This Once-Quiet Caribbean Destination Is Now Booming, Thanks to a New Sandals, JetBlue Flights, and Big Energy

It’s a place that’s always felt just a little bit off the radar — a collection of emerald islands strung between turquoise seas. But this year, St. Vincent and the Grenadines isn’t really a secret anymore. It’s buzzing.

Americans are discovering the destination in record numbers, turning it into one of the Caribbean’s biggest travel stories of 2025.

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded a 17.3 percent increase in visitor arrivals in the first half of the year — the second-fastest growth rate in the Caribbean, behind only Guyana.

The U.S. market is driving that surge. Arrivals from the United States climbed 58.7 percent year over year, the highest increase of any Caribbean destination reporting U.S. growth.

The momentum is coming from several fronts. New nonstop flights from JetBlue have made the destination more accessible than ever. The arrival of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has added a high-profile luxury resort and fresh energy — thanks to what we’ve called the “Sandals Effect,” the island is now on the global travel radar in a whole new way.

And the destination’s reputation for authenticity and natural beauty is resonating with travelers who want something different.

“This remarkable growth underscores St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ emergence as one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and promising destinations,” said Carlos James, SVG’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture.

A Growing Airlift Network

JetBlue may be the newest name in the skies over St. Vincent, but it’s far from the only one. American Airlines continues to operate its well-established nonstop service from Miami, which has helped anchor the destination’s U.S. market growth. Virgin Atlantic connects St. Vincent with London, bringing a steady stream of visitors from the UK. Delta Air Lines has added seasonal flights from Atlanta, expanding connectivity to the American South and beyond.

These routes all serve Argyle International Airport, the country’s modern international gateway, which has quickly transformed access to the destination since opening in 2017.

The increased lift isn’t just about convenience — it’s changing the way travelers look at St. Vincent and the Grenadines. What was once a tucked-away gem is now just a flight away for more Americans than ever.

Islands That Still Feel Intimate

Part of the destination’s appeal is its diversity. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a 32-island archipelago, and each corner offers something different.

Bequia, just a short ferry ride from the mainland, is the quintessential Caribbean harbor town — charming, walkable and wrapped in a yachting culture that feels timeless.

St. Vincent, the main island, is a place of rainforest hikes, volcanic peaks and authentic local life. It’s the heart of the archipelago and the best launching point for exploring its sister islands.

Mustique is the legendary private-island hideaway, long known for its understated luxury, celebrity visitors and golden beaches where the only sound is the sea.

Canouan blends next-level luxury with natural beauty, home to ultra-luxe resorts, a world-class golf course and turquoise waters that feel like their own destination.

With expanded service from Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and Delta (starting in December), St. Vincent and the Grenadines has already surpassed its pre-pandemic visitor totals.

For Americans, it’s becoming one of the Caribbean’s most intriguing new places to land — a destination that still feels untouched, now paired with world-class access.