Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Introduction

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful Caribbean island nation. With stunning beaches and an interior that is dominated by a 4,000 foot high volcano known as La Soufrière, there is much to do here for the casual tourist and the active traveler alike.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollars
Languages: English, French

What To Do

Start your visit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by checking out Fort Charlotte. Set on Bershire Hill 600 feet above the sea, the views of the ocean and Kingstown below are nothing short of amazing.

Built by the British shortly after taking this island from the French in the mid-18th century, its main focus was not to protect against a naval assault, but to defend against inland incursions by the native Caribs, and by the French.

Art fans will want to check out the officer’s quarters, as a series of paintings within chronicle the lives of the original indigenous inhabitants of this island.

Fans of the Hollywood film, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, will want to drop by Wallilabou during their visit to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Normally a resort, this anchorage served as the main location for filming for the movie, which starred Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow.

The surrounding area was made into the set that depicted the legendary Jamaican town of Port Royal. The owners of the resort have preserved it, making it the perfect spot for fans of this franchise to connect with their favorite movie.

Those that enjoy a healthy hike will want to take on the La Soufriere Cross Country Trail while on Vincent and the Grenadines. This path will take you up La Soufriere Volcano, which stands over 4,000 feet above sea level.

If you want to do this, you are required to hire a guide, and it is highly advised to take warm clothing with you, as the summit is considerably cooler than at sea level.

With an environment that is completely different from the tropical lowlands, it is a great way to break up your days at the beach.

If you have a green thumb, make time to see the Botanic Gardens of Saint Vincent. One of the oldest parks of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest in the global tropics, this conservatory has been open since 1765.

It also contains an aviary which protects the Saint Vincent Amazon, an endangered species that is the national bird of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Spanning over 20 acres, there is much to discover here.

Looking for the best beaches on Saint Vincent? Start by spending the day on Princess Margaret Beach. It got its name from the fact that Queen Elizabeth’s sister Margaret once spent a day sunning herself here.

You will understand quickly why this beach was fit for royalty, as its outstanding natural beauty and powder soft sands will induce a sense of complete relaxation within minutes of arrival.

Another favorite of locals and repeat visitors is Lower Bay Beach. Surrounded by coastal headlands, these sands are rarely busy even during high season. As puzzling as this is, be sure enjoy the rarity of a paradise beach that has not been ruined by mass tourism.

Boasting aquamarine waters, perfect white sand, and only a few snack bars and humble accommodations, it might not stay that way for long, so see it now.

What to Eat

Like many other Caribbean islands, locals on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines share a common love for Callaloo. Brought over from West Africa centuries ago, its primary ingredients are taro leaves, okra, and water spinach leaves. Scallions, onions, and coconut milk are used to give this stew flavor.

While it often contains seafood or land animals to satisfy omnivores and carnivores, this is a dish that is easy for vegetarians and vegans to enjoy while on holiday in the Caribbean.

If you want to enjoy the national dish of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, ask for some Roasted Breadfruit & Fried Jackfish. It is made by cooking the breadfruit for an hour and a half, and by coating the jackfish in a spice blend before battering and frying it in a pan for several minutes per side.

After a relaxing local dinner, order a couple of slices of Black Cake. Often found around Christmas, it is made with plums and raisins that have been soaked in very strong rum. The cake batter is often soaked in overproof alcohol as well, so don’t have too many slices if you don’t want to get tipsy off this dessert.