- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an archipelago of 32 islands in the Caribbean.
- The islands offer a variety of experiences, from black sand beaches to lush rainforests.
- US citizens do not need a visa to visit, but a valid passport is required.
“Off the Beaten Path” is a five-part series showcasing unique, uncrowded travel destinations you can visit before the masses. If you would like to contribute to our future reports and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form.
BUCCAMENT, Saint Vincent – If you have already seen the first “Pirates of the Caribbean“Film, you have seen Saint Vincent.
The picturesque island appears in the first 10 minutes of the film and serves as a lush backdrop to Port Royal. What remains of the film set still attracts tourists Wallilabou Bay on the west side of the island.
However, many travelers are unaware Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. None of its islands are part of the Most Visited Caribbean Destinationsaccording to travel booking site Hopper. And that may be exactly what visitors and locals alike enjoy.
“Our tourism marketing logo 'The Caribbean You're Looking For' really rings true,” said Richard MacLeish, sales director of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines tourism office in New York. “We still embody what the word Caribbean evokes in people’s minds.”
I visited Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this summer to see for myself.
A hidden gem
Seeing the craggy rocks and dense trees along the shores of St. Vincent, I immediately thought of pirate history and imagined it would be the perfect place to hide treasure.
It didn't take me long to realize that St. Vincent himself was the treasure.
“The beauty of the island is impossible to ignore: calm waters in every shade of blue, lush mountains, breathtaking valleys, towering waterfalls and this incredible collection of 32 connected islands and cays,” said Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts, in a statement to USA TODAY. “But what makes this place so extraordinary are the Vincentians. Their warmth and hospitality are all grace and all heart.
Beyond a stopover in the Galapagos:Why Quito should be your next destination
Many tourist destinations have a love-hate relationship with touristsbut I only saw love during my journey.
“I think because we are not overtourizedno matter how you want to say it, there is no backlash or resentment. We’ve always been welcoming to people,” MacLeish said. “We don't do mass tourism… When you're there, you can immerse yourself in the culture, the people, the cuisine, without tripping over the Spring Break crowds.”
There are plenty of beaches to walk around with mostly black sand on the volcanic St. Vincent (although the sand at Sandals is iconic white), white sand in the Grenadines and the clearest water.
What to see and do
Although I didn't make it to the Grenadines during my short stay, I took a sunset cruise along the coast towards the St. Vincent Volcano, La Soufriere. It last erupted in 2021, and the captain pointed out where the lava flowed from paths cut through the trees, down to the water.
I also visited the capital, Kingstown, which maintains a local feel without the crowds of souvenir shops and tourists seen in other port cities around the world. Vincentians filled the open-air markets I wandered through, observing the freshly caught seafood and abundant local produce. Tropical fruits – like avocado, mangoes and breadfruit of the national dish of roasted breadfruit and fried trevally – grows wild.
“One of the benefits of having an active volcano is that the soil is very rich in minerals, so you can literally throw something on the ground and it grows,” MacLeish said.
He shared his views on some of the other islands, each unique. Bequiawhere his mother is from, is one of his favorites. “The people are very friendly. It has a rich history of boat building…lots of seafood,” he said, adding that the Grenadines island is easily accessible by daily ferry from St. Vincent.
He likes Union Islandthe African-inspired culture of . He said: “When they organize weddings, for example, they do a cake dance. The whole community gets involved. »
He called the Tobago Cayes iconic, noting that “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” was also filmed there. The unspoiled cays are home to a national marine park, where visitors can snorkel with sea turtles. There are so many different types of marine life in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that it is called the creature capital of the Caribbean.
“I think what sets us apart is the real diversity of the destination, of the archipelago,” MacLeish said.
Only nine islands are inhabited, and the resort islands of Palm Island And Little Saint Vincent are closed after heavy damage caused by Hurricane Berylbut they are rebuilding. “We pride ourselves on our resilience,” MacLeish said.
Make some important decisions:Why you should visit British Columbia on your next wine tasting trip
Is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expensive to visit?
It's possible. There are many places to stay at high prices. MacLeish joked that the island of Canouan It's where billionaires go to escape millionaires and celebrities and royals enjoy the private island of Mosquito.
However, affordable hotels and restaurants are also available.
Can US citizens travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Yes. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting the islands. Only valid passports are necessary.
How can I get to St. Vincent from the United States?
American Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Caribbean Airlines offer direct service between select U.S. cities and Kingstown on certain days. Most US air travelers will have to travel through Miami, Charlotte or New York.
Several cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Norwegian cruise line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean international, and Virgin Journeys also sail to Kingstown.
What language is spoken in Saint-Vincent?
English is the official language of the former British colony, but many Vincentians also speak a local dialect.
What is the currency of Saint Vincent?
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the official currency of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, but many places also accept the US dollar.
What voltage is used in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
“The country is wired 220V with UK plugs, while the US is 110V,” MacLeish explained. “Some devices like laptop and phone chargers are dual voltage (110V – 250V), but would require an adapter for hotels that do not offer US outlets.”
He noted that some hotels offer both while others may offer step-down transformers.
When is the best time to visit Saint Vincent?
The peak tourist season is from December to April and the low season is from July to November, depending on Sandals Resortswho notes that both seasons have their advantages. From June to November, it is also Atlantic hurricane season.
Travelers hoping to avoid both hurricanes and crowds may want to consider visiting during the shoulder months, but any time can be a good time.
“Typically, because of the trade winds, the ocean temperature is 75 degrees year-round,” MacLeish said.
The reporter for this story gained access to this experience through Sandals. USA TODAY retains editorial control of content.
