St Vincent and the Grenadines Wind Sports
St Vincent and the Grenadines
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There is dazzling sunshine, seemingly endless beaches and colourful, cultured towns. St Vincent and the Grenadines has every Caribbean cliché, in the best possible way. It is an archipelago nation consisting of the large St Vincent and a number of smaller, sparsely-populated islands known as the Grenadines.
It was a British dependency for nearly two hundred years until it was granted independence in 1979. Outside of the language there is very little lingering British influence, as you’ll struggle to find somewhere more quintessentially Caribbean.
Much of the appeal for St Vincent and the Grenadines comes from the fact that it has not beco... (Read more...)
It was a British dependency for nearly two hundred years until it was granted independence in 1979. Outside of the language there is very little lingering British influence, as you’ll struggle to find somewhere more quintessentially Caribbean.
Much of the appeal for St Vincent and the Grenadines comes from the fact that it has not beco... (Read more...)
me over-commercialised, or burdened by tourism. And while its public profile has increased thanks to the islands being the location for filming of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, it retains a quiet and exclusive feel.
St Vincent is by far the largest island and the common starting place on any holiday here. The north of the island is dominated by the mountainous volcano La Soufriere, which peaks at 1,234m, the highest point in the country. The southern part of the island is home to the more developed area and famous sandy beaches.
The Grenadines are not as built-up as St Vincent and contain tempting areas of fantastic natural beauty - perfect for adventurous types to explore.
There is an excellent tropical climate with bright sunshine virtually all year round. The rainy season tends to last from July to November. The country is within the ominous-sounding “Hurricane belt” and is prone to extremely strong winds in the colder months; however this is no cause for alarm as long as precautions are followed.
St Vincent is by far the largest island and the common starting place on any holiday here. The north of the island is dominated by the mountainous volcano La Soufriere, which peaks at 1,234m, the highest point in the country. The southern part of the island is home to the more developed area and famous sandy beaches.
The Grenadines are not as built-up as St Vincent and contain tempting areas of fantastic natural beauty - perfect for adventurous types to explore.
There is an excellent tropical climate with bright sunshine virtually all year round. The rainy season tends to last from July to November. The country is within the ominous-sounding “Hurricane belt” and is prone to extremely strong winds in the colder months; however this is no cause for alarm as long as precautions are followed.
Kitesurfing
Truly excellent kitesurfing demands perfect wind conditions, and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ position in the Caribbean Sea provides just that. With the powerful Atlantic Ocean to the east the country is blessed with strong, but tempered waves.
Kitesurfing is becoming very popular here and there are a number of fantastic locations. Most well-known are the beaches on the southern coast of St Vincent. Blue Lagoon in particular is famous for its spectacular watersports conditions, as well as its pleasant palm tree aesthetics.
Take a boat south to the Tobago Cays in the Grenadines and you’ll be treated to an utterly picturesque set of lagoons and bays; this is one of the most beautiful areas in all the Caribbean. Go for the thrills, but enjoy the wonderful scenery.
Sailing
While the island of St Vincent is the largest tourist draw, the 32 Grenadines islands offer adventurous opportunities to those who want to explore. Of course the difficulty is getting around, but the logical answer is a sailing holiday.
The water is so clear you will easily be able to spot marine wildlife, including enormous sea turtles and schools of tropical fish. There will be plenty of time to go snorkelling to see these creatures up close. You’ll also want to swim among the coral reef: it’s an unforgettable experience.
Scenic Bequia is a draw for the sleepy town of Port Elizabeth, while exclusive and expensive Mustique is a famous holiday destination for the very rich. All the islands are close and easily accessible by boat; each has something a little different, and all are worth your time.
Yachting
You don’t have to be a pirate to float on the Caribbean Sea. Step aboard a charter yacht and be ferried around to secluded beaches, studded with palm trees.
The islands are within a very manageable distance of each other. This allows for the perfect combination of leisurely sailing across the open water and hours of remaining sunlight to enjoy when you reach your next island.
Those with some experience of sailing will be able to rent their own boat and set their own course. But if you’re new to yachting, or you just fancy a more relaxing experience, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the sunshine having chartered a yacht and its captain.
Classic Itineraries
To fly to St Vincent you have to take a connecting flight from one of the larger Caribbean airports. On St Vincent you’ll find the classic Caribbean mixture of high spirits, calypso rhythms and friendly people. The developed southern side of the island features the capital Kingstown and beautiful beaches, although you can also head north and ascend the peak of La Soufriere volcano.
The bustle of St Vincent is charming, but can also become slightly tiresome if endured for too long. Tourists will often find themselves heading out to the islands of the Grenadines for relaxation.
Bequia will certainly be worth a visit. The largest town, Port Elizabeth, has a laid back attitude a world away from busy Kingstown.
Its neighbour to the south, Mustique, is a highly-exclusive private island and comes with a price out of range of all but the very wealthy. While a full holiday here may not be possible, it’s definitely worth a day trip.
Tobago Cays is probably one of the most beautiful areas of the Grenadines, and while it is a little further south to travel, you will be rewarded for your exploration.
Other Activities
Scuba diving is a must in an area of fascinating and varied marine life. Swim close to the coral reef and gaze at some species of fish and rays that you are unlikely to ever see again. There is an abundance of diving schools too, so no matter your level you’ll be able to find a route into the undersea paradise.
These islands are an area of fantastic natural beauty and no matter where you find yourself there will be opportunities to enjoy the finest and most sought after holiday experiences.
