Mountains covered with tropical vegetation, pristine landscapes, waterfalls in the forest, beaches framed by crystal-clear sea: the St Vincent and Grenadines archipelago is the perfect destination for eco adventures above and below the water. Local operators offer packages and excursions on the islands to discover their natural wealth, from the peaks of La Soufrière Volcano to the Tobago Cays seabed.
Hiking and nature
The island of St Vincent offers nature and hiking enthusiasts various opportunities. A must-do is the climb of La Soufrière Volcano which, from its 1,234 meters, dominates the island with unforgettable views. Booking a guided tour is the best way to tackle the walk that, passing through bamboo plantations, the rainforest, and stretches of lava rock, reaches the summit. From here it is possible to rappel into the crater or immerse yourself in the mineral-rich mud baths for some relaxation. There are two different trails to choose from, the more relaxing eastern side and the more adventurous one starting from the western coast.
Rainforest, volcano hikes, and waterfalls
Immerse yourself in the St Vincent rainforest, 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 made of lava-formed 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 northwestern tip of the island, can only be reached by sea and are a few minutes from the beach.
Several companies organize volcano and waterfall tours, including HazECO Tours and Richmond Vale Nature and Hiking Centre.
Boat Trips
The waters of St 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 a total of 85 species. Companies specializing in the sighting of these fascinating mammals organize boat trips with expert guides who, thanks to the hydrophone, a device that allows you to listen to their sounds, recognize the different specimens. Another destination for animal lovers is the Turtle Sanctuary in Bequia, a true refuge for the protection and preservation of Hawksbill turtles, which are endangered.
The companies that organize sea excursions for cetacean 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 deserted islets protected by the Horseshoe Reef, a horseshoe-shaped coral reef, and represent one of the best spots 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 unspoiled natural settings of the archipelago. In addition to Tobago Cays, the islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines offer numerous diving spots with unique and very different underwater landscapes: steep walls, wrecks, sandy bottoms, and reefs. The 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 in St Vincent you can turn to Indigo Dive.
To experience nature at 360°, the perfect accommodation is Le Petit Byahaut in St Vincent. Overlooking a black sand beach, this small resort is only reachable by boat. The five houses, scattered over a 20-hectare property and completely immersed in vegetation, guarantee an environment of complete privacy, without a TV or phone. The resort organizes visits to the 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 (around €253) for two people on a full board basis, including transfer, snorkeling and kayak equipment, and two excursions.
St Vincent and the Grenadines is an archipelago between Saint Lucia and Grenada, part of the Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean Sea. St Vincent is the largest of the 32 islands which extend in an arc southwards 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: Passport and return ticket are required, visa is only required for stays longer than 90 days.
- Vaccination required: None
- Electric current: 230v
- Unit of measurement: imperial system
- Time zones: – 4 hours (Italy time)
- Fixed-date holidays: October 27 Independence Day
- Climate: tropical mixed. 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
- Transportation: There are no international flights to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Airports: Kingstown, Arnos Vale, Bequia, Union
