Located in the southern Caribbean, St. Vincent lies 24 miles south of St. Lucia and 100 miles west of Barbados. St. Vincent is referred to as "the mainland" by locals, and the Grenadines which is made up of over 30 smaller islands and cays form a tail of islands which stretch nearly 45 miles to the southwest. Some of the more popular Grenadine islands include Young Island, Bequia (Beck-way), Mustique (Mus-teek), Canouan (Can-nu-wan), Mayreau (My-ro), Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit (petty) St. Vincent. 

St Vincent and the islands boast topography of steep mountains covered in lush vegetation, cool waterfalls, black and white sand beaches, colourful bougainvillea, and bright turquoise water. These are truly beautiful islands, with soft sandy beaches and clear waters ideal to explore by boat or underneath with the help of a snorkel or some diving gear. 

St. Vincent's volcanic ridges, valleys, waterfalls, frequent rains and rich soil help it to be a major producer of fruits, vegetables and spices, and travelling the islands you will notice the flatlands and valleys are thickly planted with coconuts, bananas, breadfruit, nutmeg, and arrowroot. In order to see the best of the island, rent a car, hire a taxi, or jump on a local bus.  

If you plan to spend your Caribbean holiday with the sun on your face and sea breeze in your hair, these islands offers some of the finest sailing in the world; you can charter a yacht and plot your own course through paradise. Whether you’re on your own boat or you catch a ferry, it worth a trip to see the neighbouring islands; nearest is Bequia which is just 9 miles from St. Vincent. The little island is a sleepy one, with lovely waterside restaurants, bars, quaint shops, and an occasional small hotel. 

Mustique is another island worth a visit. Located 17 miles from St. Vincent and known for celebrities such as Mick Jagger and British royalty who come to relax at Basil's Bar, away from media attention. This small, impressive island has it all; rolling hills, sparkling clear water and long white sandy beaches. The island is privately owned and has only a tiny village with a few quaint shops, the Firefly Inn and restaurant, the luxurious Cotton House resort, and 51 secluded villas which can be rented for those after a luxury escape. 

Further down and away from St Vincent, you will find Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent. They vary in population size from a few, to a few hundred and most have small hotels. 

In terms of weather, St Vincent and the Grenadines benefit from a comfortable average temperature of 27oC, with November to February being the coolest period of the year. The rainy season takes place from May to October, during which it often rains in the mountainous regions of St Vincent.

The great thing about the Grenadines is that you need very little to stay entertained; simply arrive and relax. There are plenty of opportunities to snorkel, swim, or dive off shore, walk the miles of deserted beaches, sail, watch the passing boats… or simply sit back and read a book in the shade of a palm tree.