Best things to do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Fine, white sand and calm water characterize Princess Margaret Beach—named after the royal princess who used to frequent its shores. As part of a spacious, curving stretch of Admiralty Bay, this beach to offers quiet seclusion even though it is popular. Watch boats and marine life that occupy Elizabeth Port or cool down with a swim in the clear blue waters. Drinks and beach wares are available from local vendors.

Hop from island to island as you observe rare marine life, taste fresh seafood, and play in the water at Tobago Cays. The park consists of 50 sq km (31 sq mi) of lagoon featuring several islets and cays. Try kitesurfing at one of the beaches or just soak up the sun. You can see turtle nesting sites and snorkel with the creatures in the water. At night, many visitors opt to take part in a seafood dinner, often barbecued right in front of them.

Built in the late 18th century, Botanical Gardens now stands as one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Originally built to provide medicinal herbs and plants to the military, the garden now provides a clean, natural place for gatherings of locals and tourists alike. Walk the paths yourself, or hire a guide to glean a bit more information about the history of the garden and the plants. You'll find many St. Vincent Parrots within the garden; it's a good place to see one close up.

Head for a cool calm swimming experience at Salt Whistle Bay, located on the fringe of the Caribbean Sea. Abundant with shady palm trees, the beach features soft pristine white sand and crystal clear water with boats docked just offshore. It receives protection from the strong currents of the Atlantic Ocean by a small piece of land that extends into the ocean, creating great snorkeling and swimming conditions. Dip into the warm water or head to the beachside restaurant and enjoy some local cuisine as you take in views toward the sea.

Bask in the sun's rays at Lower Bay Beach, a wide sweep of golden sand with tranquil, clear waters protected by Admiralty Bay. The width of the beach provides something for everybody, with snorkeling favored toward the harbor side, and a more lively, social scene in the heart of the bay, created by the well known beach bar. Gpo for a stroll and browse through a range of shops in the sleepy fishing village, which flanks the beach’s southern side.

Treat yourself to extravagantly colored scenery at Port Elizabeth, featuring turquoise water, boats of all sizes and colors, and waterfront bars and restaurants. Lush green tree-filled hills encompass the shore, where you can sit and watch ferries come from and go to other islands. Stroll through the town and pick up some fresh produce or carved wooden souvenirs from the local market, and head to one of many golden sand beaches and enjoy the clear calm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of major tourism and head to Macaroni Beach. A hilly carpet of green vegetation surrounds the beach, a hidden getaway featuring soft white sand and crystal clear water. Its high level of underwater visibility makes it a great snorkeling location. Find picnic spots nearby under shady trees. The surf can get a little rough and swimmers should take caution. Pack your own lunch and drinks as you won't find restaurants and bars along the beach.

Cozy up with a cocktail in hand at the unique beach bar of Happy Island, where happy hour happens around the clock. The idea for this man-made island was born after a mounting pile of conch shells on the reef starting being used as a makeshift bar. Years later, the island serves as just that--a rum lovers' oasis in the middle of the Clifton harbor. Watch kite surfers nearby, take in the Caribbean landscape, taste some spicy wings, and sip cocktails under the sun.

Head for an idyllic getaway from the hustle and bustle of life at Palm Island. Pristine clear turquoise water meeting soft bright white sand encapsulates the island, which features little more than the resort and a few private houses. Whilst Union island sits nearby, it has no permanent resident population of its own. Hike or bike around the island to discover its hidden beauties, go snorkelling in its crystal clear water, or simple read a book as you rest in a hammock and watch the day go by.

Immerse yourself in the sight, smell, and sound of nature as you take a peaceful stroll around Montreal Gardens. The botanical garden, set in a tropical rainforest, provides you with the opportunity to see exotic plants and flowers of every shape, size, and color imaginable. Tall tree filled hills that surround the garden complete the lush scenery that surrounds you. Get right into the thick of the botanics and walk along one of the paths leading directly through the garden.