St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
20+
Beaches
Overview of Island
St. Vincent's rugged and mountainous terrain which lay across the whole back side of the Island provided protection for many years from those who wished to colonize it and control the indigenous people who named it "Hairoun" or Land of the Blessed, a name still used today.
Located north west of Grenada and south of St. Lucia. South Caribbean archipelago comprising of the main Island St. Vincent, plus a chain of 32 smaller islands that include star-studded Mustique, Union, Bequia, Canouan, Palm Island, Mayreau, Petit St. Vincent and many other smaller islets (approx. 600) all of which make up The Grenadines that stretch between St. Vincent and Grenada; as well as home of the famous Tobago Cays known for its diverse ecosystems of undersea life.
Capital: Kingstown
Language: English
Population: 110, 000
Eventually however, control passed back and forth between the French and the English with ongoing rebellion and fierce resistance from the Carib Indians until 1783 when it was ceded to the latter in a treaty. Still the Garifuna Indians (a mix of Western African slaves and Indians, led by Joseph Chattoyer, continued to fight their captors until they were defeated 12 or 13 years later and the survivors were shipped off to Baliceaux (a small island off Bequia) and to islands in the Gulf of Honduras. Today there remains a small community of Indians who live on the eastern coast of St. Vincent in Owia and Sandy Bay.
Meanwhile plantations producing coffee, indigo, tobacco, cotton and cocoa flourished until full emancipation was declared in the UK. The African slaves, indentured servants from E. India and the Portuguese who were brought in to work the lands were abandoned by the British to fend for themselves. Unprepared and untrained to undertake the responsibilities on hand the economy began to falter, and was further destroyed by 2 disastrous volcano eruptions less than 100 years apart. After much struggle and strife the Island gained full independence in Oct. 1979. Today an international airport has been built with the promise to improve the budding tourism trade.
Almost 42 years to the day La Soufriere erupted again resulting in great destruction to the north and eastern coastal lying areas, including all of the agricultural farmlands. Approximately 20,000 persons had to be evacuated, but fortunately there was no loss of life. One again the Island finds itself in a state of recovery and reconstruction.
Things to do
Scuba-Diving & Snorkeling
Critter diving Capital of the Caribbean
Golden, black and white sand beaches throughout
Sailing in the Grenadines and Tobago Keys
Botanical Gardens (oldest in western region)
Where to stay

Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina
Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina is nestled in Blue Lagoon Bay; a sheltered sanctuary on the south-east side of mainland St. Vincent.

Sunset Shores Beach Hotel
Far away from crowds and located right on the beach, Sunset Shores Beach Hotel is the perfect place for you to escape and relax on the beautiful mainland of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Beachcombers
Welcome to Beachcombers Hotel! Our duty is to you, our guest. We aspire to make your journey over to the beautiful island of St. Vincent & the Grenadines very pleasant.

The Grenadine House
Set in residential Kingstown Park, overlooking the city towards the Grenadine Islands. Grenadine House offers elegant comfort to the discerning traveler in its 18 well appointed guest rooms.

Bequia Beach Hotel
Welcome to Bequia Beach Hotel. Stay, relax and enjoy the true Caribbean.

Young Island Resort
The allure of a private, romantic Caribbean island is a story for the young at heart. Become a part of the story and let this beautiful island become a part of yours.


Gingerbread Hotel
Come to Gingerbread House for the views, the ambience and the sunsets.