Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, or simply Saint Vincent, is a country in the southern Caribbean that consists of a large island, St. Vincent, and a chain of smaller islands. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the official name of the nation. In the Western Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a Caribbean island arc located west of Barbados, south of Saint Lucia, and north of Grenada. English is the official language. St Vincent and the Grenadines are made up of over 32 islands and cays. The main island in the group, St. Vincent, is 29 kilometers long and 18 kilometers broad. The island is wooded and hilly. Bequia, Mustique, Union Island, and Canouan are the primarily inhabited islands in the Grenadines. Others are owned by individuals. The majority of St Vincent’s beaches have black sand due to the island’s volcanic origins, with two prominent exceptions at Villa and Indian Bay, where several hotels are located. The Grenadines have classic white sand beaches on Union Island, Canouan, Mustique, and Bequia.
La Soufrière Volcano
A guided climb to the crater of La Soufrière volcano, not to be mistaken with La Grande Soufrière in Guadeloupe, is one of the most popular things to do on the island of St. Vincent. La Soufriere is St. Vincent’s tallest mountain, rising 1,234 meters above sea level. It remains active, with no deaths reported in the most recent eruption in 1979. To reach the crater, you can hike the leeward way for six to eight hours round trip or the easier and more popular windward track for three to four hours round trip. You’ll witness rainforest, cloud forest, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside as you learn about the particularly suited flora and animals. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the crater after you reach the top.
St. Vincent Botanical Gardens
The gardens, which were founded in 1765, include 20 acres and include hibiscus, cinnamon, nutmeg, mahogany, palms, and a breadfruit tree that is said to have sprouted from a seedling delivered to the island by Captain Bligh. The St Vincent Botanic Gardens, which are the oldest in the West Indies, played a critical role in enabling the colonization of not only the lovely St Vincent Botanic Gardens, but also the rest of the West Indies, by introducing, establishing, and disseminating plants that became the foundation of most islands’ future economies and food supplies. Of course, after this important task was performed, the Botanic Gardens’ main purpose was fulfilled, and it became one of a number of agriculture station gardens that dotted the West Indian Islands at the time. The indigenous St. Vincent parrot may be seen in a small aviary on the grounds. For a little price, hire a guide at the gate to get the most out of these lovely gardens.
Kingstown, St. Vincent
Kingstown is the capital and important commercial city of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, located on the island of St. Vincent (Saint Vincent). Most visitors see it as a stopover on their route to other islands, but the town has an old Caribbean charm about it, and there are a few tourist sites worth seeing. The small downtown area is enhanced by cobblestone walkways and colonial structures, and if you’re wondering what to do in Kingstown, St. Vincent, its gorgeous churches are among the highlights. The 1820 Georgian-style St. George’s Anglican Cathedral has beautiful stained-glass windows, while the 1823 St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral has Gothic spires and Romanesque columns and arches. St. Vincent Botanical Gardens, the oldest botanical garden in the West Indies, should also be visited by green thumbs. Fort Charlotte, located on a ridge north of the city, offers stunning views of Kingstown and the surrounding islands. Hiking the renowned Vermont Nature Trail, about 14 kilometers from Kingstown, is a great way to see the rare Saint Vincent parrot.