Overview
St. Vincent, like all the Leeward Islands, is a striking contrast of green mountain peaks and black volcanic sand beaches. The Grenadines are just as stunning, offering tourists sheltered bays, spectacular coral reefs, rainforests with hiking trails and world-class sailing conditions. With 32 islands, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and you’re guaranteed to find a quiet spot to relax. For those looking for something a little more active, St. Vincent’s capital, Kingstown, is the place to be with its colonial-era architecture and lively atmosphere. Life is a little quieter on the smaller islands of the Grenadines, whether it’s the affordable island of Bequia or the luxury resorts of Mustique. The best way to get to know the islands is to “hop” from one to the other by boat (the so-called “island hopping”). You can z. B. discover all kinds of hidden bays where pirates used to cavort and which formed the backdrop of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated 40 years of independence in 2019. See other countries in North America on aristmarketing.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Air Canada (AC) connects Frankfurt/M. and Munich via Toronto with St. Vincent; Feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. and Munich are possible from Vienna and Zurich with Lufthansa (LH) or the respective national airlines Austrian Airlines (OS) and Swiss (LX). Mustique Airways and SVG Air connect the islands to Barbados.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – St Vincent: 29 hrs 40 mins; Vienna – St. Vincent: 31 hours; Zurich – St. Vincent: 30 hrs 30 mins (minimum travel times). Travel times vary depending on length of stay.
Departure fee
Approx. €12.50 (EC$40). Children under the age of 12 and transit travelers who continue their journey on the same day are exempt from this.
Arrival by car
Tolls: St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not have any toll roads. Documentation: A local driver’s license is required to drive, which can be obtained from Kingstown Police Station for a fee and on presentation of your national driver’s license.
Arrival by ship
Various cruise lines call at the port of Kingstown on a regular basis. Smaller boats make connections to Barbados and within the Grenadines.
Cruise ships
AIDA and Hapag Lloyd cruises departing from Hamburg call at St. Vincent and the Grenadines, among other destinations. MSC, Phoenix, Costa, P&O Cruises and Oceania Cruises, among others, depart from other European ports with stopovers in Kingstown.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Mustique Airways and SVG Air have scheduled flights to Canouan, Bequia and Union Island; Mustique Airways also flies to Mustique Island. Small planes can also be chartered.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network is generally well developed. Caution is advised due to the idiosyncratic driving style of the locals; sometimes there are animals on the road. Tolls: St. Vincent and the Grenadines have no toll roads. Gas stations are sufficiently available.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
Most of the two-lane roads are very winding and narrow. Potholes are always to be expected.
Car rental
Rental cars are offered by numerous local and international companies; Drivers must be at least 21 years of age to rent. A young driver fee is often charged for drivers under the age of 25.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport and in the cities. Taxis are not metered, but fares are set by law. Higher rates apply in the early morning and at night. A fare list is available from the Tourist Office.
Coach
The connections on St. Vincent are excellent. Minibuses, so-called route-taxis, have flat rates and can be hailed anywhere. Public transport is often crowded but inexpensive. The central bus station is at the New Kingstown Fish Market.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰; – seatbelt obligation; – Telephoning at the wheel is only permitted with a hands-free system. Speed limits: – urban: 32 km/h; – extra-urban: varies, depending on the signage.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
A local driver’s license is required, which can be obtained in Kingstown from the Police Station (Bay Street) or the Licensing Authority (Halifax Street, Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:00pm) for a fee and on presentation of your national driver’s license.
Traveling by ship
Yachts can be chartered with or without a crew without much formality. There are regular ferry services from St. Vincent to Bequia, Mayreau, Canouan and Union Island, among others. The mail ship MV Barracuda, which also carries passengers, operates between St. Vincent, Canouan and Union Island several times a week.
