St. Vincent and the Grenadines are described as the jewels of the Caribbean and quite rightly so. They can be found lying gently between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. Having a land area of 389 sq km this haven of tranquility is only about twice the size of Washington DC. With its tropical climate there is little seasonal temperature variation. The rainy season is May to November, but these Islands are a must for sun worshipers. Although the beaches are of black sand this matters not to the first time visitor. The leeward, south-east and windward coasts provide ample opportunity for water sports although the Windward Coast is not recommended for swimming. Its mighty breaking waves provide an awesome spectacle however and a photographic opportunity for the enthusiastic camera man. Meanwhile the South-East Coast has the unmissable Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by palm trees, this area with a lovely beach provides a very pleasant anchorage for the yachting visitor. As with other neighboring Islands the diving and snorkeling opportunities are immense. With a forty foot reef to explore on the leeward coast and a positive abundance of coral, sponge and sea life this is the unforgettable holiday experience.

Water Sports
Diving sites abound in the turquoise waters surrounding these volcanic islands. Abundant reef with an extraordinary variety of tropical reef fish such as angelfish and peacock flounder. The shallow-water reefs surrounding almost every island make snorkeling an exciting adventure. Local dive shops and tour operators are both knowledgeable and experienced with a friendly welcome for the tourist. They will make every possible effort to ensure that you are able to snorkel, dive whale watch or just cruise these majestic waters. Six types of dolphin are found in Vincentia waters, including spinner, spotted, Fraser and bottle nose. Whales, such as Orcas and pilot, can also be observed.

Island Diversity
Known by the Caribs as Hairoun (”Land of the Blessed”), St. Vincent was first inhabited by the Ciboney, a grouping of Meso-Indians. The economy of these hunter-gatherers depended heavily on the sea as well as the land. They used basic tools and weapons and built rock shelters and semi permanent villages. This primitive group were slowly replace4d by native Venezuelans. The first permanent settlers arrived on the shores of St. Vincent in 1635. These new inhabitants were African slaves who survived the sinking of the Dutch slave ship on which they were being transported. The escaped Africans merged with the Caribs and gradually adopted their language. Referred to as Black Caribs,” to differentiate them from the original “Yellow Caribs . In 1700 the island was divided Yellow Caribs occupying the Leeward and the Black Caribs the Windward coasts. The early 1700`s saw the arrival of the British who were disliked intensely and in 1795 the Carib war started to remove the British. Life is more peaceful these days following the grant of internal self government in 1969.These rich tapestry of history however leaves the visitor with an abundance of choice such as the St. George’s Anglican Cathedral, St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral and Kingstown Methodist Church. Fort Charlotte named after King Georges III wife still stands guard on Berkshire Hill over 600 feet above the bay. The fortification was constructed in 1806. In its heyday, it supported 600 troops and 34 guns.

Activities
St. Vincent has been blessed with lush mountains, volcanic-rich soil and unspoilt landscapes . The surrounding waters are crystal clear. There is something for all of the family here. From sailing and dolphin-watching, to hiking the nature trails and swimming in waterfalls. You can diverse as to climb to the top of a volcano or see a school of dolphin that will leap and twirl to the delight of passengers. Kingstown Market is a bustling, vibrant market carrying a superb selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish. Visit on a Friday or Saturday to find the well stocked stalls. Local arts and crafts, a spectacle of colour and imagination are frequently displayed in the courtyard.