Union Island
Union Island is a small island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, known as a base for sailing and boat trips to the Tobago Cays.
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Union Island lies in the southern Grenadines, between Carriacou and Mayreau. Clifton is its main harbor and village, with places to eat and stay and options for arranging boat trips. Inland, steep green hills rise above the coast. On the west side, Chatham Bay has a quieter stretch of shoreline. Sailing and kitesurfing are among the reasons to visit, and boats from the island can take you to the Tobago Cays.
Two or three days gives you time to see the island and take a boat trip; allow longer if you plan to sail or kitesurf. The drier months are roughly December through April. This is a small-island trip, and boat travel is part of getting around. Union Island suits travelers looking for time on the water and a small harbor town. It is less suited to a resort-focused stay or a packed schedule of land-based attractions.
Union Island in five
- Carry Eastern Caribbean dollarsThe Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the local currency. Carry cash for small purchases, and check with your bank before relying on card payments.
- Check entry rules for your passportEntry requirements depend on your nationality and trip. Check the official St. Vincent and the Grenadines immigration guidance before you travel.Visas and entry
- Arrange your onward boat tripBoat services connect Union Island with nearby islands. Confirm the route and departure point before setting out.Getting around
- Confirm transport faresAsk the driver to confirm the fare before boarding a water taxi or arranging a private boat transfer.
- Pack for sun and rainBring sun protection and light rain gear. Boat trips can mean long stretches in the sun.
Things to do in Union Island
See all attractions in Union Island
Need to know
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Entry requirements depend on nationality
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Optional; appreciated for good service
- Time
- UTC−4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry season
- AprilDry season
- MayDry season
- JuneRain begins
- JulyWet season
- AugustWet season
- SeptemberWet season
- OctoberWet season
- NovemberRain eases
- DecemberDry season
Right now in Union Island
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
27
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 82%
- Wind
- 34 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 88%
Union Island
04:42 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°26°88%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 88%.
- Tue29°26°86%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Wed29°27°47%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 47%.
- Thu29°27°20%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri29°28°8%Friday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Sat29°28°4%Saturday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sun29°28°2%Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 2%.
Updated 01:33 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Tobago Caysabout 1 to 2 hours by boatVisit the islands and reef by boat. Confirm the route and conditions with a local operator.
- Mayreauabout 30 to 60 min by boatSpend a day on the small Grenadine island. Check boat availability and departure details locally.
- Carriacouabout 1 to 2 hours by boatAdd a neighbouring Grenadine island by boat. Check current connections before planning the trip.
Before you go to Union Island
Rules for Union Island, checked
- Check entry requirements for your passport with St. Vincent and the Grenadines immigration before travel.Source
- Confirm boat routes and departure points with the operator before travelling to another island.
- Ask before photographing people, especially in villages and at local events.
Plan around Union Island
Plan entry, money and practical details for the country
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan transport between islands and around your destination
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan cash, cards and trip spending
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport
Read the guideWhere to stayPlan a base for your trip
Read the guideUnion Island FAQ
How do you get to Union Island?
You can fly into Union Island Airport or travel by boat from another island in the Grenadines. Check current flight and boat connections when planning your route.
How many days do you need on Union Island?
Allow at least two days to spend time on the island and arrange a nearby boat trip. Add nights if Union Island is your base for exploring the southern Grenadines.
Where should I stay on Union Island?
Clifton is the island’s main settlement and a practical base for local services and boat trips. Check how you will reach your accommodation before booking.
What is the best time to visit Union Island?
The drier part of the year is roughly December to April. Check conditions before planning boat trips.
What currency is used on Union Island?
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the local currency. Ask your accommodation and boat operator whether they accept cards before relying on them.
Can you visit the Tobago Cays from Union Island?
Boat trips from Union Island can visit the Tobago Cays. Confirm the route, departure point and conditions with an operator before setting out.