Amazing Day Trips to Take From Saint Vincent by Boat

Island-hop around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by booking Culture Trip’s eight-day group sailing adventure – no experience necessary

One of the most iconic things to do in Saint Vincent is visit the set of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) in Wallilabou Bay. Walk under the gallows and into the small museum of artefacts leftover from filming. The real cobwebs clinging to the corners of coffins and between the ribs of fake skeletons only add to the air of antiquity.

Just off the south coast of Saint Vincent are the historical sister islands of Young Island and Fort Duvernette. Spend the morning climbing the steep steps to the top of Fort Duvernette, built atop this tiny, precipitous island around 1800. Take time to admire the views on the way up, where the turquoise reef below peeks through tree branches covered in bromeliads. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Young Island for lunch at the casual beachside restaurant, and enjoy a cocktail in the sun.

Along Saint Vincent’s steep leeward coast is a small fissure in the rock, half submerged by the sea, and just big enough to swim through. Inside, hundreds of bats cling to the walls and ceiling, chirping with the sounds of echolocation. Crabs scurry along the walls too, illuminated only by slivers of light penetrating through the narrow openings.

Only accessible by boat, adventurous travellers should take the moderate hike to the Falls of Baleine on the north coast of Saint Vincent. Follow the narrow canyon and meandering river – lined with tropical foliage bursting from rocky cliff faces – to the falls, which plummet nearly 20m (66ft) into a series of pristine swimming pools. For an adrenaline rush, you can even climb and jump from halfway up the falls into the deep, cool water below.

Palm Island in the Grenadines is a private island resort renowned for its beauty. Like all beaches in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it’s open to the public, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the sandy shores and turquoise waters of this remote island paradise. Grab a cocktail and stroll under the shade of rustling palms while the Caribbean sea gently laps at the shoreline.

A group of four small, uninhabited islands, Tobago Cays Marine Park is a refuge for sea turtles and a stunning escape for day-trippers. A long, fringing reef protects the islands and the shallow lagoon they surround, where turtles gather to munch on seagrass, unperturbed by curious snorkellers. Swim among the colourful reef fish or just enjoy the aquamarine scenery from the bow of the boat.

One of the larger islands near Saint Vincent is Bequia. It’s a popular sailing destination and home to a number of pristine beaches. Hire a stand-up paddleboard off Princess Margaret Beach and explore the coastline at a slower pace. Afterwards, head back to the main town of Port Elizabeth and wander along the beautiful waterfront walkway, stopping for some local homemade ice cream from Maranne’s. The museum in Friendship Bay is also worth a visit.

This exclusive, privately-owned island is populated by the vacation homes of the rich and famous. Walk through the beautifully landscaped streets, with pastel-coloured shops trimmed in delicate gingerbread-style fascia, and browse the local market stands of exotic fruit and vegetables. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to grab lunch or a sundowner at one of Mick Jagger’s favourite waterfront hangouts, Basil’s Bar.

Union Island, one of the southernmost islands in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is an adventurous and rewarding day trip. Spend the day learning to kitesurf with one of the many schools, or tighten your laces for a challenging hike up Mount Taboi, and incredible views of the Grenadines below. As the sun sets, enjoy a cold one at Happy Island, built atop a shallow ridge on the inner reef – an island all of its own.