Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Travel Information

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful Caribbean island nation that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors. From relaxing on white sandy beaches to exploring hidden coves and lush rainforests, there is something for everyone in this paradise. Here are the top 10 things to do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:

1. Visit the Botanical Gardens

The Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere. It is home to a wide variety of tropical plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and giant ferns. The gardens are also home to a variety of animals, including monkeys and parrots.

2. Explore Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte is a historical fort located on a hilltop overlooking Kingstown. The fort offers panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can explore the fort's tunnels, barracks, and cannons, and learn about the island's history.

3. Relax on Black Sand Beaches

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including black sand beaches. These beaches are unique and offer a different experience than the typical white sand beaches. Some of the best black sand beaches in the island include: Dark View Beach, Villa Beach and Indian Bay Beach.

4. Go Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater caves. Some of the best snorkeling and diving spots include: Tobago Cays, Petit Nevis and Mustique.

5. Visit the Carib Indian Village

The Carib Indian Village is a living museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the island's indigenous culture. Visitors can learn about the customs, traditions, and history of the Carib people and watch traditional dances and ceremonies.

6. Go Hiking and Trekking

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers a wide range of hiking and trekking trails, including the La Soufriere volcano hike and the Mount Wynne National Park. These trails offer beautiful views of the island and the Caribbean Sea.

7. Explore the Grenadine Islands

The Grenadine Islands are a group of small islands located to the south of Saint Vincent. Visitors can take a ferry or a small plane to explore these islands, which offer beautiful beaches, snorkeling and diving spots, and a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle.

8. Enjoy the Nightlife

Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, offers a wide range of nightlife options, including bars, clubs, and live music venues. Visitors can enjoy a night out on the town and experience the island's vibrant cultural scene.

9. Go Fishing

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a great destination for fishing, with a wide variety of game fish, including marlin, tuna, and wahoo. Visitors can take a fishing charter and explore the island's waters.

10. Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is by boat. Visitors can take a boat tour and explore the island's hidden coves, beaches, and marine life. Some of the best boat tours include sunset cruises, island hopping, and snorkeling or scuba diving trips.

Climate

The climate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is tropical, with temperatures averaging around 27°C (81°F) throughout the year. The rainy season is typically from June to October, with occasional hurricanes and tropical storms possible during this time. The drier season is from December to May, with less rainfall and more sunshine.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is during the dry season, from December to May. This is when the weather is the most pleasant, with less rainfall and more sunshine. The sea is also calmer during this time, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. However, please note that this is also the peak tourist season and prices for accommodation and flights may be higher.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers a variety of hotel accommodations, including luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly options. The island of St. Vincent has a few larger resorts, while many of the smaller islands in the chain offer more intimate, boutique-style accommodations. Some of the luxury resorts in the Grenadines offer private villas, while others have a more traditional hotel setup.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments and villas, are also available in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These can be a great option for those looking for more space, privacy, and the comforts of home. Many vacation rentals also come with kitchens, making it easy to prepare your own meals and save money on dining out.

Cruising

Cruising is another accommodation option in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Many yacht charter companies offer bareboat, skippered and crewed yacht charters, allowing visitors to explore the islands by boat. This option is particularly popular among sailors and those looking for a more adventurous vacation.

Air Travel

The main airport in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the Arnos Vale Airport (SVD) on the island of St. Vincent. There are several flights per day to St. Vincent from other Caribbean islands, as well as direct flights from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. From there, you can travel to the other islands in the chain by plane, boat, or ferry.

Boat and Ferry

Boats and ferries are the main form of transportation between the islands in the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines chain. Most of the islands are only a short boat ride away from each other, and there are regular ferry services connecting them. Some of the larger islands, such as Bequia and Mustique, also have airports, allowing visitors to fly directly to them.

Car and Taxi

Car rentals and taxi services are available on the island of St. Vincent, and some of the larger islands in the Grenadines chain. This can be a convenient way to get around and explore the islands, but keep in mind that many of the smaller islands can only be reached by boat.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.