Ins and outs
Getting there
There are no direct flights from Europe or North America but same day connecting flights are available through Antigua, Barbados, Puerto Rico and Trinidad. Grenadine Airways offer daily shared charter services from Barbados to St Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island. Many people arrive on yachts, having sailed across the Atlantic or through the Caribbean. There is an informal international ferry on a wooden fishing boat between Union Island and Carriacou (Grenada).
St Vincent
Air
Not only do they weigh your luggage, but small planes also need to know the weight of their passengers, so be prepared to divulge this information.
There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe; you have to change in Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia, Puerto Rico or Trinidad, which have daily connections to St Vincent, Union Island, Canouan, Mustique or Bequia with LIAT/Caribbean Star, American Eagle, Air Martinique and Grenadine Airways, a merger of SVGAir, TIA and Mustique Airways.
Airlines
LIAT/Caribbean Star, Halifax St, Kingstown, T4571821/4565800 for reservations, airport office T4584841, on Union Island T4588230. American Eagle, T4565555. Grenadine Airways (a merger of Mustique Airways, SVGAir (T4575124, http://www.svgair.com) and Trans Island Air), at the airport: inter Grenadine flights, T4566793, shuttles@grenadineairways.com, and in Barbados: shared charter flights, T246-4181654, res@grenadineairways.com.
Boat
MV Barracuda, the ‘mail boat’, sails south on Mon and Thu from Kingstown at around 1030 to (Bequia sometimes) Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island, arriving at around 1530-1600; on Tue and Fri she returns, leaving Union Island at 0630, arriving St Vincent 1200. On Sat she sails Kingstown-Union-Kingstown with no intermediate stops. All times are approximate, depending on the amount of goods to be loaded and schedules change frequently. Cargo takes priority and passengers are allowed on board once all the goods are stowed. On holidays day trips are often arranged, eg from Kingstown to the beach on Canouan. There are 3-4 cabins, 2 of which are used by the crew but you can negotiate for one quite cheaply if you need it. Fares: Kingstown to Bequia EC$15, to Canouan EC$20, to Mayreau EC$25, to Union EC$30.
MV Gem Star, departs Kingstown 1100 Tue, Fri for Canouan and Union Island, returning Wed, Sat 0730 from Union Island for Canouan and Kingstown.
Bus
Minibuses from Kingstown leave from the Little Tokyo Fish Market terminal to all parts of St Vincent island, including a frequent service to Villa and Indian Bay, the main hotel area; they stop on demand rather than at bus stops. At the terminal they crowd round the entrance competing for customers rather than park in the bays provided. They are a popular means of transport because they are inexpensive and give an opportunity to see local life. No service on Sun or holidays. Fares start at EC$1, rising to EC$2 (Layou), EC$4 (Georgetown on the Windward coast), to EC$5 to the Black Carib settlement at Sandy Bay in the northeast (this is a difficult route, though, because buses leave Sandy Bay early in the morning for Kingstown, and return in the afternoon). The number of vans starting in Kingstown and running to Owia or Fancy in the north is limited. The best way is to take the early bus to Georgetown and try to catch 1 of the 2 vans running between Georgetown and Fancy (EC$10). To get to Richmond in the northwest take a bus to Barrouallie and seek transport from there. A day trip to Mesopotamia (EC$2.50) is worthwhile.
Car
Driving is on the left. There are limited road signs. A local driving licence, costing EC$75, must be purchased at the police station in Bay St, or the Licensing Authority on Halifax St, on presentation of your home licence.
Car hire
Only jeeps may be used to go beyond Georgetown on the east coast. Avis, at the airport, T4564389; David’s, T/F4564026; Rent and Drive, T4575601, rentanddrive@vincysurf.com.
Cycling
Cycling is rewarding. The ride between Layou and Richmond is a strenuous 4 hrs one way, but absolutely spectacular. Expect long, steep hills and lots of them. Be careful in the north, which is a drug producing area. Contact Sailors Cycle Centre, Middle St, T4571712, http://www.sailortours.com, owned by Trevor ‘Sailor’ Bailey, who also operates Sailor’s Wilderness Tours for escorted hiking and biking.
Taxi
Taxi fares are fixed by the Government but you must check with the driver first to avoid overcharging. Late at night and early morning fares are raised. Tip about 10%. Kingstown to airport EC$20, Indian Bay EC$25, Mesopotamia EC$40, Layou EC$40, Orange Hill EC$80, Blue Lagoon EC$35, airport to Young Island EC$20, airport to Blue Lagoon EC$25. Hourly hire EC$40-50 per hr for up to 4 passengers.
Vibie Taxi, T4565288, and Clinton McCloud, T4584573, both recommended, helpful. Young Island Taxi Association can be reached through Young Island on VHF 68.
