ST.
VINCENT & THE GRENADINES TRAVEL TIPS
A collection
of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.
Here
you will find the most important informations about St. Vincent
& the Grenadines |
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Steep
mountains covered in a tangle of lush vegetation, cool waterfalls, black
and white sand beaches, colorful bougainvillea, and turquoise water -
this is St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Trailing along in the southern
Caribbean, St. Vincent lies 24 miles south of St. Lucia and 100 miles
west of Barbados. St. Vincent called "the mainland" by locals
and the Grenadines, well over 30 smaller islands and cays (keys) resemble
a large kite (St. Vincent) and a tail of islands stretching nearly 45
miles to the southwest. Some of the more popular Grenadine islands include
Young Island, Bequia (Beck-way), Mustique (Mus-teek), Canouan (Can-nu-wan),
Mayreau (My-ro), Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit (petty) St. Vincent.
Part of the Windward Island chain, these tropical gems are just being
discovered by travelers worldwide. If you plan to travel St. Vincent &
the Grenadines, take a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will
help you be more prepared to travel anywhere in St. Vincent & the
Grenadines.
ST.
VINCENT & THE GRENADINES GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: St Vincent: 344 sq km (133 sq miles). Grenadines:
45.3 sq km (17.3 sq miles). Total: 389.3 sq km (150.3 sq miles).
Population: 119,000 (official estimate 2002).
Population
Density: 305.7 per sq km (2002).
Capital: Kingstown. Population: 13,526 (2001).
Language: English.
Government: Constitutional monarachy. Gained
independence from the UK in 1979. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth
II, represented locally by Governor General Frederick Ballantyne
since 2002. Head of Government: Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves
since March 2001. |
|
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz (except Petit St Vincent which has 110 volts AC,
60Hz).
Religion: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and other
Christian denominations.
GEOGRAPHY: The islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
are located in the Windward Islands about 20 miles south of St. Lucia
and 100 miles west of Barbados. St. Vincent is highly cultivated and has
a coastline which is varied having rugged and rocky areas as well as black
or white sand beaches. The smaller 32 Grenadine Islands have total area
of only 17 square miles and have white coral sandy beaches and crystal
clear waters.
TOP
ST.
VINCENT & THE GRANADINES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors, including those from the Caribbean, should have a passport
and a return or ongoing ticket. An original birth certificate (with raised
seal) and a government-issued photo ID are sometimes accepted, but a passport
is always recommended.
TOP
GETTING AROUND ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
By Taxi -- Because of the bad roads, most visitors use
taxis to get around. The government sets the rates, but taxis are unmetered,
so be sure to agree on the fare before getting in. Figure on spending
US$10 or more to go from the airport to your hotel. You should tip about
12% of the fare.
You
can also hire taxis to take you to the island's major attractions. Most
drivers seem to be well-informed guides (it won't take you long to learn
everything you need to know about St. Vincent). You'll spend from US$20
per hour for a car holding two to four passengers.
By
Rental Car -- Driving on St. Vincent is a bit of an adventure
because of the narrow, twisting roads (sound your horn as you make the
sharp hairpin turns). Most importantly: Drive on the left. If you present
your valid driver's license from home at the police department, on Bay
Street in Kingstown, and pay an EC$76 (US$28) fee, you'll get a temporary
permit to drive.
Avis
(tel. 800/331-1212 in the U.S., or 784/456-2929 locally; www.avis.com)
has a branch at the airport. One local rental firm is Star Garage, on
Grenville Street in Kingstown (tel. 784/456-1743). Make sure your car
has a spare tire because the roads are full of potholes.
By
Bus -- Flamboyantly painted "alfresco" buses travel
the principal roads of St. Vincent, linking the major towns and villages.
The price is low, depending on where you're going, and the experience
will connect you with the locals. The central departure point is the bus
terminal at the New Kingstown Fish Market. Fares range from EC95¢
to EC$5.95 (US35¢-US$2.20).
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES DUTY FREE
The following items may be imported into St Vincent & the Grenadines
without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; 1.136l of alcoholic beverage.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 1 784. Outgoing
international code: 0.
Mobile
telephone: Providers Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular
and Digicel. Visitors from North America can roam on all the islands.
Fax: Faxes can be sent from most hotels.
Internet: ISPs include Caribsurf (website: www.caribsurf.com).
Telegram: Facilities are limited to main towns and hotels.
Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes up to two weeks. Post office hours: Mon-Fri
0830-1500, Sat 0830-1130.
Press: All newspapers are in English and most are published weekly. The most
popular papers are The News, Searchlight and The Vincentian; The Herald
is published daily.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES BUSINESS
PROFILE
Economy: St Vincent & the Grenadines is poor by Eastern
Caribbean standards, with agriculture the main source of income and export
earnings. Bananas are the main crop, but St Vincent is also the world’s
leading producer of arrowroot and grows other exotic fruit, vegetables
and root crops. Fishing has also been revitalised and a processing complex
has been built with Japanese assistance. Agriculture is especially vulnerable
to the unpredictable, often adverse weather patterns of the Caribbean.
Tourism is the other main component of the economy. By regional standards,
this was relatively late to evolve and was initially hampered by the lack
of a suitable infrastructure. This was addressed with the help of aid
from the European Union and the industry is now growing rapidly: the most
recent figures record its contribution to the economy at US$90 million.
A small manufacturing sector and an embryonic ‘offshore’ financial
services industry complete the country’s economic inventory.
St Vincent is a member of the regional trading bloc CARICOM and the Organisation
of Eastern Caribbean States, which is assuming a growing economic role.
In addition to the USA and the UK, St Vincent’s main trade links
are with Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia and Martinique.
Business: Short- or long-sleeved shirt and tie or a safari suit are suitable for
most business visits. Government office hours: These vary from department
to department but generally Mon-Fri 0800-1615, with some opening for a
few hours Saturday morning.
Commercial
Information: The following organisation can offer advice: St
Vincent & the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce, PO Box
134, Coreas Building, Hillsborough Street, Kingstown (tel: 457 1464; fax:
456 2944; e-mail: svgcic@caribsurf.com; website: www.svgcic.com).
Conferences/Conventions: For information, contact the St Vincent & the Grenadines Tourist Office
(see Contact Addresses section).
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES SOCIAL PROFILE
Food & Drink: St Vincent is one of the few islands
where good West Indian cuisine can almost always be enjoyed in hotels.
Specialities include red snapper, kingfish, lambi (conch), callalou soup,
souse (pickled meat or seafood) and sea-moss drink. In addition there
is plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and other seafood on offer. Lobster
is available in season.
Vincentian beer and rum, a major ingredient in punch and cocktails, are
the local drinks, as are a wide variety of local exotic fruit juices.
Nightlife: Most evening events take place in hotels and it is best to ask at individual
hotels for a calendar of events. Nightclubs include the Aquatic club and
the Buccama Club on the Leeward Coast. The Attic in Kingstown features
a wide variety of music during the week and live entertainment at weekends.
There is one casino on the island, at Peniston, on the Leeward side.
Special
Events: For full details, contact the St Vincent & the Grenadines
Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection
of special events occurring in St Vincent & the Grenadines in 2005:
Jan 19-Feb 2 Mustique Blues Festival. Jan 28-29 Blues Fest, St Vincent.
Mar 24-28 Easterval, Union Island; Easter Regatta, Bequia. Apr 1-30 Gospel
Fest Month. Jun 21 Music Day. Jun 24-Jul 5 Vincy Carnival (street parades,
beauty show, King and Queen of Bands and calypso competition). Aug 1-30
Emancipation Month - Breadfruit Festival. Sep 1-30 Dance Festival Month.
Sep 3 Fashion Caribbean. Nov 1-30 National Drama Festival.
Social
Conventions: The Vincentians are fun-loving and easy-going people,
and the informal and relaxed lifestyle combines many English influences
with West Indian. The Saturday market in Kingstown is bustling with life,
seemingly involving all islanders. All visitors are made welcome and casual
wear is widely acceptable. Refrain, however, from wearing beachwear or
mini shorts on the streets or while shopping.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES BEACHES & ANCHORAGE
 |
Chateaubetair - The bay here, with its 40-foot deep reef
and array of brightly coloured fish, is a snorkeller's dream.
While usually a good anchorage, especially on the eastern half
of the bay, the northerly swells in the winter months can cause
difficulties.
CumberLand Bay - The bay is very deep and those
boats wishing to anchor will need to do so with a bow or sternrope
to a palm tree. There is no customs clearance.
Petit Byahaut - Four moorings are available at
the resort al Petit Byahaut. There is a small beach, diving and
snorkelling are superb. At Dinosaur Head (face of Byahaut point)
you will find a 120-foot wall covered in sponges, seafans and
coral.
Troumaca Bay - This small well-protected bay,
with room for only a handful of yachts, has some mooring posts
on the beach. There is good snorkelling alone the northern shore.
Wallilabou - This picturesque bay is a good diving
spot and reliable line handlers are available to help secure yachts.
Customs can be cleared here between 4.OOpm and 6.00 pm. Kingstown
- Customs and immigration can be cleared at Kingstown Harbour
and there is a tie-up for yachts.
Mount Wynne - This expansive blacksand beach
is a local favourite. It lies on the leeward coast thus the sea is
very calm. There are toilet facilities , benches and huts.
The ideal spot for a picnic and for anchoring speed boats and
yachts.
|
South-East
Coast
Blue
Lagoon - Surrounded by palm trees, this area with a lovely
beach provides a very pleasant anchorage. Moorings are available at
Barefoot Yacht Charters or The Lagoon Marina.
Young Island Cut - The anchorage here, lying in clear
water, is a favourite with yachtspeople. Anchor with care as the current
sweeps both ways and the centre of the cut is 65 feet deep. Moorings
are available, but stay clear of the sea bed close to Young Island
itself. No customs clearance.
Windward
Coast
On
the windward side of the island there are a number of beautiful
black sand beaches. Especially popular is Argyle,
a long beach unto which breakers crash furiously. Most of the windward
beaches are not recommended for swimming. Also you will find a lovely
picturesque, long beach at Black Point.
Brighton Beach is a secluded black sand beach.This
beach faces the Grenadines. It has high waves and is the perfect
place for a bit of boogie boarding . Villa
Beach and Indian Bay - There are two white sand beaches
on mainland St. Vincent located on the southeast end of the island.
They are divided by a small hilly projection and are easily accessible.
Both beaches offer good snorkelling and provide lovely views of
Young Island and some of the Grenadine islands.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES CURRENCY/MONEY
Banking: Banks are open from 8 am until 1 pm Monday through Thursday.
On Friday s banks remain open until 5 pm. There are no Weekend hours.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Money
Exchange: If you have US$ it will not be necessary to exchange currency
as US$ are readily accepted.
Credit & debit cards: All major credit and debit cards are widely
accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of
merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.
Travellers
cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised
to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
TOP
ST.
VINCENT & THE GRENADINES SHOPPING
Designs on sea-island cottons can be bought and made up into clothes within
a few days at a number of shops. Handicrafts and all varieties of straw-made
items, grass rugs and other souvenirs can be bought at a number of workshops
and gift shops. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1600, Sat 0800-1200.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES TIPPING
10% is customary when the service charge is not included in the bill.
Porters should be tipped EC$1 per bag. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES HEALTH &
SAFETY
Bottled water is best for all visitors on St. Vincent and the Grenadines,
as local water can cause upset stomachs. Kingstown General Hospital is
the only major hospital on the islands.
The
islands are very safe; the capital city Kingstown itself has a very low
crime rate. Despite this, don't forget to follow basic safety precautions.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES PEOPLE
Unlike the inhabitants of some Caribbean islands, locals on the Grenadines
don't feel patronized by visitors. British manners and sensibilities dictate
that guests be treated with politeness; a more welcoming attitude is hard
to find anywhere in the world. In addition to the many British characteristics,
look for some French and Indian influences as well. African cultural influences
are also visible, since most of the island's population is descended from
African slaves.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES CLIMATE
& CLOTHING
Climate: Tropical, with trade winds tempering the hottest months,
June and July.
Clothing: Casual resort wear is the general rule for both men
and women during the day, while most restaurants do not require a jacket
or tie for dinner, if there is a question, it's best to find out before
departure. During the cooler months, a light wrap or pullover may be needed.
Our of respect for local customs, swim wear should not be worn on the
street, or in shops and restaurants.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES SPORTS &
ACTIVITIES
Watersports: These are a major pastime. Various sailing
boats head south regularly through the Grenadines. For the novice, professionals
are available to handle the sails. Visitors can, of course, bring their
own yacht, or charter one, either with or without crew. Yachts are available
for charter from Barefoot Yacht Charters (tel: 456 9526 or 9334; fax:
456 9238; e-mail: barebum@caribsurf.com; website: www.barefootyachts.com)
or Sunsail St Vincent at the Lagoon Marina & Hotel (tel/fax: 458 4308;
e-mail: sunsailsvg@caribsurf.com; website: www.lagoonmarina.com). Other
watersports, particularly windsurfing and scuba diving, can be arranged
through some hotels. Dive sites around St Vincent include New Guinea Reef,
where sea horses swim around an abundance of black coral; and Bottle Reef,
so called because the sea bed is dotted with antique gin and rum bottles
thrown into the sea from the English fort above in centuries past. Deep-sea
fishing excursions are available.
Hiking: This can be undertaken in the rainforest. Hiking to the Soufrière
volcano (1200m/4000ft) in the north of the island is popular, though strenuous.
The trip takes a full day.
Other: Cricket and football are very popular. Tennis courts are available at
Kingstown Tennis Club and facilities may also be arranged through hotels.
Horseriding can be arranged in Mustique. The only golf course is the Carenage
Golf Course on Canouan, which is partly on the flat coastal plain and
partly carved into the hillside.
TOP
ST.
VINCENT & THE GRENADINES TIME ZONE
Saint
Vincent are islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean,
north of Trinidad and Tobago. St Vincent Time Standard Time is GMT -4.
TOP
ST.
VINCENT & THE GRENADINES TRAVEL TIPS
A collection
of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.
Steep
mountains covered in a tangle of lush vegetation, cool waterfalls, black
and white sand beaches, colorful bougainvillea, and turquoise water -
this is St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Trailing along in the southern
Caribbean, St. Vincent lies 24 miles south of St. Lucia and 100 miles
west of Barbados. St. Vincent called "the mainland" by locals
and the Grenadines, well over 30 smaller islands and cays (keys) resemble
a large kite (St. Vincent) and a tail of islands stretching nearly 45
miles to the southwest. Some of the more popular Grenadine islands include
Young Island, Bequia (Beck-way), Mustique (Mus-teek), Canouan (Can-nu-wan),
Mayreau (My-ro), Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit (petty) St. Vincent.
Part of the Windward Island chain, these tropical gems are just being
discovered by travelers worldwide. If you plan to travel St. Vincent &
the Grenadines, take a moment to brush up on the travel tips that will
help you be more prepared to travel anywhere in St. Vincent & the
Grenadines.
ST.
VINCENT & THE GRENADINES GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: St Vincent: 344 sq km (133 sq miles). Grenadines:
45.3 sq km (17.3 sq miles). Total: 389.3 sq km (150.3 sq miles).
Population: 119,000 (official estimate 2002).
Population
Density: 305.7 per sq km (2002).
Capital: Kingstown. Population: 13,526 (2001).
Language: English.
Government: Constitutional monarachy. Gained
independence from the UK in 1979. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth
II, represented locally by Governor General Frederick Ballantyne
since 2002. Head of Government: Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves
since March 2001. |
|
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz (except Petit St Vincent which has 110 volts AC,
60Hz).
Religion: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and other
Christian denominations.
GEOGRAPHY: The islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
are located in the Windward Islands about 20 miles south of St. Lucia
and 100 miles west of Barbados. St. Vincent is highly cultivated and has
a coastline which is varied having rugged and rocky areas as well as black
or white sand beaches. The smaller 32 Grenadine Islands have total area
of only 17 square miles and have white coral sandy beaches and crystal
clear waters.
TOP
ST.
VINCENT & THE GRANADINES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors, including those from the Caribbean, should have a passport
and a return or ongoing ticket. An original birth certificate (with raised
seal) and a government-issued photo ID are sometimes accepted, but a passport
is always recommended.
TOP
GETTING AROUND ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
By Taxi -- Because of the bad roads, most visitors use
taxis to get around. The government sets the rates, but taxis are unmetered,
so be sure to agree on the fare before getting in. Figure on spending
US$10 or more to go from the airport to your hotel. You should tip about
12% of the fare.
You
can also hire taxis to take you to the island's major attractions. Most
drivers seem to be well-informed guides (it won't take you long to learn
everything you need to know about St. Vincent). You'll spend from US$20
per hour for a car holding two to four passengers.
By
Rental Car -- Driving on St. Vincent is a bit of an adventure
because of the narrow, twisting roads (sound your horn as you make the
sharp hairpin turns). Most importantly: Drive on the left. If you present
your valid driver's license from home at the police department, on Bay
Street in Kingstown, and pay an EC$76 (US$28) fee, you'll get a temporary
permit to drive.
Avis
(tel. 800/331-1212 in the U.S., or 784/456-2929 locally; www.avis.com)
has a branch at the airport. One local rental firm is Star Garage, on
Grenville Street in Kingstown (tel. 784/456-1743). Make sure your car
has a spare tire because the roads are full of potholes.
By
Bus -- Flamboyantly painted "alfresco" buses travel
the principal roads of St. Vincent, linking the major towns and villages.
The price is low, depending on where you're going, and the experience
will connect you with the locals. The central departure point is the bus
terminal at the New Kingstown Fish Market. Fares range from EC95¢
to EC$5.95 (US35¢-US$2.20).
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES DUTY FREE
The following items may be imported into St Vincent & the Grenadines
without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; 1.136l of alcoholic beverage.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 1 784. Outgoing
international code: 0.
Mobile
telephone: Providers Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular
and Digicel. Visitors from North America can roam on all the islands.
Fax: Faxes can be sent from most hotels.
Internet: ISPs include Caribsurf (website: www.caribsurf.com).
Telegram: Facilities are limited to main towns and hotels.
Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes up to two weeks. Post office hours: Mon-Fri
0830-1500, Sat 0830-1130.
Press: All newspapers are in English and most are published weekly. The most
popular papers are The News, Searchlight and The Vincentian; The Herald
is published daily.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES BUSINESS
PROFILE
Economy: St Vincent & the Grenadines is poor by Eastern
Caribbean standards, with agriculture the main source of income and export
earnings. Bananas are the main crop, but St Vincent is also the world’s
leading producer of arrowroot and grows other exotic fruit, vegetables
and root crops. Fishing has also been revitalised and a processing complex
has been built with Japanese assistance. Agriculture is especially vulnerable
to the unpredictable, often adverse weather patterns of the Caribbean.
Tourism is the other main component of the economy. By regional standards,
this was relatively late to evolve and was initially hampered by the lack
of a suitable infrastructure. This was addressed with the help of aid
from the European Union and the industry is now growing rapidly: the most
recent figures record its contribution to the economy at US$90 million.
A small manufacturing sector and an embryonic ‘offshore’ financial
services industry complete the country’s economic inventory.
St Vincent is a member of the regional trading bloc CARICOM and the Organisation
of Eastern Caribbean States, which is assuming a growing economic role.
In addition to the USA and the UK, St Vincent’s main trade links
are with Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia and Martinique.
Business: Short- or long-sleeved shirt and tie or a safari suit are suitable for
most business visits. Government office hours: These vary from department
to department but generally Mon-Fri 0800-1615, with some opening for a
few hours Saturday morning.
Commercial
Information: The following organisation can offer advice: St
Vincent & the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce, PO Box
134, Coreas Building, Hillsborough Street, Kingstown (tel: 457 1464; fax:
456 2944; e-mail: svgcic@caribsurf.com; website: www.svgcic.com).
Conferences/Conventions: For information, contact the St Vincent & the Grenadines Tourist Office
(see Contact Addresses section).
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES SOCIAL PROFILE
Food & Drink: St Vincent is one of the few islands
where good West Indian cuisine can almost always be enjoyed in hotels.
Specialities include red snapper, kingfish, lambi (conch), callalou soup,
souse (pickled meat or seafood) and sea-moss drink. In addition there
is plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and other seafood on offer. Lobster
is available in season.
Vincentian beer and rum, a major ingredient in punch and cocktails, are
the local drinks, as are a wide variety of local exotic fruit juices.
Nightlife: Most evening events take place in hotels and it is best to ask at individual
hotels for a calendar of events. Nightclubs include the Aquatic club and
the Buccama Club on the Leeward Coast. The Attic in Kingstown features
a wide variety of music during the week and live entertainment at weekends.
There is one casino on the island, at Peniston, on the Leeward side.
Special
Events: For full details, contact the St Vincent & the Grenadines
Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection
of special events occurring in St Vincent & the Grenadines in 2005:
Jan 19-Feb 2 Mustique Blues Festival. Jan 28-29 Blues Fest, St Vincent.
Mar 24-28 Easterval, Union Island; Easter Regatta, Bequia. Apr 1-30 Gospel
Fest Month. Jun 21 Music Day. Jun 24-Jul 5 Vincy Carnival (street parades,
beauty show, King and Queen of Bands and calypso competition). Aug 1-30
Emancipation Month - Breadfruit Festival. Sep 1-30 Dance Festival Month.
Sep 3 Fashion Caribbean. Nov 1-30 National Drama Festival.
Social
Conventions: The Vincentians are fun-loving and easy-going people,
and the informal and relaxed lifestyle combines many English influences
with West Indian. The Saturday market in Kingstown is bustling with life,
seemingly involving all islanders. All visitors are made welcome and casual
wear is widely acceptable. Refrain, however, from wearing beachwear or
mini shorts on the streets or while shopping.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES BEACHES & ANCHORAGE
|
Chateaubetair - The bay here, with its 40-foot deep reef
and array of brightly coloured fish, is a snorkeller's dream.
While usually a good anchorage, especially on the eastern half
of the bay, the northerly swells in the winter months can cause
difficulties.
CumberLand Bay - The bay is very deep and those
boats wishing to anchor will need to do so with a bow or sternrope
to a palm tree. There is no customs clearance.
Petit Byahaut - Four moorings are available at
the resort al Petit Byahaut. There is a small beach, diving and
snorkelling are superb. At Dinosaur Head (face of Byahaut point)
you will find a 120-foot wall covered in sponges, seafans and
coral.
Troumaca Bay - This small well-protected bay,
with room for only a handful of yachts, has some mooring posts
on the beach. There is good snorkelling alone the northern shore.
Wallilabou - This picturesque bay is a good diving
spot and reliable line handlers are available to help secure yachts.
Customs can be cleared here between 4.OOpm and 6.00 pm. Kingstown
- Customs and immigration can be cleared at Kingstown Harbour
and there is a tie-up for yachts.
Mount Wynne - This expansive blacksand beach
is a local favourite. It lies on the leeward coast thus the sea is
very calm. There are toilet facilities , benches and huts.
The ideal spot for a picnic and for anchoring speed boats and
yachts.
|
South-East
Coast
Blue
Lagoon - Surrounded by palm trees, this area with a lovely
beach provides a very pleasant anchorage. Moorings are available at
Barefoot Yacht Charters or The Lagoon Marina.
Young Island Cut - The anchorage here, lying in clear
water, is a favourite with yachtspeople. Anchor with care as the current
sweeps both ways and the centre of the cut is 65 feet deep. Moorings
are available, but stay clear of the sea bed close to Young Island
itself. No customs clearance.
Windward
Coast
On
the windward side of the island there are a number of beautiful
black sand beaches. Especially popular is Argyle,
a long beach unto which breakers crash furiously. Most of the windward
beaches are not recommended for swimming. Also you will find a lovely
picturesque, long beach at Black Point.
Brighton Beach is a secluded black sand beach.This
beach faces the Grenadines. It has high waves and is the perfect
place for a bit of boogie boarding . Villa
Beach and Indian Bay - There are two white sand beaches
on mainland St. Vincent located on the southeast end of the island.
They are divided by a small hilly projection and are easily accessible.
Both beaches offer good snorkelling and provide lovely views of
Young Island and some of the Grenadine islands.
TOP
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES CURRENCY/MONEY
Banking: Banks are open from 8 am until 1 pm Monday through Thursday.
On Friday s banks remain open until 5 pm. There are no Weekend hours.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Money
Exchange: If you have US$ it will not be necessary to exchange currency
as US$ are readily accepted.
Credit & debit cards: All major credit and debit cards are widely
accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of
merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.
Travellers
cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised
to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
TOP
ST.
VINCENT & THE GRENADINES SHOPPING
Designs on sea-island cottons can be bought and made up into clothes within
a few days at a number of shops. Handicrafts and all varieties of straw-made
items, grass rugs and other souvenirs can be bought at a number of workshops
and gift shops. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1600, Sat 0800-1200.
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ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES TIPPING
10% is customary when the service charge is not included in the bill.
Porters should be tipped EC$1 per bag. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
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ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES HEALTH &
SAFETY
Bottled water is best for all visitors on St. Vincent and the Grenadines,
as local water can cause upset stomachs. Kingstown General Hospital is
the only major hospital on the islands.
The
islands are very safe; the capital city Kingstown itself has a very low
crime rate. Despite this, don't forget to follow basic safety precautions.
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ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES PEOPLE
Unlike the inhabitants of some Caribbean islands, locals on the Grenadines
don't feel patronized by visitors. British manners and sensibilities dictate
that guests be treated with politeness; a more welcoming attitude is hard
to find anywhere in the world. In addition to the many British characteristics,
look for some French and Indian influences as well. African cultural influences
are also visible, since most of the island's population is descended from
African slaves.
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ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES CLIMATE
& CLOTHING
Climate: Tropical, with trade winds tempering the hottest months,
June and July.
Clothing: Casual resort wear is the general rule for both men
and women during the day, while most restaurants do not require a jacket
or tie for dinner, if there is a question, it's best to find out before
departure. During the cooler months, a light wrap or pullover may be needed.
Our of respect for local customs, swim wear should not be worn on the
street, or in shops and restaurants.
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ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES SPORTS &
ACTIVITIES
Watersports: These are a major pastime. Various sailing
boats head south regularly through the Grenadines. For the novice, professionals
are available to handle the sails. Visitors can, of course, bring their
own yacht, or charter one, either with or without crew. Yachts are available
for charter from Barefoot Yacht Charters (tel: 456 9526 or 9334; fax:
456 9238; e-mail: barebum@caribsurf.com; website: www.barefootyachts.com)
or Sunsail St Vincent at the Lagoon Marina & Hotel (tel/fax: 458 4308;
e-mail: sunsailsvg@caribsurf.com; website: www.lagoonmarina.com). Other
watersports, particularly windsurfing and scuba diving, can be arranged
through some hotels. Dive sites around St Vincent include New Guinea Reef,
where sea horses swim around an abundance of black coral; and Bottle Reef,
so called because the sea bed is dotted with antique gin and rum bottles
thrown into the sea from the English fort above in centuries past. Deep-sea
fishing excursions are available.
Hiking: This can be undertaken in the rainforest. Hiking to the Soufrière
volcano (1200m/4000ft) in the north of the island is popular, though strenuous.
The trip takes a full day.
Other: Cricket and football are very popular. Tennis courts are available at
Kingstown Tennis Club and facilities may also be arranged through hotels.
Horseriding can be arranged in Mustique. The only golf course is the Carenage
Golf Course on Canouan, which is partly on the flat coastal plain and
partly carved into the hillside.
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ST.
VINCENT & THE GRENADINES TIME ZONE
Saint
Vincent are islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean,
north of Trinidad and Tobago. St Vincent Time Standard Time is GMT -4.
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