Island adventures in St. Vincent & The Grenadines

• St. Vincent has many places to visit while you’re there. Kingstown, the capital, is the center of activity with freighters and yachts coming and going. The charming 18th-century city features arched cobblestone streets and Georgian homes.
• The oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere are situated in the heart of Kingston. Along with many other species of plants, they house a breadfruit tree grown from seedlings brought over from Tahiti in 1793.
• The 4,000-foot volcano known as La Soufriere is located in middle of the Soufriere Mountains on St. Vincent. The climb to its peak is only for the most energetic of hikers. A visit to the volcano is a full day, so hit the trails with the sunrise.
• Trinity Falls is perhaps the most beautiful waterfall in St. Vincent. The waterfall is set in a deep volcanic canyon. A tour to the falls from Kingstown involves a two-hour drive along the Leeward Coast of St. Vincent, followed by a 45-minute hike through a lush rain forest. However, when you dive into the beautiful, clear water it all becomes worth it.
• The Owia Salt Pond can be found on the northeastern coast of St. Vincent. The tour to Owia consists of a two-hour drive along the scenic eastern coast of St. Vincent. Along the way, you will get to see the Rabacca Dry River, ash flow from the 1902 eruption of the La Soufriere, the Black Point Tunnel dug by the British in 1815 using slave labor, and pristine black-sand beaches.
• The best beaches on St. Vincent are located on the west and south coasts of the island. For white-sand beaches, Villa Beach and Indian Bay Beach are popular. On the other hand, if you want to sink your feet into the black remnants of the island’s volcanic origins, you will want to head to Questelles Bay, Mt. Wynne or Richmond.
• The nature trails of Buccament Valley afford great hiking. The trails start near the top of Buccament valley and lead through a tropical rain forest. Be on the look out for a chance to see the St. Vincent Parrot and the Whistling Warbler, both unique to St. Vincent. This would be an excellent place to have a romantic picnic for two.
• Across the waters lie the peaceful Grenadines, which feature some of the most immaculate beaches in the world. You can reach the islands by boat or plane. The islands of Mustique, Canouan, Bequia and Union have airstrips for small planes, and all offer special adventures for visitors, including snorkeling, diving, hiking and shopping.
• Bequia, the largest of the islands, has a relaxed atmosphere that attracts many sailors. Port Elizabeth is lined with quaint shops and restaurants where you can buy trinkets from wooden boat makers. Princess Margaret Beach, the island’s best, is serene and offers palms for shade. A natural stone arch sits at the edge of the long stretch of sand.
• The rich and famous are known to vacation on Mustique. The island is dotted with million-dollar homes and yachts owned by Hollywood stars and royalty. The mountains allow for fantastic hiking and the clear water is ideal for snorkeling. For sunbathing, you will definitely want to check out the powdery sands of Macaroni Beach.
• Another claim to fame are the Tobago Cays. Comprised of four deserted islets, they make up a national marine park with some of the best snorkeling in the world. It is a retreat that is not to be missed.
• Check out Brighton Beach, which has luminescent black sand and great waves for activities such as boogie boarding.