Safety in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Crime: Levels are low, but watch your pockets in Kingstown. Opportunists work the market and the port area, so do not leave anything sitting unattended.
The volcano: La Soufriere erupted as recently as 2021 and remains active. Before heading to the north of St Vincent, always check the current status published by NEMO.
Swimming: The Atlantic side of the islands has strong currents and heavy surf. The safest swimming is on the west coast, where the water is calm and clear.
Medical care: The islands have only basic hospitals, and serious cases mean transfer to another country. Make sure your insurance covers that in full before you travel.
Wildlife: Centipedes and snakes turn up in the forest and on the volcano trail. Watch where you step and stay on the marked routes unless you have a guide with you.
Sun: The tropical sun is vicious even under cloud. Use high-factor cream and drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke and dehydration.
Advisories: Check your own government's travel advisory before booking, particularly for hurricane guidance between June and November.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines comprises a main island and a chain of small ones including Bequia, Mustique and the Tobago Cays. Crime against tourists is low.

Kingstown. Petty theft at the market and the port. The centre empties at night.

Taxis. Fares are fixed; confirm the price and currency.

Between the islands. Ferries and small aircraft. Schedules change and the channels can be rough. Leave slack.

Yachting. The Grenadines are among the world's finest sailing grounds. The industry is developed, and "boat boys" approach yachts offering mooring, ice and fruit. That is normal practice; agree the price in advance.

Currency. The East Caribbean dollar; US dollars are accepted.

Car hire. A local permit is required. Roads on the main island are mountainous and narrow.

Camouflage is prohibited for civilians.

Drugs. The law is strict, though medical cannabis is separately regulated.

Weapons and ammunition. Importing them is a criminal matter.

Drones. Permission is required.

Yachting. Port clearance is compulsory, and anchorages in the Tobago Cays Marine Park are regulated and charged.

Tobago Cays Marine Park. Turtles are protected and may not be fed or touched; anchoring is only in designated places.

La Soufrière volcano. Active, and it erupted in 2021 with the evacuation of the island's north. Climbing requires permission and a status check.

Hurricanes. The season runs June to November. Hurricane Beryl struck the Grenadines hard in 2024.

Driving on the left.

Vaccinations. None mandatory; a yellow fever certificate is required from arrivals out of endemic countries.

Dengue and chikungunya. Present.

Water. Tap water on the main island is broadly safe; on the small islands it is bottled or rainwater collected in cisterns.

The sea. The Grenadines are calm in the bays, but currents in the channels between islands are strong. The Tobago Cays are a reef area and swim shoes are needed.

The volcano. Ash after eruptions affects breathing, and the volcano's status changes. Check before climbing.

Healthcare. The hospital in Kingstown is basic and the small islands have health posts. Anything serious means evacuation to Barbados or Martinique. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential, especially if you are on a yacht among the small islands.

Emergency number is 999 or 911.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a calm country with low crime against tourists.

Police. Correct, and English is official.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken and certificates issued.

What actually happens. Theft from beaches and from yachts at anchor. Lock the boat.

At night. Kingstown empties once the centre closes. Bequia and the other small islands are calm.

Anchorages. Broadly safe, though thefts from boats have occurred in some bays. Ask locals where to anchor.

What actually matters. The main risks are the sea in the channels, the volcano, and the distance to medical care on the small islands.

Emergency number is 999.