St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Like most Lesser Antilles islands, St. Vincent's 30 or so dive sites--from deep walls to shallow reefs--are sprinkled along its leeward shore. And like other islands in the region, there aren't a whole lot of big fish here, but plenty smaller than two or three feet in length. St. Vincent does, however, have its fair share of rare critters, including seahorses and frogfish, and enough macro subjects to keep photographers plenty busy. In Bequia, there are lush reefs, and a wide variety of bottomography. Again, not a lot of big fish, but a whole lotta small fish and critters.

Dive conditions

The visibility, while averaging 50 to 75 feet year-round, can max out at 200 feet or bottom out at 25. Water temps range from 80F to 84F in summer to 78F to 79F in winter.

Topside at a glance

Better known in yachting circles than among the diving community, this archipelago has a fully intact down-island culture. St. Vincent is beautifully rugged and volcanic, vaguely reminiscent of some idyllic South Pacific isle. Trailing southwest from St. Vincent are the myriad specks of land called the Grenadines. Bequia is the largest and remains tied to its nautical roots. In fact, these great boat-builders are still permitted by the International Whaling Commission to take three humpbacks annually, although only one is hand-harpooned about every two years. Swanky Mustique attracts big-shot personalities including Princess Margaret, David Bowie and Mick Jagger, along with inflated prices. Union Island, Petit St. Vincent and Canouan are also popular among yachties.

By the numbers

Area - St. Vincent is 133 square miles, and the more than 30 main islands that make up the Grenadines total another 17 square miles.
Population - 105,000.
Currency - Eastern Caribbean dollar.
Departure tax - EC$30.

Phone: 630-941-0355 · FAX 630-359-4024
e-mail: lisa@changeofscene.com