10 Things To Do In St Vincent And The Grenadines

Adventure, Culture and Natural Beauty


By Erica Moody | Published on September 11, 2025

 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is steadily growing in popularity, but for now, this scenic southeastern Caribbean archipelago remains a relatively quiet escape. With fewer visitors than many cruise-frequented islands, a St. Vincent vacation still feels like an intimate getaway. That sense of seclusion is part of its charm, drawing travelers to unspoiled beaches, lush wilderness and ample adventure opportunities. Hike to hidden waterfalls and black-sand shores, spot rare tropical plants and animals and admire preserved architectural wonders. Read on for the top things to do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

1. Visit Dark View Falls For Spectacular Double Waterfalls

Take a short, verdant hike through a bamboo grove and cross a bamboo bridge (with ropes to steady yourself!) to the spectacular twin waterfalls of Dark View Falls. The 70-foot cascade ends in a refreshing natural pool where you’re free to enjoy a dip and snap plenty of pictures. The rainforest pools are crisp and rejuvenating, fed by cool mountain streams flowing down from the peaks of St. Vincent. A guided tour will introduce you to the wild flora and creatures of the area while also illuminating the island’s indigenous heritage, including ancient Arawak and Kalinago petroglyphs etched into nearby rocks.

2. See Where “Pirates Of The Caribbean” Was Filmed

Walk the set where actors including Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley got into character to shoot “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Black Pearl” and other scenes from the blockbuster franchise. Wallilabou Bay in St. Vincent served as “Port Royal” from the films and is still instantly recognizable by film buffs. Movie memorabilia, set items and props — like the ship mast of the Jolly Mon, movie posters and hanging pirate skeletons — can be found throughout the property, including at its pirate-themed restaurant and bar. An on-site museum provides in-depth details about the construction of the impressive film sets.  And it’s close to Dark View Falls, making it easy to visit both in one day on a tour.

3. Spot Parrots On The Vermont Nature Trail

Birdwatchers will be in paradise on the Vermont Nature Trail northeast of Kingstown, St. Vincent, where the rare St. Vincent Parrot can be seen in its natural habitat. In the mountainous Buccament Valley, this rainforest trail is about two miles long and winds up to a lookout point where the multi-colored endangered bird can be heard and spotted. Look out also for the Whistling Warbler, a striking, dark gray and white bird that exists nowhere else in the world.

4. Explore The Uninhabited Islands Of Tobago Cays

One of the Caribbean’s most pristine marine sanctuaries, the Tobago Cays Marine Park, is located in the Southern Grenadines on the cluster of uninhabited islands that make up the Tobago Cays. Snorkel through vibrant coral reefs, swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat and join eco-conscious tours that highlight conservation efforts and the area’s delicate ecosystem. Stop at the turtle sanctuary for a closer look at preservation work or take a relaxing swim in a shallow, sandy-bottom lagoon.

5. Stand In Volcanic Sand At St. Vincent’s Beautiful Black Sand Beaches

The volcanic origin of St. Vincent has resulted in curiously colored beaches, formed when an active volcano’s lava reaches the ocean. Geologists estimate that there are only about 30 black sand beaches in the entire world, and St. Vincent boasts several of them. Sink your toes into the ink-hued sand of Beach Black Point, replete with coral reefs and a jungle across the way. While there, check out the Black Point Tunnel, a 300-foot tunnel built in 1815 by enslaved people to more easily transport sugar.

6. Admire The Oldest Botanical Garden In The Western Hemisphere

St. Vincent’s capital city, Kingstown, is home to the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1765. St. Vincent Botanic Gardens is a lush sanctuary showcasing tropical flora from around the globe alongside native species unique to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. You can spend multiple days ambling a shaded path over its 20 acres and marveling at breadfruit trees, exotic orchids and giant palms while listening out for the distinctive call of the island’s parrots.

7. Take In St. Vincent’s Timeless Colonial Architecture

St. Vincent’s colonial heritage shines through in Kingstown’s landmarks. St. George’s Cathedral, with its Gothic arches and stained glass, and St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, with its striking stonework, reflect the city’s layered European influences. Along the waterfront, old port warehouses harken back to its days as a bustling trade hub, while the Parliament and Court House buildings evoke the island’s British governance.

Fort Charlotte, completed in 1806, still overlooks the city from its hilltop position, a reminder of the island’s turbulent past and a spot to take in wide views of the harbor and sea. Near the wharf, stop to walk under the Bay Street Arches and admire the sturdy Georgian stone that has protected vendors and visitors from the heat for centuries.

8. Sail On A Catamaran To The Colorful Island Of Bequia

On a Royal Caribbean cruise excursion, you can get to the upscale island of Bequia without having to pay luxury hotel prices. Reach this 7-mile Grenadines island beloved by celebrities by way of a leisurely hour-long catamaran trip from Kingstown. Once there, you can jump in the water to swim or snorkel in its famously clear waters right from the boat. Enter the town and see the ruins of Fort Hamilton, an 18th-century landmark overlooking Admiralty Bay. Shop at the colorful boutiques that line the waterfront, or enjoy fresh seafood at a romantic waterfront restaurant.

9. Explore Underwater Wonders By Scuba Diving And Snorkeling

Discover why St. Vincent has been nicknamed the “Critter Capital of the Caribbean” with an under-the-sea adventure. Get up close to creatures including flying gurnards, green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and spotted porcelain crabs on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.

The island’s volcanic origins add another layer of wonder, with underwater formations like arches, cliffs and caves creating a dramatic backdrop for exploration. If you dare, head to the Byahaut Bat Cave to see hundreds of bats up close and hear their screeching sounds in a 300-foot tunnel.

10. Immerse Yourself In The Rich Food, Music And Market Scenes

St. Vincent has stunning scenery and quiet spaces, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of culture. You just need to stop by a local market to see its vibrant food and music scene with diverse Caribbean, African and indigenous Arawak influences.

Stroll through the popular Kingstown Market for samplings of tropical produce and spices, and perhaps purchase some handcrafted goods to take back home. Try the flavorful national dish of roasted breadfruit with fried jackfish, or hearty Beautiful landscape of Admiralty Bay in Bequia., followed by banana fritters or black cake (a fruit cake found on special occasions) for dessert. As you browse the markets, the lively rhythms of steel pan bands and calypso music often spill into the streets, inviting you to break into a spontaneous dance session.

Cruise To St. Vincent And The Grenadines

A cruise vacation may be the best way to experience all the things to do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly if it’s your first time there. Royal Caribbean docks in the convenient capital city of Kingstown, St. Vincent, a base for effortlessly exploring the natural wonders of the island country. Book excursions like island-hopping catamaran trips, scuba diving and snorkeling in advance to get the most out of your stay.

 

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns Loading date...

My Personas

code: