Mountains covered by tropical vegetation, pristine landscapes, waterfalls in the forest, beaches framed by crystal-clear sea: the archipelago of St Vincent and the Grenadines is the perfect destination for eco adventures above and below water. Local operators offer packages and excursions on the islands to discover their natural wealth, from the peaks of La Soufrière Volcano to the seabeds of Tobago Cays.
Hiking and nature
The island of St Vincent offers nature and hiking enthusiasts various opportunities. A mandatory stop is the climb of the La Soufrière Volcano which, from its 1,234 meters, dominates the island with unforgettable views. Booking a guided tour is the best way to undertake the walk that, passing through bamboo plantations, the rainforest, and stretches of lava rock, reaches the summit. From here, it is possible to rappel with a rope inside the crater or immerse yourself in mineral-rich mud baths for some relaxation. You can choose between two different trails, the more relaxing one on the eastern side and the more adventurous one starting from the western coast.
Rainforest, volcano hikes and waterfalls
Immerse yourself in the rainforest of St Vincent, the waterfalls offer an alternative to swimming in the ocean. The two Dark View Falls, at the foot of the volcano, in the Richmond Valley, are formed by lava rocks and reach a height of 70 meters. Nearby, the Trinity Falls consist of three drops that form two natural pools with a Jacuzzi effect, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The Fall of Baleine, at the north-western tip of the island, can only be reached by sea and are just minutes from the beach.
Several companies organize volcano and waterfall tours, including HazECO Tours and Richmond Vale Nature and Hiking Centre.
Boat excursions
The waters of St Vincent and the Grenadines are home to twenty different species of cetaceans among whales and dolphins: a very high number considering that this family includes 85 species in total. Companies specialized in spotting these fascinating mammals organize boat excursions with expert guides who, thanks to the hydrophone, a device that allows them to hear their calls, can recognize the different specimens. Another stop for animal lovers is the Turtle Sanctuary, in Bequia, a true refuge for the protection and conservation of Hawksbill turtles, an endangered species.
The companies that organize sea excursions for whale and dolphin watching are Fantasea Tours and Sea Breeze Nature Tour.
Tobago Cays
Declared a Protected Natural Reserve by the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago Cays are a group of five uninhabited 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 Tobago Cays, the islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines offer numerous diving spots with unique and very different underwater landscapes: sheer walls, wrecks, sandy seabeds, and reefs. Diving centers organize excursions for professionals and beginners.
To visit the seabeds of Tobago Cays and the southern Grenadines, excursions can be booked with Grenadines Dive while on St Vincent you can contact Indigo Dive.
To experience nature 360°, the perfect accommodation is Le Petit Byahaut on St Vincent. Overlooking a black sand beach, this small resort is only accessible by boat. The five houses, spread over a 20-hectare property and completely immersed in vegetation, guarantee an environment of complete privacy, without television or telephone. The resort organizes visits to waterfalls, the La Soufrière Volcano, Tobago Cays, and Bequia, as well as to the best diving spots on the island for snorkeling and diving. The room price is $390 (approximately €253) for two people on a full board basis, including transfers, snorkeling and kayak equipment, and two excursions.
St Vincent and the Grenadines is an archipelago between Saint Lucia and Grenada, part of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. St Vincent is the largest of the 32 islands that arc southward to Grenada, covering an area of about 388 km². The main islands, from north to south, are St Vincent, Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent.
Profile of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Country: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Area: 389 km²
- Capital: Kingstown
- Population: 109,022 inhabitants
- Language: English, English Creole
- Religion: Anglicans 41.6%, Protestants 21.1%, Catholics 11.5%, others 25.7%
- Form of Government: Constitutional Monarchy
- Main cities: Bequia, Union
Useful Information about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Currency: East 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 only required for stays longer than 90 days.
- Required vaccination: None
- Electric current: 230v
- Unit of measurement: imperial system
- Time zones: – 4 hours (Italy time)
- Fixed-date holidays: October 27 Independence Day
- Climate: mixed tropical. January is the rainiest month, with an average of twenty-six days of rain, while April is the driest month, with an average of six days of rain, including the months of January, February, March and May.
However, these are also the ideal months to visit the island as they coincide with the high tourist season. - Average temperatures: 24-30°C
- Transport: There are no international flights to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Airports: Kingstown, Arnos Vale, Bequia, Union
