| St Vincent and the Grenadines make up part of the | | | | daubed on their bodies roam the streets in the pre |
| Windward Islands and lie south of St Lucia, St | | | | dawn hours. |
| Vincent. It is volcanic and mountainous with luxuriant | | | | In addition, there are competitions to find the King |
| vegetation and black sand beaches. The Grenadines | | | | and Queen of the Bands, a Junior Carnival, Steel Band |
| are equally lush. Kingstown, capital of St Vincent, is a | | | | and Calypso Competitions. All the fun is rounded off |
| lively port and market town on the southern coast. | | | | with a Mardi Gras parade of costumed bands on the |
| The town contains 12 small blocks with a variety of | | | | last day. Its an amazing time to be on this relaxed, |
| shops and a busy dock area. | | | | tropical island. |
| Bequia island lies 14km south of St Vincent and is the | | | | Kingstown is the centre for island nightlife, such as it |
| largest of the Grenadines. Admiralty Bay, the islands | | | | is, though often thats limited to people hanging out in |
| natural harbour, is a favourite anchoring spot for | | | | the streets, with car stereos usually providing the |
| yachtsmen from all over the world. | | | | music. For official establishments, try The Attic, at |
| Heading south, the next port of call is Mystique, a | | | | Melville and Greenville, which has live music usually |
| gem in the ocean taking up only 4 sq km. Verdant | | | | jazz most nights and is a decent and popular place to |
| hills roll into soft white sand beaches and turquoise | | | | watch sports on the multi screen Tvs. |
| waters. St Vincent is one of the few islands where | | | | Eating options on the island are surprisingly limited, |
| good West Indian cuisine can almost always be | | | | with again the most variety around Kingstown and |
| enjoyed. Specialities include red snapper, kingfish, and | | | | Villa Beach. Prices tend to be lower in Kingstown than |
| souse. Many evening events take place in hotels. | | | | in Villa Beach, where you can expect to pay at least |
| The Caribbean island of St Vincent puts on a | | | | twice as much for food and drink than anywhere |
| spectacular show each year during carnival, is a | | | | else on the island. |
| typical West Indian week of celebrations. Originally a | | | | Due to its volcanic origins, the underwater |
| pre Lenten affair, it was shifted to late June so it | | | | topography of St Vincent is breath taking, and there |
| would not clash with other major carnivals in the | | | | are no shortages of dive operators on the island to |
| region. | | | | help you explore it. Dive St Vincent, next to the |
| A highlight is the Miss Carnival beauty show, billed as | | | | Young Island jetty at Villa Beach, offers numerous |
| the number one Caribbean show of its type. Where | | | | dives, courses and packages, some of which include |
| revellers disguised as devils with paint and mud | | | | accommodation. |