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St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, Florida 

St. Vincent NWR

TOURS >>

UPDATE: February 2020

Although the Refuge was closed in 2018 due to the partial government shut down, and we've had to overcome several obstacles caused by Hurricane Michael,

70% of the island was subject to overwash from the  17' plus storm surge

We lost both composting toilets, a dock, a floating dock and boat shed, plus some vehicles and equipment

The three primary roads used on wagon tours were all impassable due to water intrusion, wash-out, fallen trees and storm debris 

The 2020 Wagon Tour and Guided Walk calendar is open through May 1  2020

*Due to increased demand, many of the 2020 tours are full. We do not keep a wait list, but if you choose, you can come to the Indian Pass Boat Ramp at 8:15 AM EASTERN on the day of the tour. If there are any cancellations or no shows, people will be allowed on the tour on a first come-first served basis.

Thank you for your interest in the Refuge and we hope you'll visit soon.

Carol Brown

Tour Coordinator

Friends of St. Vincent NWR

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friends of St. Vincent NWR  help facilitate the logistics for Refuge Tours.  Staff and Volunteers from St. Vincent NWR provide transportation and guides.

Regular tours are offered throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring, typically once or twice a month.  Sign up is first come first serve - If you cannot secure a seat on a wagon tour you may come to the Indian Pass boat ramp on the morning of a tour and sign up for a standby slot should we have space available.  

Register today!   Calendar and Sign Up

Keep in mind:

Tours are free but transportation to and from the island has a $10 per person (cash only) fee via a privately held company (St. Vincent Island Shuttle). In addition, you may wish to make a voluntary donation to the Friends. All donations are much appreciated.  

Reservations are required and numbers strictly limited. We ask that if you must cancel a reservation that you provide us with advance notice to open a space for others to sign up.   

You may sign up to two individuals on one unique email address & you can use a separate email for others if needed.  

You MUST be able to walk a decent distance in soft sand. Please wear appropriate clothing and bring your own water, bug spray and sunscreen .  

You’ll receive a confirmation once you've registered;  prior to the tour we'll send tour and logistic details.  

Once you receive a registration confirmation, please plan to arrive at the Indian Pass boat ramp by 8:15 a.m. ( Eastern time ) .  

Tours may be cancelled due to adverse weather or sea conditions.

WAGON TOUR & GUIDED WALK FAQs          

1. Where do the tours start?

The tours begin at the Indian Pass boat ramp at the end of SR 30B. The commercial shuttle boat takes visitors to the Refuge.

2. What do I need to bring?

Depending on the weather, wear closed toe shoes, long pants and a hat. Bring water, snacks, bug repellant, sunscreen and a small cushion to sit on. If it is cold, bring warm clothing .Wagon tour ride is on an open wagon. Binoculars and a camera are also good to have.

3. May I bring my pet?

No, pets are not allowed on the Refuge.

4.  Is there  much walking?

Each tour is slightly different. You must be able to enter and exit the shuttle boat and the tour wagon . Some tours include walks to the beach or along unpaved roads. There are some specified walking tours in the winter that will be 1-3 miles along

sandy terrain.

5. How long are the tours?

Visitors need to be at the boat ramp around 8:15 a.m. ( Eastern time) and will be ferried to the Refuge six people at a time. Once everyone is on the Refuge, the wagon tours usually start around 9 Aa.m.and last until 1-2 p.m. , then the boat ride back to Indian Pass. The tour is usually about about 18 miles round trip on an open wagon with stadium style seating. Walking tours are about 2-3 hours.

6. Is the tour suitable for children?

We do not recommend the tour for very small children or babies.

7. Can a group take the tour?

Each tour has a limited number of spaces. If a group can register on line, you are welcome to do so. Please let us know if you have a group registered.

8. What facilities are on the Refuge?

There is no potable water on the Refuge, so bring your own water. We also ask that you pack out whatever you bring in as there are no waste removal facilities. There are no toilet facilities.

9. Can we stay and camp on the Refuge?

No, the Refuge is daylight use only. Camping is only allowed by registered hunters during limited hunts in the Fall.

10. How will I know if a tour is cancelled or rescheduled?

Twenty-four hours before the scheduled tour, the tour coordinator will decide if the tour will be cancelled or rescheduled, usually due to bad weather , prescibed burns or small craft warnings on the water. All registrants need to check their e-mail the night before the tour , as you will be notified if there is a cancellation. 

The Friends of St. Vincent NWR are glad to have you visit. We hope you enjoy the tours.

For any other specific questions please contact us at [email protected] .  Someone will get back with you within a week.

Come Tour St Vincent and the Grenadines with

Sailor’s wilderness tours.

Tour St Vincent and the Grenadines. Enjoy panoramic views, unsurpassed in the Caribbean. Rich fertile multi-rivered valleys thickly planted with bananas, nutmegs, cocoa, coconuts, breadfruit and root crops such as eddoes, tannias and dasheens. Hike to the La Soufriere Volcano. Experience the double treat of a tropical rain forest and challenging mountain ridges. See donkeys, mongooses, agoutis, St Vincent parrots, and more in their natural habitat.

HIKE TO LA SOUFRIERE VOLCANO 6 – 7 hours

DARK VIEW FALLS 6-7 hours

SCENIC EAST COAST TOUR To Sandy Bay (the Carib Community) and Kiss Me Falls 6.5 hours

TOUR IN BEQUIA 6-7 Hours

Half day island tours.

FORT CHARLOTTE, BOTANICAL GARDENS, MESOPOTAMIA 3 hours

MONTREAL GARDENS, MESOPOTAMIA VALLEY, S – E COAST 3 hours

RAIN FOREST AND PARROT RESERVE 3 hours

BICYCLE TOURS 2-3 hours

Our rentals.

MOTOR SCOOTER RENTALS

BICYCLE RENTALS

Rave review.

We hiked into the old crater where there was a large body of water. It was a truly spiritual experience… St. Vincent was Eden on earth… – Olasee Davis –

We hiked their trails, climbed their peaks, swam in their rivers, sailed their seas, ate and partied at their restaurants… Can it get any better? I can see St Vincent in my future. – Ivan Butcher II –

SAILOR’S WILDERNESS TOURS

Sailor’s Wilderness Tours was established on October 20, 1979, and is a subsidiary of Sailor’s Cycle Centre. Sailor’s Wilderness Tours was re-established in 1994, and from then on, we have been moving from strength to strength. The company is run by its founder Trevor ‘Sailor’ Bailey and a team of professionals who have many years of experience in the Travel and the Tourism Industry. Sailor has over 20 years as a Travel agent. For the past years Sailor’s has built a solid reputation as the leader in the Bicycle and Tour Industry.

Our Company plans and facilitates incentive packages in St Vincent and the Grenadines and other Caribbean Islands. We offer many services such as Hotel Accommodations, Airline Reservations, Airport Pick-up, Tours, VIP Check-in, Ground Transfers and many other services. Sailor’s Wilderness Tours arranges smooth, safe and on time drop-off for business meetings, conferences etc. Over the years Sailor’s has handled many different sized groups by arranging airport and other transportation, along with Tours for Schools, Sports, Credit Unions, Cruise Ship Passengers, Churches, Family Reunions and the government. We are located at Upper Middle Street in capital Kingstown.

Sailor’s Wilderness Tours P.O. Box 684, Kingstown, St. Vincent

Office Tel: (784) 457-1712 After hours: (784) 457-9207 Email: [email protected]

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St. Vincent & The Grenadines   Travel Guide

Why Go To St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Imagine it: Thatched-roof cottages rise over turquoise waters; the sweet scent of tropical flowers and rum punch fills the air; bronzed sun-worshippers sprawl along isolated white sands, hemmed by shimmering waves, coral reefs and sleek yachts. The only thing luring you away from your beach towel is the intriguing network of secluded islands floating in the distance. Welcome to St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

If you don't want to spend your days sunning along one picturesque isle ( St. Lucia ) or savoring conch with throngs of tourists on two ( St. Kitts & Nevis ), then you should venture to St. Vincent & The Grenadines. With 32 remote islands and cays boasting emerald hills, postcard-worthy harbors, and boutique hotels, this Caribbean destination makes a perfect escape. Devote a few days to exploring St. Vincent, the biggest island of the chain, before sailing to  Mustique ,  Canouan and  Bequia – some of the Grenadines' finest (and exclusive) hideaways. However, exploring this quiet, less-traveled tropical paradise requires many hours in transit (there's no direct flight from the U.S.) and a thick wallet.

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Best of St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Best hotels in st. vincent & the grenadines.

• # 1 in Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
• # 2 in Bequia Beach Hotel Luxury Resort & Spa
• # 3 in Palm Island Resort & Spa

Best Things to Do in St. Vincent & The Grenadines

• # 1 in Tobago Cays
• # 2 in Canouan
• # 3 in Bequia

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St. Vincent & The Grenadines Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit St. Vincent & The Grenadines is May to June and November. During these shoulder months, hotels drop their rates to attract travelers. The peak season – December through April – lures European visitors with its warm and dry Caribbean temperatures. Crowds thin out and hotel prices plummet between July and October when hurricane season threatens the archipelago. No matter which month you visit, you'll find the islands' average highs hover around 85 degrees throughout the year.

Weather in St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Yes,  real  pirates lived here Pirates once occupied St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Today no one will pester you for loot, but if you venture to Wallilabou Bay, you can catch a glimpse of the scenic backdrop featured in the "Pirates of the Caribbean."
• No, you can't sport camo Wearing camouflage attire is prohibited throughout St. Vincent & The Grenadines, as police uniforms feature a camouflage pattern.
• No, you shouldn't touch manchineel trees These unsuspecting trees are poisonous, so resist the urge to eat one of their apple-like fruits, and steer clear of their sap (a dreaded source of excruciating blisters).

How to Save Money in St. Vincent & The Grenadines

• Ask about service fees  You should expect to find a 10 to 15% service charge added to your hotel and restaurant bills. Ask whether gratuity is included to avoid tipping more than necessary. Of course, a little extra is always appreciated for excellent service.
• Visit in fall or spring  Come during May, June or November and you'll find fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures and reduced hotel rates. Major resorts drop their rates by up to 40% in the offseason.
• Plan ahead  If you're traveling during peak season (December to April), book several months ahead of time to save on your hotel room and airfare.

Culture & Customs

Vincy culture doesn't fit Caribbean stereotypes. Though Vincentians are known for their easygoing nature and hospitality towards visitors, you shouldn't expect to see them lounging along the beach with tourists. They're more often found debating politics or promoting tourism through agricultural trade and fishing. Many Vincentians spend their Sundays in church, and stores and restaurants are open only for limited hours. When you're ready to exercise your credit card along shopping streets, you'll fit in by wearing casual, light clothing. That said, some restaurants and venues require semi-formal attire, so be sure to check beforehand to avoid appearing underdressed.

When dining, try authentic dishes like  buljol,  (a breadfruit and saltfish medley), pumpkin soup and conch. Feel free to drink the local drinking water on St. Vincent – it's safe. However, it's best to stick to bottled water on The Grenadines. Also bear in mind the water on St. Vincent runs from the island's mountain reserves and can have a chlorinated taste.  

As a parliamentary democracy rooted under British common law, St. Vincent & The Grenadines' residents speak English. But you'll likely hear a smattering of French patois (an informal dialect of French) during your stay. The East Caribbean Dollar (EC) is St. Vincent & The Grenadines' official currency. One Eastern Caribbean dollar equals roughly $0.37. As far as tipping goes, it is considered polite to add gratuity, but most restaurants already include a 10 to 15% service charge on the bill. Major U.S. credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.

You'll feel safe while exploring St. Vincent & The Grenadines, but be sure to keep your wits about you when interacting with local vendors (who have been known to scam unsuspecting tourists). You should also beware of manchineel trees: These seemingly innocuous trees produce poisonous sap that can cause painful blisters if touched. Some Manchineel are labeled with warning signs.

What to Eat

If you're staying at a luxury resort , you'll likely find little reason to dine off the property. But if you're craving a bit of local flavor, you'll find plenty of beach bars and casual outposts on many of the most visited islands.

If you're visiting by cruise ship and only have limited time in Kingstown , visitors say you should make time for a meal or drinks at Flow Wine Bar and Kitchen . Along with the wine list, fresh fish and pasta, the restaurant earns top marks from diners for its elegant ambiance, which includes live music.

Visitors to Bequia will be awarded with some of the island chain's best eateries. Some of the favorite beachfront restaurants include Sugar Reef Café , Jack's Beach Bar and Firefly Bequia Plantation . For those lucky enough to spend some time on Mustique , Basil's Bar – a favorite celebrity haunt – is a must in part for its see-and-be-seen atmosphere. No matter which island you dine on, expect plenty of grilled fish and fresh vegetables.  

Getting Around St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The best way to get around St. Vincent & The Grenadines is by taxi. Taxis are plentiful on St. Vincent and the bigger islands, and fares are reasonable for short trips. Taking a cab is probably the easiest way to get to your hotel from St. Vincent's E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD), located a few miles southeast of Kingstown . Renting your own set of wheels on St. Vincent,  Bequia and  Mustique  is also an option, but it's not recommended as roads can be somewhat tough to navigate. Buses are another popular means of getting around St. Vincent, Bequia and Union Island; however, they tend to be overcrowded and cramped. To get to the Grenadines, head to St. Vincent's central harbor in Kingstown, where numerous ferry companies shuttle passengers between St. Vincent and the islands daily.

St. Vincent & The Grenadines has five major airports. Most visitors fly into E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD), but you can also opt to fly into the small airstrips found on  Canouan  (CIW), Bequia (BQU), Mustique (MQS) or Union Island (UNI).

Entry & Exit Requirements

You'll need to present a valid passport and proof of a return or ongoing ticket to enter St. Vincent & The Grenadines. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State  website .

This cluster of small, uninhabited isles perched at the east end of Mayreau boasts some of Grenadine's finest underwater sites.

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Sailing & yachting, diving & watersports, eco-adventures, weddings & honeymoons, submit an exit survey today, st. vincent and the grenadines, one destination, 32 islands and cays, countless possibilities..

From St. Vincent’s lush tropical rainforest full of eco-adventures, to the idyllic beaches, coral reefs and turquoise lagoons of the Grenadines, SVG is a tropical paradise for sailing, scuba diving, enjoying nature, and relaxing in seclusion.

Escape a hectic lifestyle and unwind in the Caribbean you’re looking for!

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BUCCAMENT, St. Vincent & Grenadines, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sandals Saint

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Festivals & events.

Independence Celebration

St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) celebrates the nation’s anniversary of independence with a variety of events including motorsports.

JT Pro Center Light, Kite Surfing Show & Full Moon Beach Party

This event allows patrons to enjoy the full moon rise in all its splendid glory. The event starts around 6:30pm, facing the moon rise.

Keegan’s Beachside Seafood Fest

Keegan’s Seafood Fest is an annual celebration of freshly caught and prepared seafood.

Mayreau Regatta

Mayreau’s small population of less than 300 persons are a close knitted community whose traditions are reflected in their regatta activities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Before entering svg, arrival process.

You may be required to submit a pre-arrival form.

FULLY VACCINATED

You may be required to walk with a negative PCR test.

TESTING & QUARANTINE

You may be required to quarantine for a prescribed length of time.

National Anthem of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The National Anthem of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Saint Vincent, Land So Beautiful). Instrumental performance by Vincentian Violinist and Cultural Ambassador Darron Andrews Darron Andrews - Cultural Ambassador

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THE ISLANDS

St. vincent, petit st. vincent, palm island, tobago cays, union island, young island, dining & entertainment, 32 must do in svg, exit surveys, terms of use.

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Captain Wayne Tours

captain wayne tours

Welcome to the newly rebranded Captain Wayne Tours, formerly known as Baleine Tours. As the premier boat tour operator in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we boast three decades of unparalleled service throughout the region. We take pride in providing exceptional experiences for our clients. Dive into our website to discover more about our services and the breathtaking islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

DEEP SEA FISHING

Embark on a thrilling fishing adventure targeting mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, barracuda, mackerel, and more. Choose from full or half-day fishing excursions to suit your preferences.

ISLAND DROP OFF

We provide transportation services for passengers and luggage, offering seamless transfers to and from any island in the Grenadines as well as mainland St. Vincent.

INTER ISLAND CHARTERS

We proudly extend our charter services to cater to your every preference, allowing you to explore the captivating beauty of any Grenadines island you desire, including the renowned Tobago Cays.

scenic coastal trips

Primarily conducted in St. Vincent, our charters offer unforgettable experiences such as visits to the majestic Baleine Falls or scenic tours along the untouched, picturesque coastline of our pristine island’s leeward side.

What our customers says

his is a tour we will repeat each time we visit St. Vincent. Lots of fun for those who enjoy the water, sites along the cost and a full day of water activities.

—Toto2Kanas

An absolutely brilliant day despite the outbreaks of rain.. BEST tour we had on the cruise. HIGHLY recommended and will definitely do again when we can get over to the Caribbean again

—Denise Morris

Top 10 Things To Do In St Vincent, The Breadfruit Isle Of The Caribbean

• Adventure & Ecotourism , St Vincent & The Grenadines , Top 10
• Ursula Petula Barzey
• January 13, 2020

St Vincent and The Grenadines is a multi-island Caribbean nation with 32 islands and cays. The largest of the islands is St Vincent, which has a lush green mountainous landscape over 133 square miles.  Just over 100,000 people live on St Vincent and many of whom have Garifuna ancestry (a mix of indigenous mix of Amerindian Arawak or Carib and African).

A former British colony, St Vincent is known for its active volcano La Soufriere along with numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, picturesque fishing villages, and black sand beaches. It is quite a contrast to the islands within The Grenadines (like Palm Island, Petite St Vincent, Mustique, etc.) with their yacht-filled harbors and luxury hotels lining many of the white sand beaches. While those islands attract the majority of the tourists, the mainland, unofficially nicknamed the Breadfruit Isle has much to offer, so below is my list of the top things to do in St Vincent after two recent trips.

1. Explore historic Kingstown

One of the top things to do in St Vincent is to explore the capital city of Kingtown, which was first colonized by French settlers shortly after 1722. Control switched to the British in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris, but the French regained control in 1779. The British regained power in 1783 under the Treaty of Versailles and were in charge until St Vincent gained independence on October 27th, 1979.

Kingstown today, with a population of approximately 20,000 people, is a buzzing Caribbean city with an international airport and cruise port. Its current appearance (especially the downtown area) is a little rough around the edges, but it has a lot of charm and is considered historic for its many arches, cobbled streets, stone buildings, and magnificent churches. Thus, I highly recommend spending a morning or afternoon exploring. 

Notable buildings to check out in Kingstown, St Vincent include St George’s Cathedral,  the Cathedral of the Assumption, Kingstown Methodist Church, and Kingstown Public (Produce & Fish) Markets.

St George’s Cathedral

Website | 📍 Location: Grenville Street, Kingstown, St Vincent St George’s Cathedral, located on Grenville Street, is nearly 200 years old. With colorful stained glass windows, a beautiful hanging chandelier, and quaint adornments, the 16th-century building is a real delight for architecture lovers.  It should be noted that the present St George’s Cathedral building was financed in part from the sale of lands taken from the Caribs, and under the chandelier is a large stone slab memorializing Major Leith, who allegedly duped and killed Carib Paramount Chief Chatoyer in 1795 (Yikes!). Consecrated on September 20th, 1820, St George’s Cathedral is currently undergoing repairs but remains open for regular weekday and Sunday services. An earlier church built in the 1720s was destroyed by a hurricane in 1780.

Check Rates and Availability for Tours in Saint Vincent

Cathedral of the Assumption

Website | 📍 Location: North River Road, Kingstown, St Vincent Another beautiful church building in Kingstown to explore is the Cathedral of the Assumption, the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Kingstown, St Vincent & The Grenadines. Inside the three-winged structure which makes up the Cathedral of the Assumption is a school and church with presbytery fountains, beautiful archways, and a courtyard.  The original church was a wooden structure that was built in 1823 and got damaged by a storm in 1875. This present brick structure with a steeple and tower has a range of elements from different architectural styles, including Flemish, Moorish, Venetian, Byzantine, and Romanesque. It was built between 1919 and 1946.

Note: The Assumption Cathedral located on North River Road in Kingstown is also called the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Catholic Cathedral of Kingstown, and  St. Mary’s Cathedral, as that is the name of the school attached.

Kingstown Methodist Church

Website | 📍 Location: Grenville Street, Kingstown, St Vincent With my Methodist upbringing, it would be remiss of me not to mention the nearby Kingstown Methodist Church, built by freed slaves and dedicated on 1st August 1841. Sadly it wasn’t open when I visited, so I only got to admire the building and bell from the exterior. One interesting fact is that until 1907, the church bell hung from a nearby breadfruit tree.

Kingstown Public (Produce & Fish) Markets

📍 Location: Back Street to Bay Street, Kingstown, St Vincent Beyond admiring the stunning architecture of the churches and other historic buildings like the Court House, Kingstown Police Headquarters, and the Peace Memorial Hall, it is worth exploring Kingstown’s Fruits & Vegetable Market located on Back Street to Bay Street. Like most Caribbean markets, Saturdays are the liveliest when traders from all over the island gather to sell their fresh fruits and vegetables. Here, I would recommend having a fresh coconut and buying some other fruits like sugar apples, Julie mangoes, and guineps. Guineps are like lycee and beyond delicious when ripe!

Note: The Kingstown Fish Market is located on Bay Street next to the main bus terminal. And even if you have no plans to buy fish, it is good to see the traders in action as they clean and chop up their catch, which depending on the season, might include mahi-mahi, bonito, tuna, etc. In addition to purchases by local consumers, a lot of the fish and seafood caught is bound for the island’s restaurants and hotels.

2. Have lunch at The Cobblestone Inn

Website  | 📍 Location: Bay Street, Kingstown, St Vincent After walking around historic Kingstown, have lunch at the Rooftop Bar and Restaurant at The Cobblestone Inn. The hotel and restaurant architecture dates back to 1814 and was originally a sugar warehouse and later used for processing arrowroot, which was a major export for the island from 1900 to 1965. That said, the food served in the restaurant at The Cobblestone Inn is a mix of Caribbean and continental cuisine!  I would highly recommend having one of the daily specials, which are typically local dishes, along with a drink made from fresh fruits.  Alternatively, have a bottle of Hairoun , the local beer of St Vincent.

By the way, as you walk to and from Cobblestone Inn with Georgian architecture, take note of the cobblestone walkway with numerous arches.  These are a perfect example of why Kingstown is lovingly referred to as the City of Arches.

Bonus: For dessert, take a 5-minute walk from The Cobblestone Inn to Frisko Ice Cream on James Street for some delicious locally made ice cream.

3. Visit Fort Charlotte

Website | 📍 Location: Clare Valley, St Vincent Just north of the city on top of a 660ft-high ridge is Fort Charlotte, a British-colonial era fort built by slave labor between 1763 and 1806. The fort is named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of England.  Fort Charlotte is worthy of a visit as on a clear day, it provides a fantastic view of Kingstown and The Grenadines, along with Grenada to the south.

In its heyday, Fort Charlotte housed around 600 troops and had over 30 cannons. Only a few of the cannons remain today at Fort Charlotte, and several are turned inland and not out to sea. This is because Fort Charlotte was built not just to defend against sea attacks from the French but also by Carib unrest and slave rebellions in Kingstown.

Note: Walking from Kingstown, starting at the west end of Grenville Street to Fort Charlotte, takes about a 40-minutes. However, the route is uphill and so if hot and you aren’t fit, I wouldn’t really recommend it. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Leeward Bus Station to Edinboro and then walk the last 10 minutes to Fort Charlotte. You can also, of course, take a taxi which is plentiful in Kingstown!

4. Walk around St Vincent Botanical Gardens

Website  | 📍 Location: New Montrose, Kingstown, St Vincent Also north of Kingstown and worthy of a visit is the St Vincent Botanical Gardens, which dates back to 1765 and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere.  Spread over 20 acres of land, the St Vincent Botanical Gardens was initially set up by General Robert Melville, Governor of the Windward Islands, and Dr. George Young, the surgeon to the British Garrison stationed in St Vincent. They set it up as the Royal Society of the Arts had offered a reward to anyone who cultivated land in the Caribbean to grow medicinal and commercial plants.

Today, there is a wide range of trees, flowers, and colorful foliage plants throughout the St Vincent Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest botanical garden in the Caribbean. One of the more famous trees planted there is a sucker from the original breadfruit tree brought by Captain William Bligh, whose ship HMS Providence sailed into Kingstown Bay on 23 January 1793. This was after Captain Bligh’s initial journey to Tahiti in 1787 with HMS Bounty to collect breadfruit plants to feed the enslaved Africans working sugar plantations throughout the region resulted in the notorious mutiny by his crew.

At the St Vincent Botanical Gardens, there is also the Nicholas Wildlife Aviary Complex, which houses some St Vincent Parrots (Amazona Guildingii), the national bird of St Vincent and The Grenadines. The colorful Amazona Guildingiis, who can be quite talkative, is protected under the Wildlife Act of 1987 as there are just 500 in the wild!

5. Swim at Dark View Falls

Website | 📍 Location: Leeward Hwy, Chateaubelair, St Vincent Beyond things to do in or near Kingstown, I would recommend a drive along the Leeward Highway of St Vincent to visit Dark View Falls, managed by the National Parks, Rivers, and Beaches Authority. About 24 miles from the capital of Kingstown, Dark View Falls has two main waterfalls, one above the other, cascading down a pair of high cliff faces and plunging into natural pools. Upon entering the national park, the first waterfall is reached after a 5-minute hike by crossing the Richmond River via a bamboo bridge. The second requires a further walk up 67 steps and passing a small pool.

Check Rates and Availability for St Vincent Tour to Dark View Waterfall

6. Relax at one of the beaches

📍 Location: various Saint Vincent has a wide variety of beaches, most of which are black sand due to the La Soufriere volcano. On the leeward side, famous beaches include Mt Wynne, Petit Byahaut, Buccament Bay, Richmond Bay, and Cumberland Bay. In the south, the most popular beach is Brighton Beach, and on the Eastern (Atlantic) side is Mt. Young Beach at Black Point, one of the longest stretches of sand in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. In the far north, there is Sandy Bay, close to the Owia Salt Pond.

During my second visit, I took evening dips at Villa Beach directly in from of Beachcombers Hotel , where I stayed while attending the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development . During my first visit, I took dips in the white sand beach at Young Island, where I stayed. If you are not staying at Young Island, which is actually a private resort and the first island in The Grenadines, I would recommend going there for lunch and then having a swim after.

Young Island is a 5-minute boat ride from St Vincent, and directly behind is Fort Duvernette, which sits atop a 190 feet volcanic plug. Fort Duvernette was built in the 1790s by the British to protect the colonial hub of Calliaqua, where sugar was loaded onto ships bound for English ports.

From the same docks to go across to Young Island, you can take a water taxi and hike the 255 steps to the top of Fort Duvernette to check out the remains of the buildings, and two gun cannons, along with spectacular views of Saint Vincent. On a clear day, you can also see the Grenadine Islands of Bequia and Mustique.

7. Take a Rum Tour at St Vincent Distillery

Website  | 📍 Location: Mount Bentinck, Georgetown, St Vincent Another of the top things to do in St Vincent is visiting the St Vincent Distillery. Touring the distillery on the grounds of the Mt. Bentinck Estate is an opportunity to see firsthand how rum is produced from molasses. Initially, the molasses came from the sugarcane grown on the island. However, as sugarcane is no longer grown in large quantities, molasses is brought in from other countries like Guyana and Mexico, stored at a facility in Kingstown, and then trucked to the distillery.

After the informative tour highlighting the distillation, aging, and bottling process, there is an opportunity to sample and purchase rums produced by St Vincent Distillery. Their more famous rums include the award-winning Captain Blight XO Special Reserve Rum and Sunset Very Strong Rum.

Their other rums include Mutineers Gold XO Special Reserve Rum, the Spirit of St Vincent (SLR), Sparrow’s Premium Aged Rum, and Sunset Rum Punch. Current production from the St Vincent Distillery is about 66,000 cases (approximately 800,000 bottles) of rum each year. While some of the rum is exported to countries like Australia, Germany, and the United States, a large percentage is consumed locally.

8.Have lunch at The Grenadine House for Boul Joul (buljol) aka Roast Breadfruit Bowl

Website  | 📍 Location: Kingstown Park, Kingstown, St. Vincent As alluded to above, breadfruit was brought to the Caribbean by Captain William Bligh as it was seen as cheap high-energy food for the enslaved Africans working on plantations in the British colonies. Initially rejected by most of the enslaved until they made it their own, breadfruit is now a staple on most Caribbean islands, including St Vincent. Starch-rich and somewhat similar to potatoes, breadfruit are primarily boiled, baked, and roasted. My preference is for roasted, and one of the best breadfruit meals I’ve had is the Boul Joul (buljol), aka Roast Breadfruit Bowl from The Grenadine House in Kingstown.

Traditional boul joul is a dish made with sauteed vegetables, mainly onions, tomatoes, and chives with salt fish served with sliced roast breadfruit.   The Grenadine House puts a twist on this and serves half a breadfruit filled with saltfish, plantains, and beans. The Roast Breadfruit Bowl at The Grenadine House is extremely popular, so I would recommend making a reservation and pre-ordering, having a bowl by yourself, or sharing with a group.

Note: St Vincent and the Grenadines now have over 25 different varieties of breadfruit, and combined with fried jackfish make up the national dish. Also, each August, Saint Vincent holds a month-long Breadfruit Festival. Coinciding with Emancipation Month activities, the St Vincent Breadfruit Festival takes place in different communities each weekend and showcases dishes and drinks made with breadfruit. Beyond simply boiling, frying, or roasting, breadfruit can be used to make breadfruit breadsticks, breadfruit puff, cheese pie, chips, pizza, lasagna, quiche, plus sweet and sour candy.

9. Hike La Soufriere Cross Country Trail

Website | 📍 Location: Rabacca Trail, Georgetown, St Vincent As I drove around the island of St Vincent on my two recent visits, there were numerous views of the La Soufriere volcano. At 4,049 feet, it is the highest mountain in all of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Surprising, even though the La Soufriere is an active volcano (it last erupted in 1979), you can still hike it via the La Soufriere Cross Country Trail , which was initially a trading route used by locals to carry fish and other products from the leeward to the windward side of the island.

From the windward side of St Vincent, the four-mile La Soufriere Cross Country Trail begins at the Rabacca trailhead near Georgetown and takes about two hours to get to the summit. The walk is apparently moderately difficult but is the easiest and most popular route. From the leeward side, the route is more challenging and takes longer as it’s five miles, and the path is less defined and overgrown. Once you get to the summit from either side, you can hike down into the crater. Whichever route you choose, you need to be accompanied by a local guide who can be booked via the National Parks, Rivers, and Beaches Authority .

Note: While time didn’t permit me to hike La Soufriere Cross Country Trail on either of my recent visits to St Vincent, it is top of my bucket list for next time.  The plan would be to do an early morning hike from the leeward side and then make a return trip to Dark View Falls, which I really enjoyed!

10. Visit one of the Grenadines Islands, including Bequia and Tobago Cays Marine Park

📍 Location: The Grenadines One of the final top things to do in St Vincent is to take day trips to one or more of the islands in The Grenadines.  The main islands in The Grenadines include Bequia, Mustique, Canouan Island, Petit St Vincent, Palm Island, Mayreau Island, Union Island, and Tobago Cays Marine Park.  

From Kingstown, you can take the one-hour ferry from St Vincent to Bequia and spend the morning doing an island tour visiting sites like Fort Hamilton, the Bequia Maritime Museum, and exploring the streets around Port Elizabeth. Then have lunch at Coco’s Place or The Fig Tree Restaurant, followed by a swim at Princess Margaret Beach. 

The ferry from St Vincent also goes to other islands in The Grenadines, but the journey is longer (for example, 4 1/2 hours to Union Island), so if just a day trip, I would recommend arranging a private yacht or catamaran.  An even quicker option would be to fly, thus having more time to explore!

Another day trip option from St Vincent is to the Tobago Cays Marine Park, which has several coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites, and small systems of mangroves. Known as the Jewel in the Crown of the Southern Grenadines, the Tobago Cays Marine Park is a great place to go diving and snorkeling. Fans of Pirates of the Caribbean : Curse of the Black Pearl can also check out Petit Tabac, where a few of the critical scenes were filmed.

These are a selection of the top things to do in St Vincent based on my two recent visits. There are other top tourist attractions on the leeward side of St Vincent, including the Layou Petroglyph Park, Buccament Bay Beach, Vermont Nature Trail, and Wallilabou Bay, which was a movie set for many of the Pirate of the Caribbean films. Other tourist attractions on the windward side of St Vincent include the Black Point Heritage Park & Tunnel, Montreal Gardens, Hells Gate Falls, and Owia Salt Pond. That said, for information on how to get to St Vincent from North America or Europe, check out my article: 10 Islands To Visit In St Vincent And The Grenadines .

Getting around St Vincent

During my two recent visits, we were driven around the island of St Vincent by Foreign Tours, who I highly recommend. Owned and run by Vincentian Quency Lewis along with his lovely wife Julecia, they bring the energy from pick up at your hotel or cruise port and ensure you get around the island safely while having a good time. 

Along with being knowledgeable and passionate about the island of St Vincent,  I love that their air-conditioned vehicles had a cooler of sorts with snacks and cold drinks, including Foreign Tours’ own brand of rum punch!  Note that Foreign Tours has a number of vehicles in varying sizes, so they can accommodate small and large groups!  Also, in addition to regular taxi and airport transfer services, they also offer a number of tours, the most popular being their Pirates Tour to sites where the Pirates of the Caribbean movie was filmed.

For hotel transfers to the airport, you can also consider highly rated Stefano Taxi Service & Tours .

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Stays Taxi & Tour

Certified Tour Guide and Taxi Operator in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Welcome to Stays Taxi & Tour

Stays Taxi & Tour is a certified tour operator and taxi service in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We offer tours of all of the major tourist sites on the main island.

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We will help make your stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines an amazing experience. We provide local expertise on all the best tourist destinations in St. Vincent, plus a safe, efficient taxi service to get you to and from your hotel or guesthouse.

You’ll have fun with our tourist excursions and fascinating tours!

We’ll show you the best tourist destinations on the island. Soufriere Volcano, The Botanical Gardens, Dark View Falls, Owia Salt Pond, Vermont Nature Trail, and more. Be prepared to capture some breathtaking photos of our wonderful country.

Soufriere Volcano Tour

Pirates Tour

Dark View Falls Tour

Vermont Nature Trail

Meet Fred Stay

Fred enjoys enriching people’s lives with pleasant vacation moments and memories. Let a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide take you around to the historical sites and places of interest in SVG.

• Certified and safe taxi service
• Knowledge of the history and geography of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Became a certified tour guide in 2013
• Years of tour guide experience
• Retired special education teacher
• Justice of the Peace

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Some photos of the amazing wonders to be seen in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

We want to help ensure you have a wonderful experience in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Let us know how we can make your visit a great one.

We appreciate and welcome your opinion and comments! 

Campden Park, Questelles P.O. Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Tel: +1 (784) 453 3796 Cell: +1 (784) 430 2804

[email protected] [email protected]

Explore nature at St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge

March 6, 2021

Have you ever wanted to step back in time and explore the natural beauty of Florida?  Pack yourself a lunch and head over to the undeveloped treasure chest that awaits you at the St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

Located at the mouth of the Apalachicola River, in the Gulf of Mexico, St. Vincent Island NWR is a 12,300-acre barrier island. The island is 9 miles long and 4 miles wide. The triangular island is larger than most of the northern Gulf coast barrier islands and dissected by dune ridges, freshwater lakes and sloughs on the east end. The west ends supports dry upland pine forests.

The island is a haven for an abundance of wildlife including migratory birds, raptors, alligators, deer, and red wolves. It is rich with plant life that includes pines, hardwoods such as scrub and live oak, spiderwort, St. John’s wort, and gallberry, saw palmetto to name a few. The beach is a delight for shell seekers, as the tiny gems scattered along the south side of the island are a pocketful of keepers.

Accessed only by water, options to get there are paddling, boating or by shuttle boat located at the Indian Pass boat ramp. Call (850) 229-1065 for shuttle information/reservation. ::MAP::

Things to know: • Motorized vehicles and equipment are prohibited – bicycles are permitted. • Refuge is closed during permitted hunts and storm events. • No potable water or telephones are on the island. • The 2 restrooms are located near the boathouse and by the cabin in the interior. • Bring water and insect repellent. • The refuge is open daylight hours only. No overnight camping is permitted except during special hunt season.

Kayak/canoe/stand up paddle board: It is a short paddle from Indian Pass to the western shoreline. Be observant of the tidal flow. At certain times, it can be quite strong making a short paddle very challenging. Once you reach the shoreline, you can paddle along the Gulf of Mexico or paddle the bay side and experience the many creeks and coves.

Biking: There are roads and trails throughout the island. Trail maps are available at the Wildlife Refuge office in Apalachicola and in kiosk near the boat dock on the western end of the island. Most of the biking roads and hiking trails are inland, so bikers and hikers should be prepared for biting insects in dense but beautiful forests.

Hiking options: Easy: • From Indian Pass boat dock head down the road toward the Gulfside point. Note restrictions due to nesting shorebirds. • Take the beach trail over to the Gulf side of the island. Have a pleasant walk on the beach. • Cut back over to Indian Pass via “O” road (sign sitting up on dune). Follow to the end of “O” road and take a left on “B” road which will bring you back to Indian Pass. Young children can do this hike if they are used to walking.

Moderate: • Start same route as Easy hike. • Keep going past “O” road for as long as you wish. Cut back over any of the roads and take a left on “B” and head back to Indian Pass.

Guided tours: Guided tours temporarily closed

The Supporters Group of St. Vincent Island offers a guided tour of the island once a month. The tour is free, but participants must make a reservation and there is a nominal charge for a local boat captain to take you from Indian Pass to the island. Contact the St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge Office for reservations and the name and phone number of the local captain providing transportation to the island. Learn more here .

You can also schedule transportation to and from the island for yourself and your bike whenever you would like to visit the island. Click here for reservation information.

History: Pottery shards that have been found on the island indicate that Native Americans inhabited the island as early as the year 240. Franciscan friars doing missionary work with the Apalachee Indians named the island St. Vincentin 1633. Creeks and Seminole Indians inhabited of the island in the 1750s.

During the Civil War, a small fort called Fort Mallory was built off of Dune Road.  In 1868 George Hatch purchased St. Vincent Island at an auction for $3,000. His grave is the only marked grave on the island and can be found west of the cabin.

The Loomis brothers bought the island in 1948 for $140,000 and turned the island into a private hunting preserve. Many exotic animals such as zebra, eland, black buck, ring necked pheasants, Asian jungle fowl, bob white quail, and semi-wild turkeys were brought to the island.

In 1968 The Nature Conservancy purchased the island for $2.2 million. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service then purchased St. Vincent with Duck Stamp funds. All exotic animals, except the Sambar deer and feral hogs were removed.

Hunting: St. Vincent Island offers some of the most unique hunting opportunities found on any wildlife refuge. For hunters wanting to rough it and go after “big game” there is the primitive weapon (muzzle and bow) Sambar deer hunt. This elusive deer which is native to Southeast Asia can measure up to 6 ft. tall and can weigh up to 700 lbs. The 150 permits for this hunt are issued through a lottery that attracts between1200 and 1400 applicants.

Permits for the two other hunts, white tailed deer archery hunt and white tailed deer primitive weapon hunt, are issued to the first 250 applicants. ($25 fee). The application process is done through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Total Licensing System. Click here for info.

Camping is primitive and all supplies must be carried to the island and transported on foot to designated camping areas.

Visitor’s center: The Refuge Office/Visitor Center is in the Harbor Master Building at 479 Market Street, Apalachicola, Florida. Refuge signs on Highway 98 will direct you to the Center. The Center is open Monday – Thursday 10 am – 3:30 pm E.S.T.

Become a friend of the island and learn more at: www.stvincentfriends.com

Top Tours in St. Vincent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. The Cascading Dark View Falls and Beach Experience with Topdawg Taxi and Tours

2. Crystal kayaking in St. Vincent - Siteseeing with Cass

3. Airport TransferArgyle International to or from hotels villa area

4. Pirates of the Caribbean Port Royal Experience & Beach w/ Topdawg Taxi and Tours

5. Dark View Falls Private Tour

6. Dark View Falls Tour with Trubb Taxi Tours SVG

7. Dark View Waterfall and Beach Tour

8. Vermont Nature Trail Tour with Fraser's Taxi and Tours

9. The Pirates Package Tour and Beach - Private Tour

10. Coast and Cave Kayak Adventure with Rum Tasting

11. Montreal Gardens Tour with Trubb Taxi Tours

12. Pirates of the Caribbean and Dark View Falls Tour

13. Owia Salt Pond Tour and Black Point Tunnel with Topdawg Taxi and Tours

14. Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Site and Beach Guided Tour

15. 5 Hour Tour at Dark View Falls and Pirates of the Caribbean Set

16. Dark View Falls and Beach Tour with Detention Tours

17. Dark View falls , Wallilabou , Fort Charlotte, Kingstown from IV Tours

18. Argyle International Airport pick up

19. Pirates of the Caribbean Wallilabou and Buccament Beach IV Tours

20. Owia Salt Pond Tour with Fraser's Taxi and Tours

21. Pirates and Beach Tour with Detention Tours

22. The Montreal Garden Tour with Fraser's Taxi and Tours

23. Soufriere Volcano Hike

24. Dark View Falls Tour and Beach

25. Scenic Historical Tour to Fort Charlotte and Queens drive from IV Tours

26. Airport transfer to or from Bequia Ferry (Kingstown)

27. Vermont Nature Trail Hike

28. Half-Day Pirates Tour from Kingstown

29. Siteseeing with Cass-Land Adventures in St. Vincent

30. La Soufriere Volcano Adventure

What travellers are saying.

• Crystal kayaking in St. Vincent - Siteseeing with Cass
• Pirates of the Caribbean Port Royal Experience & Beach w/ Topdawg Taxi and Tours
• The Cascading Dark View Falls and Beach Experience with Topdawg Taxi and Tours
• Dark View Waterfall and Beach Tour
• 5 Hour Tour at Dark View Falls and Pirates of the Caribbean Set
• Fraser Taxi & Tours
• Island Fever Tours SVG
• Stays Taxi & Tours
• Sailor's Wilderness Tours
• Fantasea Tours - Private Day Tours

• Island Day Trips
• Fishing Charters
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Review: Holiday in paradise in St Vincent and The Grenadines

There's something so invigorating about the tropics. All my senses are awakened.

Every natural phenomenon is more extreme and dramatic. The downpours are sudden and torrential, to which the lush vegetation responds eagerly. The stars are stark, the sunsets stun and the water catches the eye as it glints and glistens.

Boats tingle in the breeze and weathered wood juts out from virgin sand as do rocks from turquoise water. The rainbow's full spectrum of colours is reflected in the green vegetation, the reds, yellows and oranges of flowers, the hues of tropical fruit, the black of volcanic beaches, the pink of coral and Madagascar periwinkles and the many jolly coloured houses.

St Vincent and The Grenadines (SVG to those in the know) is an archipelago of 32 islands. Nine are inhabited, of which some are private. They stretch some 70km like beads in a rosary, a chain of divine jewels.

They're a paradise for yachties, perfectly spaced with land forever in sight and no island more than three hours away, with trade winds blowing at a steady 15 knots and harbours home to great restaurants and bars.

SVG is on its own crest of a wave with new flights and hotels. A Sandals resort has just opened in St Vincent, Mandarin Oriental and a Soho House are in Canouan and, of course, there's the mystique of Mustique. High season is from November to April. My favourite guidebooks on the archipelago are a handbook by Chris Doyle and one by Lesley Sutty.

The island of St Vincent has dense rainforest, its own Sunset Rum and Hairoun beer, and no traffic lights. Dogs enjoy the heated tarmac, chickens literally cross the road and goats nibble on the playing fields. There are banana plantations, coconut groves and a bamboo forest. Gingerbread houses stand on stilts and customarily get repainted at Christmas.

Up in the north, where the Caribs still live, there are mountain trails, waterfalls and wildlife along with heliconias, giant ferns, palms and blue mahoes. I loved the bustle of Kingstown's fruit market and the heritage of the Botanical Gardens.

At the Wallilabou Heritage Park, all is vibrant and brimming with abundance. Tarzan-swinging ropes make way here for the film set of Pirates Of The Caribbean, with a museum containing its props and backdrops.

For the perfect place to adjust from a flight to a very different climate, and only 20 minutes' drive from the airport and 10 minutes from the capital, I loved Beachcombers Hotel. 'Fish of the day: Barracuda,' said the waitress and I knew I had arrived.

Ten of its 57 delightful, cosy, cottage-like rooms have ocean views. I went down past the gardeners in their Hawaiian shirts, through lush tropical gardens enlivened by birds, lizards and bees and besprinkled with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea.

I reached Ada restaurant, where there's broad decking below the high white rafters of this vast ambient open space yards from the shore. It has Anatolian fused with Caribbean flavours. Indeed, the wonderfully contemporary menu is sourced from the local volcanic soil.

Directly opposite I took a short boat ride across to Young Island . Up from the whitest of sands, among a lush tropical garden and beneath the seven-tiered 'vetiver' thatched huts reminiscent of the South Pacific was the garden gazebo restaurant. Here with my fruit punch and hibiscus flower I watched kids swimming safely in the shallow turquoise water.

Just behind lies the miniature island of Fort Duvernette, where I climbed up a 255-step zenith to survey snorkellers from transparent kayaks exploring the gorgeous water before I took the ferry to Bequia.

What divine inspiration dreamt up the island of Bequia? Pronounced 'Bekwey' and meaning 'island of the clouds' in ancient Arawak, it's an 11km expanse which developed less from sugar as from sea-island cotton and indigo, from boat building (especially schooners), whaling and merchant seamen. Nowadays, 70 per cent of the economy comes from tourists, the more adventurous of whom are blessed with fantastic conditions for sailing, snorkelling, kayaking and hiking.

Right in the heart of the island's action is Bequia Plantation Hotel. Dating from the 1950s and on the site of the island's first hotel, the central building has broad verandas decked with old mahogany tables, rattan sofas and plantation chairs - a traditional, cultured feel for the discerning guest.

It's set back from a lovely stretch of beach and water with gorgeous grounds with mango, guava and breadfruit trees, and the spongiest of grass. The tranquil, duckegg blue gingerbread-style square cottages are beautifully spaced, and their exteriors have pretty fretwork.

In their fresh, airy interiors, blue-and-white contemporary decor mirrors the central plantation house. I loved my daylight trail around the headland to Princess Margaret Beach, and my evening wander along the well-lit Belmont Walkway, past restaurants to the stalls and harbour in Admiralty Bay.

At 'd Harbour' (the locals' name for Port Elizabeth) there's all the exuberance of locals with heads balancing fruit walking past street vendors and blaring reggae. Wooden houses climb up hillsides, in shades of blue, orange and lime, with picketfence porches with frangipani, and paths lined with tamarind and croton plants.

Even on a small island it's worth going the extra mile.

Discretely tucked away on the island's edge and truly sublime is The Liming. It certainly encourages its motto of 'the art of doing nothing'. It's an all-inclusive boutique hotel and a perfect treat for honeymooners.

Creams and whites blend with tree-trunk tables, wicker mats and vast rustic gourds. It's so nourishing as all is in harmony with nature. Spread across well-kept gardens that include silver Bismarck Palms are nine soft yellow villas, to become 23 by September. Their solid square interiors reminded me of David Hockney's with his white furnishings, still ferns, open white shutters and plunge pools.

The incredibly spacious restaurant, under its vast dodecahedral roof, is the ultimate indoor-outdoor pavilion and has views of the surrounding islands. The cuisine is fresh and delicious and the rum punches are quite a knock-out.

It all conjured up James Bond and Ursula Andress as the odd twin otter descends excitingly low over the pavilion roof to the airstrip beyond, allowing celebrities to land for lunch, as do passing yachties that moor on the jetty. Often luxury requires space. It never felt crowded and I even had the beach to myself.

As the islands get smaller, so their charm intensifies. I arrived at night via the Jaden Express ferry. I changed at Union Island from whose jagged peaks I couldn't take my eyes. They changed shape just like the dramatic approach to Mo'orea in the South Pacific.

I reached the spectacular Petit St Vincent. As I stepped on to the resort's powerful speedboat I knew instantly that I was in the lap of luxury. There was all the joyful expectation of the morning's discoveries to come as dawn unwrapped the island like a present.

The resort has as its mantra: 'Relaxed Caribbean charm with a touch of elegance'. It offers seclusion, total privacy and a chance to completely unwind. All the elements were combined: rock and wood, Atlantic air, seawater and rain, and fiery heat from the sun.

Each of the 22 stone beach cottages look out to an island. They blend with nature with their neutral earthy tones, vaulted ceilings, teak furnishings and sliding doors. The daytime Beach restaurant menu is effortlessly enticing with its chunky organic-shaped wooden tables under its swaying palms and almond trees. The Main Pavilion restaurant, perched up high, offers a different menu every night using organic produce from its extensive garden.

Courtesy of the resort, I spent the day out sailing in a boat called Beauty. Past Mopion, the famous sandbank used for the rum advert, I reached Tobago Cays Marine Park to swim with turtles and snorkel for bright pretty fish.

We returned to PSV (as they abbreviate the resort island) back to the hammocks and swings. No TV sets, instead birdsong and croaking frogs with the clearest seawater, white powdered sands and tropical woodlands. PSV really is enchanting and magical. It truly is a treasure island.

Adam travelled courtesy of St Vincent and The Grenadines Tourism Authority, see discoversvg.com for more information. Irish visitors can book SVG via Virgin Holidays . The Beachcombers Hotel has rooms from €111 in low season (beachcombers hotel.com). Bequia Plantation Hotel has rooms from €174, The Liming from €355 and Petit St Vincent from €1,250 per night.

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10 Best Things To Do In St Croix For An Enchanting US Virgin Islands Experience

St. Croix is an island in the US Virgin Islands chain and is known for its unique Danish colonial architecture, pristine beaches, all-inclusive resorts , and epic scuba diving opportunities. There are plenty of interesting facts to learn about this island, including that it is home to the oldest Baobab tree in the Caribbean .

Besides enjoying the Caribbean Sea on St. Croix, travelers can taste delicious local cuisine, tour historic districts in Christiansted, and dive deep into the sea for a look at the wildlife below its surface. Get a taste of the Caribbean with some of these incredible tours and fun things to do in St. Croix .

Ride A Jet Ski

Experience an adrenaline rush in St. Croix with this epic jet ski private tour. Participants can feel the wind in their hair as they ride the vessel down the coastline, past beaches, and stop to go snorkeling at coral reefs. All participants get high-quality content captured by media experts, so there is no need to worry about bringing a waterproof camera.

• Tour: 2-Hour Christiansted Experience
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From $320.00
• What’s Included: Jet ski usage, snorkeling equipment, and high quality footage of the experience

Book this tour

Related: 10 Best US Virgin Islands For A Truly Stress-Free Couple’s Vacation

Meet And Party With Locals

Travelers who are looking for a chance to experience the local culture and cuisine while visiting St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands will jump at the chance to join this tour. Guests indulge in local cuisine including dishes like pate, Carmen's famous fish stew, and local tarts for dessert. There is dancing and a chance to try and learn some of the local dialects.

• Tour: Local Party At St. Croix
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Cost: From $99.95
• What’s Included: Lunch

Go Kayaking In The Bluest Waters

There is no better way to experience the beauty of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands than getting out on the open water. Renting a kayak for the duration of the trip is the perfect way to do this and is especially suited to travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace rather than on a guided group excursion. Drop off is included in the kayak rental fee.

• Tour: Kayak Rental Saint Croix
• Duration: 1-7 days
• Cost: From $250.00 (Kayak fits 2 people)
• What’s Included: Kayak, life jackets, and paddles

Try Stand Up Paddleboarding

Another fantastic option for exploring the idyllic waters on the coast of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands is renting a Stand Up Paddleboard. This unique experience is relaxing and peaceful, allowing travelers to float along and explore at their own pace.

• Tour: Stand Up Paddleboard Rental
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Cost: From $275.00
• What’s Included: Use of a Stand Up Paddle Board, paddles, ankle leash, life jackets, and a car roof rack.

Related: 10 Resorts In The US Virgin Islands You Should Book This Winter

Go Sailing At Sunset

Have an unforgettable evening on this sunset sail experience aboard a 63-ft catamaran named the Jolly Mon. This tour departs from the Frederiksted Pier in St. Croix. It includes live music from visiting bands and access to unlimited rum punch. Don’t forget a camera to capture the incredible sunset from the water.

• Tour: Live Music Sunset Sail
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Cost: From $70.00
• What’s Included: Alcoholic beverages

Tour The Island

When visiting St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, it’s worthwhile to dedicate a morning or afternoon to taking a full tour of this gorgeous island. A tour guide takes guests around the island in a private vehicle and makes informed stops at top attractions for lessons on history and culture and to provide photo opportunities. The tour departs from Christiansted.

• Tour: St. Croix Island Tour
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: From $160.26
• What’s Included: Local driver and tour guide

Related: 10 Top-Rated Hotels To Book In Charlotte Amalie West, US Virgin Islands

Go Horseback Riding

See St. Croix from the perspective of horseback with the wind of the islands blowing between the horse's ears and ruffling its beautiful mane. This experience is relaxing and exciting simultaneously as travelers bond with the majestic horse and sees the landscapes of St. Croix. The small group tour is capped at 10 people and departs from Christiansted. There is a stop en route for photos at a sugar mill.

• Tour: St. Croix Horseback Riding Experience
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Cost: From $160.00
• What’s Included: Tack and helmets

Taking A Cooking Class

There is no better way to learn about a culture than through its cuisine. Travelers can do this at an evening cooking class in St. Croix that ends with them eating what they’ve made for dinner. A typical menu for the class might consist of crab and rice for the main dish and making tarts with coconut, pineapple, or guava for dessert. Part of this authentic cultural experience also includes learning a bit about the Crucian Dialect.

• Tour: Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix
• Cost: From $85.00
• What’s Included: Dinner

Embark On A Delicious Food Tour

The food tour in St. Croix paints Christiansted as the gateway to Caribbean cuisine and teaches visitors about local delicacies and the best spots to eat on the island. There are six food stops with drinks on the tour. A local guide also provides insights into the culture and history of downtown Christiansted.

• Tour: Taste of Twin City Food Tour
• Cost: From $119.00
• What’s Included: Food tasting, lunch, and a local tour guide

Travel In Style

Travelers who are only transiting through St. Croix to begin a cruise can take advantage of a private transfer as a brief way to glimpse the island in comfort and style. The private airport transfer takes travelers to the cruise port for departure in just 15 minutes.

• Tour: Private Transfer From St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Cost: From $72.28
• What’s Included: Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver

THE 10 BEST Kingstown Sightseeing Tours

Sightseeing tours in kingstown.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Movie & TV Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. The Cascading Dark View Falls and Beach Experience with Topdawg Taxi and Tours

2. Pirates of the Caribbean Port Royal Experience & Beach w/ Topdawg Taxi and Tours

3. Dark View Falls Private Tour

4. Dark View Falls Tour with Trubb Taxi Tours SVG

5. The Pirates Package Tour and Beach - Private Tour

6. Montreal Gardens Tour with Trubb Taxi Tours

7. Owia Salt Pond Tour and Black Point Tunnel with Topdawg Taxi and Tours

8. 5 Hour Tour at Dark View Falls and Pirates of the Caribbean Set

9. Pirates and Beach Tour with Detention Tours

10. Dark View Falls Tour and Beach

11. Vermont Nature Trail Hike

12. Half-Day Pirates Tour from Kingstown

13. La Soufriere Volcano Adventure

14. Fort Charlotte, Botanical Gardens and Kingstown Tours with Detention Tours

15. Pirates of the Caribbean SVG with Trubb Taxi Tours

16. Vermont Nature Trail Hike

17. Private Tour Hike to Gorilla Rock with Swimming Questelles Beach

18. Mesopotamia Valley Tour with Trubb Taxi Tours

19. Half Day Private Guided Tour in Kingstown

20. Private Tour La Soufriere Volcano Adventure

21. Private Tour Owia Salt Pond and Black Point Tunnel

22. Half Day Private Tour in Fort Charlotte and Queens Drive

23. Kingstown Tour And Beach - Private Tour

24. Private Tour Pirates of the Caribbean Port Royal & Beach

25. Pirates Beach Private Tour

26. Private Tour of Fort Charlotte to Botanical Gardens and Kingstown

27. Private Tour Young Island Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

28. Private Tour The Montreal Garden from Kingstown

29. Private Tour Crystal kayaking in St. Vincent Siteseeing with Cass

30. Private Tour Buccament Beach Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

What travelers are saying.