Diving in St. Vincent
Although other Caribbean islands lay claim to being macro capitals, the waters off
St. Vincent will change your mind instantly to who really is the king of the Lilliputian marine life hill. The one essential piece of dive gear to bring to St. Vincent is probably a Sherlock Holmes-sized magnifying glass.
The underwater experience isn’t entirely macro, you’ll find lush reefs surrounding the macro kingdoms. Reefs thick with barrel, rope, encrusting, stovepipe, vase and orange elephant ear sponges, gorgonians, sea whips and rods, and pink, red and orange and other shades of black coral trees. In fact, the seascape’s texture is a lush, healthy and rich amalgam of the best of the Caribbean. Roaming over this coral and sponge jungle steady rivers of Creole wrasse add a flow of purple and yellow to the scene, blackbar soldierfish add pops of red and brown chromis form jittery clouds above the dizzying panorama.
After surveying the seascape, you’ll want to cool your jets and settle in amongst the folds of the reef. Slow and steady and careful observation are the best way to take on the reefs here. To find the critters you’ll want a guide at first to point out the FISH ID treasures. At sites like Orca Point and Orca II, you’ll connect the dots from seahorses, to frogfish, pikeblennies, brotula, viper morays and other rarities. Once you’ve adjusted your sea-eyes, you’ll want to graduate to a place like Critter Corner. Here, in only 32 feet of water you’ll revel in exotic finds like flying gurnards, jawfish, striated frogfish, goldspotted eel, arrow shrimp, several types of blenny and goby and an endless parade of invertebrates including long-arm octopus.
Some of the more unique sites include Bottle Reef, just under the cliff where soldiers that were stationed at Fort Charlotte, on the cliff top, would discard rum and gin bottles. There’s also a Bat Cave with actual bats flying overhead during the dive, and gangs of copper sweepers.
Visibility here hovers between 60-80 feet, but can exceed 100-feet on the outer reefs. And the dive resorts and dive shops are all top notch. See the current weather
here.
Passport and/or Visa Requirements
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:
All U.S. citizens are required to present a passport, and do not need to obtain a visa. All persons leaving the St. Vincent, pay a Government Departure Tax.
Immunizations
Vaccinations are not required for entry into St. Vincent. Check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at
cdc.gov.
Culture and Customs
St. Vincent was one of the last of the Caribbean islands to get settled by Europeans, so there’s still a strong underpinning of identity that comes from the Caribs fierce resistance. The islands natural beauty and sustainability play a large part in daily lives, since most of what Vincentians eat is derived directly from the lush countryside of the island, including what the Vincentians called “ground provisions,” yams, cassava, dasheens, of course fish from the sea, and an abundance of fruit including bananas, guavas, passion fruit, mangos and coconut. Guests are welcomed heartily in Vincentians’ homes with strong rum for the men and plenty to eat. During Christmas and other special occasions, a drink called Sea Moss, which combines spices, seaweed and milk, is considered an aphrodesiac. Of course, Carnival brings its lively music, parades and celebrations with Calypso and soca forming the base beats that ignite the population. Read more about St. Vincent culture
here.
Electricity, Telephone and Internet Access
Electricity in St. Vincent is 220/240 volts, 50 cycles, so an adapter will be needed for US visitors. The
country code for the St. Vincent is 784 and direct dial service is fast and clear. Check with your service provider for long distance/roaming information and costs. Internet service is available at the larger hotels and resort and at Internet cafes.
Water Quality
Bottled water is recommended.
Language & Currency
English is the official language. The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD). Check the current exchange rate
here.
History, Art, and Culture
The Caribs prevented Europeans from settling on St. Vincent until the 18th Century. Slaves from St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and other Caribbean islands that either escaped or were shipwrecked on St. Vincent, intermarried with the Caribs and became the Black Caribs, also known as the Garifuna. The defiant Garifuna continued to rebel against the British until they were rounded up and shipped off to Roatan, part of the Bay Islands of Honduras. After several iterations of colonial status, St. Vincent gained its independence from Britain in 1979. In 1902 and 1979, La Soufriere Volcano, which dominates the island, erupted causing extensive damage. On the arts front, St. Vincent craftsmen and artists are evolving but remain rooted in the land with basket weaving, wood carving, and on the island of Bequia, there are world famous replica boat builders. Vincentian painters are developing a global following and their works are on display at the Bounty Gallery.