St Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Travel Guide

St Vincent and the Grenadines is a Caribbean sailing paradise of 32 islands stretching south toward Grenada. From the volcanic main island of St Vincent to the yacht havens of Bequia, exclusive Mustique, and the pristine Tobago Cays Marine Park, SVG offers unspoiled Caribbean beauty, world-class sailing, and some of the finest snorkeling in the world - all with a laid-back, authentic character that larger islands have lost.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$75/day

Mid-range$200/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

grenadinesbequiamustiquetobago_cayssailingcaribbeanislandsyachtingsnorkelingdivingbeachesst_vincentisland_hoppingmarine_parkturtlesvolcanola_soufrierecatamaranluxury_travelunspoiledsailing_paradisewhite_sand_beachessea_turtlescaribbean_sailingyacht_charterprivate_islandscanouanmayreauunion_islandrainforestwaterfallsbreadfruitrumcaribbean_cuisinehorseshoe_reefcoral_reefstropical_paradise

🇻🇨 Country Information: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

CapitalKingstown

CurrencyEastern Caribbean dollar ($)

Language English , Vincentian Creole

Phone Code+1

Electricity230V (Type A, C, E, G, I, K)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is common for good service
For restaurants, a 10
15% tip is standard if a service charge is not already included
For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or a small tip is appreciated
For hotel staff, a small daily tip for housekeeping is customary, and porters may expect a small tip per bag
Tour guides are also usually tipped

Money & Payments

ATMs are available, especially in Kingstown, but less common in rural areas and smaller islands
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is often preferred for smaller establishments and local vendors
It's advisable to bring some cash for convenience
There is no known black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially in public places and when visiting churches or government buildings
Politeness and respectful greetings are highly valued
Ask for permission before taking photos of people
"Good morning," "Good afternoon," and "Good evening" are important greetings

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal for males in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with laws carrying potential prison sentences. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and public displays of affection by same-sex couples may be met with disapproval.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines

Special Laws

It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing
Nudity on beaches is prohibited
Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas

Common Phrases

HelloHello

Thank youThank you

Climate

Tropical maritime climate with warm temperatures year-round (75-88°F/24-31°C). Trade winds provide cooling breezes. Dry season December-May, wet season June-November. Hurricane season June-November, peak August-October. Water temperature 79-82°F (26-28°C).

Best Time to Visit

High Season: December
April (dry season, peak tourism, best sailing)
Shoulder: May
July, November (transition periods, Carnival in July)
Low Season: August
October (hurricane season, some closures)
Best Value: May
June, November

Getting There

International flights arrive at Argyle International Airport (AIA) opened 2017
Direct flights from Miami, JFK, Toronto, and regional Caribbean hubs (Barbados, St Lucia)
Regional connections via SVG Air and Caribbean Airlines
Ferry from St Lucia (4 hours) also available

Getting Around

Between islands: Scheduled ferries (Bequia Express to Bequia 1hr, $10
15), water taxis ($20
50), small aircraft (SVG Air 10
20 min, $40
80), and yacht charters
On St Vincent: minibuses ($1
3), taxis, rental cars ($50
70/day)
Smaller islands: golf carts, bicycles, walking

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, flu, COVID
19) up to date
Hepatitis A recommended (food/water)
Typhoid for rural areas and smaller islands
Hepatitis B for longer stays
Zika risk present
pregnant women should consult doctor
Mosquito prevention important

Staying Connected

Flow and Digicel are main carriers
Good coverage on St Vincent, Bequia, major islands
Limited coverage on tiny Grenadines and Tobago Cays
eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly) work with Caribbean plans
Tourist SIM $15
30 for 1
2 weeks
WiFi at hotels and restaurants

Local Cuisine

Roasted Breadfruit & Jackfish must_try

National dish - breadfruit roasted over open fire, served with seasoned fried jackfish. Starchy, nutty breadfruit has historical significance (introdu

Callaloo Soup must_try

Creamy soup made from dasheen (taro) leaves, coconut milk, okra, and herbs. Rich, earthy Caribbean soul food often with crab or salted meat.

Pelau local_favorite

One-pot rice dish with pigeon peas, chicken or fish, caramelized sugar, and coconut milk. Sweet, savory comfort food common at gatherings.

Roti local_favorite

Indo-Caribbean flatbread filled with curried vegetables, chicken, or goat. Influence from Indian indentured laborers. Portable and filling.

Hairoun Beer & Jack Iron Rum must_try

Hairoun is the crisp local lager (name means "Land of the Blessed" in Carib). Jack Iron is strong local rum. Try Sunset Very Strong Rum if you dare.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Yacht Charter / Sailing Tours tour_or_activity

Book 1-8 weeks in advance

Peak season (December-April) sees high demand for day sailing and multi-day charters. Best boats book out weeks ahead.

Mustique Accommodation Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance

Limited rooms on exclusive private island. Cotton House resort and villa rentals book far in advance for high season.

Bequia Easter Regatta Accommodation Accommodation

Book 2-4 months in advance

Oldest Caribbean regatta fills every room on Bequia. Four-day sailing event draws international crowds.

Fun Facts

1. The Pirates of the Caribbean movies were filmed throughout the Grenadines islands.
2. La Soufrière volcano on St. Vincent erupted in April 2021, displacing 20,000 people.
3. The islands are one of the world's top yacht charter destinations - the Tobago Cays are regularly named best beaches.
4. Breadfruit was first successfully introduced to the Caribbean here by Captain Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame).

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