Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Travel Guide
St Vincent and the Grenadines are an island country made up of 32 islands and cays in the Lesser Antilles chain, namely in the southern portion of the Windward Islands, of the 32 islands in this chain; only eight are populated. Its 389–square–kilometre (150 sq mi) territory consists of the main island of Saint Vincent and the northern two–thirds of the Grenadines, which are a chain of smaller islands stretching south from Saint Vincent Island to Grenada.
The islands offer a unique experience, with plenty of variety, from rainforest eco–adventures, spectacular scuba diving, classic Caribbean powder–white sand beaches, luxury accommodation and amazing yachting & sailing adventures. The island of St Vincent is made up of volcanic terrain, with beautiful black sandy beaches and some wonderful lush vegetation covering it, whilst the Grenadines are famous for its wealth of quiet bays, glorious deserted white beaches, clear blue waters and some of the best dive sites and sailing waters. Whilst the islands are home to a number of world–famous celebrities as well as providing getaway spots for numerous others, the islands remain largely undiscovered by the tourist population, meaning anyone visiting the country can enjoy the unspoilt wonders of the country.
About the islands
Saint Vincent is the largest of the islands, and the capital of Kingstown is a thriving port, frequented by both commercial and passenger ships. The town itself offers visitors a taste of Caribbean life, with the market stalls, bars and eateries all giving a real feel for how people live in the region. St Marys Roman Catholic Cathedral is one of the architectural delights on offer for those who visit, along with Fort Charlotte and the oldest botanical gardens in the Western hemisphere, located to the North of Kingstown. The rocky East of the island is at complete odds with the beachfronts of the West, which are covered in wonderful black sand. Elsewhere on the island are attractions like the freshwater Falls of Baleine and the skyline–dominating La Soufriere volcano.
The islands of the Grenadines are numerous and largely vary from one to the other, with some offering resort experiences, and others showing visitors a traditional way of life still practised by the locals. Islands include Young Island, Mustique, Palm Island and Mayreau, along with the many others that are ripe for exploration. Boats are readily available to travel between the islands and it is an experience that should not be missed when visiting the country.
Notable islands in the chain include Bequia, at just five miles by two in size, it is a quiet haven with an exceptional charm and an unexpected amount to offer, where time stands still and there are plenty of golden sand beaches to choose from.
The island of Mustique, although only five miles long, is mostly renowned for its famous inhabitants, a crew of actors, musicians, sports stars and the rich!
Another movie star hideaway is Petit St Vincent. Not only was it where the Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed, but its also home to one of the worlds most exclusive resorts, so secluded that guests have to raise a flag to signal for room service.
With areas of outstanding natural beauty, spectacular flora and fauna, friendly people and great food and drink, this luxury, traditional destination is something that should be experienced whilst there are still many islands which remain left untouched by the tourist market before the inevitable masses descend on it in coming years.
