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- St. Vincent
- Mustique
- Bequia
- Canouan
- Union Island
 Mesopotamia Valley: The panoramic view offered here is probably unsurpassed in the Caribbean. The richly fertile valley is thickly planted with bananas, nutmegs, cocoa, coconuts, breadfruit, and root crops such as eddoes, tannias and dasheens. Mountain ridges rise all around. Grand Bonhamme dominating at 3,181 ft. Rivers and streams come together at Mesopotamia too tumble down to the sea over the rocks of the Yambou Gorge.
Montreal: North of Mesopotamia is Montreal which is worth a visit. St. Vincent's Montreal is not a city, indeed it is little more than a name on a map, but it is high up in the mountains and has magnificent views across ridges and valleys to the sea. There is a garden with a wealth of pink, red and white anthuriums growing under citrus trees.
Petrologist and Rock Caryings: There are interesting excised drawings on rocks done by pre-columbian people, probably Siboneys, but maybe later Arawaks and Caribs. The best known and most easily accessible is near the pretty fishing village of Layou, by a river about one-quarter of a mile from the main road.
Nature Trails-Buccament Valley: The Trails start near the top of Buccament Valley. There are two and they are marked. They lead through typical tropical river-rain forest where there is a chance of seeing (or hearing) the St. Vincent Parrot (Amazona Guildingii) and the Whistling Warbler, both unique to St. Vincent and strictly protected nationally and internationally. Also to be seen are the black hawk, the cocoa thrush, the crested humming bird, the red-capped green tanager, green heron and several other interesting species. This is an area very suitable for a picnic.
 The Grenadines: These unspoiled islands are a must for the visitor wanting to have the ultimate in peaceful vacations. Fishing, sailing, swimming and snorkelling are at their best in these enchanting islands, which have some of the finest beaches in the world. There is a daily service Monday to Saturday) by motor vessel travelling to Bequia and two days a week to the other islands of the group (Canouan and Union Island). The islands of Mustique, Canouan, Bequia and Union all possess airstrips for light aircraft (19 seaters).
St. George's Cathedral Kingstown: To quote Buisseret and Clarke "The nave and at least the lower stages of the tower date from 1820 and the galleried interior is a charming example of the late Georgian architecture." There are some beautiful stained glass windows, three on the East by Kempe and a large one on the South of Munich glass.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral, School And Presbytery: The original was built in 1823, enlarged in 1877 and 1891, then renovated in the early 1940's by Dom Charles Verbeke. There are several styles of architecture involved, the dominant being Romanesque. The interior of the Cathedral is richly ornamented.
St. Vincent Craftsmen Centre: There is no better way to get to know the essential character of an island and its people than through native handiwork. At St. Vincent Craftsmen, just a short walk from Central Kingstown, a wide and colourful variety of handicraft items made on the island can be seen. The Centre it sell, now mainly a marketing outlet and craft shop, is located in the compound where the fabulous sea island cotton for which St. Vincent was long famous was bought and sold. At the shop you can browse uninterrupted among a variety of objects crafted from straw, clays, bamboo, coconut, wood and available metals. From skills developed, the fashioning of a new and authentic Vincentian type of jewelry has been created and is at the centre for you to inspect. St. Vincent Craftsmen are also famous for their beautiful variety of hand-made West Indian dolls. If you would like to remember your visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines with something authentically local in character, a visit to the Craftsmen Shop will be highly rewarding.
Fort Charlotte: Completed in 1806, the Fort is on a ridge 600 feet above the sea, giving a magnificent view across Kingstown and down the Grenadines. There are interesting paintings of the Black Caribs history by Lindsay Prescott in what used to be the officers quarters in the Fort. Fort Charlotte is only a few minutes drive from Kingstown.
Botanic Gardens: Located on approximately 20 acres of land and over looked by the Governor General's House, the Botanic Gardens are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere having been established in 1765. Among the many tropical trees and shrubs is a breadfruit tree descended from the original brought to the island by Captain Bligh (of the Bounty fame) in 1793.
Archaeological Museum: Situated in the Botanic Gardens, the Archaeological Museum houses a magnificent collection of stone tools and artefacts. In front of it are planted shrubs which might have been found in the compound of an early Indian home. "The Displays are good, and there are a lot of impressive artifacts both in stone and pottery. The great bathead potrest with its ferocious teeth is particularly well displayed, and reminds one of the curved prow of a Polynesian War-canoe. The museum is a must for any visitor to St. Vincent." Peter Harris of the Trinidad and Tobago Historical Society.
Falls of Baleine: The Falls of Baleine is one of St. Vincent's finest natural wonders. Located on the northern tip of the Leeward Range, this site is a designated wildlife reserve with a brilliant waterfall that tumbles into a large bathing pool.
Trinity Falls: This Waterfall is set in a deep volcanic canyon about four (4) miles from Richmond Vale Academy. The tour to the Falls from Kingstown involves a two (2) hour drive along the Leeward Coast of St. Vincent to Richmond. There is also a forty five (45) minute hike through lush rain forest to the Falls. Trinity Falls is perhaps the most beautiful waterfall in St. Vincent.
La Soufriere: This volcano last erupted in April 1979. The climb to its peak (over 4000 ft.) is only for the energetic. This is a day journey and hikers are recommended to' leave early in the morning. You drive 2 1/2 miles through the banana and coconut plantations to where the foot of the trails begin. The ascent to the crater is about 3 miles. The trail leads you along steep volcanic ridges verdant with bamboo and other tropical trees. The energetic hiker can continue down the West side trail and terminate his hike of 10 or 12 miles in Chateaubelair on the Leeward west side.
Black Point Tunnel: Drilled in 1815 by Colonel Thomas Browne with the help of the Caribs and African Slaves. The tunnel is 350ft long and links Grand Sable with Byera bay. It was drilled to enable the quicker transport of sugar from estates North of the Island. The tunnel was constructed at a cost of five thousand pounds. Remnants of the blast holes are still seen in the volcanic rocks. Layers of deposits of volcanic ash can also be observed.
Owia Salt Pond: The Owia Salt Pond is located on the North Eastern Coast of St. Vincent close to the Carib village of Owia. The tour to Owia involves a two hour drive along the scenic eastern coast of St. Vincent. Along the way you can see Rabacca Dry River, (ash flow from the 1902 eruption of the La Soufriere volcano). Black Point Tunnel dug by the British in 1815 using slave labour and some of the best black sand beaches in the world. Owia is home for many of the indigenous people of St. Vincent. Be sure to take a dip in the famous Salt Pond.
Mustique Information
Location: The island of Mustique is located in the Northern Grenadines, 18 miles south of St. Vincent, 5 miles southeast of Bequia, 122 miles west of Barbados, and 450 miles east/northeast of Caracas. Flying time: 10 minutes from St. Vincent. From Barbados 45 minutes, from Miami 5 hours, from New York 6 hours, from London 10 hours. By sea: 2.5 hours by mailboat from St. Vincent. The Mustique Company's boat provides transportation to the neighboring islands.
Climate: In the path of the Trade Winds, Mustique enjoys a fresh climate, with an average temperature range of 75 to 85 degrees (24 to 29 degrees) throughout the year. There are 45-60 inches of rainfall per annum, most of which falls during the rainy season, from the end of August to mid-November.
 Topography: The island is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide at its widest point, comprising 1,350 acres. The island is hilly, with a large plain in the north, and is essentially composed of seven valleys each with a white sand beach and wooded hills that rise to a height of 496 feet. A series of coral reefs surrounds Mustique (use of spear guns prohibited), with many sandy beaches and coves on the 12 mile coastline providing safe swimming and snorkelling.
Government and Population: Mustique is part of the independent state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has full control of its internal affairs. The Prime Minister is on the board of the Mustique Company, which owns Mustique and is responsible for its development. The population is presently about 300, not including the employees of the Mustique Company, and the Mustique Construction Company.
Medical Services: Mustique has a resident doctor and fully equipped clinic, and there is a fully equipped modern hospital on St. Vincent.
Communications: Telephone calls can be taken from and placed to any part of the world. Mail is routed through St. Vincent daily. Telex facilities in the office of the Mustique Company.
Accommodations: Please contact the Mustique Company: Telephone: 84621/2, Telex: 7549 MUSTICO, Fax: 72551.
The property owners of Mustique have carefully preserved the island's spectacular natural beauty and its ecological viability and are dedicated to maintaining the unhurried, low-key atmosphere. For those seeking privacy and quiet in the unspoiled tropics, Mustique offers an unparalleled ambience.
Bequia Information
Bequia: means 'Island of the Cloud', so named by the Caribs many years ago. It is the largest of the St. Vincent Grenadines; about seven square miles in size with a highest peak of 881 feet. Bequia's population is approximately 5 000, and the community is made up of fishermen, sailors, master boat-builders and whalers! The whaling here is more of a ritual and has been done for centuries now with sail boats and hand-harpoons, with the whaler taking as much risk as the whale! Catches average about one per year and in no way threaten the species. With a daily average temperature of 25 C/80 F, Bequia's ideal climate attracts visitors from all aver the world every year, and is a popular anchorage for yachts. The people are friendly and speak English. Please ask first if you would like to take a picture of an Individual.
Taxis: are waiting to serve you once you get ashore. Please use the taxi that is next in line to avoid confusion. Taxi rates to most beaches is U.S.$15.O0 per vehicle per hour. For three persons or the fare is US$5.00 per person per hour.
Tour Guides: be sure to request a tour guide from your driver, or buy a map from your driver or one of the Boutiques.
Water Taxis: are also available, but as most are uninsured and do not carry adequate life saving equipment, enter these boats at your own risk! Water taxis with numbers on the bow are accredited by the Bequia Tourist Committee.
Currency: at the banks US$1.OO EC$2.67. Other businesses give EC$2.60.
Shopping Hours: 8:O0 am 12:O0 noon, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Bequia has lovely Boutiques and unique Craft shops where souvenirs may be purchased. Bargains are good. Please keep in mind that prices are fixed and attempts to barter are sometimes considered offensive!
Hotels and Restaurants: there are several restaurants located around the Harbour, and two hotels within walking distance. Taxi-drivers will be happy to take you to hotels and restaurants located outside the harbour.
Helpful hint: washroom facilities are extremely limited on Bequia due to a limited water supply on a dry island. Please use ship facilities before coming ashore to avoid discomfort.
Clothing: is informal. Bathing suits should never be worn in town or along the main road without adequate covering.
 Beaches: are plentiful and beautiful. DO NOT PICK OR EAT SHALL GREEN APPLES, WHICH ARE CALLED MANCHINEEL. Also please do not litter, as everybody like to keep beaches clean for everyone to enjoy. Topless sunbathing is definitely a no on Bequia
Water Sports: why not? Diving and windsurfing are popular sports here as well as snorkelling. Available through Dive Bequia and Sunsports in the Harbour, or Friendship Bay Resort and Bequia Beach Club in Friendship. Windsurfing is also available at De Reef Aquasports at the beach in Lower Bay. The various establishments are responsible for services offered.
Canouan Information
Set in the middle of the Grenadines, Canouan is a tranquil island of brown and green hills surrounded by deep blue sea. All around the island are magnificent white sand beaches tucked away in every corner. Walking in the hillside it's hard not feel a sense of deep peace and timelessness. In fact when one winds along a tiny path, to the tune of bird calls and goat bleats and sees a young boy looking after his flock there is a feeling of something positively magical about this island you will not find any where else.
Hotels
The Canouan Beach Hotel is built on a spectacular beach whose golden sand leads into miles of luminous pale turquoise sea, broken only by the white surf along the shore. To cap it all there is a lovely view southwards over the Grenadines. The overall plan for the hotel is ambitious and includes a marina with Its own shopping centre. For the next year the hotel should be running with 43 rooms. Cottage style, each room is air conditioned with its own bathroom and patio. Activities Include sailing, snorkeling, volleyball, table tennis and day sails to other islands.
For those preferring something more local there are two other possibilities. The Crystal Sands Hotel, set right on the beach in the main bay is low-key with 10 cottage style rooms and a small bar restaurant. Otherwise there is a charming and inexpensive little guest house perched on top of a hill with spectacular views all around. Called "VILLA LE BIJOU," the guesthouse is a little gem beautifully designed with textured walls of stone and pebbles and 6 simple, clean rooms.
How to get there
Canouan has its own airport with night landing facilities. There are regular scheduled flights from St. Vincent on Air Martinique-Mustique Air Ways and Air St. Vincent also provide a charter service.
Those who wish for the adventure of travel by sea can get to the island on Mondays and Thursdays aboard the MV Snapper. The boat leaves the Grenadines wharf in Kingstown at 9:00 am and arrives in Canouan at 2:00 pm the same day.
For further information contact the Tourism Department at Tel:11502.
Union Island Information
Union Island with it's colourful bustling harbour and small airport is the centre of the lower Grenadines. The Island has a dramatic mountainous outline highlighted by the "pinnacle," a thousand foot high mountain so steep that from some angles it looks like a cathedral spire. There are many beaches and the surrounding waters are brightly coloured from pale green through turquoise to aquamarine. There are three harbour-side hotels, all in Clifton, Union's main port.
At the top of the line: is the attractive, Anchorage Yacht Club set in about 20 acres of water front property. The main complex with their good restaurant, bar, snackbar and boutique is pleasantly situated on the waterfront. Anchorage's grounds which includes a large fish pool, are nicely gardened with palm trees and flowers. In this setting one finds the hotel rooms and beach cottages.
The Clifton Beach Hotel is an old-style hotel with most of the rooms upstairs in a large building. Down below they have a bar, snack bar and an open restaurant built by a fish pool over-looking the harbour.
The Sunny Grenadines Hotel is set by the water, front in a garden of palms and flowers. The rooms are comfortable and over look the harbour. The Sunny Grenadines restaurant offers good inexpensive meals and has become the home from home for many of the charter skippers. The hotel is also a charter yacht center, and day trips of all kinds can be arranged.
 Dress: evening attire is informal but bring a tie and jacket just in case. Bathing Suits and short shorts are not appropriate on the streets or in stores.
Water Sports: Union Island and the Southern Grenadines have some of the best beaches, anchorages, fishing and diving grounds and sailing waters in the country. Dive Anchorage on Union Island offers diving and a wide range of water sports. They also offer trips to other islands from Union Island.
How to get there: Union island has its own airport. There are regular scheduled flights in and out of the island on LIAT, Air Martinique and Inter-Island Air Services thus allowing easy and frequent connections to other international airlines in Barbados, St. Lucia and Grenada. Mustique Airways and St. Vincent Airways operate charters services.
Union Island is the Entry Port at the Southern end of the Grenadines and is probably the best place to base yourself if you plan to spend your time sailing between Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Palm Island, Canouan and Petit St. Vincent. |
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