14 Days Through Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Volcanic Peaks to Salt-Washed Cays
Trip Overview
Two weeks develop from the emerald folds of mainland Saint Vincent—La Soufrière steaming above banana terraces—then island-hop south through the Grenadines aboard local ferries and chartered sloops. Days balance rainforest hikes, reef snorkeling, and lazy hammock hours on empty crescents of sand in Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, and the Tobago Cays. Travelers move at a moderate pace, sleeping first in Kingstown’s hillside guesthouses, later in beachside cottages reached only by boat.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$180-230 per day
Best Seasons
December to May for dry weather and steady easterly winds
Ideal For
Island-hoppers, Sailing enthusiasts, Nature lovers, Couples, Scuba/snorkel fans
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Kingstown First Light
Kingstown, Saint Vincent
Touch down, inhale nutmeg-laced air, and let island time take hold in the capital’s stone streets.
Morning
Fort Charlotte sunrise walk
Climb the 19th-century battlements while the sky blushes pink over Admiralty Bay. Cannon mouths still point toward imagined French fleets; below, red-roofed tin houses glint like scales.
Lunch
Danny’s Sugar Loaf Café
Afternoon
Kingstown Market for provisions
Sift through pyramids of breadfruit, golden apples, and tiny fiery peppers. The air smells of freshly grated nutmeg and diesel from idling minibuses. Stock up on salt-fish cutters for later ferry rides.
Evening
Sunset rum flight at Cobblestone Inn’s rooftop
Try the sunset flight of five local rums with views over the harbor
Catch the #2 minibus for $1 EC if the hill to Fort Charlotte feels steep.
Day 1 Budget: $120
2
La Soufrière Crater Rim
Saint Vincent
Trek through cloud forest to the steaming crater of the island’s active volcano.
Morning
Guided climb to La Soufrière
Start at Richmond Gap; guides slice fresh coconut to keep you hydrated. The trail narrows between giant ferns until sulfur stings your nostrils and the crater’s gray maw appears, hissing beside a neon-green lake.
Arrange guide night before; park permits sold at trailhead
Lunch
Bamboo Restaurant at Richmond Beach
Afternoon
Dark View Falls twin cascades
Swing on a vine into the first pool; the second fall hides in a cave behind the curtain of water. Sunlight shafts through mist like liquid gold.
Evening
Return to Kingstown; grilled lobster at Flow Wine Bar
Live string band plays old calypso on Thursdays
Where to Stay Tonight
Kingstown (Cobblestone Inn)
Short walk to ferry docks for tomorrow’s departure
Bring dry bags; cloud forest drizzle can soak everything in minutes.
Day 2 Budget: $150
3
Bequia Crossing
One-hour ferry ride south to the Grenadines’ most bohemian island.
Morning
Kingstown ferry to Port Elizabeth
Stand on the bow spray; flying fish skip across sapphire water. Frigate birds wheel overhead as Admiralty Bay widens into open sea.
Buy ticket a day early from the ferry terminal; boats fill fast on weekends
Lunch
Mac’s Pizzeria on the Belmont Walkway
Afternoon
Moonhole architectural walk
Follow a dirt track to the surreal open-air homes carved into volcanic rock arches. Salt wind whistles through empty doorways; the sea crashes far below.
Hire a taxi driver at Port Elizabeth for the round trip
Evening
Sunset at Keegan’s Beachside with rum punch
Order the passion-fruit version and watch the sun slip behind sailboat masts
Where to Stay Tonight
Admiralty Bay (Spring House Hotel)
Short stone path to beach bars and ferry dock
Bring cash; many small vendors still do not take cards.
Day 3 Budget: $160
4
Bequia Whales & Watercolors
Boat out to look for humpbacks, then wander pastel-painted lanes of Port Elizabeth.
Morning
Whale-watch or snorkel at Devil’s Table reef
Climb aboard a traditional double-ended sloop. Diesel exhaust mixes with brine as the boat cuts toward deep water. In season, humpback tails slap the surface; year-round you drift over brain coral and purple sea fans.
Book at the dock at 7:30 a.m.; boats leave when six passengers are ready
Lunch
Fig Tree on the Belmont Walkway
Afternoon
Port Elizabeth craft galleries and shipwrights
Watch men shape whale-bone scrimshaw in open workshops. The smell of fresh cedar curls mixes with coconut oil. Pick up tiny model sloops for souvenirs.
Evening
Dinner at Firefly Plantation
Candlelit tables under breadfruit trees; try the nutmeg ice cream
Sundays are quiet; some shops close—plan galleries for Saturday afternoon.
Day 4 Budget: $180
5
Mustique Hideaway
Ferry to the ultra-private island, then snorkel with turtles and sip cocktails beside rock stars.
Morning
Steel drums greet you at Britannia Bay. Pastel villas peek through hibiscus hedges; security guards wave golf carts past bougainvillea gates.
Ferry ticket includes same-day return; keep your receipt
Lunch
Basil’s Bar on stilts over the water
Afternoon
Snorkel at Lagoon Bay
Wade from powder-white sand into warm turquoise. Green turtles graze on seagrass; trumpet fish flicker like silver arrows. The only sound is distant laughter from a hidden villa pool.
Rent gear at Basil’s before heading to the beach
Evening
Return ferry to Bequia; late-night roti at De Reef
The goat roti is fiery and perfect after sunset sailing
Where to Stay Tonight
Admiralty Bay (Spring House Hotel)
No budget lodging on Mustique; day trip keeps costs sane
Bring passport; Mustique has its own entry stamp.
Day 5 Budget: $200
6
Canouan Kites & Reefs
Southward glide to Canouan’s long reef and crescent beaches.
Morning
Ocean swell rocks the catamaran; flying fish scatter like skipping stones. The silhouette of Petit Nevis slides past to starboard.
Seat on the shaded side sells out—arrive 30 min early
Lunch
Mango Tree at Tamarind Beach
Afternoon
Wind-surf lesson at Glossy Bay
Trade winds whistle through aluminum masts. Salt spray stings cheeks as you plane across turquoise shallows beside a half-sunken tugboat.
Book through the school on the beach; gear included
Evening
Sunset drinks at Godahl Beach Bar
Try the soursop mojito while pelicans dive for bait
Where to Stay Tonight
Tamarind Beach (Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club)
Steps from the beach and the island’s best reef drop-off
Download offline maps; cell service is patchy around Mt. Royal.
Day 6 Budget: $190
7
Tobago Cays Castaway
Tobago Cays Marine Park
Speedboat day trip into the most dazzling lagoon in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Morning
Boat transfer to the Cays
Leave Canouan at 8 a.m.; the engine thrum fades as five uninhabited cays appear, ringed by neon shallows. The water is so clear stingrays look like shadows on the sand.
Book at Tamarind reception; includes snorkel gear and lunch
Lunch
Beach BBQ on Petit Bateau
Afternoon
Snorkel with sea turtles at Baradal
Slip into warm water beside grazing hawksbills. The reef drops into indigo depths; trumpet fish drift above coral heads like yellow banners.
Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory in the park.
Day 7 Budget: $170
8
Mayreau Church & Salt Whispers
Mayreau
Tiny island, steep lanes, and one coral-rubble church with a view.
Morning
Ferry to Mayreau
Speedboat from Canouan skims over shallows the color of liquid jade. Salt crusts your lips before you’ve even left the dock.
Hop-on ferry runs twice daily; time your exit
Lunch
Last Bar Before the Jungle
Afternoon
Climb to Mayreau Catholic Church
The coral-stone path is shaded by almond trees. Inside, sunbeams slip through stained glass painting the pews sea-green. From the bell deck the Grenadines scatter like turquoise teardrops.
Evening
Water taxi to Union Island
Catch the last boat at 5 p.m.; watch goats amble home along the cliff
Where to Stay Tonight
Clifton, Union Island (Lamb’s Apartment Suites)
Walk to ferry dock and kite beach
Bring small bills; the church accepts donations for upkeep.
Day 8 Budget: $130
9
Union Island Kites & Creole Nights
Union Island
Trade winds and reggae rhythms on the Grenadines’ southern hub.
Morning
Kitesurf lesson at Frigate Island
Ankle-deep shallows mirror cotton-ball clouds. Instructors shout instructions over thrumming kites; the smell of sea spray mixes with coconut oil sunscreen.
Low tide is easiest for beginners—check lunar calendar
Lunch
Sparrow’s Beach Club
Afternoon
Clifton market and salt pond
Wooden stalls sell nutmeg syrup and hand-woven straw hats. Behind the shops, flamingos stalk the silent salt pond; their pink feathers echo the sunset to come.
Evening
Sunset at Happy Island bar
A man-made reef platform; order the overproof rum punch and watch the sky burn orange
Where to Stay Tonight
Clifton (Lamb’s Apartment Suites)
Five-minute walk to ferry, bars, and kite launch
Take reef booties; the kitesurf launch is coral-rubble sharp.
Day 9 Budget: $160
10
Palm Island Pause
Palm Island
Private-island day with nothing but five beaches and one tiny resort.
Morning
Water taxi to Palm Island
The boat skims past Union’s airport reef; the five beaches of Palm Island curve like ivory commas. No roads, just crushed-coral paths.
Tell the captain your return time; cell service is patchy
Lunch
Palm Island Resort lunch buffet
Afternoon
Snorkel Casuarina Beach
Wade in off the empty beach; parrotfish nip algae from brain coral while the only sound is palm fronds rustling overhead.
Evening
Return to Union Island; jerk chicken at Big Citi Grill
Order extra festival bread to mop up fiery sauce
Where to Stay Tonight
Clifton (Lamb’s Apartment Suites)
Same as yesterday—avoids unnecessary packing
Day-pass visitors can use the resort kayaks for free.
Day 10 Budget: $150
11
Sail North to Petit St. Vincent
Petit St. Vincent
Charter sail back north, anchoring at the southernmost private island.
Morning
Sailboat charter Union to PSV
Hoist sails and heel over steady trade winds. The Grenadines drift astern like green beads on an azure thread; dolphins race the bow wave.
Book at Union dock; negotiate if you join another group
Lunch
Beach picnic on Mopion sandspit
Afternoon
Snorkel PSV reef
Drop anchor off the western reef. A spotted eagle ray glides below like a living cape; yellowtail snappers swarm around your mask.
Evening
Sunset sail toward Canouan anchorage
Watch the mast shadow stretch across the deck as the sun sinks
Bring a dry bag for camera gear; spray is constant.
Day 11 Budget: $180
12
Canouan Golf & Hidden Coves
Sleep in, then swing clubs on a cliff-top course or kayak secret coves.
Morning
Late breakfast at sailboat marina
Fresh papaya drips juice onto the teak deck. The clink of halyards replaces an alarm clock.
Lunch
Grenadines House café
Afternoon
Kayak to Rameau Bay
Paddle past craggy headlands where terns wheel overhead. The bay is a secret half-moon of aquamarine; only goats watch from the bluff.
Rent kayaks at Tamarind Beach dock
Evening
Sunset cocktails at Canouan Resort’s Godahl Beach Bar
Order the passion-fruit mojito and watch the sun melt into the sea
Golf after 3 p.m. for twilight rates and cooler air.
Day 12 Budget: $210
13
Back to Bequia for Last Rums
Wind north again, anchoring in Admiralty Bay for one more night of Caribbean soul.
Morning
The catamaran slices through indigo water; Union’s peak shrinks behind while Bequia’s low hills rise ahead like sleeping turtles.
Book the 9 a.m. express—the later boat gets crowded with market shoppers
Lunch
Jack’s Beach Bar on Princess Margaret Beach
Afternoon
Hamilton Fort and whale-bone artifacts
Climb brick steps to the 18th-century battery; rusty cannons point toward St. Vincent. Inside the tiny museum, yellowed photographs show Bequia’s whaling days and the smell of old paper lingers.
Evening
Live reggae at De Reef bar
Order the house rum with fresh nutmeg; dance barefoot in the sand
Where to Stay Tonight
Lower Bay (Bequia Beach Hotel)
Easy beach access and airport ferry connection tomorrow
Ask for a room facing the garden—quieter than the bar side.
Day 13 Budget: $170
14
Sunrise & Departure
Bequia → Saint Vincent → International flight
Last swim and ferry back to the big island for outbound flights.
Morning
Dawn swim at Lower Bay
The sea is glassy; your footprints are the first on the sand. Salt sticks to your lips one last time as the sun lifts over the eastern ridge.
Lunch
Ferry snack bar
Afternoon
The boat noses past Fort Hamilton and into the open channel. The Grenadines shrink astern like emeralds scattered on blue velvet.
Allow 2.5 hours between ferry arrival and international check-in
Evening
Departure
Duty-free rum at the airport before boarding
Book the 2 p.m. ferry for flights after 5 p.m.; earlier boats can be delayed.
Day 14 Budget: $60
Practical Information
Getting Around
Island-hop by government ferries (Bequia, Canouan, Union) and chartered water taxis (Palm, Mayreau, Tobago Cays). On mainland Saint Vincent use shared minibuses ($1 EC) or negotiate taxi fares before setting off. Catamaran day sails connect dots when schedules align.
Book Ahead
Ferry tickets Bequia-Canouan-Union over Christmas/New Year and Easter weeks. Sailing charters fill early in regatta season (late January). Beachfront cottages on Bequia and Union should be secured two months ahead.
Packing Essentials
Pack reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50, a quick-dry towel, dry bag, light rain jacket for the cloud forest, reef booties, snorkel mask, and your passport for Mustique and Palm Island day passes.
Total Budget
$2,300-3,200 for two weeks excluding international flights
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Book Kingstown guesthouses, cook lunches from market produce, ride local buses and shared ferry seats, and pitch a tent on Union’s eco-farm. Daily spend settles at $100-130.
Luxury Upgrade
Trade ferries for private helicopter hops, reserve Mustique’s Cotton House, charter a crewed catamaran for every leg, and reserve tables at each island’s top resort. Budget rises to $600-800 per day.
Family-Friendly
Reserve Tamarind Beach Hotel’s family suites, arrange private sailing days for snorkeling breaks, restrict the volcano hike to older kids, and tuck reef-safe crayons into the beach bag for quiet moments.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines