Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Caribbean Sea
LAST UPDATED 31/08/2008
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Level of surfing

Beginner

Quality of surf

Average

Call code

1784

Net code

vc

Area

389

Coastline

0 km

Climate

Tropical Maritime

Hazards

Very Isolated, Cyclones

Best Months

October - January

Population

119000

Currency

East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

Time Zone

(UTC-4)

Special Requirements

Private Beaches

surfing

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Joyce Hill: Port Elizabeth, The Grenadines; 2007

The Caribbean, she is a harsh mistress. All of the islands in the Greater and Lesser Antilles share at least some aspect towards the North Atlantic and therefore are exposed to any passing fronts that generate of the East American Coast and transit the North Atlantic. These fronts often pass a good way to the north and swell decay can be a problem.

Regular windswell is a constant on the east coast of all of the island groups and hence there is almost always something to keep you occupied and off the rum for a few hours. too much wind can be a bad thing though and onshore days are very common, no matter how early in the morning you manage to peel yourself out of your cot and stumble down to the beach.

The third source of swell in the region are from passing hurricanes. Some of the strongest storm ever recorded on the planet file through here regularly. Technically the season spans June to November with early September being the peak. The ideal scenario is for the hurricane mass to pass clear of any inhabited areas and sit well offshore in the deep Carribean for a few days prior to disipating. The result is typically 3-5 days of western swell that lights up the hidden western points and reefs of the Caribbean. The persistant NE/E trade winds will gently fan these breaks all day long. It is then that some of the rarer points and breaks of The Grenadines come to life. Surf exploration doesent get any better than this.

introduction

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CIAWorldFactbook2002 : Map of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 8 August 2003

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation in the Caribbean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The 389 squared kilometre island contains the main island of Saint Vincent and the upper two-thirds of Grenadines.

Saint Vincent and Grenadines has a French and British colonial history but is now part of the Commonwealth of Nations and CARICOM.

where to stay

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Kevin James: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas, 1 May 2008

Many tourists come in the Grenadines, stay at resorts but never get the chance to speak or meet other citizens of the island. If you do want to get a feel of the true culture of the locals, a guesthouse or apartment in capital city, Kingstown would be the ideal option.

There are many options in the city of Kingstown. Some choices are listed below:

  • Beachcombers Hotel
  • Villa Lodge Hotel, Indian Bay
  • Tropic Breeze Hotel
  • Villa Breezeville Lodge Hotel
  • Moon Light Villa Hotel
  • Fort View Guest House

what to pack

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Rich Niewiroski Jr.: 62 mm ultra-violet, fluorescent, and polarizing lens filters. Camera used was a Canon 400D; April 9, 2007

Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more. By the way, getting medical insurance would be a good idea.

Bring your essential items as you may want to bring back many souvenirs when you return. Most items that you will be needing in your daily life can be purchased quite cheaply but if you are worried about using unfamilar brands, you may want to bring along a travel pack of shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste.

Waterproof gear will be useful if you go in a rainy season (from May to November). And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.

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