Saint Vincent

Saint Vincent, the main island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, rises from the Caribbean Sea with dramatic volcanic peaks and black sand beaches. You can climb La Soufrière volcano, spot rare Saint Vincent amazons in the rainforest, walk through mountain villages with terraced farms, or swim at Richmond Beach where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed. The island's volcanic landscape has created unique environments, from crater lakes to fertile valleys filled with banana plantations.

La Soufrière Volcano

La Soufrière volcano dominates the northern skyline at 4,048 feet. Its 2021 eruption caused 16,000 residents to evacuate, and the volcano remains an active force in shaping the island's geography. When conditions are safe, you can take guided hikes through the lower slopes, where ferns and mountain palms line the paths. Local guides in Richmond Village lead groups to several viewpoints of the crater. The volcanic activity has created deep valleys and enriched the soil with minerals that support crops across the island.

Black Sand Coastline

Volcanic minerals give Saint Vincent's beaches their striking black sand, which runs along 95% of the shoreline. In Kingstown, the capital and main port, you'll find the central market where farmers sell mangoes, coconuts, and local spices every morning. Take the coastal road to explore five main towns: Layou, with its fishing pier; Barrouallie, known for its whale hunting history; Chateaubelair, facing the sunset; Georgetown, near the volcano; and Calliaqua, where fishing boats dock at sunrise.

Endemic Wildlife and Forests

The mountain slopes contain patches of original rainforest where rare birds make their home. You might spot the bright green Saint Vincent amazon parrot, the multicolored lesser Antillean Tanager, or hear the distinctive call of the whistling warbler. From Kingstown or Georgetown, local naturalist guides lead walks ranging from short 30-minute nature trails to challenging 6-hour treks through the Vermont Nature Trail system.

Terraced Agriculture

Small farms of 2-5 acres cover the mountainsides in stepped patterns, where farmers grow food on terraced slopes to prevent erosion. This farming method sets Saint Vincent apart from other Caribbean islands. Walking through these areas, you'll see banana trees, arrowroot plants, and root crops like eddoes and dasheens growing on carefully maintained terraces. Many farmers welcome visitors who want to learn about traditional farming methods, particularly in the Marriaqua Valley region.