Our Highlights on St. Vincent
The interior is largely covered by forests, and along the coast you'll find numerous dark-sand beaches. You can even visit some filming locations from "Pirates of the Caribbean" here. The mountainous St. Vincent is the ideal starting point for yacht cruises or trips to the Grenadine islands like Bequia, the Tobago Cays, or Carriacou.
On St. Vincent you can hike around the Soufriere volcano, swim under waterfalls in the rainforest, or go diving at one of the many reefs. If you're looking for the perfect beach getaway, head to the beaches of the Grenadine islands — or do what we did and take an almost private little cruise.
Climate & Best Time to Visit St. Vincent & the Grenadines
St. Vincent lies in the tropical climate zone, but constant trade winds have a moderating effect, keeping temperatures pleasantly mild year-round with daily highs of around 29°C (84°F). The rainy season runs from June to November. During this period, it rains on an average of 22 days per month and it is hurricane season.
Entry Requirements, Vaccinations & Practical Information for St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Entry: EU citizens do not need a visa to enter. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your trip is required.
Vaccinations: Beyond the standard recommended vaccinations, no additional shots are required for St. Vincent. A review and booster of tetanus, diphtheria, and polio vaccinations is recommended.
Hygiene: Drinking tap water is risky. Avoid ice cubes in drinks. Don't eat anything that hasn't been cooked or can't be peeled.
Language: Besides the official language English, a Creole dialect is spoken.
Money: 1 East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) = 100 cents. The US dollar is accepted everywhere. Credit cards are generally accepted.
Electricity: 220/240 V, 50 Hz; adapter required.
Public holidays in St. Vincent follow the usual Christian holidays. Additional holidays include February 7 (Independence Day) and August 7 (Emancipation Day). Carnival takes place in mid-August.
Getting There & Getting Around St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The roads on St. Vincent are narrow and winding. Buses run between the individual towns. Numerous cruise ships dock at the port of Kingstown. There are regular boat services between the main island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The ferry from Kingstown to Bequia takes about one hour.
The international airport on St. Vincent is E. T. Joshua Airport. It is the largest airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, located in Arnos Vale near the capital Kingstown.
Where Is St. Vincent & the Grenadines?
St. Vincent lies between St. Lucia and Grenada. The island is about 180 km (112 miles) east of Barbados.
It is the southernmost of the Windward Islands. The Caribbean island of St. Vincent covers approximately 389 km2.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines comprises St. Vincent and 32 islands of the northern Grenadines, which belong to the Lesser Antilles.
History of St. Vincent
- The island of St. Vincent was inhabited by the Arawak Indians from around 700 BC until they were driven out by the Caribs around 800 AD.
- Columbus found the island in 1498 on St. Vincent's Day. At the time, the Caribs called it Hairoun — "Home of the Blessed."
- In the early 17th century, the island was claimed by both Great Britain and France. Control of the island changed hands repeatedly between the two kingdoms and the Caribs.
- In 1783, France ceded St. Vincent to Great Britain. Increasing numbers of Africans were brought to the island to work on plantations until they eventually formed the majority of the population.
- Slavery on St. Vincent was not abolished until 1838. After that, plantation owners brought in Indian contract workers, and in the mid-19th century, a larger number of Portuguese immigrants arrived. The blending of these many cultures gave rise to today's "Vincentians."
- From 1958 to 1962, St. Vincent was a member of the West Indies Federation. The island remained a British colony until 1969, when it gained extensive autonomy.
- It was not until 1975 that the country became an associated state, and on October 27, 1979, the island gained full independence under its new name, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains a member of the Commonwealth.
