Best places to visit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Planning a trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and wondering what are the Best places to visit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a southern Caribbean nation. The territory consists of the main island, St. Vincent, and a chain of smaller islands. Several islands of the archipelago have volcanic landscapes and are heavily forested. But the wonderful beaches are what draw visitors to the country. Whether you explore the stunning islands and beaches on a charter boat, or individually, you’ll definitely fall in love with St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Check out our list of the best things to do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for some travel inspiration!
7 Best places to visit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Bequia
Bequia is a small island south of the main island, St. Vincent.
The island measures 18 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 5300. The island is popular among cruising yachts and tourists. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
This tiny, reef-lined island is known for its beautiful scenery and laid-back vibe. It has beautiful beaches, a turtle sanctuary and scuba diving stores.
The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary is where tourists can see the endangered hawksbill turtle hatchlings. In the turtle sanctuary, the hatchlings are raised and later (when they’re 3 years old) released — in an effort to preserve the hawksbill turtle and to increase the population in the waters around the island.
La Soufrière Volcano
La Soufrière is an active stratovolcano on Saint Vincent Island, the largest island in the nation.
With a height of 1234 m, it is the highest peak in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The volcano has a crater lake, and when the volcano is inactive, you can follow a hiking trail through the rain forest to the top and see the crater lake. You need a guide to hike the volcano, though.
The volcano has had five eruptions since 1718. The last one was in 2021.
Tobago Cays Marine Park
Tobago Cays Marine Park is a protected area that encompasses the five islands of the Tobago Cays archipelago and its coral reefs.
The marine park is home to some of the most extensive and well-developed coral reefs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Because of this fact, Tobago Cays Marine Park is a very popular diving and snorkelling destination in the country.
Diving and snorkelling among coral reefs in Tobago Cays Marine Park are one of the best things to do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In these reefs, you can spot beautiful colourful fish, sea turtles, sharks and other amazing creatures. Snorkelling with sea turtles is a must when travelling to Tobago Cays Marine Park.
Petit St. Vincent
Petit St. Vincent is the southernmost island of St. Vincent’s Grenadines.
Petit St. Vincent is also one of the smallest islands in the country. It is privately owned and operates as a private island resort with 22 villas scattered around the island. The resort is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of civilization. The villas don’t have phones, TVs and Wi-Fi, and you are surrounded by the sea and jungle.
This paradise island boasts white sand beaches and azure waters. Inland, there’s an untamed rain forest, with several walking trails across it. During your stay in Petit St. Vincent, enjoy the spa treatments and water sports like snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and scuba diving.
Petit St. Vincent is one of the best places to visit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for those who want a luxury stay.
Kingstown
Kingstown is the capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
As Kingstown is the port of entry for many tourists, it is worth spending a day exploring the nation’s capital. There are several things to do in Kingstown.
- Visit St. Vincent Botanical Gardens. Established in 1765, the botanical gardens are among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
- See Fort Charlotte — a British-colonial era fort.
- Visit St Mary’s Cathedral — an impressive historical church.
- Drive along the Leeward Highway. It’s a scenic drive that starts in Kingstown and follows the Caribbean coastline.
- Visit the Public Market for a glimpse of the local life.
Union Island
Union Island is a small island with a volcanic silhouette.
Capped by volcanic peaks, Union Island is a picturesque island getaway. The island is known for its pretty beaches and hiking possibilities.
The island has two main towns — Ashton and Clifton. Ashton is a starting point for hikers heading for the hills. Clifton is close to the airport and offers tourist facilities, like shops, supermarkets, restaurants and a marina.
Chatham Bay Beach and Big Sands Beach are the most popular (and beautiful) beaches on Union Island.
Canouan
Canouan is a tiny island with a surface of 7.6 km2.
It has some of the best beaches in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The tiny island offers beautiful white sand beaches and excellent snorkelling in the surrounding reefs which are among the best in the country. The highest point on Canouan is Mount Royal. Head there for breathtaking views.
Travel tips
- Citizens of almost all countries of the world can travel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines without a visa.
- A great way to explore the country is to join a sailing tour (yacht charter). You can choose between a private yacht charter and a cabin charter (shared cruise).
- The best time to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines is between January and April — the high season.
- As St. Vincent and the Grenadines is located close to Granada, you can combine a trip to Granada with a trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Camouflage clothing is not allowed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines! You can’t wear anything that has camouflage patterns — it is illegal!
- Avoid Manchineel trees when you are travelling to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These trees are poisonous — everything from their bark to the fruits. Make sure you know what these trees look like. Do not shelter under Manchineel trees during the rain.
- Taxis are the best way to travel around the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Buses are a popular means of getting around the largest islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
- If you are a budget traveller, choose the islands wisely. Not all of them offer budget accommodation options. Islands like Petit St. Vincent and Canouan only have luxurious resorts.
- You can travel between the islands via ferry or plane.
