Itinerary Overview

D1-D2: Saint Vincent Main Island → D3-D4: Bequia Island → D5: Tobago Cays → D6: Union Island → D7: Return. Options include a light ferry + guesthouse route or chartering a sailboat for the entire journey.

D1-D2: Main Island: Volcano and Botanical Gardens

• D1: Arrive in Kingstown → Visit the 1765 Botanical Gardens to see breadfruit trees and the parrot sanctuary → Watch the sunset at Fort Duvernette Beach, stay overnight in Kingstown.
• D2: Hike up the La Soufrière Volcano (round trip about 4–5 hours, hire a guide), overlook the crater cloud sea; or opt for the Vermont Nature Trail to see parrots. Stay in Kingstown or transfer to another island.

D3-D4: Bequia Island

• D3: Take a ferry or small plane to Bequia → Explore the dockside boat workshops → Swim and watch the sunset at Friendship Bay Beach.
• D4: Island tour: Spring Bay Beach, Old Montpelier Estate viewpoint, and the Whaling Museum. Enjoy live music in the harbor area in the evening.

D5: Tobago Cays Marine Park

Take a boat to the uninhabited reef group: Snorkel at the crescent-shaped white sandbar of Petit Tabac to see turtles and eagle rays, have a beach picnic at noon, and snorkel around the coral gardens in the afternoon. This is a iconic filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean. Be sure to pay the park fee and follow anchoring regulations.

D6: Union Island and Mayreau

Pass through Mayreau’s colonial-era church and fruit-tree villages, then arrive at Union Island: Climb to the hilltop town of Mount Pleasant for views of the Horseshoe Reef, known for world-class kiteboarding. Enjoy grilled fish in the harbor area in the evening.

D7: Return

Union Island has a small airport with flights back to Saint Vincent or Barbados for international connections. If departing from Kingstown, allow time for ferry transfers.

Tips

• Ferry schedules are fixed but weather-dependent; start early on inter-island travel days.
• Chartering a sailboat is most cost-effective for 4–6 people. Book weeks in advance for peak-season availability.
• Tobago Cays has no supplies; bring your own sunscreen, water, and cash for the park fee.

Pace and Physical Demands

The volcano hike on D2 is a 4–5 hour round trip with steep, slippery terrain. Wear hiking shoes and carry at least 2 liters of water. The island-hopping section (D3–D6) is less physically demanding, with a focus on sun protection and hydration. If the volcano trail is closed due to weather, consider the Vermont Nature Trail for birdwatching. If ferries are suspended, small planes operate between Bequia and Union Island. Save the ferry company’s contact number for rescheduling.

Chartering and Group Travel Tips

Chartering a full sailboat suits small groups of 4–6 people. While per-person costs are higher, the exclusive experience of Tobago Cays at dawn and dusk is unmatched. For tighter budgets, combine “ferry plus day tour” options—both Bequia and Union Island offer reliable day trips to Tobago Cays. Regardless of your choice, confirm with the captain how park fees are handled and whether snorkeling gear is provided.