flycatcher06

We will only be in St Vincent for 6 hours what are the absolute must see and anything special to the island that we should purchase?

vinceygirl

You don't know what you are missing. 6 hrs doesn't give the island justice but should be just enough to make you long for a return trip. The jeep tour is probably your best bet to see as much as possible in so short a time. Are you coming in by ship?

curiousx

In six hours, you could have a spectacular drive up through the Mesopotamia Valley to the other-worldly Montreal Gardens. You'd have time for a short picnic and beach stop as well. Arrange in advance through Chez Norris at [email protected]. If they are busy, they will refer you to Trembler, also good.

An alternate for six hours is a speedboat up the beautiful west coast as far as Walliabou, one of the Pirates of the Caribbean locations. Again there would be time for a brief beach and picnic stop - Mount Wynne Bay (black sand) would be best. Hazeco and Seabreeze are both good tour companies to go with - again, arrange in advance.

As far as purchasing, nothing special unless you get to one of the Carib indian villages where they make beautiful straw baskets and mats - but these are not on the routes I am suggesting for you. There is a government handicrafts store in Kingstown where you might be able to pick them up however.

If you go walking in Kingstown, remember that it is a busy boisterous West Indian capital. There is a lot of poverty but people are friendly and proud. Just smile back and say 'no thanks' !

vinceygirl

Agree with curiousx. The suggestions are excellent. I have taken the speed boat trip along the Leeward coast and it is fabulous. Nature at it's best. Mespo trip also excellentalthough I did not travel with a guide. Went with friends who live on St.V.
Ambience in Kingstown just as cx's post. Wonderful warm and quite proud people. Treat them accordingly and they will treat you well. Rarely must you be firmer than a smile and no thanks. Loud noisy and full of life, horns honking people shouting I love the hustle bustle of the city and then retire to seaside at Indian bay for Tranquility. Actually that's the name of the place I stay and named oh so appropriately. My favorite island.

flycatcher06

thank you so much yes we are coming by ship and i have no idea why it would be such a short day - it is a little disappointing! thanks!

vinceygirl

Hi flycatcher, The short stay is because many cruise passengers want quaint shops and a short tour and then think they have visited the island. St. Vincent is not really a touist destination and you will understand why when you get there. A good number of other island's economy totally depends on tourism. St.Vincent is mostly agriculture shipping etc, mostly commerce type things. You won't find the usual obligatory "tiki bar" in the heart of town. And not that there is anything wrong with a tiki bar, I frequent them on numerous occasions when I travel to the Caribbean, But, what you will find is a hard working nation for the most part going on with everyday life. I call it the "real Caribbean" Beach bars can be found in Villa where the tender to Young Island is found. A nice beach to visit mostly frequented by locals is Indian Bay,a Small residential area on the other side of the airport. If you enjoy nature and ecology St.Vincent has much to offer. I have been traveling there for 13 yrs and can't wait to visit again. I try to visit at least once a yr and still talk about the island like my first trip was yesterday. I don't think you will be disappointed and may just decide to return another day. Have fun.