Which area is best for a stay on Union Island? Most travelers center a stay around Clifton, the small harbor town that serves as the island's real hub, with guesthouses and simple hotels within walking distance of the waterfront, the local airstrip and the boats heading out daily toward Tobago Cays Marine Park, the protected cluster of uninhabited islets and turtle-grazing seagrass beds that draws sailors and day-trippers from across the southern Grenadines. Union Island has also built a genuine reputation among kitesurfers, thanks to reliable trade winds that pick up especially through winter and early spring, and a portion of the small lodging scene caters specifically to that crowd rather than general beach tourism. Travelers should know that Union Island took a direct and severe hit from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, one of the most powerful storms to strike the Grenadines in recent memory, and the island has spent the time since rebuilding homes, businesses and tourism infrastructure, so anyone planning a stay should confirm current lodging availability directly rather than assume pre-storm capacity is fully restored. Clifton remains the practical base for most needs, while a handful of quieter options sit further from the harbor for travelers wanting distance from the town center. Booking ahead matters especially during kitesurf season and around the regatta and sailing events that draw the Grenadines' small-boat community, when Union's limited rooms can fill quickly. Payment often mixes cash and card depending on the property, and confirming directly with smaller guesthouses remains sensible practice. Getting around the island is easily done on foot or by a short taxi ride, and travelers should remember that Union Island, like the rest of St Vincent and the Grenadines, drives on the left. Seasonally, the drier months from roughly January through May bring the steadiest kitesurf winds and calmer seas for reaching Tobago Cays, while hurricane season from June through November calls for real caution given the island's recent experience.
We earn from qualifying purchases. Some links are affiliate — full disclosure.
Cross-trip essentials
Plan the rest of your trip
Vetted partners across the essentials. Bookings fulfilled by partner — Aurum earns commission on completed bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Need a ride?
Pre-book an airport transfer
Door-to-door private transfers in 100+ countries. Fixed prices, vetted drivers, instant confirmation.
Search transfers →Before your flight
Book an airport lounge
Skip the gate-area chaos. Hot food, fast Wi-Fi, real seating — at most major airports worldwide.
Browse lounges →Stay connected abroad
Pick an eSIM for your trip
Instant data on landing — no roaming charges, no SIM swap. Activates the moment you switch on your phone.
Browse eSIMs →