About St. Vincent And The Grenadines

St Vincent & The Grenadines Information
Mountainous with lush rainforests and black sand beaches, St Vincent is the largest island of St Vincent & The Grenadines – an archipelago of 32 islands, but most of them are uninhabited. St Vincent is an active volcano island so in general is mountainous, with not much flat ground, and its capital (Kingstown) is a lively town with cobblestone streets. Soufriere Volcano reaches to a height of approximately 4,049ft; one side of the island has a very rugged coastline, the other has a number of beaches and bays. Around 95% of the beaches have black sand.
The total land area within St Vincent & The Grenadines is just over 150 square miles, and St Vincent is spread over 132 square miles of that land total – so you’ll get a good idea of how small the other islands are. Just nine of the islands in the Grenadines are populated – these are (in addition to St Vincent), Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, Palm Island, Petit St Vincent, Union Island and Young Island. Canouan, with its high-end villas and accommodation, features the only golf course in the Grenadines – and it’s superb.
Why visit St Vincent & The Grenadines
This is a great opportunity to go island-hopping. The constant Caribbean trade winds and a string of different islands to discover tempt many yachting enthusiasts to St Vincent & The Grenadines, so charter a yacht or catamaran to see them at their best. There are some super chic places to stay too – on Mustique, Canouan, Palm Island, Petit St Vincent and Young Island.
While you’re in St Vincent & The Grenadines
If you’re in St Vincent, visit the botanic gardens. St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Kingstown is not to be missed; it is architecturally dramatic – built using volcanic black sand bricks. Playing the golf course on the island of Canouan is a must if you’re anywhere near. Visit Tobago Cays… they are gorgeous islands.
There are plenty of water-based St Vincent-Grenadines adventures activities and things to do in the region – the Grenadines make a superb Caribbean sailing destination as it enjoys constant trade winds and there are several islands to explore.
Yacht charter, sailing, and boating play a big part in St Vincent & The Grenadines, but there are plenty of other things to do. Between them, the islands offer a number of watersports, adventures and activities including Scuba diving and snorkelling, kitesurfing (Tobago Cays is popular), sea kayaking (take a guided kayaking tour to the bat cave), windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, stand up paddleboarding SUP, and fishing. There is also surfing, windsurfing, boat tours as well as whale, dolphin, and turtle watching.
You will find rainforest nature hiking trails and volcano hikes, as well as shorter walks to waterfalls – suitable for children and anyone wanting a shorter walk. Horseback riding is available and there are birdwatching opportunities, mountain biking for the energetic, beautiful botanic gardens to visit in Kingstown, St Vincent, and a superb golf course to play (with stunning views) on Canouan Island.
The island nation of St. Vincent & the Grenadines is comprised of over 32 islands of unparalleled beauty – from rich, mountainous rain forest to palm fringed beaches and huge coral reefs. St Vincent itself retains a large element of wildness due to its steep and hard to access interior, topped out by a 3,000ft. cloud shrouded volcano.
Agriculture forms the mainstay of the economy with crops such as bananas growing in abundance on the verdant slopes. St Vincent was originally inhabited by fierce Carib Indians who resisted any European settlement until the French got a foothold in 1719. The island changed hands between French and English various times through the Napoleonic Wars before becoming a British colony from 1783 onwards. St Vincent & the Grenadines obtained independence from the UK in 1979 – the last Caribbean islands to do so.
The Grenadine islands strung out to the south of St Vincent have a long history of sea faring and are fiercely proud of their heritage – events such as the Bequia Easter Regatta help to keep alive the local traditions of boat building and sailing.
Mustique was an abandoned sugar plantation island until purchased privately in 1958 and brought to fame when Princess Margaret built a Caribbean retreat on land gifted to her.
Many Grenadine anchorages were frequented by pirates who used their sheltered bays to hide ships and treasure. The Tobago Cays is made up of a group of small, uninhabited islands surrounded by the biggest reef system in the southern Caribbean – and the jewel in the crown of the Grenadines. Mayreau consists of one sleepy village and several stunning beaches including Salt Whistle Bay – one of the most photogenic anchorages in the Caribbean.Union acts as the service centre for the southern Grenadines and gateway to Carriacou just south. Two private resort islands, Palm Island and Petit St Vincent complete the line-up.
Some highlights about St Vincent and the Grenadines are described below – there are many, many more!
Bequia is an enchanting island just two hours sailing south of St Vincent. Arriving in Bequia will make you feel that you’ve discovered the real Caribbean – an unspoiled mix of old and new with a laid-back way of life which will soon have you relaxed, perfect for the first day of your charter.
The main anchorage, Admiralty Bay is deep and well protected by the surrounding hills dotted with private villas. There are a multitude of bars and different dining experiences to choose from around the shore. It’s worth spending a day here to explore – old traditions of boat building, fishing and sea trade continue, and the turtle sanctuary is well worth a visit.
Tobago Cays
The Tobago Cays in The Grenadines are world famous. They consist of five uninhabited islands inside a massive horseshoe reef with white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, palm trees, and peerless Caribbean land and seascapes. Simply spectacular!
The Captain will Anchor or pick up one of the moorings inside the Tobago Cays with the huge horseshoe reef to protect from the ocean swell. There are no restaurants or bars in the Tobago Cays – light up the BBQ and dine under the stars. Since the area is protected the wealth of sea life is extraordinary. Just off the little island of Baradel is an area cordoned off for turtles to feed, and it’s an incredible experience to get close and swim with these remarkable animals. Explore the islands ashore and climb to their summits for the stunning views and watch the almost tame iguanas and land tortoises lumbering around…