Short
Description The Grenadines consist of 30 small islands trailing off from the larger island of St. Vincent. They include Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent, and islands. Many of the islands, however, are pristine and
Destination
Highlights Untouched scenery and landscapes
30 separate islands
Excellent diving
Local
Weather Average yearly temperature is 81° F. Rain is frequent and heavy in the mountains of St. Vincent. Annual average rainfall is 150 inches inland and 80 inches on the coast, mostly occurring July through October. Humidity (and the mosquito population) is high in summer.
Other
Destinations
Description The Grenadines, well over 30 smaller islands and cays (keys) resemble a large kite (St. Vincent) and a tail of islands stretching nearly 45 miles to the southwest. Some of the more popular Grenadine islands include Young Island, Bequia (Beck-way), Mustique (Mus-teek), Canouan (Can-nu-wan), Mayreau (My-ro), Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit (petty) St. Vincent. Part of the Windward Island chain, these tropical gems are just being discovered by travelers worldwide.
The islands welcome visitors with open arms, eager to show you the pristine natural beauty of countless coves and cays with soft sandy beaches and clear sapphire to emerald green water, ideal for snorkeling, diving, and sailing. This island group offers some of the finest sailing in the world-you can charter a yacht and plot your own course through paradise.
Charter a boat or take the ferry to see the neighboring islands. Nearest is Bequia, 9 miles from St. Vincent. A sleepy little island of less than 5,000. Waterside restaurants, bars, quaint shops, and an occasional small hotel are strung together by a tiny path that threads its way along the water's edge.
Next comes Mustique, 17 miles from St. Vincent and known for its famous guests that hang out at Basil's Bar, including Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and British royalty (a sort of Caribbean Beverly Hills) where rock stars and royalty can relax together far from the media and crowds. This small, impressive island with 1400 acres of rolling hills surrounded by sparkling clear water has more than its share of long white sand beaches. Mustique is privately owned and has only a tiny village with a few quaint shops, the Firefly Inn and restaurant, the luxurious Cotton House resort, and 51 secluded villas. These private, palatial homes can be rented for a week or more by those desiring a perfect Caribbean luxury escape.
On down the kite tail you find Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent. These islands are populated with just a few folks to a few hundred, some have airports, most have small hotels, and all have facilities for cruising sailors. One of the nice things about the Grenadines is that you need very little to stay entertained. Snorkel, swim, or dive off shore, walk the miles of deserted beaches, sail, watch the passing boats, read a book in the shade of a palm tree. Nightlife usually takes the form of a jump-up with a local band and scrumptious island cuisine.
Local Information The Eastern Caribbean Dollar(EC) is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Eastern Caribbean Dollars are preferred, however. When quoted prices, make sure you know what dollars the quote is referencing. Exchange rates are best at local banks. Taxis are a good way to explore this island. Rates are set by the government, so beware of over charging. Pick up a current rate sheet at the Tourist Office in Kingstown. Mini van buses are an inexpensive way to travel. Car rentals run around $50-$60 a day. Driving is on the left - a Vincentian or international driver's license is required and a map and good direction are recommended.
Airport
Information Air service is into E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD), which is on St. Vincent. Connecting flights from Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia and Trinidad by Air Martinique, Airlines of Carriacou, LIAT, St. Vincent Grenadines Air, Trans Island Air, and Mustique Airways. SVG Air also has service to the Grenadines. There is a departure tax of $12 US per person, payable at the airport upon departure.
Entry
Requirements Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.
