Young Island, France - Things to Do in Young Island

Things to Do in Young Island

Young Island, France - Complete Travel Guide

Young Island sits off the southern coast of St. Vincent in the Caribbean, though it's actually a private resort island rather than a traditional French territory. This small, lush island spans just 35 acres and has been transformed into an exclusive retreat that feels genuinely secluded. The island maintains a distinctly Caribbean character with French colonial influences, featuring stone cottages scattered across hillsides covered in tropical vegetation. What makes Young Island particularly appealing is its commitment to preserving the natural landscape - you'll find yourself walking along palm-fringed beaches and through gardens where hummingbirds dart between hibiscus flowers. The island operates as a single resort, which means the experience tends to be intimate and unhurried, with only about 30 guest cottages spread across the property.

Top Things to Do in Young Island

Snorkeling at Fort Duvernette

The waters around this tiny volcanic rock formation offer some of the clearest snorkeling conditions in the area. You'll likely spot parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional sea turtle gliding through coral formations that have remained relatively undisturbed. The fort itself, perched dramatically on the rock, adds an interesting historical element to the underwater adventure.

Booking Tip: Most snorkeling trips cost around $40-60 per person and include equipment. Morning departures typically offer the best visibility, and operators usually provide refreshments. Look for guides who emphasize marine conservation and can point out different species.

Sunset Sailing

The waters around Young Island become particularly magical in the evening when the light turns golden and the trade winds tend to settle down. Local sailing trips often include stops at secluded coves and usually feature rum punches made with local ingredients. The perspective of the Grenadine islands from the water gives you a real sense of how these volcanic peaks rise dramatically from the Caribbean Sea.

Booking Tip: Expect to pay $70-100 per person for sunset sails that typically last 2-3 hours. Book operators who include drinks and light snacks, and check if they have backup plans for rough weather. Catamaran trips tend to be more stable for those prone to seasickness.

Hiking La Soufrière Volcano

This active volcano on the main island of St. Vincent offers a challenging but rewarding day trip from Young Island. The trail winds through different climate zones, from tropical rainforest to almost lunar-like terrain near the crater rim. On clear days, you can actually peer into the crater lake and see across to neighboring islands, though weather conditions can change quickly at this elevation.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes typically cost $80-120 per person and take 6-8 hours total including transport. Choose operators with experienced local guides who know the current trail conditions and weather patterns. Bring layers as temperatures drop significantly at higher elevations.

Bequia Island Day Trip

This charming island maintains a distinctly authentic Caribbean feel with its boat-building traditions and relaxed harbor town of Port Elizabeth. You'll find local artisans still crafting traditional sailing boats by hand, and the beaches tend to be less crowded than other Caribbean destinations. The island has managed to balance tourism with preserving its fishing village character.

Booking Tip: Ferry trips to Bequia cost around $15-20 each way, with day tour packages ranging from $60-90 including lunch. Morning ferries are usually less crowded, and it's worth booking tours that include both cultural sites and beach time. Some operators offer snorkeling gear as part of the package.

Botanical Gardens and Rainforest Walk

The St. Vincent Botanical Gardens, established in 1765, contain some genuinely rare specimens including breadfruit trees descended from those brought by Captain Bligh. The adjacent rainforest trails lead to waterfalls where you can actually swim in natural pools surrounded by tropical vegetation. It's the kind of place where you might spot the endemic St. Vincent parrot if you're particularly lucky.

Booking Tip: Garden entry costs about $5, while guided rainforest walks range from $30-50 per person. Tours that combine both experiences offer better value and local guides can identify plants and wildlife you'd likely miss on your own. Waterproof shoes are essential for forest walks.

Getting There

Young Island is accessed via St. Vincent, which connects to major Caribbean hubs through E.T. Joshua Airport. You'll likely need to connect through Barbados, St. Lucia, or Puerto Rico, as direct international flights are limited. From the airport, it's about a 10-minute drive to the Young Island dock, where a complimentary ferry shuttles guests to the island throughout the day. The ferry ride itself takes just five minutes, but it's worth noting that the schedule runs regularly rather than on-demand, so there might be brief waits during peak times.

Getting Around

Young Island operates as a single resort property, so transportation is primarily on foot along well-maintained paths that wind through the tropical landscaping. The island is small enough that you can walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes, though the terrain includes some hills that can be moderately steep. For trips to mainland St. Vincent or other islands, the resort can arrange transportation and water taxis. Golf cart service is available for guests with mobility concerns or heavy luggage, and the staff is generally helpful about providing directions to different areas of the property.

Where to Stay

Young Island Resort
Villa Lodge 4 (mainland St. Vincent)
Beachcombers Hotel (mainland)
Sunset Shores Beach Hotel
Villa Sapphire
Grenadine House

Food & Dining

Young Island's dining scene centers around the resort's restaurant, which focuses on Caribbean cuisine with French influences and surprisingly sophisticated preparation. The menu changes regularly based on local fish catches and seasonal produce, with dishes like locally caught mahi-mahi prepared with Creole spices. For variety, day trips to mainland St. Vincent offer local eateries serving traditional dishes like callaloo soup and fried plantains. Bequia island also has several good restaurants including Mac's Pizzeria, which has developed something of a cult following among visitors. The resort can arrange special dining experiences on the beach or in more secluded spots around the island.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Saint Vincent

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

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Adaggio

4.6 /5
(1131 reviews) 2

Massawa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(877 reviews) 1

PARDI

4.5 /5
(212 reviews)

Restaurant Le cadran solaire

5.0 /5
(162 reviews)
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When to Visit

The most pleasant weather typically occurs from December through April when temperatures hover in the low 80s and rainfall is minimal. That said, this is also peak season when prices are highest and advance booking becomes essential. May through November brings higher humidity and more frequent rain showers, but temperatures remain comfortable and the island is notably less crowded. Hurricane season technically runs June through November, though direct hits are relatively rare in this part of the Caribbean. For whatever reason, many visitors actually prefer the shoulder seasons when the island feels more secluded and rates are more reasonable.

Insider Tips

The complimentary ferry to Young Island stops running around 11 PM, so plan dinner timing accordingly if you're dining on the mainland
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the resort is environmentally conscious and local marine life is particularly sensitive to chemical runoff
The island's small size means cell phone coverage can be spotty in some areas, which many guests actually find refreshing for a digital detox

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