Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Churches of Kingstown

Kingstown is widely known for its churches. The Catholic Cathedral of Saint Mary (built in 1820, restored in 1930) is famous for its eclectic mix of Romanesque arches and columns, Gothic spires, and Moorish floral ornaments, with its walls made of dark volcanic blocks. The Anglican Cathedral of Saint George (early 19th century) is in the Georgian style and features the country's main exhibit of religious art-a stained-glass window titled "The Red Angel". Conceived by order of Queen Victoria for St. Paul's Cathedral in London, it was sent as a gift to Kingstown because the angel figures on it were dressed in red robes, and the Queen believed that angels wear only white garments.

Fort Charlotte Ruins

The ruins of Fort Charlotte lie atop Berkshire Hill (180 m high), to the north of the city. Named after the wife of King George III, the fortifications were built in 1806 to guard the island’s capital and the bay adjacent to it. During its heyday, a detachment of colonial troops of 600 men and 34 guns was stationed on the fort’s grounds. Today, the old barracks house the “Black Carib” History Museum, and from the walls and bastions you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the bay and the Northern Grenadines.

Beaches of St. Vincent Island

On Saint Vincent, as on other islands, there are many beautiful bays and beaches (the island’s beaches are mainly covered with black volcanic sand, with the exception of white sandy beaches at the southern tip), framed by palms and green hills. The combination of coral reefs, clear water, and a dramatic landscape creates ideal conditions here for active pursuits and leisurely relaxation on the beaches. And the abundance of colorful local villages only further highlights these advantages.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens, established in 1762 as a commercial plant nursery for species brought here from all corners of the world by the famous captain William Bligh, are located in the island’s capital. The garden complex, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, now covers an area of about 8 hectares in the north of Kingstown and contains around 450 species of tropical plants, including the breadfruit tree-descendant of that very tree planted by Bligh himself. There is also a bird aviary where, among others, you can find representatives of the “national bird”: the colourful St. Vincent parrot (amazona guildingii).

Tobago Reefs

The Tobago Cays are a group of five uninhabited islands located off the southern end of the Grenadines archipelago. They are part of the state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and are a popular tourism destination. The Tobago Cays are fairly rocky islands. They are covered with picturesque slopes overgrown with cacti, and the shores of their bays are decorated with white powdery sand. The Cays consist of five small islands: Petit Bateau, Petit Tobac, Petit Ramo, Baradol and Jamesby. Interestingly, many episodes of the famous film «Pirates of the Caribbean» were filmed on the island of Petit Tobac. Today, a national park is open on the Tobago Cays.

Ascent to Mount Soufrière

Soufrière Volcano is the youngest volcanic center on the island of Saint Vincent. It occupies the northern third of the island and is considered the only volcano from which an eruption can be expected in the future. Soufrière is the highest point on the island and in the entire state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Its height reaches 1234 meters. The volcano’s most recent eruption was recorded in April 1979. The slopes of the volcanic hill are covered with lush tropical vegetation. The road to the crater is often blocked by piles of stones and unexpectedly tall stone formations-all of these are traces of lava flow. In the center of the volcanic crater rises a dome-shaped mountain about 150 meters high, densely covered with vegetation. At its foot lies a small lake. In the distance, beyond the clouds, the azure blue of the Caribbean Sea can be seen.

Baileyne Waterfalls

During this cruise, you will enjoy unforgettable impressions from the beauty of the island’s magnificent natural scenery. Aboard a comfortable sightseeing boat, you will travel along the beautiful leeward coast of Saint Vincent and hear captivating stories about fishing villages, old forts, and the region’s natural attractions. You will see the Soufrière volcano and frozen lava flows, and then you will be able to swim in refreshing river water beneath the magnificent 63-foot waterfall.

Excursion to Kingstown

Kingstown - a charming town with cobblestone streets, surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Here you should visit the churches, go to the local market where you can find many interesting things, wander through the narrow lanes lined with shops, rum-inspired shops and restaurants, and old brick houses. The town has duty-free shops.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.