Experiences
Things to See in St. Vincent & The Grenadines
St. Vincent & the Grenadines is an undeniable enchantress in the Caribbean Sea, with 32 islands, and only nine inhabited. Seducing visitors with an astounding variety of things to see, from eco-tour-perfect tropical rainforests and fantastic marine parks to magnificent coral reefs, fine-sand beaches, and secluded coves and bays, it is certainly no wonder that St. Vincent and The Grenadines is such as a popular vacation destination. Among the countless things to see while taking much-needed time off from work and the hurried modern lifestyle, here is a definitive guide giving you a quick peek into your available options across all major inhabited islands of the region!
Saint Vincent – A Lively Meeting Point
A crown jewel in the country’s tiara and the largest island in the region that is home to La Soufriere, a volcano that last erupted in 2021. The interior of Saint Vincent island is densely forested and mountainous, providing visitors with landscapes featuring lush vegetation and impressive natural wonders, such as the Vermont Nature Trail that will take you around the island and give you a chance to see more than 500 native parrots and several of the island’s endemic species.
Other scenic locations worth seeing from up close are Fort Charlotte along the coastline, the spectacular Dark View Falls at the foot of La Soufriere, and the Botanic Gardens near the bustling capital, Kingstown, and its amazing architecture. The Botanic Gardens is where you will find tropical and rare native plants spreading over 20 acres of verdant land featuring a gorgeous background and preserving (and conserving) the diverse biodiversity of the country.
Needless to say, while exploring Saint Vincent, you should visit the volcanic-sand beaches of the island, which are an exciting contrast to the other sugary Caribbean beaches.
Bequia – Where Heaven Meets Earth
If you are planning a visit to Bequia island, which got its name from the ancient Arawak people and means “the island of the clouds,” then be prepared for a tropical oasis with a vibrant yachting community in Port Elizabeth, spellbinding coral reefs, powdery shores, and an extremely laid-back and lively vibe.
With lots of fascinating scuba diving spots and a plethora of aquatic and sea-related things to see, including shipwrecks, Bequia is full of pleasant surprises. As for its above-water charms, the second-largest island in the entire region is full of small and quaint restaurants serving tasty local dishes, a private 1960s-founded nature preserve, and a community called Moonhole that sits on the western tip of the island. At first, the house with the massive tree growing through its master bedroom, which occupies a pristine location within the Moonhole preserve, had no electricity and was even built using whale bones, native hardwoods, and various items collected on the shore. If for anything else, Moonhole is worth visiting as a site dedicated to preserving and protecting the local nature and its unique architecture. Plus, for the incredible views of the ocean that can be enjoyed from nearly all rooms and the expansive veranda.
Petit St. Vincent – Luxurious and Diverse
Tucked in the southernmost part of Saint Vincent & The Grenadines region, Petit St. Vincent is now a prime destination for the elite of this world, who fly to the beautiful cay for the high-end amenities and luxury services it provides. Petit St. Vincent is a private exclusive resort from end to end with adorable sandy shores that stretch for miles. As for its interior, it greets visitors with a lush tropical forest, a wonderful network of hiking trails, and green rolling hills. Of course, the allures and natural beauties of the surrounding areas can also be seen through kayaking, boating, snorkelling, cruising, diving, and even fishing!
Canouan – Beautifully Contrasting
The charming island with the idyllic barrier reef protecting it from the harshness of the Atlantic Ocean is particularly famous for its sandy beaches and the stunning landscape enveloping Mount Royal, an imposing figure that dominates the scenery, as well as attractions like Grand Bay, near the main town of the island, Charlestown. Also heart-stopping and worth your time is the lovely south Glossy Bay with the calm and crystal-clear waters, relaxed atmosphere, and mind-blowing vistas of the southern Grenadines. For a total change of scenery, consider heading to Windward Bay and lay eyes on a terrain where volcanic rocks prevail, demonstrating Canouan’s volcanic origins.
Union Island & Happy Island
Union Island is unique, unlike anything else you may have probably seen in your life so far. Nestled off the Grenadines’ coast, it is home to Happy Island, a one-of-a-kind home and bar built entirely with bits of exposed coral rocks and conch shells the owner and builder (also a local artist), Janti Ramage, scavenged from the shores over several years. Coming to Happy Island will instantly make you realise why it has been named like that. And, if you need a little push, take a look at the sweeping seascapes and views offered from the patio as you treat your palate with some of the most delicious drinks, rum punches, and cocktails just before the sun slips behind the horizon.
Mustique – Private and Scenic
The archipelago is dotted with islands like Mustique, a private cay with the picturesque North Point trail that takes visitors through the island’s coastal locations, a few charming villages, around a hundred private villas available to rent, and two stylish hotels. In addition, expect lands home to many native seabirds and bird species and adorable, powdery shores such as Endeavour Bay Beach, Macaroni Beach, and Pasture Bay Beach, from where you can see the coral reefs that encircle the island and its plethoric and diverse marine life. Add the stunning tiny villages with fruit stalls and small shops to all these, and you will be giving the most authentic Caribbean notes to your island ventures.
Mayreau – Delightful and Endearing
Mayreau is the smallest child in the family spanning merely over 3.89 square kilometres (around 1,5 square miles) featuring only a single village perched atop Station Hill that has no name! Come here if you wish to get a taste of genuine Caribbean vibes which will put you in island mode instantly. Take a leisure stroll along the narrow streets and see where they take you. And, if you reach the old Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, give yourself a moment to soak up the spectacular panoramas of Union Island, Canouan, and Tobago Bays – even Saline Bay and its salt pond!
Places to Visit
If creating a list of the best places to visit on a Caribbean island is a hugely demanding task (how can one fit all this beauty in a few lines!), imagine how big of a challenge it is to come up with suggestions when it comes to a Caribbean nation that consists of more than 30 equally enchanting islands! What you are about to go through is a decent effort to give you an idea of what awaits, but feel free to add as many components as you feel suited to this guide!
Owia Salt Pond
Situated on the northeastern coast of Saint Vincent and the small Owia village, Owia Salt Pond is a basin created by the lava that once sprouted from the Soufriere Volcano, which cooled as soon as it flowed into the ocean, shaping a small bowl filled with salt water! What is amazing about the pond is that the waves that splash to the rocks replenish it and keep it fresh at all times. Protected from the ocean by large volcanic boulders, the land once inhabited by the indigenous Black Caribs welcomes visitors as an inviting place on earth whose warm, salty waters are believed to be healing! And while here, do take some time to enjoy the scenery, the fire pits, park benches and tables, gazebos, and well-maintained grounds!
Bequia Maritime Museum
Those feeling fascinated by maritime history will find their heart’s content at the Bequia Maritime Museum, which houses a unique collection of model boats by a popular local artist, old, black-and-white photos of the Queen of England’s visit to the island, and pictures of Bequia’s oldest schooners, as well as artifacts from the island’s rich past.
Inside it, you will find a model of a Bequia Whaler, which makes sense considering that the island solely relies on whaling to survive since it has no other resources. Whale hunting is an activity (non-commercial) that has been practiced for centuries in Bequia and is tolerated by the International Whaling Commission to date (they rarely allow whaling occupations).
If you decide to visit this landmark, we strongly recommend a guided tour that will enable you to learn much more about the island’s history, including details about the whaling tradition and the Scottish ancestors that brought boat building to the island.
Tobago Cays
Five small uninhabited islands dot the archipelago in the southern Grenadines are called the Tobago Cays. Enveloped by a series of beautiful, healthy coral reefs, they are a chain of islands with extensive popularity and one of the most visited areas in the Caribbean, especially among people looking for a tranquil place with a profound natural landscape and a relaxed atmosphere.
This charming handful of Caribbean cays is part of the massive Tobago Cays Marine Park. This 1,400-acre land even includes the idyllic Mayreau island, enchanting visitors and locals alike with the beauty of its extensive coral reefs and the shallow lagoon with its transparent waters and soft, sandy bottom.
But, besides all these, the Tobago Cays (“cay” is a word used to refer to a “coral island”) also feel inviting with their magnificent dry tropical forest and lush, vegetation-covered lands that cascade down to the sugary shores. So, if you love trekking or hiking, you will be delighted with the natural scenery around you as you trek along patches with coccoloba, agave, cactus, coconut, and diospyros plants, to name a few! Not to be omitted, of course, is the small Petit Rameau mangrove that adds some more natural notes to the overall landscape.
The islands are hugely popular with private yachts. They are visited by thousands of tourists annually, along with charter boats that sail to the Tobago Cays from nearby resorts and hotels for a pinch of serenity and subtle natural majesty while also enjoying life doing activities like fishing, snorkelling, diving, and many more.
Horseshoe Reef
This is a four-kilometre (around 2.5 miles) reef that is part of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, along with the five islands that make up the Tobago Cays and the charming, uninhabited island of Mayreau. The park has been established in the southern Grenadines to help protect the unique environment of the magnificent lagoon with the sandy bottom mentioned above. Horseshoe Reef is one of the most biodiverse and healthiest bank-barrier reefs in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and also one of the biggest reefs in the country where one can come across a large number of coral fish that have found a loving home here. Occasionally, you may also see jacks and barracudas, among so many other fish species, common and rare, that swarm the reef. Whether you fancy swimming, snorkelling, or sunbathing, this is an exciting place to be, with more things to see than you can imagine!
Union Island
Not belonging to the stardom where other more popular of its siblings sit comfortably, Union Island is still a hypnotising off-the-beaten-path destination that lots of tourists love to visit. This small remote island in St. Vincent & The Grenadines offers an irresistible sense of peacefulness and relaxation. It is one of the most beloved starting points for boating vacations or sailing cruises around the Caribbean islands.
And, if you are not much of a sailing enthusiast, Union Island will pamper the scuba diver inside you, while its lush vegetation also opens the appetite of hiking enthusiasts. As for its highest peak, that would be Mount Taboi at 305 metres (around 999 feet), from where you can rest your eyes on spectacular seascapes and vistas encompassing the two lovely towns on the island, Ashton and Clifton and the amazing natural scenery.
Happy Island is a must-visit on Union Island. The unique bar built with conch shells the owner collected from the shores is a necessary and undebatable pit stop for every person visiting Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, regardless of the selected adventure.
Vermont Nature Trail
One of the most enjoyable ways of seeing the heart-melting nature of the country is by hiking the Vermont Natural Trail that runs through the Saint Vincent Central Forest Reserve. Those who decide to walk the 3.2-kilometres (around 2 miles) trail are never prepared well enough for the sights they are about to be greeted with.
Buccament Valley is hands down, one of the most scenic places on earth, with rolling hills alternating with majestic cliffs and sweeping valleys that give their place to the dense rainforest and its profound diversity of tropical plants and trees. As for the local fauna, the Saint Vincent Parrot Reserve is within arm’s reach and a fun destination for kids and adults alike as they see hundreds of native parrots (mainly of the Saint Vincent parrot species) in their natural habitat. If you decide to walk the trail, it is a fairly easy hike, except for the relatively small part that ascends to the lookout, which is mildly challenging. The panoramas you’ll manage to see from up there, though, are worth every effort.
Things to Do
If your ideal vacations include sailing into shallow emerald bays, visiting uninhabited islands brimming with natural appeal, swimming in crystal-clear waters and sunbathing on secluded, pure white-sand beaches, then St. Vincent and The Grenadines will certainly fit the bill. And, with more than 30 cays and islands to explore, rest assured that your ventures here will include so much more than swimming and sunbathing! Here are a few ideas of exciting things to do in St. Vincent & The Grenadines!
Go Sailing With a Luxury Catamaran or Yacht
St. Vincent & The Grenadines’ islands are majestic, as is the archipelago that encompasses them. So, a sailing adventure aboard an elegant catamaran, schooner, or yacht is one of the best ways to explore all the magnificence that awaits.
You could join a private or shared crewed yacht and enjoy delicious tastes from local cuisine (could also include international flavours) or, why not, get hands-on sailing experience!
Some of the most preferred sailing itineraries include Bequia, Mustique, Union Island, and the other islands in the south of Saint Vincent, or northern destinations (if starting from the Grenadines) such as Petite Martinique, Carriacou, and the likes, with stops at iconic landmarks along the way (i.e., the Tobago Cays). Besides nature-watching and swimming with the dolphins, you will also see turtles greeting you as you sip your cocktail and the wind blows in your hair.
Opt for a Snorkelling and/or Diving Endeavour
As expected, the aquatic world of St. Vincent & The Grenadines is equally impressive as the natural wonders of its lands. One of the most popular dive sites in the entire Caribbean (among both advanced and beginner divers alike) is Mayreau Gardens, an exceptional spot for drift dives with an expansive coral reef formation home to flamingo tongues, garden eels, crinoids, and many more. A bit further off the site is the 1918 wreck of a British gunship (namely Puruni) that has found its last resting place some 12 metres (around 40 feet) deep.
Another great dive site in the region is Anchor Reef, considered one of the best in the world. Particularly appealing to wall diving enthusiasts, Anchor Reef offers a spectacular experience also featuring lovely coral reef formations! And, if you would love to see sharks, then Mopion Reef is where you need to be (on Petit St. Vincent island).
As for those that prefer the thrill of snorkelling, we suggest heading to Tobago Cays (a series of 5 small, picturesque, uninhabited islands), where you can snorkel with sea turtles in a marine protected area that is enveloped by finger corals and sea fans that form a shallow barrier reef. And, speaking of turtles, the island of Beguia is home to a wonderful nursery for endangered turtles (hawksbill) called Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, where you can learn tons of information about conservation.
That aside, an equally beautiful snorkelling paradise is Bat Cave on Saint Vincent island, south of Buccament Bay, where you can snorkel through a narrow 9-metre-long (around 30 feet) tunnel accompanied by the sound of hundreds of bats chirping and clicking around you!
Admire Local Fauna and Flora at the Botanic & Marvel Gardens
The Botanic Gardens is one of the most famous landmarks in Saint Vincent and one of the oldest in the entire Western hemisphere, welcoming visitors with an astounding collection of trees, flowers, and plants. The 20-acre natural marvel opened in 1765 and has since been greeting people from all over the world with Saint Vincent Parrot, the country’s national bird, breadfruit, and much more local and indigenous flora and fauna (free of charge up to the moment of this writing).
As for the Montreal Gardens, although not as colossal as the Botanic Gardens, it is a location high in the mountains covered with umbrella-like plants, patches of land where waxy ginger lilies are the protagonists, as are bromeliads, ferns, lizards, orchids, towering palms, and pathways with lush vegetation and views over the fertile Mesopotamia Valley.
Hike Through Fantastic Scenery
Hiking the Pinnacle on Union Island is, hands down, one of the most satisfying things to do in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. The 3-hour (return) trip will reward you with stunning 360-degree views of the island, the fantastic archipelago, and the Tobago Cays that dot it. Expect a straightforward walk for the most part, except for the final ascent, which becomes quite challenging as the elevation increases significantly. Not for the faint-hearted ones, for sure!
Now, if you would rather opt for something more “doable” for beginners and rookie hikers, then the trek to Dark View Falls is a perfect alternative. It is a 15-minute walk to one of the most idyllic and accessible waterfalls in Saint Vincent. Although not merely as difficult a hike as Pinnacle, Dark View Falls has a decent difficulty level since you will have to cross a river over a bamboo pole-made bridge before you can see the cascading falls and the two charming pools they form (these are also fabulous to bathe in).
Other Must-do Activities in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
- Visit Happy Island on the outskirts of Union Island for a sip of rum punch. The iconic bar has been built with discarded conch shells offering delicious cocktails and sweeping seascapes. You may also come here to kitesurf or windsurf.
- Celebrate Vincy Mass at the end of June and join the festivities that include lots of music, carnival shows, steel band competitions, calypso competitions, and many more.
- Treat your palate to fresh grilled lobster in the Tobago Cays and Petit Bateau for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Plan a picnic for two on the deserted Mopion sand bar atop a coral reef and pamper your soul with a romantic setting featuring turquoise waters and a sugary shore.
- Stroll the Bequia boardwalk, a prime yachting destination in the country, with lots of restaurants and palm trees lining the waterfront, mind-blowing sandy shores, and a rocky, bougainvillea-filled wall.
What to Eat
Packed with unbelievable flavour, fun, and sun, St. Vincent & The Grenadines’ cuisine is a lively reflection of the islands’ past and their ties with African, French, Portuguese, and other cultures that have influenced the nation, adding delicious elements to the local gastronomy that excites the palate, one way or another. Below is just a small taste of what awaits!
Roasted Breadfruit & Fried Jackfish
Completing any trip to this tropical paradise and often cited as the national dish of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish is a popular lunch option. It is made by roasting the whole breadfruit (it tastes like potatoes) over an open fire up to a certain point (the centre needs to be tender and soft, while the outside is slightly charred). As for the fish, it’s usually marinated in lemon juice and then fried after it has been dusted in flour. Once crispy, it is served along with the breadfruit and a sauce made from herbs and vegetables, including thyme, garlic, tomatoes, and onions. The breadfruit may also be mashed with oil and banana leaves or coconut. Breadfruit is so beloved here that it even has its own festival – The Breadfruit Festival – celebrated every weekend of August every year!
Guinness Bottle Chicken Stew
Another local favourite, Guinness bottle chicken stew is made with chicken breasts cut in pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper, before they are coated with flour and fried until they get a nice golden brown crust. Also expect a wide assortment of elements, such as onions, garlic, tomato paste, parsley, Guinness stout beer, chicken stock, chilli powder, oil, and bell peppers. The next phase wants the garlic and onion to be sautéed in oil and then mixed with the beer. The chicken and the rest of the ingredients are added once the liquid is reduced by half, creating a mouth-watering, hearty dish.
Fish Blaff
Tasting very much like French court bullion, fish blaff is a spicier version of a recipe that has originated from a Dutch chef. It is now a traditional Caribbean dish that the locals absolutely love, made from sea bass, cod, or another type of fish (even seafood for extra creativity pinches) that is marinated in a mixture of parsley, oil, white wine, cloves, allspice, thyme, chives, lime juice, hot peppers, garlic, salt, and minced onions, and then simmered for around 20 minutes over low heat before it is served with parsley garnish on top of it.
Buljol
A staple across St. Vincent & The Grenadines, it is a filling salad eaten cold and made from shredded saltfish or cod, onions, oil, tomatoes, and peppers. You will, sometimes, see it as part of a local’s breakfast. You may have tried buljol in Trinidad and other Caribbean regions. However, that recipe is different from the one followed in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines in both ingredients and taste. In any case, it is equally brimming with local flavours and certainly beyond appetising.
Madongo Dumplings
This one is a delicious specialty exclusively served in St. Vincent & The Grenadines made from native arrowroot (grows only in the region), which is combined with coconut and nutmeg. A perfect option for people with food sensitivities as arrowroot is naturally gluten-free! And, since this is a dish usually prepared at local homes for dinner, your best bet for tracking it down is either at a family-run eatery or street food stalls and rarely on hotel/restaurants menus.
Ducana
A palate-pleasing dumpling-like dessert dish that has made people in St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Antigua swear by it! The delicacy has an interesting contrast of savoury and sweet flavours, which is part of its allure! Ducana is made with sweet potatoes (the majority of islands in St. Vincent & The Grenadines are brimming with sweet potatoes) and coconut and cooked in banana leaves. You will usually see it served with salted fish or stewed fish and can be eaten either lightly fried, thinly sliced, or cold as a snack.
Seafood
Seafood is a major protagonist in the local cuisine, with kingfish, bonito, pilot whale, and mahi-mahi being some of the more unusual options you can find on the islands. Of course, lobster, octopus, squid, and tuna dishes are also available, only in their spiciest versions! As for the way these are prepared, you can see them in recipes of hearty stews, baked, or fried.
Tip: For lip-smacking seafood dishes, do consider heading to Barrouallie town on the west shores of Saint Vincent island on the first Friday of the month (if you happen to be around then) and join the fish festival featuring local catches and many more!
Hairoun Beer
Nicely tucked on the northeast of St. Vincent & The Grenadines capital, Kingstown, the Hairoun Brewery (aka Saint Vincent Brewery) has been producing its eponymous beer for several decades (since the mid-1980s) – a light, pale gold beer that will definitely be starring on nearly all menus and across most bars throughout the country. Expect some citrus notes and not much head when tasting Hairoun, which, by the way, means “land of the blessed!”
Sunset Rum
This is the name of the local rum, which can be found in several different varieties, including the popular Sunset Rum Punch, Captain Bligh XO, and Sunset Very Strong Rum. The islands’ favourite spirit is served across all local bars, while you may even visit the Saint Vincent Distillers in Georgetown, which is where the Sunset Rum has been produced since the 1960s.
Other Finger-Licking Local Dishes:
Callaloo soup – A favourite option in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, it is a dish served everywhere, from street food stalls to weddings, and has several different recipes (i.e., with crab meat, with beef, or soup versions). Callaloo (a local leafy vegetable) is combined with coconut milk, potatoes, pepper, onion, and garlic, while you may also find recipes with yams, cassava, and other ingredients.
Banana fritters – A great option for those with a sweet tooth, they are made with sugar, flour, and oil (and banana, of course), creating a home comfort food for Vincentians and Grenadinians alike.
