Have you Considered St Vincent and the Grenadines?
Updated: Oct 2, 2020
Several years ago, my friends and I were wondering where to spend a short holiday. We didn't have much money or time and so we decided on the island of St Vincent. The trip was cost effective because my friend’s father owns a vacation house there, and the size of the islands, and the ease of moving about, made it possible for us to experience most of what the country has to offer in only a few days.
St Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the southern portion of the Lesser Antilles. The country comprises of 32 islands and cays and is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Only nine of the islands are inhabited and most of the population of 130,000 people live on the mainland of St. Vincent. St Vincent’s terrain is mostly mountainous due to partially submerged volcanic mountains and, because the island is tropical and enjoys a heavy rainy season, it has a vast rain forest ecosystem.
Things to do in St. Vincent
A Great Spot for Sailing, Fishing, Diving
One of the first things we did was to grab my friend's father’s boat and set sail across to one of the neighboring islands. The sailing, sun, and sea, lifted our spirits and as we sailed along we decided to try to catch our dinner. So, we set a trawl with hopes of hauling in some of the bountiful fish in the waters. By evening fall, it was apparent that despite the abundance of fish that swam and somersaulted boastfully around us, catching them took more skills than we possessed. Our nets were empty and we had to find a meal elsewhere but our hearts were full from frolicking from island to island and shore to shore. Each island is unique and the beaches of St Vincent with their black sands are distinctive from the white sands of the Grenadines. The islands are a great and trouble-free way to island hop and engage in various water sports.
Explore the Soufriere Volcano
If you ever want to know what a volcanic crater looks like, make sure to check out the Soufriere. The Soufriere is the largest volcano on the island and it last erupted in 1979. The mountain is worth a visit not only to examine the soil and geological formations but also to view the rest of the country from atop the highest peak on the island.
Go to Church
Over 20 different religious faiths are practiced on the islands and Anglicanism is the leading religion. Because my friend’s father is catholic, we worshipped at the St Mary’s Cathedral of the Assumption. The church is located in the heart of the capital of Kingstown and has a history that dates back to the early 19th century. The church’s architecture is Moorish, Romanesque, Byzantine, Venetian and Flemish which causes the building to stand out in deep contrast to the rest of the city.
Walk through the Capital of Kingstown
Once you are in Kingstown, walking around the town and browsing the small malls are a must. The city is relatively quiet and laid back and the people are warm and friendly. Make sure to pop into a restaurant and sample the country’s national dish of roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish. For an appetizer, try their callaloo soup and enjoy a slice of arrowroot cake for dessert.
Trek through the Rain Forest and Splash about a Water Falls
If hiking appeals to you, trek through the rain forests and admire the flora and fauna on the island. The island has a few stunning water falls which are usually uncrowded and it is not uncommon that you may end up with a whole water fall to enjoy to yourself.
So, next time when you contemplate where to spend some quiet time, consider St Vincent and the Grenadines. You will be glad you did.
Until next time
Venture Out. Keep exploring. Travel Smart and Stay Safe.
Find similar travel-related blogs by clicking here.
Also, don't forget to like and share this article.
(Some of the photos used in this article do not belong to me.)
Comments