Saint Vincent and the Grenadines With Kids

The Grenadines are 32 small islands and cays running between St Lucia and Grenada in the Lesser Antilles, and traditionally a destination for yachters and boaters. It’s often said the Grenadines feel like the entire Caribbean region must have felt 70 years ago – without mass market tourism and feeling untouched. This a destination for families eager to travel a little further to experience something straight out of a postcard.

Boutique hotels and cozy villas provide a personal touch, and every beach feels like your own private paradise. When you travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with kids, you can escape the crowds and embrace a slower pace of travel.

You’ll be island hopping here, flying into a bigger island and then reaching your ultimate destination either by flight or ferry. The Grenadines are especially great for families who want to travel a little longer, for kids who love the water, with snorkeling, sailing, and beach hopping as daily highlights.

From Bequia to Canouan, Mustique to the Tobago Cays, each island has its own unique vibe. Get ready to choose-your-own adventure for your Grenadines family vacation.

Mango Tree Memory

Our family trip to Bequia in 2021 – which we took during one of the most challenging periods in our family life – inspired me to start Mango Tree Travel. My kids were just 8 months and 4 years old. Adjusting to life as a family of four during COVID had been hard enough, but in the thick of it, we added a cleft lip surgery for my baby and six weeks for me in a walking boot after a badly sprained ankle. We were completely drained.

You might think that tackling two flights and an hour-long ferry with little kids in that moment would add chaos to an already exhausting period. Quite the contrary: Stepping away from it all—truly away—was exactly what we needed. Bequia’s quiet, unspoiled beauty felt like a secret we’d stumbled upon, and once we were there, the island made everything easy.

I’ll never forget snorkeling with my daughter for the first time on that trip. Sharing my love of the ocean with her amidst the stunning coral reefs of the Grenadines was a moment of pure joy. That trip reminded us how powerful it is to step away from the overwhelm, to disconnect from life’s pressures and reconnect as a family. That experience is why I started Mango Tree Travel—to embolden other parents to discover the same sense of connection and renewal through travel together. 

– Lee, Founder of Mango Tree Travel

Best For:

  • Families with kids ready for snorkeling and water activities
  • Parents who value authentic, boutique-style accommodations
  • Slow travelers wanting off-the-beaten-path destinations
  • Families willing to take an extra hopper flight or ferry to reach the right spot

Not For:

  • Travelers expecting bamboo sheets and luxe decor; think classic Caribbean vibes; 
  • Families hoping for large resorts with all-inclusive amenities and constant entertainment
  • Parents who want direct flights only 

Key Facts For

Your Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Family Vacation

Known For

The Grenadines are known for pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class sailing. The Tobago Cays, a marine park, is particularly famous for its snorkeling and sea turtle encounters.

Language

The official language is English, making it easy for families to communicate.

Currency

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency, though U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Size and Vibes

Saint Vincent is the largest island, while smaller gems like Bequia, Union Island, and Canouan offer laid-back charm and community vibes. Overall, the Grenadines are tranquil, intimate, and family-friendly.

Getting Around

Ferries connect the islands, but many travelers pick one homebase and explore nearby cays with private boat charters. Transportation once you arrive on an island varies, but we love the tuk-tuk pickup truck taxis in Bequia

Where to Stay

Saint Vincent has the international airport, but most families should head straight to the Grendines. Bequia is our top pick for families, with its calm beaches, small-town vintage Caribbean feel, and a handful of lovely boutique hotels and villas. But resorts on Canouan provide a touch of luxury for parents seeking a splurge, and Mustique offers a see-and-be-seen experience.

When To Go

Peak Season: December to April; dry weather and lively island festivals make this the best time to visit.

Shoulder Season: May to June, November; enjoy warm weather and smaller crowds. August is a fun time to visit with kids for a quiet stay too. 

No Go: September-October is peak hurricane season, with higher chances of storms and heavy rain, and many hotels close to refresh.

How To Go

The main gateway is Argyle International Airport (SVD) on Saint Vincent, with flights from major hubs like Miami and New York. Inter-island flights or ferries make it easy to explore the Grenadines from SVD but many islands in the Grenadines can also be reached by hopper flight from Barbados or St Lucia. 

Why choose Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for your family?

Choose a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines family vacation if you want a quieter escape that feels both serene and adventurous. From pristine beaches to vibrant reefs, the Grenadines invite exploration and relaxation in equal measure.

  • Incredible snorkeling: Calm, clear waters in the Tobago Cays make it easy for kids to spot sea turtles and colorful fish, creating unforgettable family memories.
  • Island-hopping fun: Each island offers something unique, from volcanic hikes on Saint Vincent to beach days on charming Bequia.
  • Vintage Caribbean vibe: Boutique hotels, friendly locals, and a laid-back pace let families experience a truly welcoming island atmosphere without an imposing mega resort down the beach or over-tourism.
  • Time to unwind: These islands invite you to slow down, enjoy the views, and reconnect as a family in one of the Caribbean’s most special spots.
Experience Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ...

The Mango Tree Way

You could spend dozens of hours researching your trip. Or you could have a family travel expert curate your personalized itinerary. What’s stopping you?

Snag our FREE Caribbean Guide

Explore the islands with kids — and confidence! Our ultimate guide to the Caribbean for families offers specific destination and hotel recommendations for every age, from newborn to teen and everything in between.
Caribbean Island Guide For Families

Where to stay

Best Family Hotels in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Beachfront Family Hotel for Caribbean Vacation

Bequia Plantation Hotel

Bequia,
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Petit St Vincent luxury private island

Petit St. Vincent

,
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Family Hotel In Saint Vincent And The Grenadines

Bequia Beach Hotel

Bequia,
St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Where to play

Best Activities for Families in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Luxury
caribbean-sailing
Sail Away on Friendship Rose
Spend the day sailing from Bequia to Mustique or the Tobago Cays on a classic Caribbean schooner (with snacks all day to keep kids hungry and in good spirits).
Around Town
jacks-beach-bar
Spend the day at Jack's Beach Bar
Princess Margaret Beach is idyllic - straight out of a postcard, and spending a day at Jack's Beach Bar on it's sandy shores will be a day for the memory books.
On the Water
Things To Do In Bequia With Kids: Snorkel
Snorkel or Dive the Gorgeous Reef
If you head to the Grenadines, you must get in the water - teaching the kids to snorkel, or getting a babysitter to go diving (or both!) is a must-do.

*Please note that some of the suggested actives are affiliate links. We only recommend activities that we know and trust.

What to bring

Favorite Travel Products for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Travel Gear
ALOHA Collection Tote Bag - Packable Splash-Proof Beach Bag with Zipper Top. Washable Tote Bag for Pool, Beach & Travel
Aloha Collection Beach Bag
This is our go-to beach bag for island getaways: It comes in multiple cool patterns, is water resistant, folds down into a suitcase, and can fit tons of travel toys and snacks.
For Kids
Greatever Dry Snorkel Set,Panoramic Wide View,Anti-Fog Scuba Diving Mask,Professional Snorkeling Gear for Kids
Snorkel Set
If you want to get your kids comfortable snorkeling, getting them their own gear will get them excited, involved, and give them a practice in the pool.
For Kids
HIITAVE Kids Water Shoes Non-Slip Quick Dry Swim Barefoot Beach Aqua Pool Socks Shoes for Boys & Girls Toddler Mermaid/Scale 4-5 M US Toddler
Water Shoes
Give your kids extra confidence for ocean swimming, beach walks, and snorkeling with water shoes to keep them sure-footed. These low profiles shoes are easy to pack and come in lots of colors.
Travel Gear
Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Face Stick Sunscreen | Broad Spectrum Sunblock with Vitamin E | Wet or Dry Skin Application | Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free)| Travel Friendly 0.53 oz
Clear Sunscreen Face Stick
We've tried a lot of face sunscreens, and these clear sunscreen sticks are really the best no-tears solution. Goes on wet or dry, and reef safe too!
For Mom
One Piece Bathing Suit For Mom
Change of Scenery Swimsuit
There’s a new gem in the market for mom swimsuits! Change of Scenery, an accessible but luxurious resort wear and swimwear line, designed by Jamie Banks, working mom of three, will make you feel fantastic on your next beach trip.
For Babies
Dad wearing Integra Solar Baby Carrier
Integra Solar Baby Carrier
Our founder spent hundreds of hours researching the best lightweight, waterproof baby carrier with sun protection for her Caribbean travels, and this is the winner. Beach naps baby.

* Please note that some of these product links are affiliate links, but we only recommend products we would use on our own travels.

Dive deeper

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Here, We dropped a pin (because no one likes asking for directions)

Rave Reviews

Thanks so much for checking in and for all of your help in planning (and rescheduling) our vacation to Bequia. The trip was wonderful!! Exactly what we were looking for- we will definitely be back. We wish you all the best and will be in touch with future travel needs.
5/5
We fell in love with Bequia and the hotel. Our vacation couldn’t have been more perfect….the staff was beyond welcoming, guests were all friendly (both girls made some wonderful friends!) and the island is beautiful.My little one went out with her dad on a little wooden boat with a local to get fresh lobster, we swam with turtles, enjoyed meals in town at Mac’s and Fig Tree, spent hours at Princess Margaret Beach and even took a trip to Mustique with another family (complete with a boat tour of moon hole and the whaling station).We can’t wait to go back :) … the girls want to go again next year! Thank you for all of your help – where should we go next??!!”
5/5

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