Highlights - Grenadines
To take a cruise around the Grenadines is to experience a succession of superb beaches, deserted little islands, amazing seabed environments and verdant scenery, each contributing to the magic and sense of otherworldliness as you gently glide along through the water. In fact, this archipelago is actually considered one of the most beautiful in the world. A quick guide to the essential things to see and do to really get the most out of this Caribbean paradise.
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Essential - Grenadines
What language do they speak in the Grenadines? What are the most typical foods? Here is a compact but essential guide of everything you need to know about the archipelago, often considered one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
Read more
Explore Grenadines
Highlights - Grenadines
To take a cruise around the Grenadines is to experience a succession of superb beaches, deserted little islands, amazing seabed environments and verdant scenery, each contributing to the magic and sense of otherworldliness as you gently glide along through the water. In fact, this archipelago is actually considered one of the most beautiful in the world. A quick guide to the essential things to see and do to really get the most out of this Caribbean paradise.
An adventure to Moonhole
On the island of Bequia, life passes peacefully to the sound of the gentle lapping of a calm sea on fine sand. Though today it’s as popular with tourists as its neighbouring islands, Bequia has managed to preserve a certain authentic charm, a sense made all the more palpable by the distinct uniqueness of Moonhole, a cluster of houses constructed in harmony with their surroundings in the 1960s by American couple Tom and Gladdie Johnston. Having fallen in love with the idyllic setting provided by a giant natural arch, they built their haven of peace here facing out to sea. A small community subsequently grew up around these utopian idealists. As part of efforts to maintain and preserve this unique heritage, some of the houses are today available to rent.
Getting away from it all on the island of Mayreau
The smallest of the islands making up the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, the island of Mayreau is an unbelievably charming place. The operative words here are calmness and relaxation. Against a backdrop of a handful of boats gently rocking in the bay, the sheltered beach offers welcome spots of shade in which to relax between swims, and the tempting crystalline waters simply cry out to be explored. With brightly coloured coral gardens sheltering myriad fish, there is much to see and admire for the snorkel-equipped adventurer here.
Admiring the beauty of the Tobago Cays
The Tobago Cays are a group of five quaintly-named little islands made up of Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Jamesby and Petit Tabac, which together constitute one of the most beautiful sites in the Grenadines. In order to protect this particularly rich environment and its wildlife, the government has established a marine park in the area. Lying sheltered by the most beautiful coral reef in the Antilles, the Tobago Cays are home to a large variety of fish, including groupers, surgeon fish and boxfish. It's also possible to see turtles and rays here.
Experiencing the surprises and delights of scuba diving
The Grenadines are home to a number of world famous diving spots. In fact, Bequia has no less than 30 sites of simply incomparable variety for divers to visit. But it's Molinere Bay that offers the most uniquely novel underwater experiences. In 2006, British artist Jason deCaires Taylor installed the world's first underwater sculpture park here. Aquatic life plays an integral part in the installations, which seem to come to life amidst the seaweed and fish swayed by the currents.
Daydreaming at sunset
As with all archipelagos, the Grenadines are best explored from the sea. Nothing compares to a trip by catamaran when it comes to really appreciating the islands and the fabulous scenery they offer: turquoise waters dissolving onto stretches of fine sand, which themselves stand out against a background of tropical forest; and, as night falls, the sun inflaming the sky and casting a rich, dense light on the natural scenery before finally fading away below the horizon.
Essential - Grenadines
What language do they speak in the Grenadines? What are the most typical foods? Here is a compact but essential guide of everything you need to know about the archipelago, often considered one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
Helpful tips
Dos. As with anywhere in the world, gratuities are always welcome. Despite the luxury appearance of tourist establishments, life can be quite hard for the local people.
Don'ts. Naturism is illegal on the archipelago.
Fun facts
The botanic garden in Kingstown, the biggest town in the archipelago, is home to a rather unusual breadfruit tree. In fact, it comes from one of the 630 plants transported across the Pacific by Captain Bligh — known for the mutiny of his crew on board the Bounty — to feed slaves in Saint Vincent in 1793.
Essential phrases
The language spoken in the Grenadines is creole. It incorporates English, French, Spanish, Caribbean and African words. However, the archipelago's official language is English as part of it is linked to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and another part to Grenada, two states that are part of the Commonwealth.
Good morning/good afternoon/Good evening: Bonjour/bonsoir
Goodbye: Au revoir
Welcome: Bienvenue
Please: S’il vous plaît
Thank you: Merci
Yes/No: Oui/non
How are you ?: Comment allez-vous ?
Very well, thank you, and you ?: Très bien, merci, et vous ?
My name is...: Je m’appelle…
Gastronomy
Seafood is king in the Grenadines. The catch of the day may throw up a few surprise fish, or even a lobster! The most common dish consists of salted or fried fish, onions, tomatos and cucumber accompanied by grilled breadfruit, rice and plantains. Goat and mutton curries and ragouts also feature heavily in the local cuisine.
In the spotlight
In 2019, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was elected to the Security Council by the United Nations General Assembly as a non-permanent member for 2020 and 2021. The archipelago will be the smallest state to have ever sat on the Council.
Culture
Music Music is an intrinsic part of everyday life on the archipelago. Calypso, a blend of African-style percussion and European music, is particularly popular. Encompassing universal themes such as love, injustice and relationships, the lyrics are sung to an even beat. You can find steel bands (metal percussion orchestras) everywhere.
Film. Several scenes in the film Pirates of the Caribbean, the Curse of the Black Pearl were filmed on Petit Tabac island in Tobago Cays.
Facts and figures
600When we talk about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, we normally think about the eight main islands: Bequia, Baliceaux, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreay, Tobago Cays, Union and Petit Saint Vincent. However, the archipelago is actually made up of over 600 islands and islets.
