Scarborough

Union Island

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Dive into crystalline waters at Tobago Cays Marine Park to snorkel pristine coral reefs and encounter sea turtles in their natural habitat.

💱 Currency East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
🗣 Language English
🕐 Time Zone AST (UTC-4)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights
💰 Price Range $3,620-$7,090 per person
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

A pristine gateway to the Grenadines, Union Island offers stunning anchorages, vibrant local culture, and access to some of the Caribbean's most exclusive island destinations.

Cruises that visit Union Island

Build Your Day in Union Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 11:00 PM
Usually about 15 hours ashore
Getting around:
Sparrow's Beach Club Prices are in line with the rest of the southern grenadines islands. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Happy Island Every sailor should put "Happy Island" on the personal bucket list. Caribbean · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Palm Island Resort & Spa Palm Island Grenadines is atop the list. Resort hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Tenuta Chatham Bay Best food in all the Grenadines. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Union Island Friendly people, very small part of Grenadines. Island · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Sunset Cove We had dinner at sunset cove twice while we were on Union for a few days. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Ranch Escapade Amazing place, best restaurant of the island !!! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
JT PRO Center The Staff is super friendly, organized and always ready to help. Beach entertainment shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Last Bar Before the Jungle Best bar in the Caribbean Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Kiteboarding Cruise - Caribbean Great Antigua and Barbuda cruise!! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Thompson island bar and grill This was definitely the best meal since arriving in the Grenadines. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Tobago Cays I was amazed at this treasure island in the middle of the Caribbean. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Sunn Dipp in Paradise Bar and Restaurant We had a really lovely dinner with Susan, the very gracious owner. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM Thu
Hutchinson's Variety Store It was heart warming and welcoming Supermarket · ★ 3.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Lolo’s bar Great company, delicious rum punch and a great meal rounded out our night. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Happy Kite Grenadines THE BEST place to kitesurf in The Grenadines and I cannot wait to come back. Kite shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Nadi's Bar & Restorante Dine-in·Takeout Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Happy Bar Cool bar on island made of conch shells. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Chantaclair We had the creole fish, be prepared for your dinner to be looking at you! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Captain Kojack's beach bar-b-que Dine-in Grill · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Grenadines Dive Shop. Union Island Mayreau Gardens was amazing! Dive shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Ashton Lagoon Best water sporting area 👌 Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
FAIRDEAL-WATERTAXI AND BEACH BBQ Klem was perfect for a trip to the Tobago Cays and Salt whistle bay. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Vanessa's paradise Get the rum punch and eat everything they have. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
Windward Restaurant This place is a gem in the Caribbean. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Adon's Syrian Store General store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Chatham Bay Beach Canadians bring U.S $$ 12.00 Pina Colada well worth it! Beach pavillion · ★ 4.8 · 0k
S&D Mini Mart Very good place 👍 You will found every thing you need 👍 Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Thu
G & E Circle Center Shopping mall · ★ 3.3 · 0k 🕐 Open 24 hours
M/v LADY J-J Ferry service · ★ 5 · 0k
Sambar island. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Executive Souvenirs & Gift shop Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Union Island

About Union Island

Union Island serves as a charming port of call in the heart of the Caribbean's Grenadines, welcoming cruisers aboard two specialty cruise lines: Emerald Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. With 43 upcoming cruises and a strong presence during the winter months of December through March, this intimate port offers a more exclusive cruising experience compared to larger Caribbean hubs. Most voyages visiting Union Island are seven-night itineraries that explore the stunning surrounding islands, including Bequia, the Tobago Cays, and Mayreau Island.

Stepping ashore at Union Island, you'll discover a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere with pristine beaches and crystalline waters that define this island paradise. The port provides easy access to some of the region's most spectacular natural attractions, making it an ideal stop for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in one of the Caribbean's most picturesque settings.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Pristine Beaches and Crystal Waters

Union Island boasts some of the Caribbean's most stunning beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Anchor Bay and Big Bay offer immediate access to pristine shorelines where you can wade into calm, clear waters teeming with tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs just offshore.

2

Fresh Seafood at Waterfront Restaurants

Savor authentic Caribbean cuisine at casual waterfront eateries serving freshly caught mahi-mahi, lobster, and conch prepared with local spices and coconut. The island's fishing heritage means seafood arrives daily, and you'll enjoy meals with views of the harbor and neighboring islands while experiencing genuine island hospitality.

3

Mount Parnassus Hiking Adventure

Trek to the summit of Mount Parnassus for panoramic views across the Grenadines archipelago and surrounding turquoise waters. This moderate hike through lush tropical vegetation takes approximately two hours round-trip and rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of nearby islands including Mayreau and the Tobago Cays.

4

Local Markets and Artisan Crafts

Explore Union Island's vibrant markets where local vendors sell handmade crafts, colorful textiles, and island souvenirs reflecting Caribbean culture. Browse stalls offering everything from woven baskets to locally-made jewelry and spices, engaging directly with friendly artisans who share stories about island life and traditions.

5

Snorkeling at Nearby Tobago Cays

Take a short boat excursion to the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a protected sanctuary featuring five pristine islands and exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Encounter sea turtles, rays, and schools of colorful fish in shallow, crystal-clear waters while exploring one of the Caribbean's most biodiverse marine environments.

Cruise Lines at Union Island

Cruises Departing From Union Island

Cruises Visiting Union Island

Ship Schedule at Union Island

Union Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union Island and where is it located?

Union Island is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, located about 200 km west-southwest of Barbados in the Grenadines archipelago.

What are the main towns on Union Island?

Clifton and Ashton are the two principal towns.

When is the best time to visit Union Island?

The dry season from November to April offers the best weather, with more sun and less rain.

How can I access Union Island?

Union Island is reachable by air to Union Island Airport (UNI) and by sea from St. Vincent and nearby Grenadines.