Things to Do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

About Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the kind of place that actually lives up to those 'undiscovered Caribbean' promises you see everywhere. The main island, Saint Vincent, rises dramatically from the sea with La Soufrière volcano at its heart, surrounded by rainforests and black sand beaches that feel genuinely wild. Then you've got the Grenadines—a string of 32 islands and cays stretching south, where the sailing is world-class and the beaches look like someone's screensaver come to life. Bequia has that laid-back charm with skilled boat builders still working by hand. Mustique attracts the occasional royal or rock star, though it's surprisingly low-key. The Tobago Cays are what people picture when they dream of deserted islands—turquoise water, sea turtles, and not much else. What makes this place special is that it hasn't been overdeveloped. You won't find mega-resorts or cruise ship crowds on most islands. It's more about small guesthouses, locally-owned restaurants, and the sense that you've found something before everyone else does.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Island-hopping requires planning—ferries like Bequia Express and Jaden Sun connect major islands, but schedules change seasonally and can be weather-dependent. SVG Air offers quick hops between islands with small planes. On Saint Vincent itself, minibuses are cheap and frequent along main routes, though they're not always clearly marked. Renting a car gives you freedom to explore remote beaches, but roads can be narrow and winding, especially in the mountains.

Money: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the official currency, pegged at roughly EC$2.70 to US$1. US dollars are widely accepted, but you'll often get change in EC$ at that standard rate. ATMs are common on Saint Vincent and Bequia but scarce on smaller islands—bring enough cash before heading to places like Canouan or Mayreau. Credit cards work at hotels and upscale restaurants, less so at local spots.

Cultural Respect: Vincentians tend to be warm but appreciate proper greetings—say 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' before launching into questions or requests. Beachwear stays at the beach; cover up when walking through towns or visiting shops. Photography etiquette matters here—always ask before photographing people, especially at markets or in villages. Sundays are church days, and things genuinely slow down across the islands.

Food Safety: Street food and local restaurants are generally safe—follow the crowds to busy spots with high turnover. Try breadfruit (it's a staple here), roasted jackfish, and callaloo soup at casual eateries. Tap water is treated and safe on Saint Vincent, though some visitors stick to bottled water. On smaller islands, rainwater collection is common, so bottled might be your better bet. Seafood is obviously fresh—you'll often see fishermen bringing in the day's catch.

When to Visit

The dry season from December through May is peak time, with temperatures hovering around 77-82°F and minimal rainfall (maybe 2-3 inches monthly). February through April is particularly lovely—sunny, breezy, and perfect for sailing. That said, expect hotel prices to jump 30-40% during this period, especially around Christmas and Easter. The Bequia Easter Regatta in April draws serious sailors from across the Caribbean. June through November is hurricane season, and while direct hits are relatively rare, the weather can be unpredictable with heavier rainfall (8-10 inches monthly) and occasional storms. Temperatures stay warm, around 80-84°F, but humidity climbs noticeably. The upside? You'll find accommodation prices dropping 25-35%, fewer tourists, and the islands feel even more yours. Vincy Mas, the national carnival in late June/early July, is worth timing your visit around if you want to experience the music and street parties. September and October are the wettest months and probably worth avoiding unless you're getting serious bargains. For budget travelers who don't mind afternoon showers, May and November offer that sweet spot—decent weather with shoulder-season pricing.