Destination Guide
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the Caribbean destination most people haven’t visited yet, and that is exactly what makes it special. I’m Jim, a Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite member, and Sandals Saint Vincent is the newest resort in the portfolio. It sits on Buccament Bay with green volcanic hills rising behind a curve of soft dark sand, and the setting feels unlike any other Sandals property I’ve reviewed.
This is one of the least commercialized corners of the Caribbean. The 32-island chain stretches south toward Grenada, with sailing waters, marine parks full of sea turtles, and cays that Hollywood chose as the filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean. The main island of Saint Vincent has an active volcano, rainforest trails, and a pace of life that rewards travelers looking for something beyond the typical resort strip.
About St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is an independent nation of 32 islands and cays in the Windward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean. The main island, Saint Vincent, is the largest and most mountainous, dominated by La Soufriere, an active volcano that last erupted in April 2021. The eruption caused significant ashfall but the island has recovered, and the volcano itself is now a popular hiking destination again.
English is the official language, and the East Caribbean Dollar is the local currency. US dollars are accepted at most businesses that serve visitors. The Grenadine islands to the south include Bequia (a laid-back sailing hub), Mustique (known as a private retreat for celebrities and royalty), and the Tobago Cays, a protected marine park.
Argyle International Airport (SVD) opened in 2017 on the southeastern tip of Saint Vincent, replacing the old and much shorter E.T. Joshua Airport. The new airport handles jets and has made the island far more accessible to direct flights from the US and other Caribbean hubs. The transfer to Sandals Saint Vincent on Buccament Bay takes about 35 minutes.
Best Beaches in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Buccament Bay is the resort beach at Sandals Saint Vincent, with dark volcanic sand framed by lush hillsides. The water is calm and clear, and the bay’s crescent shape gives it a sheltered feel. It is one of the most scenic beach settings in the Sandals collection.
The Tobago Cays are a cluster of five uninhabited islands surrounded by coral reefs and protected as a marine park. The snorkeling here is exceptional. Sea turtles are common, and the white-sand beaches are the kind of place that feels completely untouched. Day trips by sailboat from Saint Vincent or Bequia are the most popular way to visit.
Princess Margaret Beach on Bequia is a short water taxi ride from the main ferry dock and offers powdery white sand in a sheltered cove. On Mustique, Macaroni Beach has Atlantic-facing swells and a remote, windswept character. Back on the main island, Indian Bay and Villa Beach near Kingstown provide easy access to calm water and waterfront restaurants.
Things to Do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Hiking La Soufriere volcano is the signature excursion on Saint Vincent. The round-trip trek takes about five to six hours with a guide and rewards you with views into the steaming crater and across the northern Grenadines. The trail passes through cloud forest and bamboo groves before reaching the summit at 4,049 feet.
Sailing is the other defining activity here. The Grenadines are consistently ranked among the best sailing waters in the world, with steady trade winds, short island hops, and protected anchorages. You can charter a catamaran for a day trip or a multi-day cruise through the island chain.
The Tobago Cays Marine Park offers world-class snorkeling among reef systems and sea turtle nesting grounds. If you’re a certified diver, the waters off Saint Vincent have walls, drift dives, and volcanic formations that are less crowded than almost anywhere else in the Caribbean.
For a cultural stop, the Botanical Gardens in Kingstown are among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1765. They house a breadfruit tree descended from the original specimens brought by Captain Bligh on the HMS Providence. The waterfront market in Kingstown is the best place to sample local produce, spices, and fresh fish.
Where to Stay: Sandals Resorts in St. Vincent
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has one Sandals resort, and it is the newest property in the entire chain. Here is our 2026 overview.
Sandals Saint Vincent
Sandals Saint Vincent is a 351-room resort on Buccament Bay, built into the hillside with dramatic views of the Caribbean Sea and the volcanic interior. The resort has 16 restaurants, 10 bars with swim-up bars, multiple pools including a heart-shaped pool, and a Red Lane Spa. Water sports include scuba diving, sailing, paddleboards, and kayaks. Butler-service suites and a private wedding chapel are available, and the property features overwater villas for couples who want to wake up directly above the water.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Vincent and the Grenadines
What is the best time to visit St. Vincent?
The dry season from January through May offers the most consistent weather, with temperatures in the upper 70s to mid-80s. June through November is the wet season, with occasional afternoon showers and lower hotel rates. The island sits in the hurricane belt, but direct hits are uncommon. Shoulder months like May and early December often provide good weather with fewer visitors.
Do I need a passport to visit St. Vincent?
Yes. US citizens need a valid passport book to enter St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A passport card is not accepted for international air travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
How do I get to Sandals Saint Vincent?
Fly into Argyle International Airport (SVD) on Saint Vincent. Direct flights are available from Miami and other Caribbean hub airports. Connecting flights through Barbados or St. Lucia are also common. The resort transfer from Argyle takes about 35 minutes, and it is included with your Sandals stay.
Is St. Vincent safe for tourists?
The resort areas and popular tourist spots on Saint Vincent are safe and welcoming. Sandals Saint Vincent is a gated, all-inclusive property with 24-hour security. I’ve traveled through the Grenadines and explored Kingstown without issue. As with any Caribbean destination, basic travel awareness applies.
Is La Soufriere volcano safe to visit?
La Soufriere is closely monitored by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre. The volcano last erupted in April 2021, and hiking resumed after conditions stabilized. Guided hikes to the summit are available and considered safe when the volcano is at normal activity levels. Check local advisories before booking the excursion.
Can I visit the Grenadine islands from Sandals Saint Vincent?
Yes. Day trips to Bequia, Mustique, and the Tobago Cays are available by ferry, charter boat, or organized excursion. Bequia is the closest and most accessible, about an hour by ferry from Kingstown. The Tobago Cays snorkeling trip is one of the most popular day excursions in the entire Eastern Caribbean.
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the last unspoiled corners of the Caribbean, and Sandals chose it for a reason. If you want a resort experience that feels genuinely different from the rest of the chain, this is the property to consider. Reach out to our team if you need help planning your trip or choosing the right room category at Sandals Saint Vincent.
