Discovering Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines may have gained popularity among the rich and famous, but rest assured, glitz and glamour are not a requirement for visiting this Caribbean archipelago. Once here, you'll encounter white sandy beaches, incredibly blue waters and a cuisine that dances on your taste buds. And that's just the beginning - remarkable dive sites, guided island tours and, of course, the quintessential rum punch, all await your exploration. Whether you're scaling volcanoes, embarking on horse rides, or simply swaying in a hammock beneath the shade of palm trees, this guide will prepare you for your trip to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines…
Climate and Weather
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines boast the kind of weather you'd expect from a cluster of tropical islands nestled in the heart of the warm Caribbean. Balmy temperatures (averaging around 30 degrees Celsius) bless the region for most of the year. The hottest and rainiest stretch spans from June to December, while a brief cool season arrives from January to April (where temperatures only dip to the mid-20s, so no need to worry). Throughout the hot season, steady northeast trade winds provide a welcome breeze.
The central hub, Kingstown, situated on the main island, boasts a hilly and tropical terrain, showcasing an equatorial climate characterized by frequent rain and slightly lower temperatures. The other islands that make up the Grenadines archipelago do get occasional rain showers, however, these downpours and thunderstorms tend to be brief yet intense, ensuring that sunshine is never absent for too long. And for those yearning to take a dip, rest assured that the sea remains invitingly warm throughout the year.
Food and Drink in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
In Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, the breadfruit stands proudly as an unofficial foodie emblem. It takes centre stage in the national dish, a delicious combination of roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish. If you're travelling in August, don't miss the Breadfruit Festival, where you can indulge in various inventive breadfruit dishes to your heart's content.
Much like other Caribbean islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines rely heavily on fresh, locally sourced ingredients for their culinary creations. Vibrant fruits, homegrown vegetables and freshly caught fish take centre stage in the Vincentian diet. Expect to savour delicious fish varieties like red snapper, kingfish and lambi (queen conch). For those seeking a burst of flavours, aromatic curries featuring local goat and chicken are also popular choices. And to accompany these scrumptious meals, you can't go wrong with a refreshing local beer or a couple of well-crafted rum punches.
Language
While English is the official language in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, you'll also encounter Vincentian Creole spoken by many locals. Nevertheless, for ease of communication, English is the predominant language used in most businesses and establishments across the island.
Health and Safety Considerations in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been classified as a region with a risk of Zika virus transmission, which is primarily spread by mosquitoes during daylight hours. This risk is particularly prevalent in towns and cities, making the use of mosquito repellents a highly recommended precaution. Additionally, cases of Chikungunya virus and Dengue virus have been reported, underscoring the importance of measures to prevent mosquito bites during your stay.
Swimming in the sea is a popular activity in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, but it's crucial to exercise caution. Ocean currents can be deceptively strong, and not all beaches are equipped with lifeguards or warning flags. While crime levels in the country are generally low, it's wise to adhere to common-sense safety precautions. These include securing doors and windows at night, avoiding isolated areas and beaches after dark, and storing valuables and travel documents in a secure location. These precautions also apply when staying on a yacht, so stay vigilant.
Things to do in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines offer a plethora of water-based activities to dive into. Whether it's kayaking through the picturesque archipelago, exploring the pristine aquamarine waters, or indulging in leisurely beachfront lunches beneath the swaying palms on golden shores, these islands are brimming with exciting opportunities. Embark on guided island tours, passing by artists' studios, verdant hillsides adorned with sheep and goats, and the captivating tips of beautiful bays and coves. For those with a penchant for underwater adventures, don a snorkel or dive mask and head to the western side of the islands, where colourful reefs await exploration, along with opportunities for rift, cave, wall and wreck dives.
Transport in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
In Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, vehicles drive on the left-hand-side of the road, like in the UK. If you plan to rent a car, remember that you'll require a local temporary driving license, which can be obtained at any car rental agency on the island. Be sure to present your valid UK driving license when getting this permit. Driving at night demands extra caution as some roads lack adequate lighting. It's worth noting that many roads suffer from potholes and blind corners, and there's a tendency for indicators not to be used... Should pedestrians attempt to flag you down, it's advisable not to stop, and always keep car doors locked while driving.
For those seeking alternative transportation options, public transport is available and generally more cost-effective than taxis. However, it's essential to be aware that minibus drivers may at times exceed speed limits. When opting for a taxi, bear in mind that these vehicles are not equipped with meters. Therefore, it's prudent to agree upon the fare in the local currency with the driver before beginning your journey.
Additional Information
Healthcare costs can be substantial, so it's important to get comprehensive travel insurance and sufficient accessible funds to cover potential medical expenses.
The legal drinking age in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines is 16 years old.
While the Eastern Caribbean dollar serves as the primary currency, it's worth noting that the US dollar is widely accepted across the islands, which is handy for travellers.
