St Vincent and the Grenadines

Really, the only thing you need to do in St Vincent and the Grenadines is laze on the sands of palm-fringed beaches, drift across clear blue seas, or graze on freshly-grilled seafood and fruity cocktails. Should you feel inclined, however, there’s more.

Undisturbed by cruise ships, these volcanic islands are framed by colourful coral reefs and offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Caribbean.

On dry land, meanwhile, you can take a moment in nature at St Vincent Botanical Gardens – the oldest in the West Indies – or go parrot-spotting along the Vermont Nature Trail. Or follow Leeward Highway Scenic Drive from Kingstown to Richmond Beach.

Visit Bequia’s Firefly Plantation and sample freshly picked bananas, breadfruit, coconut, guava, and mangos. Make sugar cane juice beside the ruins of the 280-year-old mill. And while away your days by swimming, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and playing golf – or simply relax in a tranquil spot on your favourite island.

Sailing between islands and discovering their different attractions is a big part of a holiday to St Vincent and the Grenadines. But sailing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and you don’t need to go island-hopping to find things to do.

You could choose to stay on the main island of St Vincent, and enjoy a wide variety of excursions and activities on your doorstep. Walk along the cobblestone streets of Kingstown, and immerse yourself in history among the colonial buildings of the capital city.

Explore the twin Anglican and Catholic cathedrals of St George's and St Mary's, and their contrasting and compelling architecture. You can stroll around the peaceful, 250-year-old grounds of St Vincent Botanical Gardens or, for something more challenging, hike to the crater of the still-active La Soufrière volcano.

If you hire a car, we’d also recommend driving to black-sand Richmond Beach, where you’ll find the 1,400-year-old carved face in Carib Rock and the petroglyphs at Barrouallie.

Each of The Grenadines' 36 islands has its own character and charm. You can stroll the waterfront walkway of Bequia, past enticing restaurants and quaint boutiques. Swim with sea turtles, stingrays, and barracuda around the uninhibited Tobago Cays. Escape completely on Petit St Vincent, where phones and TVs are set aside, and coloured flags used to seek luxurious service.

Walk between coconut palms and feel sand between your toes on Palm Island, which is famed for its watersports and fantastic seafood. Take a boat to tiny Mayreau to admire its central village and spectacular ocean views. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous as you explore Mustique on horseback, or snorkel along its coral reef. Combine volcano hikes with lively nightlife on Union Island. Or simply head to Canouan for a little golf, some sailing, and a lot of chilled-out time on some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.

St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoy a long holiday season from November to June, when the days are dry, sunny and average 25°C. December to April is peak time, when the islands are busiest. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, you can enjoy a great balance of good weather and fewer people in the shoulder months of November and May.

Temperatures often rise above 30°C between July and October. With the increased heat also comes the rainy season. St Vincent and the Grenadines are technically within the Caribbean’s ‘Hurricane Alley’ – but, that said, their more southerly position means that many winds often pass by. And the southernmost islands have even been known to have dry weather all year round. So, if you’re willing to take a bit of a gamble, you could enjoy a fantastic holiday, for a fraction of the peak-season price.

• Visas: British passport holders do not require a visa to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Language: English
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Time difference: GMT -4 hours
• Flight duration from London: Approximately 11 hours, including a touchdown in Antigua
• Capital city: Kingstown