Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

Why go there?

Explore the world-famous Tobago Cays Marine Park, a cluster of uninhabited islets encircled by vibrant coral reefs, offering exceptional snorkeling, diving, and encounters with sea turtles. Discover the charming island of Bequia, known for its friendly atmosphere, beautiful Admiralty Bay, and secluded beaches like Princess Margaret Beach. Visit the exclusive island of Mustique, renowned for its luxury villas and pristine shores. On mainland Saint Vincent, embark on a challenging hike to the summit of the active La Soufrière volcano for panoramic views, or cool off at the stunning Dark View Falls set amidst lush rainforest. The islands also host vibrant events like the Mustique Blues Festival (January), the Bequia Easter Regatta (spring), and the energetic Vincy Mas (Carnival) in late June-early July.

How to get there?

The main international airport is Argyle International Airport (SVD) on mainland Saint Vincent. This is where most charters begin or end from. For direct access to the Grenadines, smaller airports include J.F. Mitchell Airport (BQU) on Bequia, Canouan Airport (CIW) on Canouan, and Union Island Airport (UNI) on Union Island, as well as Mustique Airport (MQS).

Scheduled flights arrive from

• North America (e.g., New York, Toronto) and other Caribbean islands.
• Main airlines serving SVG include Caribbean Airlines, Winair, InterCaribbean Airways, Sunrise Airways, Air Canada, and Fly Salone.

Approaching by yacht:

When chartering a yacht to or from Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Blue Lagoon Marina on Saint Vincent is a key hub. Here are approximate distances and sailing times to Blue Lagoon Marina, assuming a 5-7 knots average sailing speed:

• From Rodney Bay Marina, Saint Lucia to Blue Lagoon Marina, Saint Vincent: Distance: Approximately 40-50 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 6-10 hours.
• From Marina du Marin, Martinique to Blue Lagoon Marina, Saint Vincent: Distance: Approximately 65-80 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 9-16 hours.
• From Port Louis, Grenada to Blue Lagoon Marina, Saint Vincent: Distance: Approximately 90-110 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 13-22 hours.

For a 7-day charter, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines is highly recommended as a single destination, starting in Blue Lagoon Marina on Saint Vincent and focusing south primarily on the Grenadines. Its numerous islands and short sailing distances between them offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore a new anchorage daily.

Sailing through the Grenadines typically involves stopping at multiple islands. Here are the approximate distances and sailing times between typical stopover islands when chartering a yacht between Saint Vincent and Grenada, assuming a 5-7 knots average sailing speed:

• Blue Lagoon Marina (Saint Vincent) to Bequia (Port Elizabeth): Distance: Approximately 8-9 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 1-2 hours.
• Bequia (Port Elizabeth) to Mustique: Distance: Approximately 12-14 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 2-3 hours.
• Mustique to Canouan: Distance: Approximately 15-20 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 2-4 hours.
• Canouan to Mayreau: Distance: Approximately 6-7 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 1-1.5 hours.
• Mayreau to Tobago Cays: Distance: Approximately 3-4 nautical miles / Sailing Time: under an hour.
• Tobago Cays to Clifton Harbour Marina, Union Island: Distance: Approximately 3-7 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 0.5-1.5 hours.

To experience the Grenadines only, a minimum of 7 days is recommended to allow for a relaxed pace and comprehensive exploration. If you plan to sail south fly into Argyle International airport (SVD) on Saint Vincent and out of Union Island Airport (UNI) when heading home or vice versa if you plan to sail north in the other direction.

Heading further south from Union Island to Port Louis, Grenada? Distance: 40-50 nautical miles / Sailing Time: 7-10 hours.

For a comprehensive journey encompassing Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada, a minimum charter duration of 10 to 14 days is recommended to fully enjoy each destination without rushing.

Marina facilities:

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines offers a range of marina and mooring facilities, especially in the Grenadines:

• Blue Lagoon Marina (Saint Vincent): Located on the main island, it's a popular starting point for charters heading south. It offers berths, fuel, water, and general yacht services.
• Port Elizabeth (Bequia): While more of a major anchorage with numerous moorings, Port Elizabeth in Admiralty Bay provides essential services including fuel, water, provisions, and access to customs and immigration. There are some smaller docks available as well.
• Clifton Harbour Marina (Union Island): This is the main marina and port of entry in the Southern Grenadines. It provides berths, fuel, water, and immediate access to customs, immigration, and provisioning stores. It can accommodate typical charter yachts.
• Sandy Lane Yacht Club Marina (Canouan): A modern, upscale marina in Canouan, offering full services for larger yachts, including fuel, water, electricity, and high-end amenities. Most marinas and main anchorages offer essential services like fuel, water, ice, and basic repairs, accommodating a wide range of vessel sizes typical for charter yachts.

What food to expect?

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines offers a vibrant culinary journey rooted in fresh, local ingredients and a blend of West African, Creole, and French influences. The national dish is Roasted Breadfruit and Fried Jackfish, a staple that showcases the island's abundant breadfruit, often cooked over an open fire and served with seasoned fried fish. Other must-try dishes include Madongo Dumplings, a unique specialty made from native arrowroot, Fish Blaff (a spicier take on a traditional fish stew), and Buljol, a refreshing cold salad of shredded saltfish. Expect plenty of freshly caught seafood like conch (lambi), snapper, and lobster, along with a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables. Local rum and Hairoun beer are popular beverages.

Restaurants in popular bays like Port Elizabeth (Bequia) and Clifton Harbour (Union Island) are generally accessible by dinghy, offering a range of quality from casual beachside eateries to more formal dining experiences.

Provisioning advice:

For main provisioning, the most comprehensive supermarkets are in Kingstown, Saint Vincent. In the Grenadines, Port Elizabeth on Bequia and Clifton on Union Island offer more limited but still good options for groceries and basic supplies. Local markets throughout the islands are the best place to buy fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables, often at excellent prices.

In less developed or smaller islands, provisioning options will be very basic, so it's advisable to stock up in the larger hubs before venturing further south into the more remote Grenadines. While specific cost comparisons to other Windward Islands are varied, be aware that imported goods can be more expensive due to shipping costs, making locally sourced produce and seafood generally more cost-effective. Many yacht charter companies also offer pre-provisioning services.

Language and currency:

• Main Language: English is the official language of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. A local dialect, often referred to as Vincentian Creole, is also widely spoken.
• Widely Accepted Currency: The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). The US Dollar (USD) is also widely accepted throughout the islands, especially in tourist areas and marinas.

Visa requirements

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, as an independent Commonwealth realm, has its own visa policies:

• US Passport Holders: Generally, no visa is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business.
• Canada Passport Holders: Generally, no visa is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business.
• UK Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 6 months for tourism or business.
• France and EU Passport Holders: Most EU citizens, including French nationals, are generally granted visa-free access for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period, due to a visa waiver agreement with the European Union.

In all cases, a valid passport (with at least six months validity remaining beyond your intended stay), a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds may be required upon entry. It's always advisable to check the latest requirements with the nearest Saint Vincent & the Grenadines embassy or consulate before travel.