Union Island
U nion island is part of the Caribbean arc and is located West from Barbados and North of Grenada.
It belongs to the Grenadines archipelago which is dependant of the island nation of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The language spoken is English and the currency used is the EC$ (Easter Caribbean Dollar).
Close to 3 000 residents, Union Island is 3 miles long and approximately 1 mile wide, but its landscape and hills make the island look much bigger in size.
The geographic location of Union Island makes it one of the most spectacular Caribbean Islands as it is surrounded by the beautiful Tobago Cays Marine Park and several other stunning private island resorts like Palm island and Petit St Vincent.
The main town is Clifton where most of the businesses and hotels are located. Ashton is the second town of Union Island.
On July 1, 2024, Hurricane Beryl hit Union Island very hard. A lot of homes, businesses, boats, roofs, services and daily island infrastructure were destroyed or badly damaged. Today the island is mostly recovered and bouncing back. Some rebuilding is still visible, but Union Island is open, active again, and ready to welcome visitors who want to support the local community.
The island has long been a favourite anchor spot for sailboats cruising the Caribbean and is now becoming a top tourist destination thanks to the development of the Kitesurfing activity introduced by the JT Pro Center Kitesurfing School located on “Kite Beach” in Clifton.
There are several charming bars and restaurants and a lot of attractions to keep you busy during your stay on the island.
Currency
The currency used in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the EC$, It is the same currency as other Caribbean islands but different than that used in Barbados.
1US$ = 2.67 EC$ (Fixed rate)
1€ ~ 3,5 EC$ (Variable rate)
Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards but smaller businesses will only accept cash. The US$ are widely accepted.
Bank & ATM
There is a bank on Union Island located in Clifton where you can exchange currency providing your passport. There is also one ATM working every day but often empty on week-ends or Holidays.
Weather
The weather on Union Island is very nice. Being such a small island, Union benefits from a micro climate and sees very little rain. The air temperature of 30°C and the water temperature of 28°C stays the same all year long.
Seasons
From December to June the dry season is characterized by long droughts and stronger trade winds. From June to December the wet season sees a little bit more rain, lower trade winds and beautiful clear weather.
Hurricane season runs from July to November. Union Island was badly affected by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 and is now open for business while recovery continues. Visitors should still confirm accommodation, ferry or flight connections, restaurants and activities before traveling.
Getting Here
Getting to Union Island is easiest with a little planning.
Fastest route: through Barbados (BGI)
Most guests fly first to Barbados, then take a short SVG Air flight directly to Union Island. Check the inter-island flight before booking your main international flight, because small-airline schedules and seat availability can change.
Alternative route: through St. Vincent (AIA)
You can also fly to St. Vincent, overnight near the airport if needed, then continue to Union Island the next morning with SVG Air or by local ferry. The flight is the faster option; the ferry is usually cheaper but takes much longer.
More info is available on the JT Pro Center detailed Travel Page.
Map of Union Island
Going around Union Island is a great way to discover the full beauty of the place. You can choose to go on a fun taxi tour, rent a bicycle or simply walk around if you’re ready for a nice long walk. Find out about the island tours on our Activity page.
Check out Jeremie Tronet’s 2 min video of him driving around the island with his motorbike.
Useful locations and emergency numbers
These are practical Union Island locations visitors often need once they arrive: emergency numbers, hospital, airport, bank, SIM card, groceries, local food and the kite spot.
Emergency and medical
Police station: +1 784 526 3421
Union Island Hospital: +1 784 458 8339
Open hospital on Google Maps
SVG Air Union Island Airport: +1 784 458 8882
Money, phone and arrivals
Bank / ATM: useful for cash and local banking in Clifton.
Open bank / ATM on Google Maps
Digicel: phone provider for buying a local SIM card.
Open Digicel on Google Maps
Kite spot: main JT Pro Center kite area on Union Island.
Open kite spot on Google Maps
Golf cart and motorcycle rentals: contact us if you need help renting a golf cart, scooter or motorcycle on Union Island. We can help organize it directly for your stay.
Groceries and essentials
David Shop, Ashton: small supermarket open every day from about 7am to 10pm, with a good selection for essentials. Turn right when coming off the dirt road.
Power Supermarket: located next to the fruit market, in front of the old bank location, and useful for extra groceries and essentials in Clifton.
Local market and bakery
Fruit Market: useful for fresh fruit and local produce in Clifton.
New local bakery: cheap bakery items and snacks in the back village, open every day including Sunday all day.
Food and sunset stops
Bougainvilla, Just Right, Sparrows, D-Swing, Sherise, Thompson Island and Happy Island are listed with notes and Google Maps links on the Eat & Dance page.
Choosing the right area
Clifton
Clifton is the easiest area to stay on Union Island, especially for restaurants, shops, taxis, the harbor, airport access, boat trips and everyday services.
Ashton
Ashton is the second local town on Union Island and a very nice little local town for visitors who want to experience fun local life.
Ashton is located next to one of the kitesurfing spots, but that spot is only accessible by boat. It is also a little further away and can feel a bit far if you plan on coming mainly to kitesurf every day.
Kite Beach and quiet beach areas
Kite Beach works best for guests focused on kitesurfing, while Chatham Bay, Big Sand and other beach areas suit slower days, views and quiet beach time.
What to do & Where to stay
Union Island has a lot to offer, staying on the island will make you feel like you are part of the local community.
The experience is far from the busy touristic all inclusive destinations, on Union Island you immerse yourself, live and enjoy a Caribbean routine that will make you want to stay and never leave.
Union Island is the gateway to the Tobago Cays Marine Park located only a few miles away from Clifton.
It has also become a world renowned Kitesurfing spot with the development of one of the best Kitesurfing schools in the world the JT Pro Center.
There are also various activities to keep you busy during your stay on the island as well as several gorgeous beaches to relax and enjoy the scenery.
For lunch and dinner we have listed all the new, up and coming places for different budgets.
We work with the best hotels and villas on the island and can offer you the best accommodations at the best prices.
Attractions
F ind here everything there is to do on Union Island to keep you busy during your holiday on the island. You can take a cruise to the magnificent Tobago Cays, try out Kitesurfing Lessons, explore the island or simply relax on one of the various beaches.
Hotels & Villas
F inding the right place to stay is a very important part of your holiday. We have listed some of the best accommodation options available on the island for all types of budgets from the local guest house to the Private Villas and Hotels.
Beaches of Union
U nion Island is surrounded by several beautiful beaches. Enjoy watching the Kites at Kite Beach relaxing by the Beach Bar, have a wonderful lunch at Big Sand’s white sand beach and end your day having a drink watching the sunset in Chatham Bay.
Union Island today
U nion Island is still the small, beautiful Southern Grenadines island visitors remember, with Kite Beach, Clifton, Chatham Bay, Big Sand, Tobago Cays trips and local businesses at the center of a good stay.
After Hurricane Beryl, the island is recovering and welcoming visitors again. Staying locally, eating locally, booking local boat trips and taxi tours, and using small businesses all help the island continue rebuilding.
Accommodation
Looking for rooms, suites, hotels or villas on Union Island? Start with the accommodation guide and ask what is available for your dates.
Mer et Sel
Mer et Sel Suites and Mer et Sel Luxury Villa are two different options for guests who want comfort, views and easy access to Clifton and Kite Beach.
Beryl Recovery
Read how Union Island was affected by Hurricane Beryl and how local recovery work helped families, shelters, transport and rebuilding.