Things to Do in Mustique, Saintvincent

Mustique is an exclusive private island in the Grenadines, part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, renowned as one of the Caribbean's most luxurious and secluded destinations. This small island, measuring just 1,400 acres, has been a playground for royalty, celebrities, and the ultra-wealthy since the 1960s, offering unparalleled privacy and sophistication in a stunning tropical setting. The island features pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes dotted with elegant villas and boutique accommodations. With no crowds, no traffic lights, and strict development controls, Mustique maintains an atmosphere of refined tranquility where guests can enjoy world-class amenities, exceptional service, and complete discretion in one of the world's most beautiful island settings.

Top Things to Do in Mustique

Private Beach Hopping

Explore Mustique's nine pristine beaches, each offering unique characteristics from the popular Macaroni Beach with its perfect swimming conditions to the secluded Lagoon Bay. The beaches feature powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral formations perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Beach access is complimentary for villa guests and hotel visitors. Best visited during morning hours (8-11 AM) for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be arranged through your accommodation.

Snorkeling and Diving

Discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in the pristine waters surrounding Mustique. The island's protected marine environment offers excellent visibility and encounters with tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays in relatively shallow, calm waters.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs $30-50 per day through local operators. Best conditions are typically in the morning with 60-100 feet visibility. Book through The Cotton House or villa concierges for quality equipment and local guides.

Tennis at the Mustique Tennis Club

Play on the island's championship tennis court, a favorite activity among many celebrity visitors and residents. The club features a regulation hard court with stunning ocean views and professional-grade facilities in an intimate, exclusive setting.

Booking Tip: Court time costs approximately $40-60 per hour. Book early in the morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid midday heat. Equipment rental available for $15-20 per set through the club.

Island Touring by Mule or Golf Cart

Explore Mustique's scenic interior and coastline via traditional mule rides or electric golf carts, the primary modes of transportation on the island. Tours include visits to scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and glimpses of famous celebrity villas while learning about the island's unique history and ecology.

Booking Tip: Golf cart rentals cost $80-120 per day, while guided mule tours are $50-75 per person for 2-3 hours. Book tours through your accommodation concierge. Morning tours offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Sunset Sailing and Yacht Charters

Experience the Caribbean's legendary sunsets aboard luxury sailing yachts or catamarans departing from Mustique's harbor. These excursions often include visits to nearby uninhabited islands, swimming stops, and gourmet refreshments while enjoying panoramic ocean views.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters start around $800-1,200 for small groups, full-day trips $1,500-2,500. Book 2-3 days in advance through villa concierges or The Cotton House. Best sunset viewing is typically between 6-7 PM year-round.

Getting There

Mustique is accessible only by private aircraft or boat, as there are no commercial flights to the island. The most common route is flying into Barbados (BGI) and taking a 45-minute charter flight to Mustique's small airstrip, which accommodates aircraft up to mid-size jets. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Saint Vincent's Argyle International Airport (SVD) and take a 20-minute charter flight or arrange boat transfers. Private yacht arrivals are welcomed at the island's marina, and helicopter transfers can be arranged from neighboring islands for the ultimate luxury arrival experience.

Getting Around

Transportation on Mustique is deliberately limited to maintain the island's peaceful atmosphere, with no cars permitted except for service vehicles. Guests typically use electric golf carts, which can be rented through accommodations or provided by villa rentals. Walking and bicycling are popular for short distances, while traditional mule rides offer a unique way to explore the island's interior. Most villas and The Cotton House provide transportation to beaches and around the island as part of their service.

Where to Stay

The Cotton House

Villa Rentals - North Hills

Villa Rentals - Endeavour Hills

Villa Rentals - Lagoon Bay Area

Villa Rentals - Macaroni Beach Area

Villa Rentals - L'Ansecoy Bay

Food & Dining

Mustique's dining scene centers around The Cotton House's acclaimed restaurant, which offers sophisticated Caribbean cuisine with international influences in an elegant beachfront setting. The Bamboo Bar provides casual beachside dining with fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. Most visitors staying in private villas enjoy personalized chef services, with world-class private chefs creating customized menus using fresh local ingredients and imported specialties. The island's exclusive nature means dining reservations are essential, and many meals feature locally caught fish, Caribbean spices, and tropical fruits in refined presentations that match the island's luxury standards.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Mustique is during the dry season from December through April, when temperatures range from 75-85°F with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. This period coincides with peak season, offering the most reliable weather for beach activities and water sports, though it's also the most expensive and crowded time. The shoulder seasons of May-June and November can offer good weather with fewer crowds and better rates, while July through October brings higher humidity, more frequent rain showers, and potential hurricane activity, though the island's southern location makes direct hits relatively rare.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations well in advance as the island has very limited capacity with only one hotel and about 100 private villas, many of which are booked by repeat guests years ahead.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and bring high-SPF protection as the tropical sun is intense, and the island's environmental policies restrict certain chemical sunscreens to protect the coral reefs.

Respect the island's privacy culture - photography of other guests or private villas is discouraged, and discretion is highly valued by both residents and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

Things to Do in Mustique