Arriving in Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent, I felt as if I had stepped into a living set. That day, the city was hosting a major inter-Caribbean meeting, and the national guard strutted at the exit of my plane as if I were my country’s ambassador.

But beyond that scene lies an entire archipelago of 32 islands stretching south of Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, a little paradise scattered across the azure, where each island seems to have its own character. Some are festive, others wild, and some so exclusive that royalty comes here to rest.

For getting around, buses make it easy to reach Kingstown from the airport or your hotel. Don’t listen to the taxi drivers, head to the main road to find the bus stop.

Kingstown: Between Colonial Charm and Caribbean Rhythm

From the very first hours in Kingstown, the atmosphere is clear, life happens outdoors. Locals chat in front of fruit stalls, fishing boats sway gently in the harbor, and the city radiates that warm human spirit typical of the English-speaking Caribbean.

You can’t miss the Cathedral of the Assumption, also known as St Mary’s Cathedral. Built in the 19th century, it surprisingly blends Moorish, Romanesque, Byzantine, and Flemish styles, a true architectural patchwork reflecting the island’s complex colonial past. The visit is easy, you can step inside or simply listen to the sound of its bells.

Don’t miss the Botanical Gardens, where you can discover the typical flora of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. For food, I recommend two simple but authentic spots: basil’s and Vee Jay’s, perfect for tasting traditional Caribbean dishes.

Bequia : My Favorite, Between Charm and Authenticity

Bequia, one of the Grenadine islands, is the most accessible from the main island and undoubtedly one of the most visited.

Getting to Bequia: The Gateway to the Grenadines

You can choose between Bequia Express or Bequia Fast Ferries, two reliable companies that connect the islands in about an hour. Ferry schedules are easy to find on their websites. There are usually several departures per day, in the morning and afternoon. Arrive at the dock about 30 minutes before departure.

The journey offers stunning views: the lush green hills of Saint Vincent fade away, and in the distance appears Bequia, a tiny island barely 7 km long…

Princess Margaret Beach : The Royal Beach

Just a 10-minute walk from Port Elizabeth, Princess Margaret Beach is a true gem: golden sand, turquoise waters, wooded hills in the background, and the iconic Jack’s Beach Bar for sipping a cocktail at sunset. To get there, you’ll follow a small coastal path and cross wooden boardwalks.
Its name comes from a royal visit where Princess Margaret swam here in the 1950s, leaving a lasting mark on local imagination.

From Bequia, it’s also easy to reach other, less-visited Grenadine islands.

Mustique : The Island Where Silence Is Golden

Thirty kilometers south lies Mustique, an island like no other.
Here, everything exudes control, elegance, and discretion: no cameras, no mass excursions, and a strict privacy policy. The island is owned by the Mustique Company, which manages villas and stays for carefully selected guests.

It’s the historic hideaway of Princess Margaret, Mick Jagger, Tommy Hilfiger, and even Kate Middleton, a closed world where legendary parties of the 1970s forged its myth.

If you simply want to glimpse Mustique, opt for a private boat excursion from Bequia or Saint Vincent, while respecting the maritime safety zone.

Young Island : Sleep on Your Own Private Island

Just across from Kingstown, a little paradise awaits travelers seeking exclusivity: Young Island Resort.
Accessible only by private shuttle, this island-hotel offers 29 cottages nestled in tropical vegetation, a private beach, and an almost surreal atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world, dine with your feet in the sand, and live for a night the illusion of owning an island.

Indian Bay & Villa Beach: Relax Close to Kingstown

These two beaches are just a few minutes south of Kingstown along the coast.

Indian Bay beach is a calm spot, much loved by locals. You can spot colorful tropical fish or see the cross on Dove Island, and enjoy spectacular sunsets.

Villa Beach, on the other hand, is narrower but lined with small hotels and restaurants, making it an ideal place to stay in Saint Vincent at a reasonable price. Be aware, when cruise ships arrive, the beach tends to get crowded quickly.

Saint Vincent’s Waterfalls : Adventure and Tropical Freshness

Saint Vincent is a mountainous, fertile island crisscrossed by dozens of rivers. Its waterfalls rank among the most spectacular in the Caribbean, and it would be a shame to miss this side of the island.

Dark View Falls

Located on the northwest coast, Dark View Falls is a double gem: two cascading waterfalls plunging into natural pools surrounded by tropical forest. Access is via a bamboo suspension bridge, it’s worth a photo on its own!
To get there, negotiate with a taxi driver; they’ll take you for the day. Allow at least 5 hours.

Trinity Falls

More remote, Trinity Falls s requires a 45-minute hike through the jungle. The spot is wild, often deserted, and its water shimmers a deep green. Swimming is sometimes prohibited depending on the season, as currents can be strong. Always ask local guides for advice.

La Soufrière Volcano

For those who love a climb, the view from the island’s volcano is extraordinary. Count on two solid hours of hiking to reach the summit of la Soufrière. Along the way, you’ll spot endemic hummingbirds, including the Saint Vincent Parrot, the national emblem.
The last eruption was in 2021 and forced thousands of people to evacuate.

My map to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines