Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent's volcanic rainforest and black-sand coves contrast with the white beaches and turquoise reefs of the Grenadines strung out to the south. Snorkel with turtles in the Tobago Cays, hike to La Soufrière's crater rim, and hop by ferry, small plane or yacht between Bequia, Mustique, Mayreau and Union Island.
Overview
The country is two worlds in one: Saint Vincent, a steep, green volcanic island where La Soufrière last erupted in 2021, and the Grenadines, some 30 smaller islands and cays scattered south towards Grenada. Most visitors fly into Argyle International on Saint Vincent, often connecting through Barbados, then spend a few days on the main island for waterfalls, rainforest trails and Kingstown's markets before heading south. Bequia is the easy first stop by ferry; Mayreau, Canouan and Union Island lead to the Tobago Cays, and Mustique remains a private-villa retreat. Sailing the chain on a chartered yacht is the classic way to see it.
This is a quieter, less developed corner of the Caribbean than its neighbours, with few big resorts and many small, family-run guesthouses. Prices run from reasonable on Saint Vincent to stratospheric on Mustique and Canouan, and getting between islands adds cost. The pace is slow, with reggae and soca on the minibuses, rum shops at every crossroads, and Sunday lunches that stretch into the evening. It suits sailors, snorkellers, hikers and anyone who prefers village life to a resort strip. Visitors are often surprised by how dramatic Saint Vincent's interior is, and how few other tourists they meet.
Map of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Top 5 highlights
- 1Wildlife
Tobago Cays Marine Park
Five uninhabited cays ringed by Horseshoe Reef form the Grenadines' showpiece marine park. Snorkel with green turtles in the seagrass off Baradal, then laze on powdery sand; access is by yacht or day trip from Union Island or Mayreau.
- 2Beach
Bequia
The largest island of the Vincentian Grenadines, an hour by ferry from Kingstown, centres on yacht-filled Admiralty Bay. Walk to Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay, browse model-boat workshops and eat lobster in Port Elizabeth.
- 3Adventure
La Soufrière
Saint Vincent's 1,234-metre volcano erupted explosively in 2021. Guided hikes climb through rainforest and ash-scarred slopes towards the crater rim; check trail status locally, start early and expect cloud at the top.
- 4Wildlife
Vermont Nature Trail
This loop through the rainforest of the Buccament Valley has a viewing platform where, early or late in the day, patient walkers may spot the rare St Vincent parrot, the national bird found nowhere else.
- 5History
Kingstown Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1765, these are among the oldest botanic gardens in the Americas. Look for the breadfruit tree grown from a sucker of one that Captain Bligh brought from Tahiti in 1793.
Biggest cities
Kingstown
The compact capital is a working port of arcaded stone buildings, busy markets and ferries to Bequia; the Botanic Gardens and Fort Charlotte sit just above town.
Georgetown
Saint Vincent's second town, on the windward coast, is a quiet former sugar town near the Rabacca Dry River and the windward trail up La Soufrière.
Layou
A leeward fishing village with a black-sand beach and ancient petroglyphs nearby, Layou is a pleasant stop on the coast road north to Wallilabou Bay and Dark View Falls.
Kingstown is the only sizeable town; its figure includes the inner suburbs, and its built-up area runs on east through Arnos Vale to Calliaqua. Figures for Georgetown and Layou are for their surrounding census districts, as the villages themselves are small.
When to go to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Best time: Dec–Apr.
Average climate in Kingstown
Festivals & events
- Mar–AprBequia Easter Regatta
Over Easter weekend Bequia hosts yacht races, contests for traditional double-ended local sailing boats and model-boat races, with plenty of parties ashore.
- Jun–JulVincy Mas
Saint Vincent's carnival builds through late June with calypso and soca contests, steel bands and J'ouvert, climaxing in costumed street parades on Mardi Gras in early July.
- DecNine Mornings
On the nine mornings before Christmas, Vincentians rise before dawn for street parties, carol singing, sea baths and bicycle parades — a tradition unique to the country.
How much does Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish
The national dish: breadfruit roasted whole over coals until charred, then peeled and served with crisp fried jackfish, a small local fish.
Callaloo soup
A thick green soup of dasheen leaves, okra and coconut milk, often with crab or salt meat, and a weekend favourite.
Bakes and saltfish
Fried dough bakes split and filled with flaked salt cod sautéed with onion, tomato and peppers — the classic Vincentian breakfast or snack.
Getting around
On Saint Vincent, brightly painted private minibuses with loud music and cheap fixed fares radiate from Kingstown's terminal until early evening; taxis cover the rest. Ferries link Kingstown with Bequia several times daily, and slower boats continue to Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island. Small planes reach Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union. Car hire requires a temporary local permit.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- ABG230V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +1-784
- Time zone
- UTC-4 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Varies — bottled or filtered is safer
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- Many restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge; if not, leave 10–15%. Tip boat crews, guides and taxi drivers a few dollars.
- Etiquette
- Always greet people with 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' before asking anything. Keep swimwear for the beach, and note that camouflage-pattern clothing is illegal for civilians.
- Main airports
- Argyle International Airport (SVD), Kingstown
Visas & entry for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You do not need a visa to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines.
On entry, you will be granted a period of 6 months. To stay longer, you must apply and pay for an extension from the St Vincent Immigration Department.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueBat Lyssavirus
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Tue 27 Oct 2026 | Independence Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Boxing Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sun 14 Mar 2027 | National Heroes' Day |
| Mon 15 Mar 2027 | National Heroes' Day (observed) |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | National Workers' Day |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Pentecost Monday |
| Fri 21 May 2027 | National Spiritual Baptist Day |
| Mon 5 Jul 2027 | Carnival Monday |
| Tue 6 Jul 2027 | Carnival Tuesday |
| Sun 1 Aug 2027 | Emancipation Day |
| Mon 2 Aug 2027 | Emancipation Day (observed) |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Prices are often quoted in both EC and US dollars — check which before agreeing. US dollars are widely accepted, but change usually comes in EC dollars.
- Ferry and inter-island flight schedules thin out on Sundays and in low season, so confirm times locally and keep a buffer day before international flights.
- In popular anchorages, 'boat boys' offer moorings, ice and bread from small boats; agree prices before accepting anything, and be polite but firm if you don't need it.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
The best time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is generally Dec–Apr. Peak months are January, February, March, April and December. Average highs in Kingstown range from 29°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cost per day?
Roughly £60 a day on a tight budget, £130 mid-range and £300+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
East Caribbean dollar (XCD).
What plug type does Saint Vincent and the Grenadines use?
Type A, B and G sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Traffic drives on the left in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Varies — bottled or filtered is safer.
Do I need a visa for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You do not need a visa to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/st-vincent-and-the-grenadines/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Dengue and Bat Lyssavirus sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
