Guide to the Grenadines: an island for every traveler

28.11.2024 - 09:57 / lonelyplanet.com / Vincent Saintvincent

Nov 27, 2024 • 10 min read

Long the domain of savvy sailors and fly-in millionaires, the spectacular Grenadines also offer plenty for the independent traveler – you don’t need your own boat to fully explore the magnificent archipelago. Spanning the nations of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, the Lesser Antilles region offers a wide variety of authentic Caribbean experiences where nature is never far from the spotlight.

Comprising 32 islands and cays stretching between Saint Vincent and Grenada, the official language of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is English; however, most residents also speak Vincentian Creole. You’ll often hear the English-based Creole in informal settings – influenced by French, Spanish, Portuguese and the languages of the Garifuna and West Africa. The multi-island Caribbean nation is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and sailing and pirate history. Visitors also flock to the island chain for marine and wildlife encounters and outdoor wonders like the active La Soufrière Volcano. 

Throughout the region, there is no shortage of cultural activities across islands – from blues and gospel festivals to regattas and Carnival. Each island’s traditions and history are as lush as its landscape, making this the ideal destination for island hoppers and history buffs.

Most recently, the July 1, 2024, landfall of Category 4 Hurricane Beryl caused considerable devastation and infrastructural disruption to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, more so than any of the other Caribbean islands. While Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and its people remain in recovery, ports are open and islands are safe to explore.

Read on to discover which island in the Grenadines you should include in your trip.

Best for: Dining out

The most visited of the Grenadines and rightly so, beautiful Bequia is the quintessential slow-paced Caribbean island that really does have it all. Visitors can swim, dive or hike through dazzling natural beauty by day and then soak up the tropical atmosphere in the evening, sipping cocktails or tucking into a gourmet meal on a panoramic terrace.

Among its many draws are Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay, two wonderful stretches of sand backed by lush greenery, just a short hike from the capital Port Elizabeth.

As the second-largest island in the chain, Bequia offers plenty of attractions for nature lovers. There are good drift dives along the leeward side of the north of the island while the remote hilly north of the island affords ample opportunity for exploration; climb some of the imposing forested peaks for fine views of Saint Vincent and other Grenadine islands.

Bequia is an island that’s bound to entertain regardless of the time of