10 Best Sights in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere is just north of downtown Kingstown—a few minutes by taxi. The garden was created in 1765 by General Robert Melville, governor of the British Caribbean islands, after Captain Bligh—of Bounty fame—brought the first breadfruit tree to this island for landowners to propagate. The prolific bounty of the breadfruit trees was used to feed the slaves. You can see a direct descendant of the original tree among the specimen mahogany, rubber, teak, and other tropical trees and shrubs in the 20 acres of gardens. Two dozen rare St. Vincent parrots (Amazona guildingii), confiscated from illegal collections, live in the small aviary. Guides explain all the medicinal and ornamental trees and shrubs; they also appreciate a tip (about $5 per person) at the end of the tour. A gift shop, open Monday through Friday, has local crafts, artwork, books, confections, and a traditional creole lunch menu.

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere is just north of downtown Kingstown, a few minutes by taxi. The garden was created in 1765 by General Robert Melville, governor of the British Caribbean islands, after Captain Bligh—of HMS Bounty fame—brought the first breadfruit tree to this island for landowners to propagate. The prolific bounty of the breadfruit trees was used to feed the enslaved workers. You can see a direct descendant of the original tree among the specimens of mahogany, rubber, teak, and other tropical trees and shrubs across 20 acres of gardens. Two dozen rare St. Vincent parrots (Amazona guildingii), confiscated from illegal collections, live in the small aviary. Guides explain all the medicinal and ornamental trees and shrubs. A gift shop (open weekdays) has local crafts, artwork, books, confections, and a traditional creole lunch menu.

This huge sheltered bay on the leeward side of Bequia is a favorite yacht anchorage. Year-round it's filled with boats; in season, they're moored transom to bowsprit. It's the perfect spot for watching the sun dip over the horizon each evening—either from your boat or from the terrace bar at one of Port Elizabeth's waterfront hotels or restaurants.

This huge sheltered bay on the leeward side of Bequia is a favorite yacht anchorage. Year-round, it's filled with boats; in season, they're moored transom to bowsprit. It's the perfect spot for watching the sun dip over the horizon each evening—either from your boat or from the terrace bar at one of Port Elizabeth's waterfront hotels or restaurants.

Just north of Port Elizabeth, 300 feet above Admiralty Bay, a British fort constructed in the late 1700s protected the harbor from American privateers and French marauders. The fort was named after Alexander Hamilton, who was born on Nevis in 1755. His father James, who never married Alexander's mother, apparently lived on Bequia between 1774 and 1794. Today, the fort is gone; the spot is simply a breezy place to enjoy a magnificent view. Hike or take a taxi from the center of town (fair warning: the road is very steep and winding).

The rugged, ocean-lashed scenery along St. Vincent's windward coast is the perfect counterpoint to the calm leeward coast. In between, the fertile Mesopotamia Valley (nicknamed Mespo) affords a view of dense rain forests, streams, and endless banana and coconut plantations. Breadfruit, sweet corn, peanuts, and arrowroot also grow in the rich soil here. Mountain ridges, including 3,181-foot Grand Bonhomme Mountain, surround the valley.

Bequia's highest point (elevation, 881 feet) is a reasonable goal for a hiking trek. Alternatively, it's a pleasant drive. The reward is a stunning view of the island and the nearby Grenadines.

Bequia's capital and only town, locally referred to as “the Harbour,” is on the northeastern side of Admiralty Bay. The ferry from St. Vincent docks at the jetty in the center of the tiny town, which is only a few blocks long and a block or two deep. Walk north along Front Street (which faces the water) to the open-air market, where you can buy local fruits and vegetables and some handicrafts; farther along, you will find some of Bequia's famous model-boat shops. Walking south from the jetty, Belmont Walkway meanders along the bay past shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, and small hotels.  A tourist information booth is located on the jetty.

This rocky gulch just north of Georgetown was carved from the earth by lava flow from the 1902 volcanic eruption of nearby La Soufrière (which most recently erupted in April 2021). When it rains in the mountains, the riverbed changes from dry moonscape to a trickle of water to a gushing river—all within minutes—and then simply dries up again. Before the Rabacca Dry River Bridge opened in 2007, drivers would often get stranded on one side or the other whenever it rained.

The long stretch of sand in front of the row of hotels facing the Young Island Channel (Mariners, Paradise Beach, Sunset Shores, and Beachcombers on the "mainland" and Young Island Resort across the channel) varies from 20 to 25 feet wide to practically nonexistent. The broadest, sandiest part is in front of Beachcombers Hotel, which is also the perfect spot for sunbathers to get lunch and liquid refreshments. Villa Beach is a popular beach destination for cruise-ship passengers when a ship is in port. Amenities: food and drink; water sports; toilets; showers. Best for: swimming.