Things to do in St Vincent

SHOPPING AND DINING

Visit the Artisans Art and Craft Centre on Bay Street in Kingstown to see the artistic talent of the local people from across the island.

Veejays is a Kingstown institution, perfect if you want a no-fuss lunchtime buffet. Load your plate high with traditional Caribbean fare then head up to the terrace and enjoy the atmosphere. We recommend an after-lunch drink at the bar in the outdoor courtyard.

On the southern tip of St Vincent, Flowt Beach Bar is a great place for a relaxed evening. They offer an huge selection of bar snacks and small plates (shrimp skewers, bratwurst, burgers, samosas and more) alongside an extensive drinks list. Try the national dish of fried breadfruit and jackfish, no visit to the island would be complete without sampling this at least once.

For the best shopping head to Kingstown in St Vincent. The city has a small business district with a number of retail stores where you’ll find a variety of products including clothes and local produce. If you are looking for hand crafted items such as grass floor mats and handmade West Indian dolls, head for the St Vincent Craftsmen’s Centre on Frenches Street.

CULTURE AND HISTORY

Steel pan bands are very popular in St Vincent and the Grenadines, it’s said that their upbeat tunes ‘sound like holidays and sunshine’ making it hard to resist the urge to get up and dance. Listen out also for Big Drum, calypso, reggae, and soca all frequently played as part of the evening entertainment at resorts.

For the biggest party head to Vincy Mas, a spectacular celebration of culture and tradition, the Vincy Mas carnival is filled with colourful costumes and joyful dancing. Vincy Mas starts in the middle of June and ends at the beginning of July!

St Vincent and the Grenadines was one of the last places to be settled by European colonizers due to the fierce resistance of the natives who remained proudly defended their Island. But the lucrative riches of the ‘Spice Islands’ were too tempting to be ignored and the country fell into British hands by the 18th century.

Visit the Black Point tunnel built by Carib and African slaves and used to transport sugar onto the boats in Byera Bay.

WATER AND SPORTS

here are several types of diving on the island including reefs and walls as well as plenty of wrecks to explore. Famous dive sights include Bottle Reef, New Guinea Reef and the Forest where black coral can be seen. The reefs are quite deep so are better suited to diving than snorkelling.

The best beaches for the surfing enthusiasts are Lagoon Bay, Shipping Bay and Argyll.

You can charter a yacht or opt for ‘crewed chartering’ where a captain (plus crew) manage your boat for you. They supply the boat, food and provisions and it is a great way to learn the ropes!

WILDLIFE

You can climb La Soufrière volcano (4,000ft) but you need to allow a full day and it is a strenuous walk. Mount St Andrew near Kingstown is an easier climb.

The Falls of Baleine are among St. Vincent’s finest natural wonders. The ‘single stage’ fall has created a natural fresh water pool perfect for bathing. The fall is located in a secluded valley and can be accessed via a footpath, or by boat.

Horseshoe Reef protects five small islets known as The Cays – a key element of the Tobago Cays Marine Park. With their dazzling, palm-studded shorelines, brilliant powder – white sand and exquisite blue waters offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world.