HIKING

Level: Hard

Duration: 2 hours one-way from the Rabacca trailhead.

Details: Dominating the north of the island, La Soufriere Volcano is accessible from either leeward or windward coasts. The most popular hiking route is from Rabacca on the windward coast where a paved farm track heads inland through plantations of bananas until it reaches the clearly marked trailhead. From there it is a 2 hour steady uphill climb to the crater’s edge. The hiking trail passes through rainforest, montane thicket and cloud forest before arriving at the volcanic rock and ash-strewn rim of this awesome crater.

Filling your entire field of vision, the crater is immense, with an active lava dome located at its centre. A trail continues around the crater’s edge and then down through the forest, until it reaches the village of Richmond on the leeward coast. It is also possible to go down into the crater and walk around the active dome - a rope stretches all the way down a steep trail to the crater floor, adding a further 2 hours or so to your hiking experience.

Whether you decide to go there and back, all the way across the island, or even down into the crater itself, St. Vincent’s La Soufriere Volcano is an amazing and unforgettable hike. The site opens from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Read the do's and dont's of La Soufriere Volcano here...

Level: Medium

Duration: 1/2 hour

Details: On the leeward coast of St. Vincent there is a clearly signposted vehicle track a little to the south of Richmond Beach which runs inland for some distance until it ends at a small parking area. From the trailhead, hike along a pretty forest trail until you reach the top of a ridge. A steep descent takes you down into a gorge with a fast-flowing river and the Trinity Falls.

Three powerful waterfalls tumble into a wide river basin before falling again into a further pool below. Bathing is wonderful though the force of the river should not be underestimated, especially in the wet season.

Level: Easy

Duration: 15 minutes

Details: The hike to Dark View Falls is very short - just 10 to 15 minutes from the parking area - but it requires a very exhilarating river crossing. Don’t worry, you won’t get wet. This crossing is in the form of a bridge made of long bamboo poles. Once across to the other side, don’t be surprised if your legs continue shaking for quite some time afterwards ! Pass through a clearing in the middle of a pretty bamboo grove before reaching a tall waterfall. Cascading down a high cliff face, Dark View Falls tumbles into two pools that are great for bathing. The site opens from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Read the do's and dont's of Dark View Falls here...

See the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority permits for events, site and facility user fees here (PDF)…

Level: Medium

Duration: 2 hours

Details: Located in St. Vincent’s southern interior, the Vermont Nature Trail offers great hiking for all ages and abilities. In this 10,870 acre reserve, you can enjoy 2 miles of clearly marked hiking trails through a variety of forest habitats including rainforest and plantation forest. Informative signs describe the fauna and flora you may encounter as you make your way through lush woodlands to the St. Vincent Parrot Look-Out on the far side of the reserve.

Sightings of the rare St. Vincent Parrot are practically guaranteed. Listen for their unmistakable calls and then look out from the view point as they fly above the forest canopy in front of you.

This is also the habitat for the Whistling Warbler, Black Hawk, Cocoa Thrush, the Crested Hummingbird, Redcapped Green Tanager, Green Heron and several other interesting species.

Trekking the Vermont Nature Trail is a fun and educational hiking experience as well as a wonderful destination for bird watching.

Located just 9 miles from Kingstown, driving time is approximately half an hour.

Read the do's and dont's of Vermont Nature Trails here...

Duration: Approximately 2.5 miles
At a relatively moderate pace the trail takes approximately 2 hours to complete

Details: Description of Site

The Cumberland Nature Trail is rested in the Cumberland Valley, traversing a variety of Forest Vegetation and Farm lands. At the initial section, the trail runs next to a wooden water pipe transporting water to a hydro-electricity power plant located in the Cumberland Valley. Its biggest attractions are however the rain forest and the opportunity for bird-watching both endemic species and other wildlife. The trail is between one and a half and two hours hiking. The site opens from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Read the do's and dont's of Cumberland Nature Trail here...

Facilities
Trail
Washrooms
Ticket Booth
Lookout Point
Exit Shelter

Level: Easy / Medium

Duration: Port Elizabeth to Lower Bay 45 minutes, Port Elizabeth to Princess Margaret Bay 30 minutes, Port Elizabeth to Industry & Spring Bays 60 to 90 minutes

Details: Bequia has some stunning beaches and a fun way to discover them is to hike. Paved roads link most of them, taking you through villages and over forest-covered ridges.

Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay Beach are particular favourites on the leeward coast and there is no shortage of restaurants and bars to keep your energy levels up. Friendship Bay, Industry Bay and Spring Bay on the windward coast all have splendid beaches that you may often have all to yourself. Bequia is hilly so be prepared for a little exertion, but the rewards of stunning white sands and wonderful seas for bathing make it really worth the effort.

Level: Easy

Duration: Airport to Windward Bay 2 hours.

Details: Follow the road from Canouan’s jetport all the way along the windward coastline to the Raffles Resort and enjoy wonderful scenery and very beautiful beaches and bays. Starting at Friendship Bay with its long stretch of sand and luxury hotel, climb uphill above the village and enjoy panoramic views of Charlestown Bay on the leeward coast and the Tobago Cays off to the south east. At the top of a small peak is an area of parkland and the remains of a cannon battery which is well worth the short diversion.

Continue along the leeward coast past Riley Bay to the pretty white sand beach and volcanic rock formations of Windward Bay. Protected by a long offshore reef, this beach is a lovely place for a picnic and a swim after your hike.

Level: Easy

Duration: 1 hour

Details: Most tour boats and private vessels call in at Mayreau’s idyllic Saltwhistle Bay. A wonderful white sand beach with resort hotel and tranquil seas, this natural anchorage is a perfect introduction to this lovely island. Across a narrow isthmus next to the resort is the Windward Careenage which also has a nice secluded beach. Take a walk uphill from Saltwhistle Bay towards the village, calling in at the quaint old Catholic Church. Walk around the back of this pretty stone building for great views of the Tobago Cays.

There are a number of tracks running from the top of the village. One runs across the ridge to Tamarind Hill, others go down to the beach at Upper Bay. Take a walk down through the village and meet some of its very friendly people before reaching the salt pond and charming beach at Saline Bay.

Level: Medium

Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

Details: Hike westwards from Clifton along the main road to Ashton and enjoy nice views of the shallow lagoon and isthmus of Frigate Island.

Stroll through this charming village and along the coast until the road ends in the island’s hilly south west. From here there is a track down to the wonderfully secluded beach at Chatham Bay as well as another that runs along the rocky ridges of Union Island’s volcanic interior. Pass MountTaboi and continue northwards until you arrive at the stretching coastline of Richmond Bay. Follow the road to Belmont Bay and take a look at Belmont Salt Pond.

Continue hiking along the paved road until you arrive back in the heart of Clifton where you can reward your efforts by enjoying great food and refreshments at one of the many bars and restaurants along the waterfront of Clifton Harbour.