Introduction

Saint-Vincent & the Grenadines have kept all their beauty, as they are far away form the extravaganza of mass tourism. In all hotels, restaurants and bars of this little paradise there is a cool feeling and an exceptional charm.
Saint-Vincent is also the staring point of great excursions in the Grenadines islands, some 32 islets going towards Grenada in the South. Some small islands are well equipped - but never overflowed wit tourists. Some others are very small, with an isolated beach and few houses where the time seems to have stopped. If sailing is your passion, then Grenadines is a must!

History

Saint Vincent was one of the last areas for the Caribbean to be colonised by the Europeans due to their low strategic value. The Carib Indians inhabited St. Vincent before the Europeans arrived, and the island still sports a sizable number of Carib artefacts. Explored by Columbus in 1498, and disputed between France and the United Kingdom in the 18th century. In 1773, the island was divided between the Caribs and the British, but conflicts between the groups persisted. In 1776, the Caribs revolted and were subdued. Saint Vincent was ceded to United Kingdom in 1783. The islands belonged to the West Indies Federation from 1958 until its dissolution in 1962. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and full independence Oct. 27, 1979.

Culture

The people are mainly descendants of Africans who were brought as slaves during the colonial period; there are also people of European, Asian Indian, and Carib descent. The people from St Vincent are helpful and like their easy-going way of life that mixed Caribbean and English styles. Every Saturday morning, the Kingston’s market is a big attraction for the islanders. All visitors are warmly welcomed and relaxed outfit is widely accepted.

Map

To See

Sightseeing opportunities include:

Saint Vincent: It is a volcanic lush Island with mountains and valleys. The East side of the Island is abrupt and with deep and the West side is surrounded by black sand beaches. Up North, the Soufriere, volcano of Saint Vincent, is 1219 m high. Its rains often on the Island which the rich volcanic soil produces fruits, vegetables and spices in quantities.

The Grenadines
Bequia: Small Island South of St-Vincent, the biggest in the Grenadines with an area of 18 km², a road hugs the shore to discover the splendid scenery. Unspoiled by the time, all her activity is in relation with the sea. We can reach it by boats and there is as well a regional airport JF Mitchell opened in May 1992. Due to its isolation, she kept her ancestral traditions for the boat construction and fishing. The centre of the Island has some hills that offer a very nice view of the beaches and bays. The Admiralty Bay, natural port of the Island, welcomes lots of boats from all over the world.
Mustique: Last trend for rich people spot, this Island has some of the nicest properties in the Caribbean where some stars own villas. 
Canouan: She possesses gorgeous beaches on the South and up North there is a luxurious hotel. 
Mayreau: Property of an old St Vincent family, she is famous for its beautiful beaches, a tiny village and a nice church on top of the hill.
Tobago Cays: You can only access this paradise by sea. It is made of several islets, surrounded by clear crystal turquoise waters and numerous fish. There are sometimes lots of sailing boats around this marvellous area. 
Palm Island: Rented for 99 years by an Englishman, he set up a hotel and a charming restaurant. You can take a walk on this Island and you won’t get lost. 
Union Island: ore hilly, you can relax on the beautiful Rig Sand beach. 
Petit St-Vincent: Small and pleasant Island, with a luxurious hotel.

Usefull Information

Airports: There are six airports in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with E. T.Joshua Airport in Kingstown being the largest. The four small domestic airports are located in Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island. There is also a private airport on Palm Island.

Area: 389 km2, Saint Vincent 344 km2. The Grenadines have an area of 45 km2 but they cover an area of 96 km (60 miles) between St Vincent and Grenada.

Business: Banking hours are 8am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday, and also 3-5pm on Fridays. A bureau de change is open at the airport every day, except Sunday, until 5pm.

Capital: Kingstown, St Vincent.

Climate: The average yearly temperature is 27° C (81° F). The coolest months are between November and February. During the rainy season, May through October, rain is frequent in the mountains of St. Vincent with the annual average rainfall being 380 cm (150 inches) inland and 200 cm (80 inches) on the coast.

Clothing: Light and waterproof clothes.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar - EC$.

Customs: The following duty free goods can be imported to St Vincent & the Grenadines: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 grammas of tobacco; 1,136l of alcohol beverage.

Economy: The most important sector of this economy is Agriculture, dominated by banana production. Bananas and other agricultural products remains the staple of country’s economy. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist industry, is also important. Although tourism and other services have been growing moderately in recent years, the government has been effective at introducing new industries. Recent growth has been stimulated by strong activity in the construction sector and an improvement in tourism. The continuing dependence on a single crop represents the biggest obstacle to the islands’ development. There is a small manufacturing sector and a small offshore financial sector. St. Vincent is home to a small offshore banking sector, but its restrictive secrecy laws have come under international review.

Electricity: 220 Volts, 50 Cycles.

Entry & Departure requirements: Please refer to the official British Virgin Islands tourism website (link below) or ask us.

Health: There are six public hospitals, including Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and Mayfield Hospital, Lowmans and Bequia Casualty Hospital, Port Elizabeth, and three privately owned hospitals. Community care is provided by 38 outpatient clinics located throughout the country.

Holidays: New Year’s day (01 JAN), Heroes' Day (MAR), Easter Friday & Monday (MAR-APR), Labour Day (MAY), Whit Monday (MAY-JUN), Carnival 2 days (JUL), Emancipation Day (AUG), Independence Day (OCT), Christmas (25-26 DEC).

Language: English.

Political status: independent nation, member of the Commonwealth.

Population: 117,000.

Religion: Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman Catholic 13%, Hindu, Seventh-Day Adventist.

Security: Petty street crime occurs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. From time to time, property has been stolen from yachts anchored in the Grenadines. Valuables left unattended on beaches are vulnerable to theft.

Shopping: Shops are open on weekdays, 8am-noon and 1pm-4pm, and on Saturday, 8am-noon.

Taxes & Service charges: There is 17% Government Tax and Service charge to be added on accommodation rates.

Telecommunications: The international dialling code for St Vincent is +1 784 followed by seven digits. On the islands, use the seven digits only.

Time: Standard Time Zone: GMT – 4 hrs. St Vincent & the Grenadines Time does not operate Daylight-Saving Time.

Transportation: Driving is on the left. Buses run regularly in St Vincent. Small buses also offer public taxi services and apply a standard fare, wherever you embark from. Public transportation is cheap but overload. Government applies standard price for taxi ride for each journey and can be shared with other people.

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.svgtourism.com/