St Vincent and The Grenadines Holidays
Overview
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St Vincent & The Grenadines has some of the most unspoilt and secluded beaches you will find anywhere. There are over 30 islets, like jewels in the ocean or stepping stones to paradise, which consist of Bequia, Canouan, Mustique and others slightly less well known. If you want to explore more of the Caribbean and have visited Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia, it's time to tread to a new path and discover the delights of St Vincent with tropical sunshine, crystal clear waters and far fewer crowds.
St Vincent and The Grenadines Highlights
Beaches: St Vincent and the Grenadines boasts a plethora of unspoilt, un-crowded beautiful beaches. Boasting both powder white sand and volcanic alluring black sand beaches, all are a sight to behold, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the warmth of the Caribbean sun. For ultimate privacy and indulgence take a water taxi or ferry to the nearby Young Island, a haven of white sands, tropical gardens and crystal blue seas.
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling: Shallow reef diving, wall diving, drift diving and cave diving are just some of the experiences on offer in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Sites such as Anchor reef have been voted one of the top 100 sites in the world making this a perfect destination for enthusiasts and beginners alike. With bountiful under water life the islands are also known as the "Critter capital of the Caribbean" making also for a perfect snorkelling destination.
Yachting and Charters: With 32 islands awaiting exploration it is no surprise a yachting trip is a must do. Whether you decide to charter your own private yacht with crew or hop aboard a shared excursion, be sure to take the time to discover the different islands and what they have to offer. Most yachting trips come complete with lunch and drinks making for a perfect full day out and about.
Turtle Watching: Tobago Keys in St Vincent and the Grenadines is permanent home to green turtles, you will regularly see them surfacing for air along the clear shallow waters of these idyllic islands. Whether you just want to admire these creatures from the comfort of your boat with a refreshing drink in hand, or take the opportunity to snorkel or swim alongside them, this is certainly a worthwhile excursion for all.
Hiking: With picturesque rivers and waterfalls such as Dark view falls and Trinity falls as well as adventurous forest rambles such as the Vermont nature trail, its no wonder St Vincent and the Grenadines is a popular destination for the outdoor pursuit. For the daring, it is impossible to visit St Vincent without taking a hike to the summit of La Soufriere Volcano, providing you with breathtaking views once you have reached the peak.
St Vincent and The Grenadines Factfile
When to go
Temperature Range: 24°C - 31°C
Most popular: December - May
Best value: June, September, October and November
Best weather: December - May
Travel Information
Direct flights: There are no direct flights to St Vincent and the Grenadines
Indirect flights: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic to Barbados, then a connecting Liat flight to St Vincent
Visa information: None for British citizens
Health information: Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid are recommended
Time Difference: GMT -4 hours
When To Go
Best Value
To avoid the highest prices of December to May, stick to before and after the high season. The weather will still be great, you may experience slightly more rainfall but you could get that same stunning scenery for a bargain price.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines is during the slightly cooler, drier months of December to May. This coincides with the islands peak tourist months meaning the islands are slightly busier with more of a buzz of life however unlike other Caribbean islands they are rarely over crowded.
Most Popular
The most popular time to visit the islands is from December to May, when temperatures are slightly cooler and more comfortable. The islands historically receive the least amount of rainfall during these months meaning there is also less humidity. Visitors to the islands during these months are generally seeking some winter sun to escape the cooler climates back home.
Hottest
The hottest months in St Vincent and the Grenadines are June to September when average temperatures are around 30°C however trade winds usually provide a comforting relief. These months also coincide with the rainy season meaning you will experience short sharp showers which will also increase the humidity on the islands.
Climate
Like other Caribbean islands St Vincent and the Grenadines boasts a warm tropical climate year round. Constant trade winds generally help to ease the heat of the constant sunshine with average temperatures ranging from 26 to 28°C. The rainy season is from May to November and hurricane season is generally from June to October however storms generally pass north of the Grenadines meaning a direct hit is rare.
St Vincent and The Grenadines Travel Information
Etiquette and Customs
The import or wearing of camouflage clothing is illegal in St Vincent and the Grenadines as it is reserved for the military.
Public nudity is illegal in St Vincent and the Grenadines and topless sunbathing is heavily discouraged.
Driving in St Vincent and the Grenadines is on the left and tourists are required to purchase a temporary licence for EC$65, but you must also have you UK licence with you.
Beachwear should be kept for the beach, it is not suitable for restaurants or public areas such as towns and bars.
Homosexuality is illegal in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or having valuables on show as this may attract unwanted attention.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is added onto most restaurant bills meaning there is no need to tip further although you can if you wish for good service. Most all inclusive resorts will have a no tipping policy so be sure to ask before you do.
Flight information
There are two main carriers offering flights to Barbados from the UK where you can then get a connecting flight to St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Direct Carriers: There are no direct flights to St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Indirect Carriers: British Airways and Virgin offer direct flights from London Gatwick to Barbados, where you will then have a connecting Liat flight to St Vincent and the Grenadines. British Airways also fly from most other regional airports such as Manchester and Glasgow with a connection via London Gatwick before flying on to Barbados.
Fastest Flight Time: 8 hrs 45 mins to Barbados or St Lucia and then a 40 min flight to St Vincent.
Visa information
British Citizens are not required to have a visa to enter St Vincent and the Grenadines for stays of up to one month but your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return. There is a departure tax of EC$40 to be paid locally on return from the islands.
