Palm Island: White-Sand Beaches and Private-Island Cruising off Union Island

Palm Island is a tiny private island paradise just off Union Island, surrounded by powder-white beaches, turquoise Caribbean water and thousands of coconut palms. Covering approximately 135 acres, the island lies at the southern end of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and is accessible only by boat. Its compact size, secluded coastline and proximity to Clifton Harbour make it a natural yacht charter stop when cruising between the Tobago Cays, Union Island and Petit St. Vincent.

The island's best-known stretch of sand is Casuarina Beach, which extends along much of the western coastline and has traditionally been the favorite beach for visiting yachts. Calm Caribbean water, pale sand and coconut palms create one of the classic tropical scenes of the southern Grenadines, while reefs around other parts of Palm Island provide snorkeling and clear-water exploration.

Palm Island also has an unusual history. Originally called Prune Island, it was largely undeveloped when John and Mary Caldwell began transforming it in the 1960s, planting large numbers of coconut palms and establishing what eventually became Palm Island Resort. Hurricane Beryl severely damaged the resort in July 2024, and a major redevelopment agreement was signed in November 2025 to rebuild it as a new luxury property. As of August 2026, visiting yacht guests should confirm current landing access and available services before planning time ashore.

Palm Island lies only a short distance east of Union Island, with the most practical yacht approach from the west or southwest. Cruising guidance describes these approaches as relatively clear, while the eastern and southeastern coastlines are more exposed to Atlantic swell and fringed by reefs. Captains should therefore use current charts and good daylight when navigating close to the island, particularly when exploring beyond the western shore.

Clifton Harbour is close enough to serve as the main logistical base for yachts visiting Palm Island. International arrivals should complete any required Customs and Immigration formalities at Clifton before continuing to Palm Island. The short passage between the two islands also sees local boat traffic, so crews should remain alert when maneuvering near the western shoreline.

The principal yacht anchoring area lies on the western side of Palm Island, close to Casuarina Beach. Cruising information reports depths of roughly 3 to 10 meters with good holding in sand and useful shelter from the prevailing northeasterly trade winds. The anchorage remains more exposed to western and southwestern swell, so conditions should be checked carefully before planning an overnight stay.

There is no full-service marina on Palm Island. Yachts requiring fuel, extensive provisioning, clearance or additional marine services should use nearby Clifton Harbour on Union Island. Because Palm Island is privately managed and redevelopment work is ongoing following Hurricane Beryl, crews should also verify current landing restrictions before using beaches, jetties or facilities ashore.

Palm Island is relatively flat, with only a few low hills and rocky coastal bluffs rising above an interior filled with coconut palms and tropical vegetation. Five white-sand beaches surround much of the island, with Casuarina Beach stretching along the western shore. Walking trails historically allowed visitors to explore the compact interior and enjoy views toward Union Island and the surrounding southern Grenadines.

The island's tourism landscape is currently changing. Palm Island Resort suffered major damage during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, and a US$100 million redevelopment agreement covering Palm Island and Union Island's Anchorage property was signed in November 2025. Plans include rebuilding Palm Island as a five-star resort with hotel bungalows, private villas, restaurants and expanded guest facilities.