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.
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
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.
The official language is English, making it easy for families to communicate.
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency, though U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
*Please note that some of the suggested actives are affiliate links. We only recommend activities that we know and trust.
* Please note that some of these product links are affiliate links, but we only recommend products we would use on our own travels.
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