ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES- "The Gems of the Antilles”
BY CLAY LARROY
We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to
different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We
usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children
what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to
connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that
take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family
vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in the
Caribbean. When
you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!
Things to see and do in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Bequia
Visit Bequia, an island 14km (9 miles) south of St Vincent and the
largest of the Grenadines. Observe Bequia's age-old traditions of boat building
and fishing, largely retained due to its seclusion. In the marine park,
spearfishing, snares and nets are prohibited. The islanders themselves are the
world's last hand-harpooners and their activities do not affect marine stocks.
Boat builders
Watch men building their boats by hand in Admiralty Bay, Bequia's
natural harbor and a favorite anchoring spot for yachtsmen from all over the
world. The attractive region around Lower Bay has good opportunities for
swimming and other watersports.
Botanical Gardens
Take in the oldest Botanical Gardens in the western hemisphere,
which occupy 8.1 hectares (20 acres) to the north of Kingstown, St Vincent, and
contain a display of tropical trees, blossoms and plants, including a
breadfruit tree descended from the original one brought to the island in 1765
by Captain Bligh.
Canouan beaches
Take in the beautiful beaches on Canouan. The island claims some
of the best in the Caribbean with long stretches of powder-white sands, wide
shallows and coral.
Falls of Baleine
Take a boat trip to the Falls of Baleine, at the northern tip of
St Vincent. The 18m (59ft) freshwater falls stream from volcanic slopes and
form a series of shallow pools at the base.
Fishing villages
Head to the fishing villages of Questelles, Layou, Barrouallie and
Châteaubelair, all of which have charming pastel-colored cottages and excellent
black-sand beaches from which fishermen set out daily in small brightly painted
boats.
Kingstown
Visit the lively port and market town of Kingstown; the capital of
St Vincent. The town contains 12 small blocks with a variety of shops and a
busy dock area, which is the center of commerce for the islands. The Saturday
morning market, comprising many stalls piled high with fresh fruit and
vegetables, brings everyone to town.
Luxurious Mustique
Mustique, a gem in the ocean taking up only 4.5 sq km (2 sq
miles). Mustique is privately owned, with a landscape as gentle as its
lifestyle - verdant hills roll into soft white-sand beaches and turquoise
waters. This island has long been a hiding place for the rich and famous,
including members of the British Royal Family.
Mount Parnassus
Head to Mount Parnassus on Union Island, which soars 275m (900ft)
from the sea guarding the entrance to the southern Grenadines. The 850-hectare
(2,100-acre) mountainous island is fringed by superb beaches and is the
stopping-off point for yachtsmen and visitors heading to some of the smaller
Grenadines. Clifton Harbor, the main town, is small and commercial.
St Mary's Roman Catholic
Cathedral
Head to the center of Kingstown where you will find St Mary's
Roman Catholic Cathedral. Built of grey stone, it is a graceful combination of
several European architectural styles displaying Romanesque arches, gothic
spires and Moorish ornamentation. Its architecture has led Kingstown to become
known as the City of Arches.
Tobago Cays
Head to the numerous islets and coves of the Tobago Cays where you
can see some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Visitors can
sail, snorkel and beachcomb in complete seclusion. The only way to get here is
by chartered yacht.
Volcanic hiking
Hike up La Soufrière volcano (1,200m/4,000ft) in the north of St
Vincent, which is popular, though strenuous. The 5km (3 mile) journey rewards
you with a wonderful bird's-eye view of the crater and its islands, and all of
St Vincent.
Watery pursuits
Hit the water and try some sailing, scuba diving or snorkeling on
Bequiam which is encircled by gold-sand beaches, many of which disappear into
coves. Lodgings vary from luxurious resort cottages to small, simple West
Indian inns. Much of the nightlife centers on the hotels and beachside
barbecues, invariably accompanied by a steel band.
Young Island
Visit
Young Island, which is only 180m (590ft) off St Vincent and rises from the sea
to form a mountain blanketed with tropical foliage and blossoms. Young Island
provides an excellent view of the procession of yachts sailing into the harbor
of St Vincent. The entire island comprises one resort called Young Island Resort,
which consists of 29 rustic cottages set on the beaches and hillsides.
REFERENCE
SITES
“The waves of the sea help me get back to me.”
– Jill Davis
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