Things to Do in Palm Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Palm Island is an exclusive private island resort in the Grenadines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, spanning just 135 acres of pristine Caribbean paradise. This intimate luxury destination offers guests unparalleled privacy and natural beauty, with five stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation. The island was transformed from a barren outcrop called Prune Island into a tropical oasis through decades of careful cultivation and development. As one of the most secluded and upscale destinations in the Caribbean, Palm Island caters to discerning travelers seeking an authentic Robinson Crusoe experience with five-star amenities. The island's commitment to sustainability and conservation, combined with its limited accommodation capacity, ensures an exclusive and environmentally conscious retreat where guests can disconnect from the world while enjoying world-class hospitality, water sports, and the unspoiled beauty of the Grenadines archipelago.

Top Things to Do in Palm Island

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

Explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life surrounding Palm Island in some of the Caribbean's clearest waters. The island's house reef offers excellent snorkeling directly from the beach, while nearby dive sites feature colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and occasional encounters with sea turtles and rays.

Booking Tip: Equipment is typically provided by the resort, but book diving excursions 24-48 hours in advance. Best visibility occurs in the morning hours before 11 AM. Certified divers should bring their certification cards.

Island Hopping Excursions

Take day trips to nearby Grenadine islands including Union Island, Mayreau, and the famous Tobago Cays Marine Park. These excursions offer opportunities to explore different island cultures, pristine beaches, and some of the Caribbean's most protected marine environments.

Booking Tip: Book through the resort's concierge for the best local operators, typically costing $150-300 per person. Trips run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, weather permitting. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and cash for local purchases.

Sailing and Catamaran Charters

Experience the trade winds aboard traditional Caribbean sailing vessels or modern catamarans exploring the Grenadines chain. These sailing adventures combine the romance of Caribbean seafaring with stops at secluded beaches and snorkeling spots accessible only by boat.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters start around $200 per person, full-day trips $300-400. Book sunset sails 2-3 days ahead during peak season. Private charters available for $1,200-2,000 per day depending on vessel size.

Spa and Wellness Treatments

Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments using natural Caribbean ingredients in open-air pavilions overlooking the ocean. The island's spa philosophy emphasizes relaxation and connection with nature, offering everything from traditional massages to specialized treatments using local botanicals.

Booking Tip: Reserve spa appointments upon arrival as slots fill quickly, especially for sunset treatments. Couples massages in beachside cabanas should be booked 48 hours in advance. Treatments range from $150-400.

Sunset Beach Dining and Cocktails

Experience romantic beachfront dining with your toes in the sand as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. The island's restaurants offer fresh seafood, Caribbean specialties, and international cuisine, complemented by tropical cocktails and an extensive wine selection.

Booking Tip: Reserve dinner tables at sunset time well in advance, especially for beachfront seating. The resort offers special romantic dining setups on the beach for $100-200 per couple. Happy hour runs 5-7 PM daily.

Getting There

Reaching Palm Island requires multiple transportation modes, beginning with flights to either Barbados (BGI) or Saint Vincent (SVD). From Barbados, take a 45-minute charter flight to Union Island Airport, followed by a 10-minute boat transfer to Palm Island. Alternatively, fly to Saint Vincent's E.T. Joshua Airport, then take a 30-minute charter flight to Union Island. The resort can arrange all transfers, including the final boat journey to the island. Private jet charters can land directly at Union Island Airport for the most seamless arrival experience.

Getting Around

Transportation on Palm Island is delightfully simple - the island is small enough to walk anywhere in under 15 minutes, with well-maintained paths connecting all facilities and beaches. Golf carts are available for guests who prefer not to walk, and bicycles can be borrowed from the resort. The island's compact size means most guests enjoy strolling along the beach or taking scenic walks through the tropical gardens. For excursions to other islands, the resort arranges boat transfers and can coordinate helicopter transfers for special occasions.

Where to Stay

Beachfront Palm Suites

Island Loft Accommodations

Plantation House Rooms

Casuarina Beach Cottages

Point Cottage Suites

Resort Villa Rentals

Food & Dining

Palm Island offers several dining venues showcasing fresh Caribbean cuisine and international dishes. The Sunset Restaurant provides elegant beachfront dining with emphasis on locally caught seafood and organic produce from the island's gardens. The Beach Bar & Grill offers casual lunch fare and tropical cocktails with stunning ocean views. Room service is available for private dining experiences, and the resort can arrange special beach picnics or romantic dinners under the stars. The culinary team emphasizes farm-to-table dining using herbs and vegetables grown on the island, complemented by the freshest seafood from local fishermen.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Palm Island is during the dry season from December through April, when rainfall is minimal and trade winds provide comfortable temperatures averaging 80-85°F. This period offers the most reliable weather for water activities and outdoor dining, though it's also peak season with higher rates and advance booking requirements. The shoulder seasons of May-June and November can offer excellent value with good weather and fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs June through November, with September and October being the wettest months, though the southern Grenadines location means Palm Island is less affected by major storms than northern Caribbean destinations.

Insider Tips

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and light, breathable clothing as the island has limited shopping options and emphasizes environmental protection

Bring cash in small bills for tips and purchases on island-hopping excursions, as ATMs are not available on Palm Island

Book the Tobago Cays excursion early in your stay - it's weather dependent and one of the most spectacular experiences in the Caribbean

Things to Do in Palm Island