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"ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES" EXPLORING ST. VINCENT |
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St. Vincent is located approximately 100 miles due west of Barbados and is a relatively short flight (about an hour). Landing can be a thrill as you suddenly drop out of the sky and quickly bank towards the mountains and then at the last minute, amazingly bank again before landing on one of the few flat areas on the island (besides the downtown area of Kingstown and cricket stadium). From the air, the island is very mountainous, covered with clouds, dense tropical rain forest, large groves of coconut palms, and small villages scattered along the coast. |
St. Vincent is a large volcanic island about 18 miles long and 11 miles wide. It is dominated by a very large volcano, called La Soufriere. La Soufriere is still active and last erupted in 1979, spewing ash over half of the island. The island is one of the few places on Earth that can boast having both black-sand as well as white-sand beaches. The black sand was formed by the action of the volcano and makes up about 95 percent of the beaches on the island. The majority of the beaches in the Grenadines have only white sand beaches.
Kingstown - St. Vincent
St. Vincent is definitely one of the last Caribbean islands that have not fallen prey to the large tourism and hospitality conglomerates. For me, it was like going back in time to around the early 1900s. The capital city of St. Vincent and Grenadines is Kingstown, a town full of bustling markets, old colonial buildings, and some really interesting architecture. Beyond the city, the roads quickly become steep and wind their way up and over the mountains. Along the way, you will encounter small roadside bars and fruit stands. Take a chance and pull over and buy some fresh guava or mangoes! While driving, it was common to see the locals walking barefoot, some even carrying baskets of groceries on their heads. St. Vincent was also the primary location for filming the hit movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. After filming, the movie makers left the entire set in place at Wallilabou Bay! Definitely spend time in St. Vincent, it is by far the most unspoiled and amazing island of the Caribbean.
The currency used in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) Dollar. The exchange rate is approximately $2.97 EC dollars to $1 US and it is recommended that you exchange your US dollars in St. Vincent before you sail the Grenadines.
If you are on a budget and want to save some money, CaribeSail recommends that you stay aboard your vessel the night before your charter. This option is cheaper than a hotel and also allows you to get familiar with the charter boat before you leave the next day. We used the time as a “meet and greet” for our captain and crew. We also used the time to thoroughly check out the boat and inventory all the equipment and provisions on board. We did as much as possible the night before so we could set sail early the next day. It should be noted that bareboat charters start/end at noon, so this option also gives you an extra 2-3 hours of sailing as we were away from the dock by 10 am!
Most charter boats in St. Vincent are located in an area known as Blue Lagoon, a protected anchorage used by three yacht charter companies (Sail Time, TMM, and the Barefoot Charters). The lagoon is located on the southern end of the island and only about 10 miles from the airport. There are several hotels in this area to choose from if you elect to sleep ashore one last time. CaribeSail recommends Mariners, a nice clean hotel with pool right across from Young Island and a short $80 EC cab ride from the airport and a $40 EC ride to the Blue Lagoon Marina.
The currency used in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) Dollar. The exchange rate is approximately $2.97 EC dollars to $1 US and it is recommended that you exchange your US dollars in St. Vincent before you sail the Grenadines.
If you are on a budget and want to save some money, CaribeSail recommends that you stay aboard your vessel the night before your charter. This option is cheaper than a hotel and also allows you to get familiar with the charter boat before you leave the next day. We used the time as a “meet and greet” for our captain and crew. We also used the time to thoroughly check out the boat and inventory all the equipment and provisions on board. We did as much as possible the night before so we could set sail early the next day. It should be noted that bareboat charters start/end at noon, so this option also gives you an extra 2-3 hours of sailing as we were away from the dock by 10 am!
Most charter boats in St. Vincent are located in an area known as Blue Lagoon, a protected anchorage used by three yacht charter companies (Sail Time, TMM, and the Barefoot Charters). The lagoon is located on the southern end of the island and only about 10 miles from the airport. There are several hotels in this area to choose from if you elect to sleep ashore one last time. CaribeSail recommends Mariners, a nice clean hotel with pool right across from Young Island and a short $80 EC cab ride from the airport and a $40 EC ride to the Blue Lagoon Marina.
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CaribeSail recommends staying a few days on St. Vincent after returning from your charter. This gives you an opportunity to get acclimated to being back on land and gives you a chance to unwind a little before travelling back to Barbados and home. Remember, to check when your return flight from Barbados leaves. Most commonly it will leave early in the morning, requiring you to leave St. Vincent the day before and staying overnight in Barbados. We stayed at Mariners for a night after returning from our charter so we could explore the island, we found Mariners to be very affordable, nice and clean, with a very friendly and accommodating staff.
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St. Vincent tropical rain forests
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If you are really adventurous, rent a car and go explore the island when you return. The car will cost about $75 US per day and also will require a St. Vincent driver’s license costing about $25 US. Along St. Vincent’s leeward coast, winding roads curve around steep cliffs, slipping down into steep valleys full of coconut palms and then back up sharply to rocky bluffs. The views are like no other, both inland to thick rain forest encrusted mountain ridges and deep river gorges. The views seaward are just as breathtaking, where the azure blue waters of the Caribbean lap gently into numerous sheltered anchorages such as Wallilabou Bay. We visited Wallilabou and enjoyed exploring the old movie set that depicted the opening scene of Pirates of The Caribbean, the skeletons hanging at the natural rock arch had been removed; however, there were plenty of props lying around to play with. The local tavern introduced us to the local rum called “Jack Sparrow”, it was strong but smooth and after a few rum punches we were dressing up in pirate garb and posing in front of the movie set.
Several of our crew were really adventurous and rented a car and drove around the leeward side of the island, found a local guide and hiked to the Volcano. This is a full day trip and will require lost of energy. The guide will cost approximately $100 EC to lead you up and down the face of the volcano. Guides can be found locally and the Mariner hotel will set you up if you ask. On the summit you will be greeted by thick clouds, cool weather and gusty winds. It is possible to descend into the crater; however, be prepared to spend an additional 3-4 hours if you decide to do this. The volcano hike is well worth the effort if you have the time. Another adventurous trip and well worth the effort is to drive into the interior of St. Vincent through the rain forests to Trinity Falls. The drive will be one like no other as the road is “less” traveled than any other on the island. It is thickly overgrown and at some point becomes impassable by vehicle (make sure you have an SUV that has some clearance). The remainder of the journey will be on foot but well worth it! The falls themselves are amazing and descend several hundred feet at a time before entering a swift pool. The currents are very strong and swimming is not recommended. There are some side pools that provide an opportunity to cool off before returning.
Make sure that when you are traveling on St. Vincent you meet some of the locals; they are very kind, courteous and friendly. The locals will love to share their heritage with you. We found out that the island was originally known as ‘Hairoun” which in Caribe translates to “Land of the Blessed” The Island name was changed by the British to St. Vincent in the 1600s. We quickly found out that Hairoun was also the name of the local award winning beer. During our stay we became very attached to “Hairoun” and the St. Vincent “Jack Sparrow” Rum!
Several of our crew were really adventurous and rented a car and drove around the leeward side of the island, found a local guide and hiked to the Volcano. This is a full day trip and will require lost of energy. The guide will cost approximately $100 EC to lead you up and down the face of the volcano. Guides can be found locally and the Mariner hotel will set you up if you ask. On the summit you will be greeted by thick clouds, cool weather and gusty winds. It is possible to descend into the crater; however, be prepared to spend an additional 3-4 hours if you decide to do this. The volcano hike is well worth the effort if you have the time. Another adventurous trip and well worth the effort is to drive into the interior of St. Vincent through the rain forests to Trinity Falls. The drive will be one like no other as the road is “less” traveled than any other on the island. It is thickly overgrown and at some point becomes impassable by vehicle (make sure you have an SUV that has some clearance). The remainder of the journey will be on foot but well worth it! The falls themselves are amazing and descend several hundred feet at a time before entering a swift pool. The currents are very strong and swimming is not recommended. There are some side pools that provide an opportunity to cool off before returning.
Make sure that when you are traveling on St. Vincent you meet some of the locals; they are very kind, courteous and friendly. The locals will love to share their heritage with you. We found out that the island was originally known as ‘Hairoun” which in Caribe translates to “Land of the Blessed” The Island name was changed by the British to St. Vincent in the 1600s. We quickly found out that Hairoun was also the name of the local award winning beer. During our stay we became very attached to “Hairoun” and the St. Vincent “Jack Sparrow” Rum!
Hotel Picks
Mariners $$ - Our top pick based on all around value and great customer service. Our departure flight was at 4.30 pm, the hotel staff allowed us a late check out at 3 pm as long as we were enjoying ourselves! Price was $150 US per night for a room with either two twins or a king.
Mariners $$ - Our top pick based on all around value and great customer service. Our departure flight was at 4.30 pm, the hotel staff allowed us a late check out at 3 pm as long as we were enjoying ourselves! Price was $150 US per night for a room with either two twins or a king.
Must See/do
Kingstown –lots to do/see in this authentic colonial Caribbean city. Make sure you enjoy the markets, stores and street vendors
St George’s Anglican Church. The church was the first and oldest church on the island until it was destroyed by the volcano in the 1800’s.
Wallilabou Bay – Take a drive along the leeward coast of St. Vincent to Walliilabou Bay and see the old movie set or drive even further to the Trinity Falls. The scenic views from the drive are priceless!
La Soufriere – A rare chance to visit an active Caribbean volcano. The journey to the top is nothing short of breathtaking. Make sure your in shape and have a full day and plenty of time to rest after returning. Take a guide its strongly recommended.
Kingstown –lots to do/see in this authentic colonial Caribbean city. Make sure you enjoy the markets, stores and street vendors
St George’s Anglican Church. The church was the first and oldest church on the island until it was destroyed by the volcano in the 1800’s.
Wallilabou Bay – Take a drive along the leeward coast of St. Vincent to Walliilabou Bay and see the old movie set or drive even further to the Trinity Falls. The scenic views from the drive are priceless!
La Soufriere – A rare chance to visit an active Caribbean volcano. The journey to the top is nothing short of breathtaking. Make sure your in shape and have a full day and plenty of time to rest after returning. Take a guide its strongly recommended.
Places to Eat
Vee Jays Roof Top Diner and Pub $$ - Just a short walk if you are spending the night on the boat the day before your charter. Great atmosphere, outdoor dining and a good menu.
Vee Jays Roof Top Diner and Pub $$ - Just a short walk if you are spending the night on the boat the day before your charter. Great atmosphere, outdoor dining and a good menu.
Hiking with the guide to the volcano, St. Vincent.
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