Making the most of Kingstown
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The cruise terminal lies only a few minutes from central Kingstown and has deepwater berths for two vessels. When more than two ships call, passengers come ashore by tender.
Around 20 shops in the terminal sell handicrafts and duty-free products. Other facilities include a communications centre, post office, visitor-information desk, restaurant and small food court.
Central Kingstown is about 5-10 minutes away on foot from the cruise terminal.
Take the available printable map with you.
Consult the cruise schedule for Kingstown.
Kingstown is a compact, lively capital on the island's south-west coast, occupying a broad bay between two hilly headlands.
Roads from Kingstown wind north along both shorelines. The Atlantic, or Windward, coast has powerful surf, rocky shores and dramatic scenery, while the Caribbean, or Leeward, side contains striking landscapes and most island beaches. St. Vincent's finest beaches line the south coast, including several at Villa, four miles from Kingstown.
Just beyond town, historic Fort Charlotte crowns a hill overlooking St. Vincent Bay and is well worth visiting.
Getting around
Although the government fixes taxi fares, vehicles have no meters, so confirm the price before departure. Expect to pay about $30 an hour.
Local ferries for Bequia leave near the cruise pier. The journey takes one hour and costs about $25 one way.
St Vincent cruise excursions focus on its impressive eco-tourism, from diving and snorkelling to hikes up Mt. Soufriere, the 4,000-foot active volcano, and boat trips through the island chain.
Nearby places
The Botanical Gardens rank among St Vincent's most important and popular attractions. Established in 1765, they are the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere and an important conservation area, particularly for the St Vincent parrot. They are a short journey from central Kingstown.
Narrow Villa Beach is the island's most popular strip and only a 10-minute drive from Kingstown. Calm water allows safe swimming, and simple cafés and watersports stands line the shore.
Food and shopping
Terminal shops stock souvenirs, local crafts, duty-free products and various other small items.
Downtown Kingstown's lively streets and markets are an easy walk from the cruise terminal.
Money
St. Vincent and the Grenadines uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$).
Staying connected
English is spoken.
Opening Hours and
Individual businesses set their own hours, but most open on weekdays from 8 am until noon and again from 1 pm to 4 pm, with a half-day schedule on Saturdays.