What to see in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 10 must-sees

Explore Bequia, the seven-square-mile island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where sailboats anchor off Port Elizabeth. Swim on the white sand of Princess Margaret Beach, snorkel among the rocks and corals of Lower Bay, and stroll the waterfront past wooden bars and fishing boats. Watch local artisans build whaling ship models at the model-making workshop, climb up to the Mount Pleasant lookout for a view of the island's arc, and try the grilled fish beside the crystal-clear water.

Take in this archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from the boat, where coral reefs form pools of crystal-clear water. Snorkel beside sea turtles gliding peacefully through the seagrass meadows, and anchor in nearly deserted bays. Walk the fine-sand shore, swim in the warm waters, and watch the sea shift from turquoise to deep blue as the day wears on. No hotels, no crowds here: just the solitude of protected islands where the most exclusive experience is having the entire horizon to yourself, amid corals, colorful fish, and the gentle sway of the waves.

Admire the crescent of white sand at Salt Whistle Bay, in Mayreau, where catamarans anchor by the shore and transparent water reveals corals just a few meters from the beach. Snorkel among colorful fish, walk barefoot along the narrow shoreline, and stay until the sun sinks over the Caribbean, when the bay is left almost empty.

Dive into the clear waters of Mustique, the private island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and swim among reefs where snorkeling is easy even for beginners. Walk along fine white-sand beaches that are almost always quiet, and follow the trails that cross the island to viewpoints over the Caribbean. Swim in sheltered coves, stroll the shore at sunset, and soak up the exclusive atmosphere that makes Mustique the country's most secluded retreat.

Walk through Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, past steep streets and colonial wooden balconies. Head to the Market, where vendors sell fruit, spices, and fish under one roof, then climb up to Fort Charlotte for a bird's-eye view of the bay. Finish at the botanical gardens, founded in the 18th century, where a tree brought from the Pacific still grows.

Explore La Soufrière, the active 1,234-meter volcano that crowns the island of Saint Vincent as its highest point. Hike up trails that cross the rainforest to the crater's rim, where steam reminds you the mountain is still alive. On clear days the view takes in the Caribbean coast and neighboring peaks; on the ascent you'll see giant ferns, endemic birds, and volcanic rock that hints at recent eruptions. The route demands a good pace, but every stretch rewards you with a different angle of this giant of St. Andrew.

Stroll along the ramparts of Fort Charlotte, the 18th-century fortress crowning the hill above Kingstown and its bay. Climb to the gun emplacements, where old cannons still point out to sea, and watch the harbor and the capital's rooftops spread out below. Read the panels recalling the British occupation and the wars against the Caribs, and notice the worn stones that hold Saint Vincent's military history. Bring a camera: on clear days this viewpoint also takes in the Grenadines.