26 MAR 2019: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the most diverse destination in the Caribbean, Glen Beache will readily tell you. “In fact, the only two destinations that can compete with us are Jamaica and the Bahamas,” says the director of tourism for SVG. “No other destination even comes close.”
Most who are familiar with the 32 islands of the Windward Islands chain, which stretches between St. Lucia in the north and Grenada in the south, think sailing. Indeed, one hotel manager says, “This is boat country down here. That’s how you do it!”
There are also stretches of empty beaches and waterfalls and jungle, and visitors taking part in watersports galore – an image Beache certainly embraces. “Our tagline is ‘The Caribbean you’re looking for,’” he says. “When you say ‘Caribbean,’ the image that comes to mind is coconut trees, mangos, lush vegetation, beaches, and that’s what we are: we have the simplicity of the Caribbean to offer.
“But beyond that,” he emphasizes, “the destination is one of diversity.”
Bianca Porter of the Young Island Resort agrees that sailing is No. 1 pursuit in the islands but lists diving and eco-activities (along with romance) as the other top niches for tourists.
Indeed, from birdwatching to kite surfing, swimming in the crater of a volcano to exploring an underwater Bat Cave, St. Vincent and the Grenadines can be a place of preternatural adventure.
Here is a look at just some of the unique options:
HIKING LA SOUFRIERE VOLCANO
At over 1,220 m. above sea level, the La Soufriere volcano dominates the landscape of mainland St. Vincent. It has long captured the imagination of adventure seekers with the famed Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe the adventure novel, writing about its majesty in the Myst Journal, 1718. Hiking La Soufriere takes visitors through verdant rain forests and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
VERMONT NATURE TRAIL
Cutting a path through the Grand Bonhomme Mountain in the south of St. Vincent, the Vermont Nature Trail is an excellent spot for both hiking and nature watching. The trail consists of a network of loops on the mountain, 300- to 400-m levels that go through both evergreen and tropical rain forests. The island’s dense vegetation (including towering streams) is on full display and hikers would also be able to spot some of the island’s bird species like the endangered St. Vincent Parrot.
WALLIABOU HOT SPRING
Those looking for an ‘off-the-beaten-path’ adventure, can hike up the Walliliabou River to the Walliliabou Hot Spring. The river cuts through one of the western valleys at the foothills of the La Soufriere Volcano. Apart from being a feeder to the impressive Trinity Falls, the river is home to a natural hot spring. The trail is not as established as other popular hiking trails around the country, but this is what adds to its ‘off-the-beaten-path’ appeal.
BEQUIA EASTER REGATTA
Sailors from all over the world look forward to the annual Bequia Easter Regatta to get a little thrill in their sails. With various categories of racing to choose from, sailors choose what they fancy and challenge themselves to the rippling wind and scintillating waters around Bequia. The Bequia Easter Regatta takes place in April each year.
FALLS OF BALEINE
A waterfall so remote that it is accessible only by sea, Falls of Baleine is worth getting to. The exquisite 18-m. waterfall cascades at the foothills of the La Soufriere Mountains and requires a thrilling boat ride through a narrow valley, between stark cliffs that tower over their passengers. The surrounding jungle green adds to the aura of adventure and escapism that this place is known for.
KITE SURFING UNION ISLAND
Somersaulting at sea with professional Kite Surfer Jeremie Tronet at JT Pro Center Kitesurfing School on Union Island might be just the ticket for adrenaline junkies. The congenial physical conditions at Kite beach are ideal for the activity and it takes only three to four hours to learn kitesurfing from scratch.
SWIM IN THE CRATER OF A VOLCANO
If hiking to the top of the La Soufriere volcano is not thrilling enough, then why not climb down a rope ladder into one of its craters for a swim? The “old crater” has a large pool that is at body temperature, which allows for a soothing swim. It is a pampering reward for the adventurous at heart!
BAT CAVE
The shrill squeaks of bats above and the silver sparkle of tiny fish in the shallow water greet visitors entering the Bat Cave. The cave then opens into an underwater fissure at around 14 m. that offers divers a great “starburst” photo opportunity as they descend into a treasure trove of dazzling marine life. Bat Cave is a challenging dive site and should only be attempted under the supervision of a local dive professional, but others can explore it via kayak or even snorkel.
GARIFUNA CULTURAL AND CULINARY FESTIVAL
Every year on National Heroes Day, a public holiday (March 14), the rural community of Fancy comes alive with the Garifuna Cultural and Culinary Festival. The Garifuna, an Afro-Amerindian group, is one of SVG’s indigenous peoples, boasting a dynamic heritage that is particularly reflected in their food. With various offerings of Cassava bread, Cassava cereal, Madungo, Dakunna, Toumalay sauce and other culinary delights, this festival is a palatable way to experience the Garifuna culture.
RUM TOURS, ST VINCENT DISTILLERS
Georgetown is a rural town in SVG that used to be known as Sugar City because it was the epicentre of sugar production on St. Vincent for two centuries. Today the sugar plantations are gone but their legacy of rum remains. St. Vincent Distillers are known for their award-winning rums Captain Bligh, Sparrow and the over-proofed, not for the faint of heart, Sunset Strong Rum. The distillery offers public tours for a nominal fee that includes a rum tasting session and there is even a small souvenir shop on site.
GETTING THERE
Air Canada Rouge launched year-round from Toronto to Argyle International Airport on the island of St. Vincent last fall, but also introduced a second weekly flight on a seasonal basis on Sundays in December, running through to April 28.