Explore St. Vincent

Flight Information - Private Charter Rates - Scheduled Flights

BOTANICAL GARDEN: The St. Vincent Botanical Gardens are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere and they occupy 20 acres of land one mile out of Kingstown. Conservation of rare species has been practiced since the gardens were founded in 1765. There are many collections with tropical trees, palms, lilies, hibiscus and bouganvillea. Mention must be made of the mangosteen, reputed to be the best tasting fruit in the world. Recently many conifers, cypresses and pines have been added.
Among the tropical trees there is a bread fruit brought by Captain Bligh of the Bounty, in 1793. FALLS OF BALEINE: Are among St. Vincent finest natural wonders. It is a single stage fall of about 60 feet that create a fresh water pool. Actually access to the pool is prohibited because of falling rocks.

FORT CHARLOTTE: Completed in 1806, give a magnificent view across Kingstown and the Grenadines.

LA SOUFRIERE: In the North region of the island, this still active volcano rises to over 1200 mt. and last eruption was in April 1979. The nature trail is about 3.5 miles long starting in the rain forest, crossing a bamboo forest and taking you through banana and coconut plantations . The hike is for the energetic and start very early in the morning, you will reach the crater after 2 hours walking. Located near the base of La Souf riere, there is one of the largest single coconut estates in the world (3200 acres), Rabacca Farms. It is also a considerable producer of bananas, citrus fruits, spices and aubergine.

VERMONT NATURE TRAILS: The trails start near the top of Buccament Valley and lead through tropical rain forest, where there is the chance to see St. Vincent parrot (Amazona Guildingii), strictly protected nationally and internationally. This is the habitat for the Black Hawk, Cocoa Thrush, Crested Hummingbird, Green Heron and several other interesting species.

TRINITY FALLS: This waterfall is set in a deep volcanic canyon. The tour to the Falls from Kingstown involves two hors drive plus 20 minutes hiking through the rain forest. Trinity Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in St.

History of St Vincent The country's first known inhabitants were Arawaks, later driven out by Caribs; the latter put up a strong resistance to European colonisation. Columbus sighted the principal island on 22 January 1498, and named it after the saint whose feast falls on that day. No immediate European immigration followed his discovery. In 1627 Charles I of England granted the island to Lord Carlisle, but no settlers arrived. Charles II granted it to Lord Willoughby in 1672; possession was disputed by the British, French and Spanish. All these claims were resisted by the Caribs. The Caribs did not, however, oppose the settlement of a shipload of enslaved Africans who escaped after a shipwreck in 1673, and in due course seem to have merged with the Carib community through intermarriage. In 1773, under an Anglo/Carib treaty, the Caribs were allowed to continue to live independently in the north of the island. France took the island in 1779, but restored it to Britain in 1783, under the Treaty of Versailles. There was a Carib revolution in 1795 96, with some French help from Martinique; when this had been crushed, the rebels were deported to the island of Roatan in the Bay of Honduras. In 1812 La Soufriere erupted and devastated much of the island, on which a plantation economy, based on slave labour, produced sugar, cotton, coffee and cocoa. After the emancipation of slaves by Britain in 1833, indentured labour from the East Indies and from Portugal was brought in to remedy the labour shortage. In the second half of the 19th century sugar slumped and a depression lasted until the end of the century. A series of natural disasters followed: a hurricane, and also a further eruption of La Soufriere in 1902 which devastated the northern half of the island and killed 2,000 people. St Vincent and the Grenadines being a small agricultural country, the move to full independence started relatively late, after the break up of the West Indies Federation, of which it had been a member, in 1962. Universal adult suffrage to vote for the Executive Council had been gained in 1951, and internal self government was achieved in 1969, when the country became a self governing state in association with Britain. Full independence came in October 1979.

Explore the Grenadines MUSTIQUE: Mustique is a gem measuring 3 by 1.5 miles and is privately owned. This Grenadine isle has long attracted the elite of the world, including British royalty. Cotton House, a 18th century plantation house, has been converted into the island's only resort. Many attractive villas, are available for rental through the Moustique Company. One of the most popular beaches on the island is on the eastern coast at Macaroni Bay, while the western coast is perfect for snorkeling at Lagoon Bay, Britannia Bay and Endeavour Bay. TOBAGO CAYS: South of Canouan are the Tobago Cays, numerous islets guarded by some of the most spectacular reefs in the world. The brilliant white sand, the colored waters and the marine life create a rare tropical paradise that can be reached only by yacht. A natural Marine Park is being developed here. Petit Rameau, Barabel, Petit Bateau and Jamesby offer you the opportunity of swimming, snorkeling or beachcomb in a complete seclusion. UNION ISLAND: Union Island features the highest peak in the Grenadines, Mount Parnassus, 900 ft. from the sea. This island is the stopping point for yachtsmen, Clifton Harbor, the main town is small and commercial, it is from here that many of the day charters pick up their passengers for aquatic adventures in the Grenadines. PALM ISLAND: Palm Island is just over a mile from Union Island. Is privately owned and is surrounded by five sparkling beaches, one of the favorites is Casuarina Beach, which runs the entire length of this island. MAYREAU: Mayreau is one of the smallest Grenadines, 1.5sqm., it is privately owned with few residents and can be reached by boat from Union Island. Salt Whistle Bay is considered as the Caribbean beach dream come true. PETIT ST. VINCENT: PSV is not far away from Palm Island. Almost identical in size (113 acres), this island offers stunning beaches and loving attention by the owner. Guest and visitors who look for some exceptional swimming and snorkeling can visit two idyllic sandbars, Punaise and Mopion, located just offshore. BEQUIA: Bequia lies 9 miles south of St. Vincent and is the largest of the Grenadines. The main port of entry is in Admiralty Bay at Port Elisabeth. The town is built along the water and into the gentle hills surrounding it. This island still retain the old tradition of boat building, whaling and fishing. The waterfront of Port Elisabeth is lined with bars, restaurants and craft shops. Bequia is encircled by beaches, excellent for sailing, scuba and snorkeling. YOUNG ISLAND: The entire island comprises one resort. You can snorkel and scuba off the spectacular white sand beaches. Adjoining Young Island is the 18th century Fort Duvernette, sculpted from an enormous rock, 2OOft. above the sea. CANOUAN: Canouan is a dry island of rounded hills with a barrier reef that runs along the Atlantic side of the island. 900 foot tall Mount Mahoult, "Maho", is the highest point on the island. A ridge with spectacular views runs the southern end of the island with sea on both sides. Beautiful white sand beaches line two bays, Glossy and Friendship, on the southern side. Flowering cactus adorn the hillsides of Canouan. It is 25 miles south of St. Vincent and 11 miles south of Mustiques.