Thirty-two unspoiled islands & cays
This necklace of thirty-two islands and cays in the Eastern Caribbean is 1,600 miles from Miami, USA. What’s waiting for you here? Spectacular landscapes, beautiful white-sand beaches and mesmerizing turquoise blue waters. When you land here, you’ve found the Jewels of the Caribbean!
St. Vincent
A lush volcanic island, just 18 miles north to south and 11 miles wide, its windward coast is lined with cliffs and rocky shores pounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The leeward coast has spectacular slopes and valleys running down to beaches lapped by the tranquil Caribbean Sea. The Capital, Kingstown, combines reminders of its colonial past with the bright and bustling life of a modern market town.
The Grenadines
Make your leisurely way from island to island using the scheduled ferry boat or travel by air, or let one of the local tour operators be your guide through the islands:
Palm Island
A private resort with a very casual ambiance — 24 beachfront stone cottages and other accommodations, open-air dining and all water sports off wide, spectacular white-sand beaches.
The Tobago Cays
Numerous islets south of Canouan, guarded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. You can sail, snorkel and beach comb in complete seclusion in this rare tropical paradise that can be reached only by yacht. A national marine park is being developed here.
Union Island
A 2,100-acre mountainous island fringed by superb beaches, Union Island is the stopping-off point for yachtsmen and visitors heading to some of the smaller Grenadines.
Where are The Grenadines?
St Vincent & The Grenadines is located in the Caribbean Sea, 1600 miles southeast of Miami. Situated at 13° 15' N and 60° 56' W, we are between St. Lucia to the north and Grenada to the south and 100 miles west of Barbados.
Weather in The Grenadines
The daytime temperatures for December-April are usually in the 70s-80s F/20-31 C, and nights are in the 60s F/15-20 C. The remainder of the year is generally about 5 degrees F/2 C hotter, with higher humidity and an increased chance of rain. August and September are the best off-season months. Hurricanes are not a factor since the islands lie to the south of the hurricane zone.
Advice for travellers to The Grenadines
Passports & immigration
We strongly recommend that all members of your party travel with a passport with a validity date of at least six months past the date of your departure from the island. A valid passport is currently required for travellers going to Palm Island via Barbados. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport please go to: www.ips.gov.uk/passport/index.asp. In current times, passports are the most expeditious and reliable form of identification when travelling domestically or internationally.
Airlines
- American Eagle operates a scheduled service between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Canouan.
- Air Caraibes, Caribbean Star and LIAT provide scheduled services from other Caribbean islands to St Vincent & the Grenadines.
- Mustique Airways, SVG Grenada Air and TIA are available for charter.
- BWIA West Indies Airways also provide service.
Departure tax
There is a departure tax of EC$40—US$16.
Immigration
All visitors must have valid passports. All visitors must also have a return or ongoing ticket. Visas are not required.
Banking
The following banks operate in St. Vincent & The Grenadines:
- Bank of Nova Scotia
- Barclays Bank PLC
- First Caribbean International Bank Ltd.
- Caribbean Banking Corporation Ltd
- National Commercial Bank of St. Vincent
Clothing
Light informal clothing is appropriate. Visitors should not wear swimsuits or mini shorts in the streets or stores. Bring long pants and hiking shoes if you intend to hike.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are generally accepted by resorts and car rental companies.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is linked to the US Dollar. One US Dollar is worth about EC$2.70.
Customs regulations
Small quantities of alcohol and tobacco are duty free, as are personal effects and tools of profession, trade or employment. Other items are dutiable or restricted.
Driving
Visitors need a local driver’s permit, (available for a fee of EC$75 — about US$28) at the Police Station on Bay Street or the Licensing Authority on Halifax Street. You must have your own driver’s permit. Please remember to drive on the left side of the road.
Electricity
Voltage is 110 volts, 50 Cycles. Most hotels have dual voltage shaver outlets.
Language
English is the official language.
Marriage licenses
Non-nationals wishing to be married here must be resident for at least 1 day before a marriage ceremony can take place. A special license is required from the Ministry of Justice or from the Registrar.
Telecommunications
The Grenadines have a modern, fully digital telephone system. The international area code is 784.
Time zone
The Grenadines are in the Atlantic Standard Time zone —four hours behind GMT.
Water
The tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water is available at an additional cost.
