Union Island

Union is a popular anchorage for vacationers sailing the Grenadines and a crossroads for others heading to surrounding islands. Clifton, the main town and a port of entry for yachts, is small and commercial, with a bustling harbor, a few simple beachfront inns and restaurants, businesses that cater to yachts, and the regional airstrip—perhaps the busiest in the Grenadines. Hugh Malzac Square, in the center of town, honors the first black man to captain a merchant marine ship. The ship was the Booker T. Washington; the time was 1942. Malzac was from Union Island. Taxis and minibuses are available to get around the island, and water taxis go between islands—including Happy Island, a man-made islet in the harbor where you can get a good stiff rum punch and even some grilled lobster or fish. The Easterval Regatta occurs during the Easter weekend with festivities that include boat races, sports and games, a calypso competition, a beauty pageant, and a cultural show featuring the Big Drum Dance (derived from French and African traditions). Union Island has several small inns and hotels, some directly on the waterfront and others inland.