Things Saint Vincent Is Known For & Why You Should Absolutely Visit This Island

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines is known for much more than its entrancing beauty. This destination is renowned for its many cultural attractions, unique black sand beaches, all-inclusive beach resorts, and alluring islands. Consisting of just about 32 small islands and cays (including Saint Vincent which is the largest), Saint Vincent is about an enticing as Caribbean islands come.

With strong influences from West Africa, Europe, and other Caribbean nations like Jamaica, Saint Vincent is a vibrant island and thus ideal for any type of vacation. Some even call the islands of this territory the “jewels of the Caribbean”, which speaks to what's in store for your getaway. This territory was at one point called “Hairouna” by early settlers, the Carib Indians. That name translates to “Land of the Blessed”.

Read on for everything you need to know about Saint Vincent & The Grenadines before your trip—from the bold flavors of local cuisine to adventures in far out local hot spots!

Picture: The brand-new Sandals Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, an all-inclusive resort like no other.

Amazing Things Saint Vincent is Known For

From thrilling dive adventures to mouthwatering island cuisine, there are so many reasons to vacation in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to on your island escape!

Scuba diving & snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling are fantastic reasons to vacation in the Caribbean. Saint Vincent is one of the best locations to do both of these activities due to the vibrant coral reefs that can be found in the waters around this island. Some of the most popular spots to dive in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines include Anchor Reef and Critter Corner. While diving in Saint Vincent, you’re likely to see marine life such as manta rays, squid, frogfish, and sometimes reef sharks.

Sightings when snorkeling at Anchor Reef (off the coast of Kingstown) include a rare black coral garden and plenty of sea life including sea horses and octopuses on occasion. While diving at Critter Corner, you’re likely to come across a wide variety of tropical fishes. There’s quite a lot of seagrass and boulders in this area as well — these are home to much of the marine life in this area. Critter Corner is located to the south of Kingstown, off Indian Bay Beach.

Good to know: Saint Vincent is known as the ‘Critter Capital of The Caribbean’. This means you can expect lots of marine sightings while diving here. If you plan on going snorkeling or scuba diving in Saint Vincent, don’t worry too much about packing your own gear, as you can rent some on the island.

Volcanic landscapes

Saint Vincent is one of many islands in the Caribbean that are volcanic in nature. In this destination, the striking volcanic landscapes are certainly be something to be appreciated, particularly if you're a nature buff. One of the sights you absolutely must see in this regard is La Soufrière, Saint Vincent’s highest peak (1,234 meters above sea level).

During your Saint Vincent vacation, you can schedule a tour to see the crater of the La Soufrière volcano. This can be a thrilling experience as it includes hiking along the Leeward Trail. This hike can take six to eight hours (round trip). Another option is taking the Windward Trail. This is considered the easier option, and it is somewhat more popular. It takes about three to four hours (round trip) to get to the crater via the Windward Trail.

The hike to the volcanic crater of La Soufrière is definitely one of the more adventurous and exciting things to do in Saint Vincent. With a guided hike, which is highly recommended, you can learn about the plant and animal life in this area, and also see the rainforest, cloud forest, and captivating views of the countryside. Once you get to the crater, you’ll be able to do some exploring before making your way back down to the bottom of the mountain.

Island hopping

Island hopping—two words that make any Caribbean vacation even better. In Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, it’s not just possible—it’s a must! This remarkable territory is made up of 32 islands and cays, with nine inhabited ones, including mainland Saint Vincent. The second-largest island, Bequia, is just an hour away by ferry—or 30 minutes on the fast ferry. Sailing and yachting enthusiasts flock here, and you’ll spot plenty of sailboats and yachts dotting the coastline. Be sure to stop by Port Elizabeth, the island’s charming harbor town.

With countless hidden coves and sandy beaches, there’s no better reason to hop on a boat and explore. Along the way, you’ll find sandbars in the middle of the ocean and secluded island escapes. Ferries run regularly, and many locals use their own boats to island-hop. Since ferry rides are budget-friendly, you might be able to check out multiple islands in one trip. Bequia, Mustique, and Canouan are among the most popular, while the Tobago Cays in the southern Grenadines are perfect for diving and snorkeling. Want to set your own course? Private boat charters from Saint Vincent and nearby islands let you explore at your own pace.

Good to know: Want to island hop in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines? Companies like Blue Lagoon Charter Boats allow you to create a personalized itinerary for your adventure. You can visit multiple islands like the Tobago Cays for snorkeling and Mayreau/Union Island for lunch and further exploration!

Fantastic year-round weather

The Caribbean is known for its incredible weather and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines is one of those places where you'll be able to soak it all in. This island has a hot, tropical climate year-round with fairly consistent hours of sunshine each month. Temperatures on this island can reach highs of around 86°F on average. There are a few notable variances in the weather across the Grenadines with the islands in the south being a bit more dry and warm as compared to those in the north.

Black Sand Beaches

Volcanic by nature, Saint Vincent is one of the islands in the Eastern Caribbean that has unique black sand beaches. Though you may have visited beaches in the Caribbean or abroad before, the black sand on Saint Vincent’s beaches gives them a unique look and feel. You might almost convince yourself on a quiet, black-sand Saint Vincent beach that you’re a roving island explorer, discovering this location for the first time. Saint Vincent is the only island in the Grenadines with black sand, which means that throughout your Saint Vincent holiday, you’ll be able to enjoy both white sand and black sand beaches.

Expert tip: When planning a romantic getaway, consider booking well in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a warm winter getaway. The Caribbean offers a fantastic opportunity to bask in warmth during the colder holiday season while indulging in quality beach time with your loved one!

Whale watching

A trip to the Caribbean might be incomplete without some whale watching. In Saint Vincent, you can sign up for a boat trip to head out on the waters for this incredible adventure. St. Vincent is known for having some stunning marine life off the coast, so you really might see some whales or other remarkable marine life during this experience. There are said to be at least seven species of whales and 11 species of dolphins in this area, so the odds just might be in your favor.

Food

You won’t run out of opportunities to try unique dishes in Saint Vincent. Some of the most popular menu items include ingredients like fresh seafood, spices, cassava, and more which leave quite a lot of room for the creation of memorable island delicacies. Some of our favorites include:

• Breadfruit and jackfish - Breadfruit goes well with almost anything, which is possibly why it is part of St. Vincent’s distinctive breadfruit and jackfish national dish. Roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish are included in this dish. This dish can be seen on lunch menus with a sauce made of onions, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, and other vegetables and herbs.

• Breadfruit Meringue Pie - If you like breadfruit, you’ll love Breadfruit Meringue Pie. Shredded breadfruit, coconut milk, raisins, and currents are used to make this dish. The pie is topped with an egg meringue.
  

• Madongo dumpling - This is a traditional dish made from native arrowroot along with nutmeg and coconut. In St. Vincent, this is a delicacy particularly as this country is the only place that cultivates arrowroot.
  

• Buljol - This is a salad that includes shredded cod or salt fish, pepper, tomatoes, oil, and onions. There are several ways to prepare buljol and it can be eaten cold. You’ll most commonly find this dish being served at breakfast time.
  

• Callaloo Soup - Callaloo is similar in flavor to spinach. It’s common practice to use coconut milk in the preparation of this healthy appetizer. Vegetables including garlic, onions, and peppers, several kinds of meats (optional), and dasheen leaves round out the recipe. Sometimes cassava, yams, and potatoes are included.

Exotic flora and fauna

Saint Vincent is one of the most beautiful and green islands in the world. The Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens is one of the best places to be entirely surrounded by vivid greens and other brilliant floral colors. The gardens here cover around 20 acres and are home to both indigenous and exotic tropical plants and trees. Hibiscus, cinnamon, nutmeg, mahogany, palms, and even breadfruit trees are among the common varieties found in the gardens. The latter is said to have grown on the island from a seedling brought by Captain Bligh. The St. Vincent Botanical Gardens also has an aviary where you'll be able to see the native St. Vincent parrot and other bird species.

Good to know: If you want a guided tour of the St. Vincent Botanical Gardens, you can hire a guide for a small fee. Usually, you can find guides at the entrance of the property. Taking a guided tour can be worth it as you'll be able to see some of the things you might otherwise have missed.

History and culture

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines boasts a rich history, shaped by influences from around the world. Some of the island’s cultural influences come from places like West Africa and Europe. On these islands, there are quite a few historical sites you can explore to get familiar with their roots. Many of these are located in Kingston, Saint Vincent, the capital of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. You’ll be able to see the quaint colonial mansions there that date back centuries. There are also a number of towering Gothic church spires.

Many of the islands of the Grenadines are packed with history as well. On Bequia, for example, you’ll be able to visit places like the Firefly Plantation where it’ll be possible to have a firsthand experience of crushing sugar cane to make juice. At this plantation, you can also sample the various fruits and vegetables based on what is in season and learn about the different trees in the area. If you take a guided tour, you can learn about the uses of some of the herbs and flowers in this area.

Saint Vincent Fun Facts

The island is named after an actual saint named Vincent

Saint Vincent is named after a Spanish saint who went by the name “Saint Vincent” Saragossa. Saragossa is said to have arrived on this island in 1498. As history tells it, the island of Saint Vincent was named after him by Columbus as an act of tribute. The name ‘Grenadines’ on the other hand actually means ‘pomegranates’ – but, in the case of Saint Vincent, it refers to the small islands that are sprinkled throughout the region.

Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens is the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere

The Saint Vincent Botanical Gardens is a popular stop for nature lovers. This site is also quite historical as it is actually the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere. The St. Vincent Botanical Gardens dates back to 1765 and has been on a mission to conserve rare plant life since that time.

Famous pirates have been spotted there

The Caribbean has quite a fascinating pirate history. Notably, Saint Vincent is one of the places that is known to have had pirate pop-ups in the past. Added to that, parts of the popular Pirates of the Caribbean movies were filmed on this island. The first three installments of the franchise are actually said to have been recorded here.

Good to know: Fascinated by the Caribbean? You may also be interested in these fascinating things The Bahamas is known for and things Curaçao is known for too!

Things Saint Vincent is Known For… The Complete List!

The more you know about a destination before you go, the more you can open yourself up to new experiences once you arrive. Saint Vincent & The Grenadines is known for so much—and you'll likely add even more to that list during your stay.

As you plan your trip, booking a hotel or resort might be one of the last things on your list—or the very first if you're set on staying at one of the best all-inclusive resorts. For a beachside experience, look no further than Saint Vincent resorts. This new resort brings all the signature inclusions Sandals is known for, ensuring your tropical getaway is nothing short of spectacular.

So, all that's left to say is, happy vacation!

Good to know: Saint Vincent is the ideal vacation destination for couples, families, groups of friends, and pretty much anyone in search of all-inclusive vacations.

Picture: The all-inclusive Sandals Saint Vincent. All you need for your island vacation, from accommodation and dining, to entertainment, land and water sports and more, is included!