The Ultimate Guide to Dark View Falls: Nature, Adventure, and Relaxation

Dark View Falls. There’s much to be discovered about this off-the-beaten-path waterfall in Saint Vincent. Its beauty and history both contribute to its intrigue. But there’s a bit of mystery surrounding the falls as well. According to some residents, not very long ago, people didn’t know Dark View Falls existed. In fact, some locals believe that this waterfall was discovered within the last couple of decades. History tells a different story. The indigenous people who once roamed this island are believed to have first discovered the waterfall. But, with its origin story shifting with time, the truth may very well be that Dark View Falls was forgotten about for some time, before coming to light once more.

Whatever the case, some things are undeniable. Like the fact that Saint Vincent and the surrounding isles of The Grenadines are breathtaking. And Dark View falls? This hidden waterfall is one of the most beautiful ‘sister falls’ in the Caribbean. Added to that, the area around the falls is incredibly bio-rich too. If you decide to visit Dark View Falls while in Saint Vincent, you can look forward to adventure, magnetic views, and some cultural immersion as well. Read on for comprehensive insights on Dark View Falls ahead of your Saint Vincent vacation!

Insider Tip: Explore Dark View Falls with Sandals Saint Vincent as your home base and you’ll be able to drink and eat as much as you want without having to worry about the bill at the end of your stay - it’s all included in the booking price!

Table of Contents

• Overview and Significance

• Location and Accessibility

• The Waterfalls

• Flora and Fauna

• Guided Tours and Activities

• Planning Your Visit

• Safety and Regulations

• Local Culture and History

• Learnings Recap

• Final Thoughts

TL;DR

• Dark View Falls is a double waterfall in Saint Vincent that offers both natural beauty and adventure.

• This waterfall is easily accessible via taxis, tour buses, and rental cars.

• After a short hike, you can enjoy the cascading falls and natural pools of Dark View Falls.

• This tour is best with a guide for helpful commentary on local flora and fauna.

• The best time to visit this waterfall is during the dry season (December to April).

• Conservation is important at Dark View Falls to protect the site’s natural beauty.

• Sandals Resorts offer all-inclusive vacation packages that can complement your visit to Dark View Falls.

Overview and Significance

Dark View Falls isn’t just beautiful to look at, it holds significant ecological and cultural value too. Located within Saint Vincent’s La Soufrière National Park, the area around the falls is rich with diverse plant and animal life. It’s a must-see for nature lovers, adventurers, and overall, anyone with an appreciation for the outdoors. When planning a visit to Dark View Falls, here’s what you need to know:

Location and Accessibility

Dark View Falls is on the northwestern side of Saint Vincent, near the village of Richmond. Depending on where you’re driving from, it can take some time to get there. For instance, it takes around 90 minutes to drive to Dark View Falls from Kingstown, the capital. The road to the falls is slightly windy, but the views make up for it. On the way to the falls, you’ll venture through communities like Barrouallie and Richmond. There’s also a viewpoint overlooking a beach that some tours stop by for photos. The beach here is called Dark View Beach, but it isn’t as close to the waterfall as one would think. At least not when you’re going to the waterfall by car. This beach is almost hidden down a cliff near the roadside. If you’re not looking for it, chances are you’ll miss out on this black sand beach. To get to Dark View Beach, you’ll need to walk down a rugged, narrow dirt path downhill, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes!

As you continue from there, the island’s famous volcano, La Soufrière, comes into view. This is an active volcano, and it’s located in the La Soufrière National Park. At 1,234m (4,049 feet), this volcano is the highest peak in Saint Vincent. It is closely monitored by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre. Around the area where the volcano is most visible, you might also spot schoolchildren on their way home or to school in the morning, depending on the time you go to the falls. Overall, the route is lively and scenic and provides a unique opportunity to see Saint Vincent from an islanders’ perspective.

Transportation Options

There are a few different ways to get to Dark View Falls. Taxis and rental cars are among the most common options. It’s also possible to go on a guided tour that includes transportation. The latter is a preferred option as it’s a great way to get the full Dark View Falls experience. Guided tours equate to more local insights, which can be useful. Plus, the local guides are usually quite entertaining and engaging. If you book your tour through Sandals Resorts, resort pick up and drop off afterwards is usually included.

Entry Points and Parking

Once you get to Dark View Falls, the Welcome Centre and ticket booth are among the first things you’ll see. These are located near the entrance, close to the food kiosk and parking area. Most vehicles (taxis included) park near the entrance, and it’s easy to make your way to the falls from there. Keep in mind that the drop-off location also serves as the meeting point once the tour is over. There is also a bathroom/changing room a short walk from the parking area.

Good to know: Some Dark View Falls tours offer direct resort pickups; others may have designated meeting points such as the Kingstown Cruise Ship Terminal. Guests of Sandals Saint Vincent can be picked up from their resort and taken directly to the tour location.

The Waterfalls

The thought of spending time at a towering waterfall in the middle of the forest can seem a bit surreal if you've never been to one before. But what you imagine is just what you'll get at Dark View Falls -- not one, but two cascading falls. But, before you get to the waterfalls, you’ll need to cross a bamboo bridge. For some people, the bridge can be a little intimidating, especially when it rains. Fortunately, there are ropes to hold onto and you can take your cool time getting to the other side. Below the bridge, you’ll see the Richmond River. Once across, you’ll get to a bamboo grove that might cause you to immediately pull out your camera. Snap a few pics and get set for the short hike to the lower waterfall.

Lower Falls

The first waterfall you’ll come across at Dark View Falls is the smaller of the two. It’ll come into view much sooner than you expect. The water rushes down from a hilltop vantage, and into a natural pool. You can watch this spectacle from a viewing platform directly opposite the waterfall. This platform is a good location for photos or just to take a breather after the first hike, anticipating the second. The hikes in this area are relatively quick, but the terrain certainly can make it feel a bit longer!

Expert Tip: Guided tours of Dark View Falls are highly recommended as they make navigating the area easier. You can book your tour through Sandals Resorts in Saint Vincent.

Waterfall Number 2

You can get to the first waterfall at Dark View Falls without really thinking about it. The second? You might want to be careful about where you place your feet. It’s a very short hike from the first to the second, but there is some level of climbing involved. A handful of people skip this part entirely, particularly the elderly, and those with limited mobility. If you can, venture on. Both waterfalls are worth seeing as the water free falls from the hilltops and into the natural pools below. While it takes around 5 minutes or less to get to the lower waterfall, you’ll need to add a couple minutes to that hike time to factor in the time it'll take to get to the second waterfall.

The second waterfall is larger than the first. You’ll likely hear it before you see it, and when you do, you’ll understand just why this spot is so highly rated by travelers. As you look up, you’ll notice that the water pours down well beyond the central flow, and along the sides of the hill too. With the rhythmic and continuous flow from a tributary of the Richmond River, the water fills a rocky, shallow pool below, and the sound of it all can be summed up in one word — peace.

Natural Pools

Whether at the first waterfall or the second, you might not want to pass up a chance to take a dip at Dark View Falls. After all, what’s a waterfall visit without a cold-water plunge into the refreshing water? The water here is most clear when it isn't rainy, which makes peak season (December to April) the best time to go. The beauty of the falls can still be seen on days when it rains, but it really is a whole different perspective. But back to the pools…

The natural pools are created here because of the force and continuous flow of the waterfalls. They’re positioned right at the base of each waterfall. It’s possible to swim or just wade in these to cool off. The chance to have a soothing, natural experience like this shouldn’t be overlooked, especially with the surrounding serenity of Vincy’s hills in the backdrop. It feels like being in a real-life tropical paradise, complete with all the levels of tranquility you would have hoped.

Insider Tip: Go from natural pools to resort pools with Sandals Saint Vincent after touring Dark View Falls. With 4 pools, 3 whirlpools, and even a spa pool for extra indulgence, you'll find plenty of options to relax and unwind. Don't miss out on the swim-up pool bar, taking your vacation to new heights!

Flora and Fauna

From flowing waterfalls to vibrant plant and animal life, Dark View Falls is one of the most biodiversity rich areas in Saint Vincent. This is one of those places where you can find everything from pretty flowers and exotic birds, to darting lizards and all sorts of insects. If you want a tour where you’ll be able to stay engaged while getting to know more about Saint Vincent’s flora and fauna, then this for sure is a great option. Here’s what you can expect:

Local Plant Life

We dare you to try to keep your finger off the shutter button as you explore the diverse plant life at Dark View Falls. Within this tropical setting, you’ll find everything from towering trees to delicate orchids. You won’t even have to go far in to view the rich plant life either – it starts with the expansive bamboo grove up front. As you venture further in, you’ll come across a range of plant life including brightly colored heliconias. Then there's the assorted ferns, and various types of mosses and liverworts growing on the trunks of some trees. Tree species are extensive as well, and can include breadfruit, mahogany, and assorted palms. This part of the tour is where it comes in handy to have a guide, who can help you point out some of the fascinating plant life.

Wildlife

Though wildlife is plentiful at Dark View Falls, the best sights are often reserved for those with a keen eye. While exploring this area, don’t be surprised if you spot agoutis running across the paths, and into the surrounding rainforest. These small animals have long, lean bodies, and short fur. They’re shy and elusive, but most active during the day. There are other more common types of rodents you might come across as well, like rats and mice. Sometimes you can even spot bats. And, while making the rounds, you might encounter a variety of lizards, frogs, and other types of reptiles.

That’s not all. The insect population is thriving too. If you’ve got the time, look out for the various species of beetles, ants and spiders in this area. Or just keep an eye out for colorful butterflies fluttering through the flowers. Near the natural pools, you can sometimes see dragonflies hovering over the water. The falls are an excellent place for bird spotting as well. Commonly seen species include hummingbirds, and you might also see parrots or other types of endemic birds.

Expert Tip: Though you can spot and even interact with wildlife at Dark View Falls, observe from a distance and avoid feeding the animals. This is important for your own safety, and that of the wildlife.

Guided Tours and Activities

As we mentioned earlier, guided tours are highly recommended when visiting Dark View Falls. These types of tours make it possible to see the falls from a completely different perspective, much due to the insight of the guides. And, you’ll have an expert guide with you who can help ensure you don’t miss out on the best sights. The guides are usually knowledgeable about the history of the area and Saint Vincent in general, which can add a welcome layer of depth to your tour. During the booking process for your tours and excursions in Saint Vincent, this is one thing you might want to keep in mind.

Tour Schedules

Most tours to Dark View Falls leave in the morning and last for half a day. That means you can expect to leave your resort early, sometimes as early as 9 a.m., and return around mid-afternoon. Some of the popular tours include the Dark View Falls Tour from Kingstown, the Dark View Falls Tour and Beach Shore Excursion and the Dark View Falls & Historical West Coast Experience. The latter of these starts at USD$135 per person and explores the island’s captivating leeward coast. Apart from visiting Dark View Falls, you’ll also get to spend some time at Wallilabo Bay. Wallilabo is most famous for being home to a movie set from Pirates of the Caribbean. This tour is around 6.5 hours in duration, excluding transfer times. Lunch is included.

Though there are other ways to get to Dark View Falls besides going on a tour, the benefits of tours can be convincing. For starters, you won’t have to figure out how to get to the waterfall on your own. All the logistics and navigation are left up to the drivers and guides. As timing and enjoyment are both factored in, you won’t have to worry about feeling rushed either. All you’ll need to do is relax and take it all in.

Planning Your Visit

Double waterfalls might be as lucky as double rainbows. If that isn't enough incentive to start packing, then we don't know what is! One thing’s for sure, proper planning really can make or break your visit to not just Dark View Falls, but to Saint Vincent overall. Ahead of your vacation, here’s the little extras that you should know, including the best time to go, and what to pack:

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dark View Falls is during the dry season. For Saint Vincent, the dry season also coincides with peak season, from December to April. There are usually more sunny days at this time of year which brightens things up tremendously down to the glistening sun-kissed leaves. The area is quite a bit darker on rainy days, and the rocks can be slippery. During the dry season, the weather is often more predictable, and the conditions more ideal for exploration. Overall, it's best to go to this location during peak season and with a guide for ease of navigation.

Weather Considerations

Dark View Falls can seem like a completely different place when it rains, versus when the sun is out. This is why it’s important to pay attention to the weather when planning your visit. Though this is one of those locations that you can visit year-round, the falls can be easier to access during the dry season. That’s because rain can make some parts of the hike a little more complicated. With the falls being much more inviting on days without rainfall, it's best to go when the chances of rainfall are slim to none. Regardless, you can still enjoy the beauty of this natural attraction any time of year.

Avoiding Peak Times

There’s more than just the weather to think about when planning a visit to Dark View Falls. You’ll need to think about avoiding peak times too. This can make a difference in the kind of experience you'll have at the falls so it’s worth any effort that’s put in.

One of the first things you’ll want to do is set up your tour as early as possible. Tours in the morning are preferable, or on weekdays. At these times, you’re likely to encounter less crowds than you would at some of the peak hours, like in the afternoon. Low peak times can also mean you won’t have to wait too long to get into the natural pools, or to bathe beneath the falls. While it isn’t always possible to avoid high peak times, you can make small efforts to at least try to get around it where possible. Without a doubt, it’s worth the extra dose of serenity you’ll feel.

What to Bring

Essential Items

Photo credit: Wpadington/Shutterstock.com

There are a few things you might want to pack before heading to Dark View Falls. This includes comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and even a waterproof camera. Here’s some of the main items you can bring with you to make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable:

Comfortable shoes– To keep from slipping or stubbing your toes, closed toes shoes with a good grip like trainers are best for hikes at Dark View Falls.

Lightweight and comfortable clothing – Saint Vincent is hot most of the time so the key for outdoor activities is wearing cool and comfortable clothing. If you plan on getting wet, bring a change of clothes.

Water shoes – You may need these for wading in the natural pools beneath the waterfalls. These help to keep your feet safe from rocks and other sharp objects.

Bug spray – Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and other bugs during outdoor excursions by keeping bug spray close at hand. Reapply as needed.

Sunscreen – This is a must for all outdoor excursions in Saint Vincent to keep your skin protected. Reapply as often as necessary, especially if you get into the water.

Waterproof camera – Not a must, but certainly handy. It sure beats getting your expensive camera wet at a waterfall in the islands.

Backpack – If you’re planning on bringing a bag with you to Dark View Falls, bring one that helps you keep your hands totally free.

Food and Drinks

Though food and drinks are sometimes available at Dark View Falls, you can also choose to bring along your own items as this can be a wonderful picnic location. Some people choose to bring easy to pack items like granola bars, cereal bars, dried fruits, muffins, bagels, and single serving cereal cups. Fresh fruits like apples, bananas and oranges can also be good options. Bring disposable utensils (if needed), napkins, and a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day. Prepacked juice is also an option but try to stay as light as possible with your packing, so it doesn’t become burdensome. Also, if it’s a group tour, try to bring safe snacks to stay on the side of caution.

Some tours do include lunch as part of the day’s schedule. If you’re not sure whether food and drinks are included with your tour, ask during the booking process. For Dark View Falls combination tours with a second stop to Wallilabou Bay, lunch may be included at a beachside restaurant. In this case, it could still come in handy to have some snacks on hand just in case you get hungry before lunch. If you don’t bring any, you might be able to purchase some at one of the local shops in the area after your tour.

It's possible to set up tours to Dark View Falls in the afternoon. With these types of tours, you might have some time to grab an early lunch at your resort before heading out. At Sandals Saint Vincent, you’ll have 11 restaurants to choose from including more casual options like The Jerk Shack (Jamaican Jerk), Isola Pizzeria, Blum (coffee shop), and Imora (green bowls). These options are best for a quick (but delicious!) bite ahead of a tour to Dark View Falls.

Safety Guidelines

Safety considerations are important for tours in any part of the world. While these guidelines or regulations can vary based on the location and attraction, their purpose is to ensure the safety of guests. Whether you go on your own or with a group, here’s how to keep safe at Dark View Falls:

Listen attentively – Pay close attention to the welcome briefing which can fill you in on what to expect. This is usually very casual, but there are important points that you need to know.

Follow the guide’s instructions- If you head out with a guide, heed their safety instructions. They're more informed about the location, and they’re invested in your safety.

Ask questions - If you don't understand, ask. Clarity is important when navigating natural attractions like Dark View Falls. Be sure that you understand the guidelines so that you're able to follow them.

Be cautious when crossing wet rocks - The rocks can be slippery, especially when it rains. It helps to have your hands free just in case you need a little help with balance.

Be careful in the natural pools - When wading in natural pools, you want to ensure that you proceed with caution. Water shoes are recommended for comfort and safety. Also, pay attention to the usual water safety rules.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help - If you don’t feel comfortable navigating a certain area, ask for help. This is why it can be better to go with a guided tour, as opposed to on your own.

Stay hydrated and protected from the sun - Though the Dark View Falls trails are shady due to the surrounding trees, it's still a good idea to swear sunblock to protect your skin. Don’t forget to stay hydrated.

Water Safety

Just as much as its important to follow the general safety regulations at Dark View Falls, if you plan on getting into the water, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind too:

Assess water depth before entering – Check to see how deep the water is before getting in. You can do this either by observation or asking the guides. Also, avoid diving at Dark View Falls to prevent injury.

Be cautious of slippery rocks – Be mindful if you decide to venture into the natural pools beneath the falls. If it rains, expect the surrounding banks to be slippery. Water shoes can help with this, but you’ll still need to proceed with caution.

Swim in safe zones – These will be pointed out by your guide. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to ask. You might also want to avoid swimming during or after heavy rains when the pools are most cloudy.

Avoid consuming alcohol before swimming – To stay alert and coordinated in the water during tours involving swimming, it’s best to avoid alcohol. Taking precautions like this ensures a safer experience overall.

Environmental Protection

Visitors have a part to play when it comes to protecting and preserving the natural environment. At Dark View Falls, this includes avoiding littering and taking all necessary steps to respect the surroundings. Here are a couple more guidelines to keep in mind:

Stay on designated trails – This is important to minimize impact on sensitive habitats. At Dark View Falls, this isn’t hard to do as the trails are carefully mapped out.

Don’t feed the wildlife – As tempting as it can be, avoid feeding or disturbing the wildlife. It may seem to you like just a small bite, but this can seriously alter the way these animals feed and even cause food conditioning.

Use reusable water bottles – Reusable water bottles and other eco-friendly products can be used to reduce waste during your visit. It may seem like a small step, but by following this and other environmental protection guidelines, you’re playing a part to help ensure that Dark View Falls is available for use for many generations to come.

Local Culture and History

It’s one thing to head to a destination just for the beauty you see on the surface, and another thing entirely to fall in love with the island’s culture and to be intrigued by its history. With an attraction like Dark View Falls, there is much to discover. And every stone unturned can enrich your vacation in an unexpected way! Here’s what you need to know:

Cultural Significance

When nature blends with cultural celebration, as often seen at places like Dark View Falls, it can tell you a lot about a destination. The falls and the surrounding area showcase the island’s cultural heritage, offering a peek into local folklore and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Dark View Falls isn't just a popular visitor spot—it's also a place where locals gather for recreation and community events. The natural beauty and tourism at the falls boost the local economy, highlighting the need to preserve local traditions and crafts, and ensuring that cultural practices endure.

Good to know: Saint Vincent is sometimes referred to as “Vincy” by locals or people who’re familiar with the island. This affectionate nickname comes from the word “Vincentian”, which relates to someone or something from Saint Vincent.

Local Legends and Stories

Whether in the islands or further afield, waterfalls always seem to have the most enthralling stories connected to them. From romantic tales to heroic feats, these stories capture the attention of locals and visitors alike. For many waterfalls in the Caribbean including Dark View falls, these stories often contain words of caution, especially when it comes to underestimating the power and unpredictability of nature. Some of the stories you hear might be personal retellings about family picnics, school trips, and other memorable events. Or it could just be locals sharing their beliefs that the falls were just discovered 10-15 years ago! All the stories you hear are bound to be fascinating, including tales connected to the early indigenous people who knew the island better than most. As you explore, stay open to learning new things about the living landmark known as Dark View Falls and don’t be afraid to create your own stories.

Historical Context

It isn't hard to imagine Dark View Falls prior to it being such a well-known visitor attraction. Long ago, the area around the falls is said to have been inhabited by the indigenous Carib and Arawak peoples. Not only did the falls serve as a source of beauty, but there was spiritual significance to them as well. It is believed that the early indigenous people would have special ceremonies and celebrations and engage in storytelling around the falls. Dark View Falls was likely central to the traditions of these early peoples.

The name of this waterfall also has historical importance. Much like many of the other natural landmarks in Saint Vincent, it is believed to have been named by European settlers. During colonial times, the area around the waterfall might have been in a plantation zone. There are so many different elements to consider from a historical standpoint, which have led to the Dark View Falls that you see today.

Learnings Recap

There’s so much to learn and discover at Dark View Falls, and all it takes is a willingness to venture into the unknown. This is one of the most popular attractions in Saint Vincent, and it's the ideal starting point of exploration for anyone wanting to do more than just scratch the surface. Here’s a sum up of what you can expect at Dark View Falls:

• Dark View Falls is an environmentally sustainable natural attraction on the island of Saint Vincent.

• Dark View Falls is located near the community of Richmond and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.

• Located in St. Vincent, you can get to the falls easily via taxis, tour buses, and rental cars.

• The falls feature cascading waterfalls and natural pools perfect for swimming.

• Guided tours can help make your Dark View Falls more interactive and educational.

• The best time to visit Dark View Falls is during the dry season (December to April) to avoid rain.

• Protecting the natural environment is a key focus at Dark View Falls. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the site's natural beauty.

• Sandals Resorts offer all-inclusive vacation packages that can complement your visit to Dark View Falls.

Dark View Falls A Must Visit In Saint Vincent

Leave nothing but your footprints behind at Dark View Falls. This is one of those locations you can go to and just forget about everything else. On the most magical days, you might see a rainbow going straight through the falls, which speaks to the majesty of this attraction. Sustainably managed, the flora and fauna grow and flourish, adding to the always increasing allure of the waterfalls. If you visit this location during your vacation, be assured that it’ll be a memorable experience. The hike is short, the waterfall captivating, and the natural environment serene, rich, and diverse.

If you’re not sure about where to stay, we recommend going all-inclusive for a Saint Vincent vacation. Sandals Saint Vincent offers all-inclusive packages that include stylish accommodations, 11 restaurants, day and night entertainment, and so much more. With the option of upgrading to a butler suite, you can have a vacation at this resort that’s as stress-free and enjoyable as possible!

Good to know: In addition to the beaches and waterfalls, you can explore loads of interesting natural attractions from Sandals Saint Vincent including Montreal Gardens and the Vermont Nature Trail. Montreal Gardens is a rainforest garden setting where you’ll have lots of colorful photo opportunities!

Picture: At the all-new Sandals Saint Vincent, all-inclusive means you can enjoy the best of Saint Vincent, right from the comfort of paradise. Opt for beachside butler suites for incredible ocean views!