Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Key facts

• Region: The Caribbean
• Capital: Kingstown
• Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
• Languages: English and Vincentian Creole
• Main airport: SVD — Argyle International Airport, about 20 km from Kingstown
• Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season; the Grenadines are at their best from January to May

Overview

A main volcanic island, Saint Vincent, with a chain of small islands and cays stretching south toward Grenada. The Grenadines include Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island, known for sailing and clear water. Saint Vincent itself is greener and less developed for tourism than the cays.

Airports

Argyle International Airport (SVD) on the east coast of Saint Vincent, opened in 2017, handles international flights and serves Kingstown. J.F. Mitchell Airport (BQU) serves Bequia, Canouan Airport (CIW) serves Canouan, and Union Island Airport (UNI) serves Union Island; all take small aircraft. Mustique Airport (MQS) serves the private island of Mustique. Inter-island travel is also by ferry and water taxi.

Main cities

Kingstown is the capital, on the southwest coast of Saint Vincent, and the main commercial centre. Georgetown and Barrouallie are smaller towns on the Leeward and Windward coasts. Port Elizabeth is the main town on Bequia, and Clifton is the main settlement on Union Island.

Places to go

The Tobago Cays Marine Park is a group of small, mostly uninhabited cays and reefs, reachable by boat from Union Island and Mayreau. On Bequia, Princess Margaret Beach and Friendship Bay are the main beaches, and the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary is nearby. Mustique is a private island with villas and small beaches. On Saint Vincent, the Falls of Baleine are reached by boat, Dark View Falls is on the Leeward coast, and La Soufrière is an active volcano in the north. The Botanic Gardens in Kingstown date from 1765, and Fort Charlotte overlooks the capital.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked