above Kingstown with panoramic harbor views, cannons, and 18th-century paintings
  • Petit St. Vincent (PSV) - Private island resort offering ultimate seclusion with flag system for privacy and no-contact service
  • Falls of Baleine - Waterfall on St. Vincent's northwest coast accessible only by boat with swimming in freshwater pool
  • Union Island - Gateway to southern Grenadines with Clifton Harbor, local culture, and access to Tobago Cays tours
  • Mayreau - Tiny island (1.5 square miles) with Saltwhistle Bay Beach, hillside village, and authentic Caribbean charm
  • Vermont Nature Trail - Rainforest hiking on St. Vincent with endemic St. Vincent parrot, tropical birds, and lush vegetation

Regional Highlights

St. Vincent (Main Island)

Capital Kingstown, La Soufrière volcano, botanical gardens, Dark View Falls, black sand beaches, rainforest hiking, authentic Caribbean culture, and local markets.

Northern Grenadines (Bequia, Mustique)

Bequia's Princess Margaret Beach and Port Elizabeth, Mustique's exclusive villas and beaches, sailing culture, yacht anchorages, and Caribbean charm.

Central Grenadines (Canouan, Mayreau)

Canouan's Mandarin Oriental and luxury resorts, championship golf, Mayreau's Saltwhistle Bay, and pristine uninhabited cays.

Southern Grenadines (Tobago Cays, Union, PSV)

Tobago Cays Marine Park, Union Island hub, Petit St. Vincent private island resort, Palm Island Resort, and sailing paradise waters.

Beaches & Marine Paradise

The Grenadines deliver some of the Caribbean's most pristine beaches and clearest waters. Tobago Cays features powdery white sand beaches where sea turtles swim in shallow waters and coral reefs create natural snorkeling aquariums. Princess Margaret Beach on Bequia offers classic Caribbean beauty with calm turquoise waters. Saltwhistle Bay on Mayreau presents a perfect crescent beach with shallow swimming. Canouan's beaches rival the world's best with soft white sand and protected bays.

St. Vincent's beaches showcase volcanic origins with dramatic black sand on the windward coast contrasting with golden sand beaches on the leeward side. Villa Beach near the airport provides convenient swimming and beachfront dining. Petit St. Vincent's beaches offer ultimate privacy. The marine environment remains exceptionally healthy due to environmental protection, delivering vibrant coral reefs, diverse fish species, and pristine underwater ecosystems perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Sailing & Water Activities

St. Vincent and the Grenadines ranks among the world's premier sailing destinations. The protected waters between islands create ideal sailing conditions with steady trade winds. Yacht charters from Bequia or Union Island explore the chain, anchoring in secluded bays, visiting different islands daily, and experiencing the ultimate Caribbean sailing adventure. The Tobago Cays serve as the crown jewel with protected anchorage surrounded by reefs.

Diving and snorkeling reveal pristine coral reefs, walls, and marine life. The Tobago Cays Marine Park protects sea turtles that swim freely among snorkelers. Wreck diving, wall diving, and reef diving provide varied underwater experiences. Fishing, both deep-sea and reef fishing, produces marlin, wahoo, tuna, and barracuda. Kitesurfing and windsurfing thrive on Union Island. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach hopping by water taxi offer additional water adventures across the scattered islands.

Green Destination & Conservation

The Caribbean's Leading Green Destination award recognizes St. Vincent and the Grenadines' commitment to environmental protection and sustainable tourism. The Tobago Cays Marine Park implements strict regulations protecting coral reefs, sea turtles, and marine ecosystems. Limited development preserves natural landscapes. The government prioritizes conservation, marine protection, and sustainable practices over mass tourism development.

Rainforest preservation on St. Vincent protects endemic species including the St. Vincent parrot. Many resorts implement green practices including solar power, water conservation, and local sourcing. The nation's relatively undiscovered status helps maintain environmental integrity. Visitors experience authentic Caribbean nature largely unchanged by development - volcanic landscapes, pristine reefs, protected marine parks, and lush rainforests creating an eco-conscious Caribbean paradise.

Travel Tips

  • Entry Requirements: US citizens need valid passport (6+ months validity). No visa required for stays under 30 days
  • Getting There: Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St. Vincent. Direct flights from Miami, New York, Toronto. Connections via Barbados
  • Inter-Island Travel: Flights between islands on small aircraft. Ferry service connects islands. Water taxis available. Yacht charters popular
  • Getting Around: Rental cars and taxis on St. Vincent. Limited roads on smaller islands. Boat transport between Grenadines. Walking on small islands
  • Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). US Dollar accepted. Credit cards limited outside major resorts. ATMs in Kingstown and Bequia
  • Language: English official language. Local dialect with Caribbean phrases and expressions
  • Best Time to Visit: December to May for dry season and optimal sailing. Bequia Easter Regatta. Hurricane season June-November
  • What to Pack: Light clothing, hiking shoes for volcano, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear, sailing attire, insect repellent, waterproof bag
  • Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants. Some add service charge. Tip taxi drivers, tour guides, and boat crews
  • Safety: Very safe destination. Use normal precautions. Respect marine protected areas. Follow volcano hiking safety guidelines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Travel Deals

Exclusive packages and offers for SVG vacations

Save 50%

Mandarin Oriental Canouan

7 nights ultra-luxury • Golf • Spa • Pristine beaches • Gourmet dining

$5,999 $11,999
Book on Expedia →
Save 42%

Grenadines Sailing Adventure

7-day yacht charter • Tobago Cays • Bequia • Mustique • Island hopping

$3,499 $5,999
Book on Expedia →
Save 38%

Bequia Beach Escape

6 nights boutique • Snorkeling • Island tours • Princess Margaret Beach

$2,299 $3,699
Book on Expedia →

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