The pulse of St. Vincent & The Grenadines beats at a walking pace, and this is the best way to discover the islands.
Their compact size means that you can see much of the islands by foot and each corner can bring a new view of their stunning convoluted coastline and countryside.
The people you pass will greet you and then conversations flow easily from any friendly exchange.
Away from the villages and their interconnecting roads, much of the terrain of all the islands is hilly and densely forested with many paths winding through the countryside.
The best way to explore is with a guide. They not only know the best routes, but will also teach you about the birdlife, flora and fauna. Some of the plants have nasty spines or can irritate the skin so having local knowledge on tap is no bad thing.
Most of the islands have official guides, but it won't be hard to find a knowledgeable and enthusiastic local to guide you either. The official trips are tailored to what you want to see and the type of terrain you can comfortably traverse. They usually start early in the morning or in the afternoon, to avoid the heat of the day.
Some of the walks are punctuated with a visit to a secluded beach that can only be reached on foot or by sea, or a picnic by a rushing river.
Hiking in The Grenadines tends to be through drier forests than on St. Vincent where many trails snake their way through the lush rainforest. The network of national trails is being added to and improved all the time and there are routes for casual strollers as well as the more adventurous hikes.
Tourist offices on the islands will be able to arrange a nature hike guide.
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