Welcome to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

For an off-the-beaten-path Caribbean vacation, consider Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which encompasses the white-sand shores of Bequita, Mustique, Canouan, the Tobago Cays and others islands and cays. Island hopping is easy, thanks to inexpensive ferry service, which is fantastic because you won’t want to limit yourself to just one.

From climbing volcanoes and hiking to waterfalls to relaxing in a hammock on a secluded beach and exploring the cobbled streets and colonial architecture of Kingstown, you’ll quickly see why this is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.

Unique Facts

• More than 32 islands and cays make up Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – just 9 of the islands are inhabited.
• The oldest Botanical Gardens in the Western Hemisphere, founded in 1765, is in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Move over, white sand. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines boasts gold- and black-sand beaches, too.
• One of the oldest forest reserves in the Western Hemisphere, The King’s Hill Reserve, was established in 1791 and provides a habitat for protected wildlife and a home for more than 26 identified species of tropical trees and shrubs.
• La Soufrière is the highest peak in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, at 4,049 feet.

Language

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is from May through June and November through April. The peak season, and most crowded, is December through April.

Airports

Argyle International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays under 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A, B and G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar

Getting Around

Public transportation options include taxis, water taxis and minibuses. Rental cars are available. The taxi service is limited to the larger islands, such as Saint Vincent and Bequia. They are unmetered and run on a fixed price set by the government.

Water taxi service is available between Canouan and Union islands, between Union Island and Mayreau and out of the Frangipani docks on Bequia to various points on the island. A regularly scheduled ferry runs between Bequia and Saint Vincent.

Minibuses may be flagged down along the road or boarded at the bus terminal at New Kingstown Fish Market.

Driver’s License

A temporary driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +(246) 227-4399
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(246) 227-4000
Fax: +(246) 431-0179
BridgetownACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Ministry of Tourism and Culture
Cruise Ship Terminal
Kingstown
Saint Vincent
Tel: 784-457-1502
tourism@vincysurf.com

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 999, 911 or 112

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occasionally. Use standard precautionary measures and do not leave valuables unattended.