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Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Things to Do in Union Island

Union Island

Saintvincentandthegrenadines, Saintvincentandthegrenadines - Complete Travel Guide

Saintvincentandthegrenadines, known as the 'Tahiti of the Caribbean,' is a stunning volcanic island in the southern Grenadines that captivates visitors with its dramatic mountainous terrain and pristine beaches. This small but spectacular island serves as the gateway to the Saintvincentandthegrenadines Marine Park and offers an authentic Caribbean experience away from mass tourism. With Mount Taboi rising majestically from its center and beautiful beaches like Chatham Bay and Big Sand, Saintvincentandthegrenadines provides the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The island's charm lies in its unspoiled natural beauty and vibrant local culture. Clifton, the main town and port, buzzes with activity as yachts and ferries arrive daily, while the rest of the island maintains a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. Saintvincentandthegrenadines is particularly popular among sailing enthusiasts and serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding uninhabited cays and world-class diving sites.

Top Union Island

Tobago Cays Marine Park Excursion

Embark on a day trip to the world-famous Saintvincentandthegrenadines, a cluster of five uninhabited islands surrounded by coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. This marine park offers exceptional snorkeling with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish in a protected environment. The pristine white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons create a picture-perfect Caribbean paradise.

Booking Tip: Book through local operators in Clifton for better prices (around $80-120 per person). Early morning departures (8-9 AM) are best to avoid crowds. Look for operators that include snorkeling gear, lunch, and multiple stops.

Mount Taboi Hiking

Challenge yourself with a hike up Mount Taboi, Saintvincentandthegrenadines's highest peak at 999 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Grenadines. The trail winds through tropical vegetation and provides stunning vistas of neighboring islands including Saintvincentandthegrenadines, Saintvincentandthegrenadines, and Carriacou. The summit rewards hikers with 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea.

Booking Tip: Hire a local guide for $40-60 as trails can be unmarked. Best hiked early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heat. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip.

Kitesurfing at Big Sand Beach

Experience world-class kitesurfing at Big Sand Beach, one of the Caribbean's premier kitesurfing destinations. The consistent trade winds and shallow, protected waters create ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced kiters. The beach's white sand and clear blue waters provide a stunning backdrop for this exhilarating water sport.

Booking Tip: Lessons cost $80-120 for 2-3 hours with certified instructors. Peak wind season is December to May. Book with established schools that provide IKO certification and quality equipment.

Snorkeling at Chatham Bay

Discover the underwater world at Chatham Bay, a secluded beach on Saintvincentandthegrenadines's western coast known for its excellent snorkeling conditions. The protected bay features healthy coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, sea fans, and marine life. The calm, clear waters make it perfect for snorkelers of all skill levels.

Booking Tip: Accessible by taxi ($15-20) or rental car. Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent from local shops for $10-15 per day. Best visibility is typically in the morning hours.

Island Hopping to Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent

Take a boat trip to the exclusive nearby islands of Saintvincentandthegrenadines and Saintvincentandthegrenadines (PSV), both featuring luxury resorts and pristine beaches. These private island resorts welcome day visitors to enjoy their beaches, restaurants, and water sports facilities. The short boat ride offers beautiful views of the Grenadines archipelago.

Booking Tip: Water taxi costs $25-40 per person each way. Some resorts charge day-use fees ($50-100) which may include beach access and facilities. Advance booking recommended, especially during peak season.

Getting There

Saintvincentandthegrenadines is accessible by air via Saintvincentandthegrenadines Airport (UNI), which receives regular flights from Barbados (45 minutes) and St. Vincent (20 minutes) on SVG Air and Mustique Airways. The airport can accommodate small aircraft and private jets. Alternatively, visitors can reach Saintvincentandthegrenadines by ferry from St. Vincent (3 hours) or Carriacou (1 hour) via the mail boat service, though schedules can be irregular. Many visitors arrive by private yacht or charter boat, as Saintvincentandthegrenadines is a popular stop on Caribbean sailing itineraries.

Getting Around

Saintvincentandthegrenadines is small enough to explore on foot in the main town of Clifton, but taxis and rental cars are available for reaching beaches and hiking trails around the island. Taxis are readily available at the airport and port, with fixed rates to major destinations (typically $10-25). Rental cars and scooters can be arranged through local operators for around $50-70 per day. Water taxis are essential for reaching nearby cays and beaches, with rates varying by destination and group size.

Where to Stay

Clifton (main town with restaurants and services)
Big Sand Beach area (near kitesurfing spots)
Ashton (quieter fishing village)
Richmond Bay (secluded beachfront)
Chatham Bay vicinity (western coast)
Airport area (convenient for flights)

Food & Dining

Saintvincentandthegrenadines's dining scene centers around Clifton, where local restaurants serve fresh seafood, Caribbean specialties, and international cuisine. Popular spots include Anchorage Yacht Club for upscale dining, Clifton Beach Hotel restaurant for local dishes, and various beachside bars serving grilled fish and rum punches. The island is famous for its lobster, conch, and fresh fish prepared with local spices and served with rice and peas, plantains, and breadfruit. Several restaurants cater to the yachting crowd with both local and international menus.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Saint Vincent

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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La Kiuva - Ristorante e Cantina con Cucina Tipica di Arnad

4.5 /5
(1478 reviews) 2
bar liquor_store store

Parc Hotel Billia - Saint-Vincent

4.6 /5
(1282 reviews)
bar lodging spa

Vinosteria Borracho

4.7 /5
(1173 reviews) 2

Adaggio

4.6 /5
(1131 reviews) 2

Massawa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(877 reviews) 1

Cantina Du Clou

4.8 /5
(364 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Saintvincentandthegrenadines is during the dry season from December to May, when rainfall is minimal and trade winds provide ideal conditions for sailing, kitesurfing, and water sports. This period offers the most sunshine, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures averaging 80-85°F. The shoulder months of November and June can offer good weather with fewer crowds and better prices. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with September and October being the wettest months, though Saintvincentandthegrenadines's southern location makes it less prone to major storms than northern Caribbean islands.

Insider Tips

Visit during the annual Easter Regatta for exciting sailing races and local festivities
Bring cash as ATMs are limited and many local businesses don't accept credit cards
Pack reef-safe sunscreen as the island is committed to marine conservation in the nearby Saintvincentandthegrenadines Marine Park

Activities in Union Island