Amazing Day Trips to Take From Saint Vincent by Boat

Saint Vincent offers relaxation and adventure in equal measure
Saint Vincent offers relaxation and adventure in equal measure | © Andrei Bortnikau / Alamy Stock Photo
Lexi Fisher

With over 80km (50mi) of coastline, plus the 30 islands between Saint Vincent and Grenada – known as the Grenadines – Saint Vincent is a great place to explore by boat. From hiking past towering waterfalls and exploring caves along the dramatic volcanic coastline, to snorkelling with turtles, this Caribbean archipelago is a day-tripper’s dream. Here are the best destinations to visit from Saint Vincent island.

Island-hop around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by booking Culture Trip’s eight-day group sailing adventure – no experience necessary

Re-live ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’ in Wallilabou

Movie props in Wallilabou Bay

One of the most iconic things to do in Saint Vincent is visit the set of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) in Wallilabou Bay. Walk under the gallows and into the small museum of artefacts leftover from filming. The real cobwebs clinging to the corners of coffins and between the ribs of fake skeletons only add to the air of antiquity.

Fort Duvernette is home to diverse flora and fauna

Just off the south coast of Saint Vincent are the historical sister islands of Young Island and Fort Duvernette. Spend the morning climbing the steep steps to the top of Fort Duvernette, built atop this tiny, precipitous island around 1800. Take time to admire the views on the way up, where the turquoise reef below peeks through tree branches covered in bromeliads. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Young Island for lunch at the casual beachside restaurant, and enjoy a cocktail in the sun.

Snorkel the Bat Cave

Along Saint Vincent’s steep leeward coast is a small fissure in the rock, half submerged by the sea, and just big enough to swim through. Inside, hundreds of bats cling to the walls and ceiling, chirping with the sounds of echolocation. Crabs scurry along the walls too, illuminated only by slivers of light penetrating through the narrow openings.

Hike to the Falls of Baleine

Only accessible by boat, adventurous travellers should take the moderate hike to the Falls of Baleine on the north coast of Saint Vincent. Follow the narrow canyon and meandering river – lined with tropical foliage bursting from rocky cliff faces – to the falls, which plummet nearly 20m (66ft) into a series of pristine swimming pools. For an adrenaline rush, you can even climb and jump from halfway up the falls into the deep, cool water below.

Lounge in luxury on Palm Island

Palm Island is an adults-only resort

Palm Island in the Grenadines is a private island resort renowned for its beauty. Like all beaches in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it’s open to the public, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the sandy shores and turquoise waters of this remote island paradise. Grab a cocktail and stroll under the shade of rustling palms while the Caribbean sea gently laps at the shoreline.

Snorkel with turtles in the Tobago Cays

A close encounter with a sea turtle

A group of four small, uninhabited islands, Tobago Cays Marine Park is a refuge for sea turtles and a stunning escape for day-trippers. A long, fringing reef protects the islands and the shallow lagoon they surround, where turtles gather to munch on seagrass, unperturbed by curious snorkellers. Swim among the colourful reef fish or just enjoy the aquamarine scenery from the bow of the boat.

Try stand-up paddleboarding on Bequia

Paddleboarding is a good sport for complete beginners.

One of the larger islands near Saint Vincent is Bequia. It’s a popular sailing destination and home to a number of pristine beaches. Hire a stand-up paddleboard off Princess Margaret Beach and explore the coastline at a slower pace. Afterwards, head back to the main town of Port Elizabeth and wander along the beautiful waterfront walkway, stopping for some local homemade ice cream from Maranne’s. The museum in Friendship Bay is also worth a visit.

Go celebrity-spotting on Mustique

Basil’s Bar is a favourite celebrity hangout

This exclusive, privately-owned island is populated by the vacation homes of the rich and famous. Walk through the beautifully landscaped streets, with pastel-coloured shops trimmed in delicate gingerbread-style fascia, and browse the local market stands of exotic fruit and vegetables. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to grab lunch or a sundowner at one of Mick Jagger’s favourite waterfront hangouts, Basil’s Bar.

Enjoy sundowners at Happy Island

Paradise found at Happy Island beach bar

Union Island, one of the southernmost islands in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is an adventurous and rewarding day trip. Spend the day learning to kitesurf with one of the many schools, or tighten your laces for a challenging hike up Mount Taboi, and incredible views of the Grenadines below. As the sun sets, enjoy a cold one at Happy Island, built atop a shallow ridge on the inner reef – an island all of its own.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article