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

Union Island is a pristine Caribbean gem in the southern Grenadines, known as the 'Tahiti of the West Indies' for its dramatic volcanic peaks and turquoise waters. This small but spectacular island spans just 3 square miles and offers an authentic Caribbean experience away from mass tourism, with excellent sailing conditions, vibrant coral reefs, and the towering Mount Taboi providing a stunning backdrop to white sand beaches. The island serves as a gateway to the exclusive Tobago Cays Marine Park and attracts sailing enthusiasts from around the world who use Clifton Harbour as a base for exploring the southern Grenadines. Union Island's laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and unspoiled natural beauty make it perfect for travelers seeking genuine Caribbean charm, world-class diving and snorkeling, and access to some of the most beautiful uninhabited islands in the Caribbean.

Top Things to Do in Union Island

Explore Tobago Cays Marine Park

Take a day trip to this protected marine sanctuary consisting of five uninhabited islands surrounded by pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. The park offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities with sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish, plus the chance to swim with nurse sharks in the shallow lagoons.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $80-120 per person including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book with established operators like JT Pro Tours or Union Island Tours, and choose trips that include multiple cays and turtle watching. Best conditions are morning departures with calm seas.

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

Discover Union Island's underwater world with some of the Caribbean's best reef diving and snorkeling sites. Popular spots include the Pinnacles, World of Dreams, and the shallow reefs around Palm Island, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet and marine life is abundant.

Booking Tip: Certified dives cost $50-70 per dive, snorkeling trips $35-50 per person. Grenadines Dive and JT Pro offer quality equipment and experienced guides. Book morning trips for best visibility and calmer conditions, especially December through April.

Sailing and Island Hopping

Charter a sailboat or join a sailing tour to explore the nearby islands of Mayreau, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent. Union Island's Clifton Harbour is perfectly positioned for day sailing adventures through the pristine waters of the southern Grenadines with excellent trade winds.

Booking Tip: Day sailing charters range from $100-200 per person for shared trips, $800-1500 for private full-day charters. Book with Yannis Tours or local sailing operators at Clifton Harbour. Peak season requires advance booking, especially for multi-day trips.

Hiking Mount Taboi

Trek to the summit of Union Island's highest peak at 999 feet for panoramic views over the Grenadines chain. The moderately challenging trail takes about 90 minutes each way through tropical vegetation and offers spectacular photo opportunities of the surrounding islands and coral reefs.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost $40-60 per person and include transportation to the trailhead. Local guides like those from Union Island Tours provide valuable insights about flora and fauna. Start early morning to avoid heat and bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Take advantage of Union Island's consistent trade winds and shallow lagoons for world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing. The island's position in the Windward Islands creates ideal conditions year-round, with the lagoon area near Clifton providing perfect learning conditions for beginners.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs $60-80 per day, lessons $80-120 per session. Contact local operators like Union Island Water Sports for quality gear and instruction. Best winds are typically December through June, with morning and late afternoon offering optimal conditions.

Getting There

Union Island is accessible by air via Union Island Airport (UNI), which receives daily flights from Barbados (45 minutes) and Saint Vincent (20 minutes) operated by SVG Air and Mustique Airways. Ferry service connects Union Island to Saint Vincent and other Grenadine islands through the Mail Boat service, though schedules can be irregular. Many visitors arrive by private yacht or chartered boat, with Clifton Harbour offering excellent marina facilities and customs clearance for international arrivals.

Getting Around

Union Island is small enough to explore on foot, but local taxis and rental cars are available for convenience. Taxi rates are fixed by the government with trips around the island costing $15-25 EC. Water taxis provide transport to nearby islands and are readily available at Clifton Harbour, with rates typically $20-40 EC per person depending on destination. Many accommodations offer bicycle rentals for exploring the island's quiet roads and scenic coastal areas.

Where to Stay

Clifton area near the harbour and airport

Ashton village for local atmosphere

Richmond Bay for secluded beaches

Chatham Bay for pristine nature

Big Sand Beach area

Mount Taboi foothills for hillside views

Food & Dining

Union Island's dining scene focuses on fresh seafood and traditional Caribbean cuisine served in casual, friendly establishments. Popular spots include Lambi's Restaurant for lobster and conch dishes, Clifton Beach Hotel's restaurant for international cuisine with harbor views, and local beach bars serving grilled fish, curry dishes, and rum punches. Many restaurants source fish directly from local fishermen, and several offer beachfront dining with your feet in the sand. Don't miss trying the local specialty of lambi (conch) prepared various ways, and the island's famous rum punches made with locally distilled spirits.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Union Island is December through April during the dry season when rainfall is minimal, trade winds provide natural cooling, and seas are calmest for sailing and water activities. This peak season offers the most reliable weather but comes with higher prices and the need for advance bookings. May through November brings more rainfall and humidity but also fewer crowds, better rates, and still excellent sailing conditions, though this period includes hurricane season from June through November when weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in Eastern Caribbean dollars as credit cards are not widely accepted and there are no ATMs on the island - exchange money in Saint Vincent or Barbados before arriving

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent as these items are expensive and limited on the island, and the strong Caribbean sun requires constant protection

Time your visit around the Easter Regatta in April for exciting sailing competitions and cultural festivities, but book accommodations well in advance as the island fills up during this popular event

Things to Do in Union Island