Information
Landmark: Belmont BayCity: Union Island
Country: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Continent: North America
Belmont Bay, Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, North America
Belmont Bay is a coastal inlet located on the southern side of Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is characterized by its sheltered waters and proximity to the island's main settlement.
Visual Characteristics
The bay features calm, clear turquoise water. The shoreline is a mix of light-colored sand and scattered coral fragments. The surrounding land rises gently, covered in low-lying scrub vegetation and scattered palm trees. The bay is approximately 1 kilometer in length and 0.5 kilometers wide at its widest point.
Location & Access Logistics
Belmont Bay is situated 1.5 kilometers south of the Union Island Airport (UNI). Access is via the paved Union Island Main Road, turning south onto Belmont Bay Road for approximately 0.5 kilometers. Parking is available along the roadside adjacent to the beach area. There are no direct public transport routes to the bay itself; however, taxis are available from Clifton Village, the island's primary settlement, located 3 kilometers to the east.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Belmont Bay is a natural geological formation, a shallow coastal embayment formed by erosion and sedimentation processes over millennia. The bay's ecosystem is a shallow marine environment supporting seagrass beds and small coral formations, typical of the Grenadine archipelago.
Key Highlights & Activities
Kayaking and paddleboarding are possible within the sheltered waters of the bay. Snorkeling can be undertaken near the fringing reefs, particularly on the western side. The beach area is suitable for sunbathing and relaxation. No organized tours operate directly from the bay.
Infrastructure & Amenities
There are no permanent restroom facilities or food vendors directly at Belmont Bay. Shade is limited to natural vegetation. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for photography is mid-morning when sunlight is direct. The dry season, from January to April, offers the most consistent weather. Calm sea conditions are typical throughout the year, with no specific tide requirements for general access.
Facts & Legends
Local lore suggests that the bay was a frequent stopping point for inter-island traders centuries ago due to its protected anchorage. A specific tip for visitors is to explore the western edge of the bay where small patches of healthy coral can be observed.
Nearby Landmarks
- Clifton Village (3km East)
- Union Island Airport (1.5km North)
- Chatham Bay (2km West)
- Happy Island (4km Northeast)