Mountains covered with tropical vegetation, pristine landscapes, waterfalls in the forest, beaches framed by crystal-clear sea: the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago is the perfect destination for eco-adventures above and below the water. Local operators offer packages and excursions on the islands to explore their natural wealth, from the peaks of the La Soufrière Volcano to the Tobago Cays underwater.
Trekking and Nature
Saint Vincent Island offers nature and trekking enthusiasts various opportunities. A must is the climb of the La Soufrière Volcano, which at 1,234 meters towers over the island with unforgettable views. Booking a guided tour is the best way to tackle the hike, which passes through bamboo plantations, the rainforest, and stretches of lava rock up to the summit. From here, it is possible to rappel with a rope inside the crater or soak in the mineral-rich mud baths for some relaxation. There are two different trails to choose from: the more relaxing one on the eastern side and the more adventurous one starting from the western coast.
Rainforest, Volcano, and Waterfall Hikes
Immersed in the Saint Vincent rainforest, the waterfalls offer an alternative to swimming in the ocean. The two Dark View Falls, at the volcano’s base in the Richmond Valley, are formed from lava-rock and reach a height of 70 meters. Nearby, the Trinity Falls consist of three drops that create two natural pools with a Jacuzzi effect, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The Fall of Baleine, in the northwest extremity of the island, can only be reached by sea and are just minutes from the beach.
Several companies organize excursions to the volcano and waterfalls, including HazECO Tours and Richmond Vale Nature and Hiking Centre.
Boat Excursions
The waters of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are home to twenty different species of cetaceans, including whales and dolphins: a very high number considering that this family includes 85 species worldwide. Companies specializing in spotting these fascinating mammals organize boat tours with expert guides who, thanks to the hydrophone, a device that allows listening to their sounds, identify different specimens. Another stop for animal lovers is the Turtle Sanctuary on Bequia, a true refuge for the protection and preservation of the endangered Hawksbill turtles.
Companies offering whale and dolphin watching tours include Fantasea Tours and Sea Breeze Nature Tour.
Tobago Cays
Declared a Protected Natural Reserve by the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Tobago Cays are a group of five deserted islets protected by the Horseshoe Reef, a horseshoe-shaped coral reef, and represent one of the best sites in the world for snorkeling and diving. Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac, and Jamesby can only be reached by boat and represent the most pristine natural settings of the archipelago. Besides the Tobago Cays, the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offer numerous diving spots with unique and very diverse underwater landscapes: sheer walls, wrecks, sandy seabeds, and reefs. Dive centers organize trips for both professionals and beginners.
To visit the seabeds of Tobago Cays and the southern Grenadines, excursions can be booked with Grenadines Dive, while in Saint Vincent you can turn to Indigo Dive.
For a full 360° nature experience, the perfect accommodation is Le Petit Byahaut on Saint Vincent. Overlooking a black sand beach, this small resort is accessible only by boat. The five houses, scattered over a 20-hectare property and fully immersed in vegetation, guarantee complete privacy without TV or telephone. The resort organizes visits to the waterfalls, La Soufrière Volcano, Tobago Cays, and Bequia, as well as the best dive spots on the island for snorkeling and diving. The room price is $390 (about €253) for two people full board, including transfers, snorkeling and kayak equipment, and two excursions.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an archipelago between Saint Lucia and Grenada, part of the Windward Islands, in the Caribbean Sea. Saint Vincent is the largest of the 32 islands that extend in an arc south to Grenada, covering an area of approximately 388 km². The main islands, from north to south, are Saint Vincent, Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Quick Facts
- Country: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Area: 389 km²
- Capital: Kingstown
- Population: 109,022 inhabitants
- Language: English, Creole English
- Religion: Anglicans 41.6%, Protestants 21.1%, Catholics 11.5%, others 25.7%
- Form of State: Constitutional Monarchy
- Major Cities: Bequia, Union
Useful Information about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar
- International Dialing Code: 001784
- International Vehicle Registration Code: WV
- Driving Side: left
- Entry Documents: A passport and return ticket are required; a visa is needed only for stays longer than 90 days.
- Vaccination Required: None
- Electricity: 230v
- Measurement Units: Imperial system
- Time Zones: -4 hours (compared to Italy time)
- Fixed-date Holidays: October 27 Independence Day
- Climate: Tropical mixed. January is the rainiest month, with an average of twenty-six rainy days; April is the driest month, averaging six rainy days, including January, February, March, and May.
These months are also ideal to visit the island as they coincide with the high tourist season. - Average Temperatures: 24-30°C
- Transportation: There are no international flights to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Airports: Kingstown, Arnos Vale, Bequia, Union
