The story of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and its chain of Grenadine islands were settled by Amerindian peoples from South America, first Arawak-speaking groups and later the Kalinago, who knew the main island as Hairouna, 'land of the blessed'. Petroglyphs carved into boulders at sites such as Layou and Barrouallie are reminders of these early inhabitants. The mountainous, forested island, dominated by the La Soufrière volcano, proved difficult for Europeans to conquer.
In the seventeenth century, Africans who had escaped shipwrecks and slavery mixed with the Kalinago, creating a new people known as the Garifuna or Black Caribs. For much of the period the island was officially neutral, and the Garifuna and Kalinago resisted European settlement. France established small settlements, but in 1763 Saint Vincent was ceded to Britain. Led by the chief Joseph Chatoyer, now the national hero, the Garifuna fought two Carib Wars against British expansion.
Read the full history
After the second war ended in 1796, the British deported thousands of Garifuna to the island of Roatán off Honduras, from where their descendants spread along the Central American coast. Plantations of sugar, cotton and arrowroot, worked by enslaved Africans until emancipation in the 1830s, dominated the economy, and later Portuguese and Indian indentured workers arrived. La Soufrière erupted several times, including a deadly eruption in 1902.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence on 27 October 1979, just months after another eruption of the volcano, and remains a member of the Commonwealth. Bananas long sustained the economy, while tourism and yachting have grown, especially in the Grenadines. The 2021 eruption of La Soufrière tested the island once more. Visitors today come for sailing among idyllic cays, volcano hikes, waterfalls, Garifuna heritage and a relaxed, unspoilt Caribbean atmosphere.
Timeline
- c. 1000 ADKalinago peoples settle Saint Vincent
- c. 1675Shipwrecked Africans join Kalinago, forming the Garifuna
- 1763Island ceded to Britain
- 1795Death of Garifuna chief Joseph Chatoyer
- 1797Garifuna deported to Roatán
- 1838Full emancipation from slavery
- 1979Independence on 27 October
- 2021La Soufrière erupts
Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.
- CARICOM – CARICOM member – Caribbean Community citizens often have easier entry.
- Commonwealth – Commonwealth member.
Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:
- Visa policy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Wikipedia) ↗
- IATA Travel Centre – passport, visa & health rules ↗
- U.S. passport holders – State Department country pages ↗
- UK passport holders – GOV.UK travel advice ↗
The latest visa and entry news for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines appears below as soon as publishers report it.
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#Saint Vincent and the Grenadines#Visas & Entry RulesThings to do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Snorkel the Tobago CaysSwim with green turtles in a marine park of tiny uninhabited islands and reefs.
- Hike La SoufrièreClimb through rainforest to the crater rim of the island's active volcano.
- Swim at Dark View FallsCross a bamboo bridge to bathe beneath twin waterfalls on the leeward coast.
- Sail the GrenadinesCharter a boat or hop on a ferry to explore Bequia, Mayreau, Canouan and Union Island.
- Visit the Botanical GardensStroll through one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Americas, in Kingstown.
- Explore BequiaWatch traditional boatbuilding and relax on Princess Margaret Beach.
- See Wallilabou BayVisit the bay that served as a set for pirate films, with remnants of the props.
- Climb Fort CharlotteEnjoy sweeping views over Kingstown and the Grenadines from an eighteenth-century fort.
- Dive the Bequia reefsExplore coral walls and wrecks around Bequia's protected waters.
- Taste roasted breadfruit and jackfishTry the national dish at a local spot or a festival stall.
Four people were killed and four others were wounded in a shooting near Kingstown in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as police search for those responsible.
#Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Where to go in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- KingstownSaint Vincent · capitalA busy port town with stone arcades, markets and the historic Botanical Gardens.
- 📍BequiaGrenadines · islandA charming sailing hub with beaches, boat builders and a friendly harbour village.
- Tobago CaysGrenadines · marine parkA protected reef and islets famous for turtles and dazzling water.
- MustiqueGrenadines · private islandAn exclusive island known for its beaches and famous visitors.
- 📍Union IslandGrenadines · islandA gateway to the southern Grenadines with kitesurfing and hilltop views.
- La SoufrièreNorth Saint Vincent · volcanoA challenging hike to a dramatic crater in the island's rugged north.
- 📍MayreauGrenadines · islandA tiny, car-free island with the gorgeous Salt Whistle Bay.
- Snorkel with turtles in the Tobago Cays
- Sail between the Grenadines
- Hike La Soufrière volcano
- Visit the historic Botanic Gardens in Kingstown
- Roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish – the national dish
- Callaloo soup – leafy greens with coconut
- Buljol – salt fish with peppers and tomatoes
- Bakes – fried bread
Best time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The islands have a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year. Saint Vincent's mountains are wetter than the low, drier Grenadines.
Typical daytime highs and rain in Kingstown (approximate averages).
- June – JulyVincy MasThe national carnival with calypso and soca competitions, costumed bands and street parties.
- EasterBequia Easter RegattaA lively regatta with traditional boat races and beach events.
- 16–24 DecemberNine MorningsA unique pre-Christmas tradition of early-morning street parties and concerts.
- 14 MarchNational Heroes DayCommemorates Joseph Chatoyer and the Garifuna heritage.
How many days in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Day 1-2 explore Kingstown, the Botanical Gardens and Fort Charlotte. Day 3 visit Dark View Falls and Wallilabou Bay. Day 4-5 ferry to Bequia for beaches and snorkelling.
Day 1-3 Saint Vincent with a La Soufrière hike. Day 4-5 Bequia. Day 6-7 Canouan or Mayreau. Day 8-10 Union Island and a day trip to the Tobago Cays.
Backpacker budget: about $70–110 a day
- Look for guesthouses and family-run apartments, especially in Kingstown and Bequia, as hostels are rare.
- Local minibuses on Saint Vincent are cheap, colourful and run frequently during the day.
- Use ferries between islands rather than flights to save money.
- Eat at local food stalls for rotis, fried jackfish and fresh juices.
- Join group snorkelling day trips to the Tobago Cays to share costs.
Stay safe
- The islands are generally safe, but avoid isolated areas at night in Kingstown and keep valuables secure.
- Hike La Soufrière with a guide and check volcanic activity alerts before you go.
- Watch for strong currents on windward beaches.
- Monitor hurricane forecasts during the storm season.
Money
- The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar; US dollars are widely accepted.
- Cards are accepted in hotels and larger businesses, but carry cash for buses and small vendors; ATMs are in main towns.
- A service charge is often added; otherwise tip about ten percent.
Emergency: 999 or 911 police, fire & ambulance
Argyle International Airport on Saint Vincent has regional and some long-haul flights, and smaller airports serve Bequia, Canouan, Mustique and Union Island. Ferries and yachts link the islands to Grenada and other neighbours.
✈️ Cheap flights to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: airports, flight times & best time to fly →
- The country consists of 32 islands and cays, only nine of which are inhabited.
- The Botanical Gardens in Kingstown date to 1765 and are among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
- Breadfruit was brought here by Captain Bligh in 1793 after the famous Bounty voyage.
- Garifuna communities in Central America trace their roots to Saint Vincent.
- Parts of Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed at Wallilabou Bay.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines travel questions
Is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines safe for tourists?
Yes, it is generally safe, especially in the Grenadines. Take normal precautions in Kingstown and avoid isolated areas at night.
What is the best time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
January to April is the driest and sunniest season. Summer brings carnival, while autumn has a higher hurricane risk.
How many days do you need in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Five days covers Saint Vincent and Bequia. Ten days or more allows island-hopping through the Grenadines.
Do I need a visa for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
It depends on your passport – check the official government site or your nearest embassy before you travel.
How do you get between the islands?
Ferries connect Saint Vincent with Bequia and the southern Grenadines, while small planes serve several islands. Many visitors also charter yachts.
Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).
Minibuses run on Saint Vincent, while ferries and small planes link the Grenadines. Water taxis are common in Bequia.
- Greet people before starting a conversation
- Cover up beachwear in villages and towns
- Ask before photographing people
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