In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Vincent is the largest island. It is a volcanic island situated between Saint Lucia and Grenada made up of partially submerged volcanic mountains. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are made up of St. Vincent and the northern Grenadines, a group of 32 smaller islands and cays (lower coral or rock banks) to the south. Out of which nine are inhabited, including the mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadines islands – Mayreau, Young Island, Union Island, Bequia, Mustique, Palm Island, Petit St Vincent, and Canouan.
This multi-island Caribbean nation offers a combination of rainforest eco-adventures, scuba diving, luxury accommodation, classic Caribbean powder-white sand beaches, and yachting or sailing adventures. So to do all these things, you need to visit certain places listed below.
Visitors are unanimous in their praise of Tobago Cays, calling it breathtaking and a must-see. A cluster of tiny, uninhabited isles located at the eastern end of the Grenadine archipelago offers some of the most spectacular underwater views in the Caribbean. Colorful coral reefs and exotic marine life thrive in the calm, clear waters of these remote cays. As a result, a wildlife reserve was established to preserve the natural environment. Yachts cannot anchor here, which keeps these islands so pristine.
Saltwhistle Bay Beach's pristine white shoreline is shaded by palm trees and framed by aquamarine waves, making it an ideal swimming and boating spot. The perfect place to lay your towel is Saltwhistle Bay's powdery sands. A popular stopover points for yachters, Salt Whistle Bay Resort fronts the beach. The club is famous among seafarers who stop here for a quick swim and delectable meal.
St. Vincent has a lush 20-acres park, the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere, with roots dating back to 1765. This park is covered in a broad collection of tropical flora and fauna – mahogany, breadfruits, trees, and exuberant parrots and more. Moreover, you can also see a glimpse of the garden's versatile array of natural spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon.
If you're someone who loves to go hiking, St. Vincent is for you. It offers numerous picturesque trails. The hikers will get a unique hiking opportunity, trekking up the imposing La Soufriere volcano. But before you start climbing, you will require proper attire and the company of a licensed tour guide. One of the popular trails is the Rabacca trail. It runs along the windward coast of St. Vincent and stretches up to the crater's edge. This trail requires more stamina than other nature trails, such as Vermont Nature Trails. So if you're someone who is looking for natural fresh air with a side of spectacular scenery, you should head just 5 miles north of Kingstown to Buccament Valley to embark on the trail.
Once you complete your trekking and hiking, it's time to plunge below sea level. Because of an abundance of underwater creatures, St. Vincent holds the title of "Critter Capital of the Caribbean" as it is home to squid, frogfish, and manta rays. Moreover, Anchor Reef and Critter Corner are two of the most popular dive sites on St. Vincent. The black coral garden at Anchor Reef, off the coast of Kingstown, is a prime example of the aquatic life found in the area. It is also home to numerous sea horses and the occasional octopus. While Critter Corner, located to the south of Kingstown along Indian Bay Beach's sugary sands, is home to many fish and seagrass, and boulders.
The best time to visit St. Vincent is May to June and November. These are the shoulder months that attract travelers. December through April is considered the peak season when it lures European visitors to enjoy warm and dry Caribbean temperatures. Also, remember that the crowds thin out between July and October because of the hurricane season, as it threatens the archipelago. But still, the place is a year-round traveling destination because you'll find the islands' average highs hovering around 85 degrees throughout the year.
