St Vincent and the Grenadines / Special Interests / Hiking & Walking

There are excellent opportunities to hike and explore St Vincent, both in the forest of the south of the island and of course in the north, where there are regular walks up the volcano. All these trips can be arranged through local tour operators.

The closest hiking to the hotels in the south of the island is in Buccament Valley, a few miles up the Caribbean coast from Kingstown. The Vermont Nature Trails stretch into the wonderful tropical forest, climbing to 2000 feet. There are hides in which you can wait in the hope of seeing St Vincent’s endangered parrot.

The northern third of St Vincent is dominated by the Soufrière Volcano (so called, like many of the volcanoes up and down the Lesser Antillean island chain, after the French word for sulphur). The volcano can be approached from either coastline. On the Caribbean (western) side the route starts at the Wallilabou Dry River and this is the more picturesque hike. On the Atlantic side the approach (less steep) starts from just north of Georgetown, at the Rabacca Dry River.

Another option is the walk through lush rainforest to Trinity Falls, a 40ft waterfall split onto three levels, the ground pool offering you the perfect place to rest after your hike.

On most occasions shorts, t-shirts and ordinary outdoor shoes or trainers will suffice. A hat and high factor sun block are recommended and a waterproof may be appreciated in case of rain. You may well want a light jacket, sweater or long sleeve shirt if you are planning on hiking to the top of the volcano. Many companies offer complimentary drinks and snacks on your hike but you should remember to take plenty of water. You should always take a guide when hiking as it is quite easy to get lost in the rainforest if you stray from the path.

You can also go with a company, which will transport you to the start point and provide guides:

Fantasea Tours, Villa Beach - Husband and wife team, Kim and Earl Halbich have been offering a variety of tours and services since 1993, including hiking tours to the volcano La Soufriere, through the Vermont Nature Trail and to Trinity Falls.

HazEco Tours, Kingstown - Run by Clint and Millie Hazell, who offer a range of tours. They can provide transportation and guides for hiking excursions along the Vermont Nature Trail, on the Soufriere volcano trail and to Trinity Falls.

Sailor's Wilderness Tours, Kingstown - Starting out as the Sailor’s Cycle Company, they have evolved and now offer not only mountain biking but also a variety of tours both on land and sea, including a number of hikes.

Bequia

Bequia is a small Island and easily accessible by foot. There are no hiking tours on offer but it is fun to walk the island. You should take plenty of water and you might want to avoid the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. The Cliff path is a popular walk. Accessed just past the Plantation House hotel, it takes you to Princess Margaret Beach and along to Lower Bay.

Mayreau

There are some good trails around the island, old tracks that reached provision grounds and some newer ones that go to hilltops. Just ask for directions.

Union Island

Mount Taboi, the highest point in the Grenadines, offers spectacular views after a 1000ft hike. Not for the unfit. The rest of the island is nice to walk around. There are no formal trails and you do not really need a guide to explore. Chatham Bay and Bloody Bay are well worth a look, for advice just ask around or at the Union Island Tourism Bureau in Clifton, t 458 8350.