Hiking from Sea Level to the Summit
The La Soufriere Cross Country Trail runs from sea level to the summit of La Soufriere Volcano at 4,048 feet (1,178 m). On Saint Vincent, this change in elevation shapes the hiking experience: the route is about 9 miles (15 km) long and can be hiked from either the leeward or windward side. Its length, possible starting sides and summit elevation give you concrete points of reference when choosing hikes by their profile. Local trail conditions may vary.
Forest Trail and Water Landscapes
The trail to Dark View Falls is short and easy, and passes through rainforest; it crosses the Richmond River via either a bamboo bridge or a conventional bridge. Conditions on site may vary. At the destination, two cascading waterfalls plunge over high rock faces into natural pools. Compared with the La Soufriere Trail, the focus here is on a short rainforest walk and a river crossing rather than an ascent to the summit. This gives you two distinct hiking profiles on Saint Vincent.
Owia Salt Pond is a sea-fed bathing pool at the northern tip of the windward side of Saint Vincent. Horse Shoe Reef is a coral reef abundant in fish and coral. The two places differ clearly in form: one is a bathing pool, the other a reef defined by its fish and coral. If you are interested in coastal and marine landscapes, this contrast offers two distinct sights.
Beach, Panorama and Anchorage
Mt. Wynne Beach offers another point of interest: the beach is considered one of the best black-sand beaches on Saint Vincent. Belmont Lookout offers panoramic views to the north and east across Marriaqua Valley; Bequia can be seen to the southeast and Battowia to the west. The valley and the views of the two islands therefore appear in different parts of the panorama. Cumberland Bay is considered one of the best-known yacht anchorages on Saint Vincent. Black sand, a directional view and a yacht anchorage each offer a different way to discover the landscape.
Gardens and Historic Sites
The Botanical Gardens were founded in 1765 and are considered the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere. A fee of EC$10 per person is listed for a guided tour of the gardens; confirm the schedule and price before your visit. Layou Petroglyph Park is located in the settlement of Layou.
Black Point Tunnel was built around 1815 by the British using enslaved labor and is 360 feet long. Its length gives the structure a concrete measure, while the approximate date establishes its historical context. The use of enslaved labor is also an essential part of its construction history.
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