Union Island is the southern gateway of St Vincent and the Grenadines: yachts arriving from Grenada or leaving the country clear customs in Clifton, and water taxis and day boats fan out from here to the Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Palm Island and Petit St Vincent. Its jagged volcanic peaks make it one of the most dramatic-looking islands in the chain.
In July 2024 Hurricane Beryl struck the island as a Category 4 storm and damaged or destroyed most homes. Recovery has been steady, and tourism is a vital part of it — expect some services to be limited, and be generous with patience and tips.
Top things to do: Union Island
Take a boat to the Tobago Cays
Union is the closest inhabited island with an airport to the Cays, so it is the obvious base for a day trip. Boats leave from Clifton harbour in the morning.
Kitesurf in Clifton
The steady trade winds and the flat lagoon inside the reef make Union one of the best kitesurfing spots in the southern Caribbean, with schools for beginners.
Hike Mount Taboi
The island’s highest point, at around 300 metres, has a trail with views over the whole southern Grenadines. Go with a local guide and start early.
Chatham Bay
A remote, wide bay on the west coast with beach bars and superb snorkelling on its reefs — reached by boat or a rough road.
How to get to Union Island
- By air: Union Island Airport takes small aircraft from Argyle, Canouan and Grenada/Carriacou.
- By ferry: the southern Grenadines ferries from Kingstown via Canouan and Mayreau take most of a day.
- From Grenada: small boats connect with Carriacou and Petite Martinique; you must clear immigration in Clifton.
Insider tips
- Clifton has an ATM, but it is not always reliable — bring cash.
- Water taxis are the local transport. Agree the price, per boat and return, before you set off.
- Staying on Union is the best way to reach the Tobago Cays before the day boats arrive.
Tours that include Union Island
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Union Island:
Boat trip from €112 Bequia Day Cruise with Drinks and Photos
The only bookable way on GetYourGuide to get a taste of the Grenadines in a day. You cruise to Bequia, swim or snorkel off Princess Margaret Beach, then have lunch or a drink by Admiralty Bay before sailing back — with photos of the day included.
- Sail across to Bequia, the first of the Grenadines
- Swim and snorkel at Princess Margaret Beach
- Drinks or lunch at a Port Elizabeth waterfront bar
Private boat charter from €1561 per group Private Charter Tour to Bequia Island
The whole boat to yourselves for a day trip to Bequia. At the group price it only makes sense for a large party — up to 18 people — but for a family reunion or a group of friends it is the most comfortable way to see the first of the Grenadines.
- Your own boat and crew for the day
- Swimming and snorkelling at Princess Margaret Beach
- A complimentary photo shoot of the day
