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

Union Island sits at the southern tip of the Grenadines chain—a compact volcanic island that punches well above its weight. Locals call it the 'Tahiti of the West Indies' for its dramatic mountainous silhouette, and this 3-square-mile island is the unofficial capital of the southern Grenadines. Main draw here? It's your jumping-off point for the Tobago Cays. You'll find colorful fishing boats pulled up on beaches, locals playing dominoes under almond trees, and a pace that genuinely slows you down. It doesn't have the manicured perfection of some Caribbean destinations, but Union Island offers something increasingly rare. Total authenticity. Traditional island life mixed with just enough tourist infrastructure to keep you comfortable—for now.

Top Things to Do in Union Island

Tobago Cays Marine Park Excursion

Five uninhabited cays surrounded by horseshoe reefs represent the crown jewel of Caribbean sailing destinations. The protected waters offer some of the region's best snorkeling, with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish in crystal-clear water. Water that blue exists. Most tours include swimming with turtles and a beach barbecue on one of the pristine sandy cays—both worth the trip.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $80-120 per person and fill up quickly during peak season. Book directly with local operators like JT Pro Tours or SVG Air for better prices than resort bookings. Morning departures offer calmer seas and better snorkeling visibility.

Mount Taboi Hiking

The island's highest peak at 999 feet offers surprisingly rewarding views for the relatively short climb. The trail winds through tropical forest and past old stone walls from colonial-era plantations before opening to panoramic vistas. Clear days reveal everything. You can see all the way to Grenada in the south and St. Vincent in the north.

Booking Tip: The hike takes about 2-3 hours round trip and costs around $40 with a local guide, which is recommended as trails aren't well-marked. Start early to avoid midday heat, and bring plenty of water. Contact the Union Island Tourism Office for reliable guide recommendations.

Kitesurfing at Richmond Bay

Union Island has quietly become one of the Caribbean's premier kitesurfing destinations thanks to consistent trade winds. Richmond Bay offers ideal conditions with steady 15-25 knot winds from December through May, while protected waters mean you won't get blown out to sea. Major safety advantage. The local kite scene is surprisingly well-developed for such a small island.

Booking Tip: Full-day equipment rental runs about $80-100, while beginner lessons cost $120-150 for a 3-hour session. JT Pro Kite Center is the main operator and offers IKO-certified instruction. Book lessons in advance during peak season (December-April).

Mayreau Island Day Trip

This tiny island with just 300 residents has a perfect half-day escape from Union Island's relative bustle. Saltwhistle Bay consistently ranks among the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, with powdery white sand and calm turquoise water backed by coconut palms. Total great destination vibes. The island's single village sits atop a hill and can be explored in about 30 minutes on foot.

Booking Tip: Water taxis cost about $25-35 per person round trip and take 20 minutes each way. Alternatively, many Tobago Cays tours include a Mayreau stop. Bring cash for drinks at Dennis' Hideaway, the famous beachside bar, and pack snorkeling gear as rental isn't always available.

Clifton Harbor Exploration

The island's main town and harbor area buzzes with authentic Caribbean life from fishermen mending nets to water taxis loading passengers. The colorful buildings climbing the hillside create a photogenic backdrop, while the harbor is the region's informal yacht charter capital. Mix of local shops. You'll find small restaurants and services catering to the sailing crowd.

Booking Tip: Walking around town is free and best done in the morning when it's cooler and more active. Stop by Captain Gourmet Market for supplies or local crafts, and don't miss the fish market near the harbor for the day's catch. Most shops close for lunch from noon to 2 PM.

Getting There

Union Island Airport (UNI) receives daily flights from Barbados via SVG Air. The 45-minute flight costs around $200-250 each way, and you can also fly into St. Vincent's main airport for connecting flights or ferry service. This adds significant travel time. Many visitors arrive by yacht or charter boat, as Union Island is a major provisioning stop for boats exploring the Grenadines, and the ferry MV Barracuda connects to St. Vincent twice weekly. Schedules can't be trusted. The 3-hour journey isn't for those prone to seasickness either.

Getting Around

Union Island is small enough that you can walk end-to-end in about 45 minutes. The hilly terrain might leave you winded, taxis are available but limited, and you'll pay $10-15 for rides around the island. Always agree on fare beforehand. Many visitors rent scooters or small motorcycles for about $30-40 per day—quite practical given the island's size and decent road conditions. Water taxis are the main way to reach neighboring islands, with regular service to Mayreau, Canouan, and Tobago Cays. All depart from Clifton Harbor.

Where to Stay

Clifton Harbor area

Richmond Bay beachfront

Ashton village

Chatham Bay vicinity

Mount Pleasant hillside

Bloody Bay coastline

Food & Dining

Union Island's dining scene reflects its role as a provisioning stop for yachts. You'll find surprising variety for such a small place, with Lambi's Restaurant serving excellent local dishes like callaloo soup and grilled lobster. Sparrow's Beach Club offers more international fare. Captain Gourmet Market doubles as a deli with good sandwiches and imported goods—popular with the sailing crowd, and small restaurants in Ashton village serve the day's catch with local spices. Most places are casual and cash-only. Dinner mains typically run $15-25.

When to Visit

The dry season from December through May offers the most reliable weather and steady trade winds. This makes the heat bearable and creates ideal conditions for sailing and kitesurfing, but expect higher prices during peak season. Book accommodations well in advance. The shoulder months of June and November offer good value with decent weather, though you'll face higher chances of rain. Hurricane season runs July through October, and while direct hits are relatively rare, weather can be unpredictable. Rough seas cancel boat trips to Tobago Cays—which defeats the main reason people visit Union Island.

Insider Tips

The island runs on 'island time'—boats and tours often leave 15-30 minutes late, so don't stress about being exactly punctual

Bring cash in small bills as many places can't break large denominations, and the ATM at the airport doesn't always work

Pack reef-safe sunscreen as the local marine environment is protected, and the sun intensity this close to the equator will surprise you even on cloudy days

Things to Do in Union Island

Top Things to Do in Union Island

Tobago Cays Marine Park Excursion

Mount Taboi Hiking

Kitesurfing at Richmond Bay

Mayreau Island Day Trip

Clifton Harbor Exploration

Getting There

Getting Around

Where to Stay

Food & Dining

When to Visit

Insider Tips

Explore Activities in Union Island

Continue Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

Getting Around

Where to Stay

Budget Guide

Plan Your Perfect Trip