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Introduction To Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

As a nation, St. Vincent & The Grenadines covers the island of St. Vincent and about two thirds of the cluster of small islands to the south (The Grenadines). Due to the presence of the none-too-friendly Caribs, St. Vincent (or Hairouna as they called it) was not actually colonised  by the Europeans until the 18th Century.

Location Windward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean
Co-ordinates 61° 12′ W 13° 15′ N
Size 389 Sq. km/150 sq. mi (St Vincent 344 Sq. km)
Capital Kingstown
Language English
Population 104,574 (July 2009 est.)

Its people are of mixed origins, with primarily African and Carib heritage. The islands’ highest point can be found on St. Vincent at Soufriere which stands an impressive 3864 ft (1178m). It is a volcano that has erupted as recently as 1902 and again in 1979. Orographic rainfall sees higher levels in the hills and lower ones in the smaller islands. Saint Vincent & The Grenadines are blessed with an enviable array of beautiful environments including rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and coral reefs. Few have ever come away from St. Vincent & The Grenadines without marvelling at the natural beauty of these islands. Soils are rich - Mesopotamia Valley in St. Vincent is seen as the ‘vegetable bowl’ for the surrounding islands – this becomes obvious should you take time to visit one of the local markets where a vast array of colourful produce can be found in all shapes and sizes!

History has left its indelible mark on the islands and can be seen in the numerous Arawak rock carvings near Akers and petroglyphs at Layou, and also in the place names (Barrouallie, Chateaubelair, Cumberland) reflecting the fascinating and complex history of these islands over the last 300 years.

High overlooking one of St. Vincent many beautiful small bays…
Visually, St. Vincent retains much of the charm that greeted the first European visitors
Britannia Bay, Mustique
Port Elizabeth, Bequia
Colourful eateries in Mayreau
Port Elizabeth, Bequia

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines Roadmap & Guide

Our Skyview Guides provide the island visitor with a detailed, pocket sized holiday/vacation guide and road map. On your arrival to the Island, through your hire car company or accommodation provider please ask for your complimentary copy. The guides can also be bought online through our store. Use our map tools in the menu directly above to actually explore the Island in much more detail; start with our Map Viewer.

Getting About

When in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, one normally gets around in a hire car or taxi; you can also get from island to island by ferry. See our Transport options in our Getting About Page.

Accommodation

We have visited many resorts, hotels and small inns to provide you with a full resource to help you create an individual holiday. Please do not be afraid to contact proprietors directly or through the links to their own web pages. We are sure that through your own exploration you will find the perfect place to get away from the stress of day to day living.

Shopping & Services

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines is touted for its lack of commercial tourism and this has given shopping a peculiar charm with a number of unique arts & crafts, clothing, as well as indigenous food items on offer…

Activities – What’s There To Do?

Although Saint Vincent & The Grenadines has earned a reputation as a quiet, secluded retreat, there’s actually plenty fun to be had! You may remember “Pirates of The Caribbean – Curse of The Black Pearl’ – well, it was filmed here! (though we don’t encourage any piratical activities). Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’s attractions include diving & snorkelling, cruising & fishing, its sights and places of interest. Saint Vincent & The Grenadines have great beaches, so remember to bring your beachwear!

 Useful Information

All Caribbean islands have something unique about them that the traveller should be aware of before leaving home, our Useful Information page gives an insight into this information

How to get Here

There are many options to getting to and from Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. Visit our How to get Here pages for the options and use our Travelocity© Partner link to book your flight!

Island History

We have compiled a short synopsis of the History of Saint Vincent & The Grenadines on our History Page (well worth a read, by the way).

Sightseeing

There’s lots to do in the Caribbean. Saint Vincent & The Grenadines in particular has gained a reputation for its enviable diversity of beautiful eco-systems. It’s got more to offer, so please visit our sightseeing page where we have compiled information on places of interest to help you explore opportunities before you get to the Islands.

Dining & Entertainment

When you’ve had enough of the beach, or you have stretched yourself to the limit with the multitude of activities in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, then what better than food and some nightlife? Check out our Dining & Entertainment Pages.

Calendar of Events

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines has a lively calendar of events, full of all sorts of activities from the famous boat races to music festivals, food festivals, parades and Vincy Mas – the big annual carnival!

Altogether, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines is a real find for those wanting something a little out of the way but with enough to do to make for a really relaxing holiday.

Recommended Links & Further Reading

Visit our Recommended Links page for further country specific on-line information.  Also, we come across publications from time to time that may be of benefit for further reading, when available these publications are available through Amazon on the links below.
Skyviews St. Vincent & Grenadines Road Map & Guide

A detailed, pocket sized holiday/vacation guide and road map ideal for finding out what’s there and exactly where to find it. Order your copy online and get familiar with St. Vincent & The Grenadines before you arrive!

 Saint Vincent & The Grenadines by Kathy Martin (Published 2003)

St Vincent and the Grenadines are some of the least visited Caribbean islands, but are nonetheless beautiful because of this. Mike Toy has photographed throughout the chain of islands, including Bequia, Mustique and St Vincent itself and has captured each island wonderfully.

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