Petit St. Vincent, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Travel Guide
Discover the ultimate Caribbean escape at Petit St. Vincent, a secluded island paradise in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines known for its pristine beaches and luxurious accommodations.
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Petit St. Vincent is a small, private island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that offers an unparalleled escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes, this island is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The island's exclusive resort features charming cottages and villas that are scattered across its 115 acres, each offering stunning ocean views and complete privacy. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, and hiking, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Petit St. Vincent is also renowned for its exceptional dining experiences. Fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients are the stars of the menu, with meals served in a variety of picturesque settings, from beachside barbecues to elegant dinners under the stars. The island's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation ensures that its natural beauty remains unspoiled for future generations.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Petit St. Vincent.
- Book your stay well in advance, as the island’s exclusive accommodations fill up quickly.
- Pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen to stay comfortable in the tropical climate.
- Take advantage of the island’s complimentary water sports equipment, including kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear.
- Don’t miss out on a hike to the island’s highest point for breathtaking panoramic views.
- Make reservations for dining experiences early, especially if you wish to enjoy a private, romantic dinner on the beach.
Explore Petit St. Vincent: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Best attractions in Petit St. Vincent
Top-rated picks
Best Attractions
Browse the full guide
All Attractions
Baradal Beach
Explore the pristine shores and vibrant wildlife of Baradal Beach, a tropical paradise for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.
Tobago Cays
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tobago Cays, a Caribbean gem known for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and serene atmosphere.
Twin Bay
Discover the tranquil beauty of Twin Bay, a stunning tourist attraction in Clifton, ideal for relaxation and adventure amidst nature's splendor.
Petit St. Vincent Dive Center
Experience the thrill of diving at Petit St. Vincent Dive Center, where vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs await in a tropical paradise.
Best landmarks in Petit St. Vincent
Top-rated picks
Best Landmarks
Browse the full guide
All Landmarks
Botanical Gardens
Discover the breathtaking flora of St. Vincent at the Botanical Gardens, a serene tourist attraction showcasing the island's natural beauty and biodiversity.
Saint Vincent
Explore Saint Vincent, a Caribbean gem known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage. Experience adventure and tranquility.
Young Island Resort
Experience the ultimate Caribbean getaway at Young Island Resort, where luxury meets nature in a serene tropical paradise.
Wallilabou Anchorage
Experience the vibrant beauty and rich culture of Wallilabou Anchorage, where delicious cuisine meets stunning coastal views.
Best restaurants in Petit St. Vincent
Top-rated picks
Best Restaurants
Browse the full guide
All Restaurants
French Verandah
Discover exquisite dining at the French Verandah in Arnos Vale – where Caribbean flavors meet classic French cuisine in an enchanting atmosphere.
Flowt Beach Bar
Experience delectable grilled cuisine at Flowt Beach Bar while enjoying stunning waterfront views in Rathomill's beautiful Blue Lagoon Marina.
4 SHELLS FISH JOINT
Discover delightful seafood dishes at 4 Shells Fish Joint in Arnos Vale, where fresh flavors meet an inviting atmosphere.
Flow Wine Bar and Kitchen
Experience culinary excellence at Flow Wine Bar and Kitchen in Kingstown, where exquisite wines meet delectable local cuisine.
Best bars in Petit St. Vincent
Top-rated picks
Best Bars
Browse the full guide
All Bars
Scruffy's Bar
Discover the lively ambiance and local charm of Scruffy's Bar in Clifton, where great drinks meet unforgettable experiences.
Last Bar Before the Jungle
Discover the charm of Last Bar Before the Jungle in Mayreau, where authentic Caribbean cuisine meets breathtaking natural beauty.
Gary's Sauces & Snacks Beach Bar
Experience the vibrant flavors of Grenada at Gary's Sauces & Snacks Beach Bar, where delicious snacks and stunning ocean views await.
Tipsy Turtle Bar and Restaurant
Discover the lively atmosphere and delicious flavors at Tipsy Turtle Bar and Restaurant in Clifton, a culinary haven for tourists.
Best nightclubs in Petit St. Vincent
Top-rated picks
Best Nightclubs
Browse the full guide
All Nightclubs
Jack's Beach Bar
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Jack's Beach Bar, where tropical drinks and delicious cuisine meet stunning seaside views on Princess Margaret Beach.
Sparrow's Beach Club
Experience the flavors of the Caribbean at Sparrow's Beach Club, where fresh seafood meets stunning ocean views in a vibrant setting.
Tenuta Chatham Bay
Experience luxury and natural beauty at Tenuta Chatham Bay, a premier destination in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Petit St Vincent Resort
Discover the ultimate luxury experience at Petit St Vincent Resort in the Grenadines, where pristine beaches meet exceptional service for an unforgettable escape.
Best shops in Petit St. Vincent
Top-rated picks
Best Shops
Browse the full guide
All Shops
Petit St Vincent Resort
Experience the ultimate luxury escape at Petit St Vincent Resort in The Grenadines, where stunning beaches and personalized service create unforgettable memories.
Hutchinson's Variety Store
Discover the heart of Union Island at Hutchinson's Variety Store, where local flavors and friendly service meet your shopping needs.
Matthew's Shopping Centre
Discover local flavors and unique treasures at Matthew's Shopping Centre in Grenada, your go-to destination for diverse shopping experiences.
Mills Enterprise
Discover Ashton’s flavors at Mills Enterprise, your ultimate supermarket for local and international groceries.
Explore Petit St. Vincent on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Petit St. Vincent, mapped for you.
Petit St. Vincent Essentials
-
Petit St. Vincent is a private island resort in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The nearest international airport is Argyle International Airport (AIA) on Saint Vincent. From there, you can take a short domestic flight to Union Island, followed by a 20-minute boat transfer to Petit St. Vincent. Alternatively, yacht charters and private boat transfers from Saint Vincent or nearby islands are also available.
-
Once on Petit St. Vincent, transportation is straightforward as the island is small and walkable. For added convenience, the resort provides electric golf carts for guests to navigate the island. There are no public transport options on the island itself, but the resort staff can arrange boat transfers for excursions to neighboring islands.
-
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). However, US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted at the resort. It's advisable to carry some cash for tips or small purchases during island excursions, as ATMs are not available on Petit St. Vincent.
-
Petit St. Vincent is a private island with high levels of security, making it a safe destination for tourists. The island's exclusivity contributes to its safety, and there are no high-crime areas targeting tourists. Standard travel precautions apply: keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings when off the island.
-
In case of emergency, contact the resort's front desk. The resort has a doctor on call and medical supplies for minor health issues. For more serious medical emergencies, air evacuation to a hospital on Saint Vincent can be arranged. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies and evacuation. The emergency contact number for the island is provided upon check-in.
-
Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing appropriate for a tropical climate. Swimwear is acceptable at the beach, but cover up when moving around the resort. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While the island is a private resort, if visiting nearby islands, be mindful of local religious practices. Public Transport: There is no public transport on Petit St. Vincent. When using boat transfers, do follow the crew's instructions. Greetings: Do greet the staff and locals with a friendly hello or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine offered by the resort. Don't waste food, as sustainability is a valued practice on the island.
-
To experience Petit St. Vincent like a local, take advantage of the resort's activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sailing. Participate in yoga sessions or visit the island's spa for a holistic experience. Engage with the resort staff, who can share insights about the island's history and culture. Remember to explore nearby islands like Mayreau and the Tobago Cays for a more comprehensive Grenadines experience.
When is the best time to visit Petit St. Vincent?
Useful Local Phrases for Petit St. Vincent
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Petit St. Vincent. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
-
- HelloHello
[Hello] - GoodbyeGoodbye
[Goodbye] - YesYes
[Yes] - NoNo
[No] - Please/You're welcomePliz
[Pliz] - Thank youTank yuh
[Tank yuh] - Excuse me/SorrySari
[Sari] - How are you?How yuh duh?
[How yuh duh?] - Fine. And you?Fine. An yuh?
[Fine. An yuh?] - Do you speak English?Yuh spik Inglish?
[Yuh spik Inglish?] - I don't understandMi noh andastan
[Mi noh andastan]
- HelloHello
-
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wan si di menu, pliz
[Mi wan si di menu, pliz] - I don't eat meatMi noh iit miit
[Mi noh iit miit] - Cheers!Chyaz!
[Chyaz!] - I would like to pay, pleaseMi wud laik tuh pie, pliz
[Mi wud laik tuh pie, pliz]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wan si di menu, pliz
-
- Help!Elp!
[Elp!] - Go away!Go we!
[Go we!] - Call the Police!Kaal di Polis!
[Kaal di Polis!] - Call a doctor!Kaal a dakta!
[Kaal a dakta!] - I'm lostMi lost
[Mi lost] - I'm illMi iil
[Mi iil]
- Help!Elp!
-
- I'd like to buy...Mi wan fi bai...
[Mi wan fi bai...] - I'm just lookingMi jas lukin
[Mi jas lukin] - How much is it?Ow much it?
[Ow much it?] - That's too expensiveDat tuu ekspensiv
[Dat tuu ekspensiv] - Can you lower the price?Kyan yuh lowa di prais?
[Kyan yuh lowa di prais?]
- I'd like to buy...Mi wan fi bai...
-
- What time is it?Wah taim it?
[Wah taim it?] - It's one o'clockIt a wan a'klak
[It a wan a'klak] - Half past (10)Arf past (10)
[Arf past (10)] - MorningMaanin
[Maanin] - AfternoonAftanuun
[Aftanuun] - EveningIivnin
[Iivnin] - YesterdayYestide
[Yestide] - TodayTuday
[Tuday] - TomorrowTamara
[Tamara] - 1Wan
[Wan] - 2Tu
[Tu] - 3Chrii
[Chrii] - 4Fo
[Fo] - 5Faiv
[Faiv] - 6Siks
[Siks] - 7Seven
[Seven] - 8Eit
[Eit] - 9Nain
[Nain] - 10Ten
[Ten]
- What time is it?Wah taim it?
-
- Where's a/the...?Weh di...
[Weh di...] - What's the address?Wat a di adres?
[Wat a di adres?] - Can you show me (on the map)?Kyan yuh shuo mi (ahn di maap)?
[Kyan yuh shuo mi (ahn di maap)?] - When's the next (bus)?Wen a di neks (bos)?
[Wen a di neks (bos)?] - A ticket (to ....)A tiket (tu ....)
[A tiket (tu ....)]
- Where's a/the...?Weh di...
History of Petit St. Vincent
-
Before European explorers arrived, the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including Petit St. Vincent, were inhabited by the Carib people. Known for their seafaring skills, the Caribs had a complex society and lived off the rich marine and terrestrial resources of the region.
-
The first European to document the islands was Christopher Columbus during his third voyage in 1498. Over the next few centuries, control over the islands shifted between the French and the British. However, Petit St. Vincent remained largely untouched, serving as a strategic but minor point in the colonial tug-of-war.
-
In the 18th century, the larger islands in the Grenadines saw the rise of sugar plantations, driven by the labor of enslaved Africans. Petit St. Vincent, however, was less suitable for large-scale agriculture and remained relatively undeveloped compared to its larger neighbors.
-
After the abolition of slavery in 1834, the plantation economy declined, and many islands, including Petit St. Vincent, saw a decrease in population and economic activity. The island began to revert to its natural state, with limited human intervention.
-
In the mid-20th century, Petit St. Vincent caught the eye of American businessman Haze Richardson and his friend Doug Terman. They purchased the island in 1966 and transformed it into a private resort. The development was carefully planned to preserve the island's natural beauty while offering luxury accommodations. Today, Petit St. Vincent is a renowned destination for eco-conscious travelers and those seeking privacy and exclusivity.
-
Despite its small size, Petit St. Vincent is a microcosm of the broader cultural heritage of the Grenadines. The island's history is interwoven with the legacy of the Carib people, European colonization, African heritage from the era of slavery, and contemporary Caribbean culture. Local traditions, music, and cuisine reflect this rich tapestry, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the island's diverse past.
Neighbouring destination travel guides
Browse our curated selection of top destinations, scenic points, and must-visit spots in the area.
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
Explore More of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Looking beyond Petit St. Vincent? Discover Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.
Explore Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesPetit St. Vincent: A Secluded Caribbean Paradise
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Petit St. Vincent is a small, private island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that offers an unparalleled escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes, this island is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The island's exclusive resort features charming cottages and villas that are scattered across its 115 acres, each offering stunning ocean views and complete privacy. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, and hiking, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Petit St. Vincent is also renowned for its exceptional dining experiences. Fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients are the stars of the menu, with meals served in a variety of picturesque settings, from beachside barbecues to elegant dinners under the stars. The island's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation ensures that its natural beauty remains unspoiled for future generations.