What to know: St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)

Location
SVG is made up of 32 islands and cays that are part of the Caribbean Island Arc. The next closest island nations are St Lucia to the north and Grenada (incl. Carriacou and Petite Martinique) to the south. 

The southernmost of the Grenadine islands is Petit St Vincent, which is adjacent to Petite Martinique. The two ‘Petites’ are geologically linked as they sit on the same submarine mound. Despite their proximity, they belong to separate nations.

Other islands of note include Bequia (7 sq miles, Pop. ~5,000), Mustique (2 sq miles, pop. 1,200+), Canouan (3.2 sq miles, pop. ~1,700), Mayreau (1 sq mile, pop. ~275), and Union Island (3 sq miles, pop. <2,000).

Population
There are more than 110,000 people living in the SVGs, mostly on the main island of St Vincent (~100,000).

Language
The official language is English. Patois can be heard on the streets.

Money Matters
The currency is the Easter Caribbean Dollar (EC$), which is tied to the U.S. Dollar at a rate of US$ 1 = EC$ 2.67. With that said, using the U.S. Dollar to pay for things in shops and restaurants will generally only net you about EC$2.60. It might be better to pay with credit card whenever possible or to visit an ATM to withdraw local cash. More on EC$

Note: The local banks charge for shop owners’ credit card machine usage, so a 5-10% ‘service charge’ is regularly added to cover that expense.

VAT is 11%. Accommodations might charge up to 16% VAT.

Time Zone
SVG is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone which is 1 hour ahead (later) Eastern Standard Time (EST) and four hours behind (earlier) than GMT.  World Time Zones

Water and Food
The water is said to be safe to drink but bottled water is widely available.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can be bought from street and market vendors. Fresh fish and lobster are also widely available from fishermen if you’re willing to pay their exorbitant prices.

Travel and Transportation

Entry:
For incoming yachties, use sailclear.com, although it doesn’t always matter, the local person in charge might still fill it all out by hand. Here’s what you currently need:

• Exit papers from last port
• Passports
• Proof of vaccination (mandatory for non-citizens)
• A Negative PCR test (taken within the last 72 hours)
• Boat registration
• Proof of ownership if the boat is in the name of a company

Getting around:

• Land tour
• Land taxi (SVG Tourism Authority has list of officially approved Taxi services)
• Minibus (prices are government regulated and fixed, usually EC$1 to EC$7)
• Car for hire (need to purchase a local license – EC$100)
• Interisland Ferry
• Charter boat
• Water taxi
• Airplane

Telecommunication
The area code is 784. The main internet/cell providers are Digicel and FLOW.

Energy
Fuel (diesel) is about EC$25 per gallon, which is nearly double compared to Grenada and Carriacou (EC$15).

Electricity is the same as most EC islands at 220 volts (50 cycles). A transformer helps with 110-volt appliances. Many places provide dual-voltage outlets.

Government
SVG gained independence from Great Britain in 1979. The current, democratically elected Prime Minister is The Honourable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. There is also a Governor-General who represents King Charles.

Good to Know

1. Camouflage clothing is illegal (to wear or to bring).
2. Spearfishing is illegal. Spearguns are viewed in the same category as illegal drugs and arms.
3. Manchineel Trees, abundant all across the Eastern Caribbean, provide ample shade, especially along the beaches. Beware, the fruits (look like little apples), leaves, and bark are toxic, so don’t touch or eat. Avoid these trees on windy and/or rainy days.