The Grenadine Islands, officially called Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, are an island nation that is located in the Lesser Antilles group of islands in the Caribbean sea. It consists of the main island of Saint Vincent and a group of northern islands stretching southwards to Grenada that are collectively known as the Grenadines. The island of Saint Vincent is located approximately 32 km southwest of Saint Lucia and about 160 km west of Barbados. The other, larger islands in the group include the Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, Petit Saint Vincent and Union islands. The name Saint Vincent applied to the mainland and an associated group of smaller islands but after independence in 1979, the islands of the nation were collectively referred to as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The capital is located in Kingstown on Saint Vincent and the country remains a member of the British Commonwealth.
The Grenadines are a popular destination for the boating fraternity and the islands offer some of the best scenery in the Caribbean. The group of volcanic islands
That comprise the country are dotted with white sandy beaches and a myriad of palm shaded bays. A magnet for both sailing craft and super yachts, the location has private islands (such as the famous Mustique) as well as marinas available for public access.
Excellent diving is available off the coast and there are many coral reefs fringing the beaches of the islands that allow for snorkelling a short distance from their shore. Discerning tourists are drawn to these islands not only for the water sports available but because the islands are not on main cruise ship lines which means they have remained peaceful and unspoilt compared to other Caribbean tourist destinations.
Bequia, the second largest island in the group, is a popular yachting destination and has a rich whaling history. Its lush hillsides are covered with bougainvillea which finish at tropical beaches surrounded by yacht-filled bays. Visitors to the island ca visit the Firefly Plantation where they can pick tropical fruits, such as guava, bananas and mangos, straight from the trees as well as crush their own sugarcane using a 280 year old mill.
Mustique is probably the most well-known Grenadine Islands of the group. A private island, it has been the playground to celebrities, rockstars and even royalty with Princess Margaret receiving land on the island as a wedding gift and spending many years there. The island has its own airport and store as well as two luxury hotels, the Firefly Mustique and The Cotton House. Visitors can enjoy diving, kayaking, fishing, tennis and horseback riding among its other attractions.
Leave a Reply