St Vincent and the Grenadines: Bequia, Mustique and the Tobago Cays
A green volcanic island and a chain of small islands with white beaches, turtles and some of the world's most private hotels. The Grenadines are among the Caribbean's finest sailing grounds.
The Grenadines
Photo: Bradley Wade / Unsplash
St Vincent and the Grenadines at a glance
From the deck of the ferry you watch one small island after another appear in turquoise water. St Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation in the southern Caribbean, between St Lucia and Grenada. The main island, St Vincent, is green and mountainous, with the La Soufrière volcano. To the south lie the Grenadines, around 30 small islands and cays.
Many come here to sail or to stay on a private island. See more islands in our Caribbean guide, St Lucia and Barbados, where most visitors connect.
What to see
Bequia
The largest of the Grenadines has a lively harbour in Admiralty Bay, small restaurants and the beaches of Princess Margaret and Lower Bay. A good base for island hopping.
The Tobago Cays
A marine park with five small uninhabited islands and a large reef. Here you swim with sea turtles in shallow water. You get there by boat from Union Island or on a sailing trip.
Mustique
A private island with grand villas and just a couple of small hotels. Famous for royals and celebrities, and for the legendary Basil's Bar.
Canouan and the private islands
Canouan has a luxury resort and one of the area's finest beaches. Petit St Vincent and Palm Island are private islands with a single hotel each.
St Vincent
The main island has rainforest, waterfalls and mountain walks, and the La Soufrière volcano can be climbed with a guide. Wallilabou Bay was used in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
The Grenadines
Photo: Balthazar Lelievre / Unsplash
When to go
December to May: the dry season and the best time for sailing and beaches.
June to November: rainy season and hurricane season, but lower prices.
Good to know
Fly via Barbados or St Lucia to St Vincent, then on by small plane or ferry to the Grenadines.
The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, but US dollars are widely used.
The best way to see the Grenadines is to charter a skippered boat for a few days.
Where to stay
The Grenadines have some of the Caribbean's most private hotels, on Mustique, Canouan and the private islands. A dedicated hotel guide is on the way.
Frequently asked questions about St Vincent and the Grenadines
How do I get to the Grenadines?
Fly via Barbados or St Lucia to St Vincent. From there, small planes and ferries continue to the islands.
Which island should I choose?
Bequia is best for a first visit, Mustique and Canouan for luxury, and Union Island for boat trips to the Tobago Cays.
When is the best time to go?
December to May is the dry season. June to November is the rainy season and hurricane season.
Can you see turtles in the Tobago Cays?
Yes, sea turtles graze in the shallow water at Baradal, and you can snorkel among them.