St. Vincent and The Grenadines are some 32 islands and cays stretching south (about 48 miles) to the country of Grenada. St. Vincent has a mountainous interior, having La Soufriere, an active volcano in the north rising to 1,220 m (4,000 ft.) as its highest point, and a sheltered and indented coastline on the Leeward coast. St. Vincent is roughly 29 km (18 miles) long and 17.7 km (11 miles) wide and has an area of 344 sq. km (133 sq. miles), while the Grenadines comprise an additional 44 sq. km (17 square miles). Bequia covers 18 sq. km (7 sq. miles) and its highest peak is 268 m (881 ft.). The island of Mustique is 5 sq. km (1.9 sq. miles) and rises to 151 m (496 ft.) at its highest. Mount Royal at 274 m (900 ft.) is the highest point in the7.5 sq. km (3 sq. miles) island of Canouan. The 5.5 km (3 1/2 mile) long Union Island features as its highest peak Mt. Tobai which soars to 305 m (1,000 ft.) Mayreau Coast Mayreau Coast Beautiful St Vincent has remained untouched by mass-tourism. On this 18 by 11-mile island (500 sq km), the hotels, restaurants and bars retain the charm of a family setting. St. Vincent (volcanic in origin) has a rugged mountainous terrain, lush forests and many uncluttered beaches and inlets. The port city of Kingstown is one of the most picturesque in the Caribbean. You can see evidence of the island's earliest inhabitants in rock carvings at Layou. You can walk on a nature trail through the lush Buccament Valley to enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest. The Trinity Falls, three falls dropping 100ft (30m) to a natural whirlpool, and the 60ft (18m) sheer Falls of Baleine are a must. And you can also take a restorative dip in the Owia Salt Pond. Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent, is also the jumping off point for The Grenadines, a string of 30 tiny islands spreading south along a 45-mile (72 km) arc. Some are well-developed but never crowded, others are little more than a lonely, unspoiled beach and a collection of houses. Together they all offer some of the best sailing in the world. There's something here for one and all from sailing and dolphin-watching, to hiking the nature trails and swimming in waterfalls. You can climb to the top of a volcano, or explore the fascinating underwater gardens surrounding this pristine archipelago. A must-see along the coast is the Owia Salt Pond. This unusual gift of nature consists of a huge bathing pool enclosed by lava peaks and ridges. The pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash into this barrier and then gently cascade into the pool. Surrounded by mountains and the thundering surf, this area is an ideal stop for a picnic lunch, swimming and snorkelling. The Leeward (west) coast of St. Vincent leads to many interesting sights. A visit to the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, is a favourite stop for both visitors and locals. Here, rare and exotic flowers, plants and trees abound. Anotner natural wonder awaits further up the Leeward highway, with its secluded coves and fishing villages and spectacular backdrops of high mountains and gentle streams. An hour's hike through lush rain forest leads to Trinity Falls, a 40-ft waterfall that descends in three cascades into a circular pool, then drops another ten feet into a second )pool perfect for swimming. Running the gamut from guest houses and self-catering apartments, to beachfront hotels and luxury all-inclusive resorts, accommodation in St. Vincent offers something for every taste and budget whether you are a honeymoon couple, vacationing with the family or on a business trip. The area around Villa and Indian Bay is a popular tourist destination and many hotels are situated here. All the hotels are small and emphasize personal service. Kingstown itself has several hotels, while just outside town, in New Montrose, there are a number of hotels, apartments and guest houses. Venturing farther afield (and accessible only by boat) one finds the tranquil, eco-friendly resort at Petit Byahaut. St. Vincent is reached by air from North America and Europe through five major gateways - Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico and Trinidad - with connections to Union Island, Canouan, Mustique, Bequia, or St. Vincent. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, BWIA and Air Jamaica, all provide excellent service to the gateways; while American Eagle, BWIA Express, Caribbean Star Airlines, LIAT, SVG Air, Trans Island Air and Mustique Airways all provide a convenient connecting service from the gateways. Flight time to St. Vincent is approximately 35 minutes from Barbados; 30 minutes from Grenada; 45 minutes from Martinique; 20 minutes from St. Lucia; 2 hours 20 minutes from Puerto Rico. FYI...Did you know that "Pirates of the Caribbean" was shot in St. Vincent? Yup...it was! Though the "Fort" in Port Royal is actually not on St. Vincent, but at a closed down amusement park (Marineland) in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Related Links: 1, 2 Pirates of the Caribbean Quotes: * Barbossa: How did you get off that island? Jack Sparrow: When you marooned me on that god forsaken spit of land, you forgot one very important thing, mate: I'm Captain Jack Sparrow. * Jack Sparrow: Do us a favor...I know it's difficult for you...but please, stay here, and try not to do anything...stupid. * Will Turner: We're going to steal a ship? That ship? Jack Sparrow: Commandeer! We're going to commandeer that ship. Nautical term. * Will Turner: This is either madness... or brilliance. Jack Sparrow: It's remarkable how often those two traits coincide. * Jack Sparrow: Elizabeth... It would never have worked between us, darling. I'm sorry. Will... Nice hat. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/St_Vincent/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:56:17 EST St. Vincent and the Grenadines, part of the Windward Islands, are located at 13° 15 N, 61° 12 W. Their closest neighbours are Grenada, 120 km (75 miles) to the south, St. Lucia 40 km (24 miles) to the north and Barbados 160 km (100 miles) to the east. St. Vincent is the largest of the more than 30 islands that comprise the nation, covering roughly 390 sq. km (150 sq. miles). The Grenadines extend 72 km (45 miles) to the southwest, like a kite's tail. The major islands, north to south, are Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/St_Vincent/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:56:17 EST The average yearly temperature is 27° C (81° F). The coolest months are between November and February. During the rainy season, May through October, rain is frequent in the mountains of St. Vincent with the annual average rainfall being 380 cm (150 inches) inland and 200 cm (80 inches) on the coast. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/weather/St_Vincent/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:56:17 EST There are 580 km (360 miles) of surfaced roads with the Leeward and Windward highways traversing either side of the country. Country roads can be narrow with steep inclines and declines so exercise caution. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/car_rentals/St_Vincent/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:56:17 EST Restaurants and Dining: http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/restaurants/St_Vincent/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:56:17 EST