City Guides: Things to do While Boating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a picturesque Caribbean nation, offers a host of beauty and outdoor recreation for travelers seeking sun, sand and adventure. From lush rainforests, pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to sailing, yachting and volcano gazing, there’s a little bit of everything.
Located south of St. Lucia and west of Barbados in the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, this island nation consists of two (well, more really) land masses. Saint Vincent is the main island to the north, and the Grenadines make up several islands to the south (some of the Grenadines islands are inhabited (like Bequia and Mustique), but some are not.
Photo: Wikimedia/Allison DeGraff/CC by SA 4.0
Let’s discover some amazing things to do from resorts, marinas or private boat lift rentals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Saint Vincent
St. Vincent Botanic Gardens
Photo: Wikimedia/Giggel/CC by SA 3.0
Established in 1765, the St. Vincent Botanic Garden is one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Spread across 20 acres, the gardens are home to a diverse collection of tropical plants, including orchids, palms and breadfruit trees. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the enchanting Nicholas Wildlife Aviary Complex, which houses indigenous birds and animals.
La Soufrière Volcano
Photo: Wikimedia/Kevin Gabbert/CC by SA 3.0
For adventurous travelers, a hike to the summit of La Soufrière Volcano offers breathtaking views and a chance to witness the island's volcanic landscape up close. The trek takes you through lush rainforests before ascending to the crater rim where you can peer into the steaming crater below. It’s always an excellent spot to visit from private boat docks for rent.
Fort Charlotte
Photo: Wikimedia/giggle/CC by SA 3.0
History buffs will want to cast off from private boat slips for rent to visit Fort Charlotte. This well-preserved 18th-century fortress overlooks Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent. Built by the British, the fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and provides insight into the island's colonial past.
The Grenadines
Bequia
Photo: Wikimedia/David Stanley/CC by SA 2.0
Looking for some smaller islands to visit from private boat lift rentals near St. Vincent? The charming island of Bequia is renowned for its laid-back vibe and stunning beaches. With colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor and waterfront restaurants serving up delicious seafood, Admiralty Bay is a hub of activity. Bequia also boasts excellent diving and snorkeling sites, including the beautiful reefs of Devil's Table and Moonhole.
Tobago Cays Marine Park
Photo: Wikimedia/Stefan Schafer/CC by SA 4.0
A true paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts, Tobago Cays Marine Park is a protected marine park encompassing five uninhabited islands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can swim with sea turtles, snorkel among colorful fish or simply relax on the powdery white sand beaches.
Salt Whistle Bay (Mayreau)
Photo: Wikimedia/David Stanley/CC by SA 2.0
This idyllic Salt Whistle Bay is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. With its crescent-shaped stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s a wonderful spot to spend the day from private boat lift rentals. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the calm lagoon or hike to the island's highest point for panoramic views.
Happy Island (Union Island)
Photo: Happy Island, The Grenadines (Facebook)
Constructed entirely from conch shells, Happy Island is a unique bar located just off the coast of Union Island. Visitors can take a short boat ride to the island, either from a marina or private boat slip for rent, to enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking up the stunning views of the surrounding islands.
The next time you get the chance to visit the tropical paradise of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, take it! Explore, discover and enjoy all it has to offer from the pier of the marina, the private boat dock rental or resort hotel. Happy boating!