Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a stunning Caribbean archipelago comprising the main island of Saint Vincent and a chain of 32 smaller islands and cays. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, world-class diving, and the famous Tobago Cays Marine Park, this paradise offers an authentic Caribbean experience away from mass tourism. From the lush rainforests and active volcano of Saint Vincent to the exclusive islands of Mustique and Bequia, visitors can explore diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and exceptional sailing opportunities.
Local currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD/EC$). USD is widely accepted at a fixed rate of approximately EC$2.70 = $1 USD..
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Saint Vincent And The Grenadines.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $18-28/night (dorm bed)
- Budget
- $45-80/night (guesthouse or budget hotel)
- Midrange
- $100-200/night (mid-range hotel)
- Luxury
- $400-2,500+/night (resort or private island)
Food
- Street
- $3-8 (roti, market food, fried snacks)
- Local
- $10-18 (restaurant lunch, curry plate, fish and provisions)
- Midrange
- $25-45/meal (sit-down restaurant)
- Fine
- $60-150+/person (resort dining, fine dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.75-2.25 (local minibus on Saint Vincent)
- Taxi
- $10-30 (island taxi fares)
- Airport
- $15-30 (taxi from Argyle Airport)
- Daytrip
- $20-160/person (ferry or guided tour to islands or attractions)
Activities
- Museum
- $2-5 (Fort Charlotte, National Museum)
- Sites
- $15 (Tobago Cays marine park fee)
- Tour
- $45-120 (guided day trips)
- Excursion
- $120-160 (Tobago Cays sailing day trip)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Saint Vincent And The Grenadines costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$420-595/week (hostel, local food, minibuses)
Midrange traveller
$1,050-1,750/week (mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, some tours)
Luxury traveller
$3,500-10,000+/week (resort, fine dining, private charters)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Buy provisions, fruit, and drinks at Kingstown Market rather than supermarkets - prices are significantly lower
Use the local minibus network rather than taxis - a ride across Saint Vincent costs EC$2-6 ($0.75-2.25) versus $15-30 by taxi
Travel in the shoulder season (May, November) when hotel rates drop 20-40% and the islands are less crowded
Self-cater for breakfasts and lunches using supermarket provisions - eat out mainly for dinners when the atmosphere is best
Book Tobago Cays tours from Union Island or Mayreau rather than from Saint Vincent or Bequia - prices are lower as distances are shorter
Take the slow MV Barracuda cargo-passenger ferry between islands instead of the faster passenger-only ferries - prices are much lower
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Villa Beach Swimming
Saint Vincent's most accessible beach is free to enter with calm swimming water and views of Young Island. Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid costs.
Kingstown Botanical Gardens Walk
The Western Hemisphere's oldest botanical gardens charge a minimal EC$5 entry (~$2) - practically free. See the St. Vincent Amazon parrot and the breadfruit tree descended from Captain Bligh's original.
Fort Charlotte View
The walk up to Fort Charlotte from Kingstown costs EC$5 (~$2) but the panoramic views of the harbor and Grenadines are worth every cent - one of the great free-to-cheap vantage points in the Caribbean.
Kingstown Market Exploration
Browsing the colorful Kingstown Market costs nothing and provides an authentic cultural experience. Sample free tastings of fruit at produce stalls and absorb the lively atmosphere.
Mesopotamia Valley Drive
The scenic drive through the Mesopotamia Valley is free with a rental car or accessible by cheap local minibus. The lush tropical farming landscape is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
Sunset Watching at Kingstown Waterfront
The Kingstown waterfront and port area offers free sunset views over the harbor. Join local residents who gather here in the early evenings for the daily spectacle.
Beachcombing at Indian Bay
Indian Bay beach next to Villa is free, quiet, and excellent for snorkeling with your own gear. Very few tourists make it here compared to Villa Beach itself.
Princess Margaret Beach Walk (Bequia)
After paying the ferry to Bequia, Princess Margaret Beach is free to access and one of the most beautiful in the Eastern Caribbean. The 15-minute walk from Port Elizabeth through tropical paths is scenic.
Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary Visit
The turtle sanctuary on Bequia requests a voluntary donation ($5 suggested) but does not charge a fixed fee. Seeing baby hawksbill turtles is one of the most memorable experiences in SVG.
Owia Salt Pond (Northeast Saint Vincent)
The dramatic volcanic salt pond and tidal pools at the northeastern tip of Saint Vincent are free to visit and rarely crowded. The black rock and turquoise pools make exceptional photography subjects.