St. Vincent

Hiking

St. Vincent offers hikers and trekkers a choice of experiences: easy, scenic walks near Kingstown; moderately difficult nature trails in the central valleys; and exhilarating climbs through a rain forest to the rim of an active volcano. Bring a hat, long pants, and insect repellent if you plan to hike in the bush.

La Soufrière. La Soufrière, the queen of climbs, is St. Vincent's active volcano (it last erupted in 1979). Approachable from either the windward or leeward coast, this is not a casual excursion for the inexperienced—the massive mountain covers nearly the entire northern third of the island. Climbs take all day. You'll need stamina and sturdy shoes to reach the top (at just over 4,000 feet) to peek into the mile-wide (1½-km-wide) crater. Be sure to check the weather before you leave; hikers have been disappointed to find a cloud-obscured view at the summit. You can arrange for a guide ($25 to $30) through your hotel, the SVG Tourism Authority, or tour operators. The eastern approach is most popular. In a four-wheel-drive vehicle you pass through Rabacca Dry River, north of Georgetown, and the Bamboo Forest; then it's a two-hour, 3½-mi (5½-km) hike to the summit. If you're approaching from the west, near Châteaubelair, the climb is longer—6 mi (10 km)—and rougher, but even more scenic. If you hike up one side and down the other, you must arrange in advance to be picked up at the end. Rabacca, St. Vincent.

Vermont Nature Trails. These two hiking trails start near the top of the Buccament Valley, 5 mi (8 km) north of Kingstown. A network of 1½-mi (2½-km) loops passes through bamboo, evergreen forest, and rain forest. In the late afternoon you may be lucky enough to see the rare St. Vincent parrot, Amazona guildingii. Buccament Bay, St. Vincent.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Bicycling
• Boating and Fishing
• Diving and Snorkeling

• Guided Tours
• Hiking