Windward Paradise Charters - General Information

Package Options:
We offer customized charter packages to ensure your vacation is specific to your desires. These options can range from pre-ordering your choices of wines, island beers and other spirits, to providing your meals and snacks, truly all-inclusive worry free getaway.

Pricing and Availability:
Pricing for our charters varies with the seasons and the size of Catamaran needed to accommodate your party.
Upon your request, we will provide information detailing pricing and availability of boats for the dates you desire to sail.
Flotillas are available for larger parties.

High Season vs Low Season in the Grenadines:
High season (Winter) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is December through April/May. This is the time to visit if you want to enjoy vacationing with many other sailors and desire a livelier beach scene. Holidays are always a popular time to travel to the islands. Due to the high number of visitors during this season, we would suggest booking your charter three to six months in advance to ensure you get what your heart desires.
Low season (Summer) is June through October/November. This is a more economical time to travel, as the seas are typically calmer and less populated.

Weather Information:
The average temperature is between 86 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
Rain can be expected daily but is generally very brief. September and October are officially considered the rainy season for the Grenadines.
These islands are located below the Hurricane Belt but storms are always possible during Hurricane Season which runs June 1st through November 30th.

How To Get To SVG:
By Air:
St. Vincent is reached by air from North America and Europe through five major gateways – Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia, and Trinidad – with connections to Union Island, Canouan, Mustique, Bequia, or St. Vincent.
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines/American Eagle, Air Canada, Air France, BWIA and Air Jamaica, all provide excellent service to the gateways; while Caribbean Star Airlines, LIAT, SVG Air, Trans Island Air and Mustique Airways all provide a convenient connecting service from the gateways.
There are several airports in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with ET Joshua Airport in Kingstown being the largest. The small airports are located in Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island. These airports are serviced by most regional airlines.
Flight time to St. Vincent is approximately 35 minutes from Barbados; 30 minutes from Grenada; 45 minutes from Martinique; 20 minutes from St. Lucia.
**Air Services are subject to change

Immigration:
Generally, visitors do not require visas for entry when visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines as tourists. However, they are issued immigration forms which are valid (when completed) for a period of stay of up to 6 months upon arrival in St. Vincent. If you want to stay longer, you may apply to the Immigration Department after you arrive. You should have a valid passport, a return ticket and sufficient funds for your stay.
As regulations may change, check with your nearest SVG Mission or Tourism Board office before departure.

Airport Tax:
A Passenger Departure Tax of EC $50.00 must be paid at immigration (airport) when leaving St. Vincent and the Grenadines by air. Passengers who are in transit for less than 24 hours may leave the airport without having to pay the departure tax.

Currency and Credit Cards:
There is no restriction on the amount of currency you can bring into the country.
The local currency of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) commonly referred to as EC. Notes are issued in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins are issued in denominations of $1.00 and .25, .10, .05, .02, and .01 cent. The exchange rate is tied to the US dollar at a rate of EC $2.67. (XCD is the currency reference code used at commercial banks). Other than the Eastern Caribbean dollar, the US dollar is also accepted in all hotels and some shops.
Major credit cards are widely accepted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
**Exchange rate is subject to change

Duty Free Goods:
The following items are duty free but must be fully declared: Baggage and household effects, including wine or sprits not exceeding 1 quart in all; tobacco, not over half pound, or cigars not over 50 in number, or cigarettes, not over 200 in number, used implements, instruments and tools of profession, trade, occupation or employment.

Dutiable Goods:
Gifts, radios and other similar electrical equipment require a deposit pending re-exportation.

Local Banking Hours:
Banking hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday with extended hours to 5 p.m. on Friday. All banks handle travelers’ cheques and change most foreign currencies. Passports are required when cashing travelers’ cheques. A nominal commission may be charged. For convenience, ATM / ABM machines are open round-the-clock.
Government offices are generally open from 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m., Monday to Friday, but closed from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Shops are generally open from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Supermarkets and shopping centers are usually open from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
**Local banking hours are subject to change

What To Wear:
The tropical weather makes light summer clothing, made from natural fabrics like cotton, best for everyday wear. Casual dress is usually appropriate but some establishments may require a more semi-formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress requirements. Bathing suits should not be worn in the streets or stores.

Drinking Water:
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in St. Vincent. However, bottled mineral water is readily available.

Personal Safety:
Travelers throughout the world must be concerned about their personal safety and security when visiting any destination of their choice. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is no exception. You need to exercise the same amount of caution for your personal safety as you would anywhere.
As a visitor to our islands, you will find that individuals may offer to sell you local hand-crafts, t-shirts, etc. Do not be surprised as this practice is typical in any tourist destination that you may visit. If you are interested in making a purchase do so, but if not, just say no in a polite and pleasant manner.
There are no lifeguards on the beaches. Exercise caution when swimming. Drowning is
one of the leading causes of death for visitors in SVG, and the Caribbean in general.

Mosquito and Sand fly bites:
These do not pose major problems but people with sensitive skin should use caution. We recommend packing repellents of your choice to use at bedtime and at the beach.

Restricted Items:
Narcotics, spear fishing equipment, arms and ammunition. Illegal drugs are viewed seriously in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Visitors need to be aware that there are severe penalties, including long jail terms for possession if illegal drugs like Cannabis (marijuana, weed or ganja) or crack cocaine. NO attempts should be made to import or export even small quantities for “personal use”. If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container, clearly labeled with the doctor’s name, pharmacy, and contents.

Electricity:
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a reliable supply of electricity. Electricity is generally 220/240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second except for Petit St. Vincent which has 110 volts AC, 60 cycles per sec. Appliances rated at 110 volts (US standard) normally work satisfactorily with a transformer. Most hotels have 110 volts shaver outlets and will provide transformers to visitors on request. The standard electrical plug has 3 rectangular pins so remember to pack an adapter.

Telecommunications:
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a fiber optic digital telephone system. We suggest you check with your cellular/mobil provider to see if services are available while visiting the islands. The international area code is 784 followed by the local seven-digit number. Phone cards are available through outlets island-wide as are Phone-card booths. International Direct dialing (IDD) service is available to most destinations in the world and International calls can be made using your credit card (Master card, Visa and Discover are accepted) by dialing the operator.