Union Island

Introduction

Union Island is part of the nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It lies about 200 kilometres west-southwest of Barbados and is within view of the islands of Carriacou and the mainland of Grenada, which lie directly south.

The island is home to approximately 3,000 residents. The official language is English, but French and German are spoken by some merchants in Clifton as well.

Geography

Due to its volcanic silhouette, it is also called the Tahiti of the West Indies. The island is approximately 5 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide. Surrounding islands are Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Palm Island, and Petit Saint Vincent. The highest peak is Mount Taboi - 999 feet above sea level.

Cities

Clifton and Ashton are the two principal towns.

Sights and Activities

A key feature of the Union Island region is the Tobago Cays National Marine Park. The Tobago Cays are a group of small uninhabited islands surrounded by reefs– snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming with sea turtles are all favourite pastimes of visitors. Entry to the park (for visitors) costs EC$10/person/day - park fees can be paid in Clifton at the Customs Offices, the Tobago Cays Marine Park office at the waterfront or in the park itself from park rangers.

Events and Festivals

• Easterval - 9 days of activities during Easter and culminates on Easter Monday.
• May Day/ Labour Day - 1st May
• Marron Festival - usually held at the end of May and mid June. This include Big Drum dancing, street games, feeding the community
• Full Moon Party
• Boxing Day Fair - 26th December
• Old Year Night/New Year Day celebration 31st December

Weather

Union Island has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28 °C and 30 °C and average nights around 23 °C. Most rain falls between June and October with a chance of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weatherwise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budgetwise these latter months may be a good option as well.

Getting There

Union Island has direct flights from Barbados, Martinique and St. Lucia. From Union Island airport there are connecting flights available to and from St. Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Carriacou, Grenada. There are also regular ferries from the mainland of St. Vincent through the Grenadines. There is the MV Jaden Sun (commonly called the Fast Ferry) which takes a total of 2.5 hours from the Kingstown harbour to Union Island, with stops in Bequia, Canouan and Mayreau. Also there are MV Barracouda, MV Gem Star II, and MV Guidance II which are cargo and passenger vessels, and can travel between the islands at 5+ hours. Union Island is the main access to getting to other grenadine islands such as Palm Island, the Tobago Cays, Petit St. Vincent, Mopion and also to Petit Martinique & Carriacou.

External Links

• Tourism Website