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Cruise Port Advisor
Destinations › Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines Cruise Port Guide

Your guide to Kingstown, St. Vincent cruise port — the filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean, the lush La Soufrière volcano, the Grenadines, and what to do on a St. Vincent port day.

Comprising 32 islands and cays, nine of which are inhabited, St.Vincent and the Grenadines are located in the Caribbean Sea, just north of South America. 

Kingstown is the capital, main port and is also the main commercial hub of St. Vincent. The British ruled St. Vincent for almost two hundred years before the French settled and founded Kingstown in 1722. 

William Bligh, commander of the HMS Bounty fame (or infamy!) brought breadfruit trees to St. Vincent in 1793. Not native to the Caribbean, it has since thrived on the islands. Breadfruit has become a staple on the islands. A third-generation breadfruit tree, a sucker from one of the original plants that Captain Bligh brought to the island, can be seen in the botanic gardens. There is also an annual breadfruit festival.

You will not find many all-inclusive resorts on St. Vincent, and the islands are the least traveled of the Caribbean islands and have little cruise traffic. This might be a disadvantage if you are looking for shopping, dining and cultural attractions; this will not be your stop. If, however, you are drawn by waterfalls, rainforests and coral reefs, this will be the place for you. Just know that some parts of St. Vincent is so densely forested that you can’t circumnavigate the island by car. It can be an exciting place for an ecotourist, but challenging at the same time, as there is little in the way of creature comforts for tourists on the islands.

Good To Know

It is against the law to wear camouflage clothing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This goes for everyone. Men, women and children are included in this restriction. Items, like purses, backpacks, bandanas or any other item made of camouflage material will be confiscated and you will not get it back.

Check out these excursions in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

 
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Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go: La Soufrière erupted in April 2021, causing significant displacement of the island's north and affecting tourism. By 2022–2023 the island had largely recovered. Check current volcanic activity status before visiting. Currency is Eastern Caribbean dollar (USD accepted). Kingstown's streets are busy and commercial — the real beauty is accessed by taxi or excursion.

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Hot Tip

Ask your taxi driver to take you to Wallilabou Bay on the west coast — the original Pirates of the Caribbean filming location. The bay is beautiful and some original set pieces and props remain. It's about 45 minutes from Kingstown but genuinely worth the trip.

Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines – Quick Facts

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CurrencyThe official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. The US dollar is also widely accepted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  The exchange rate is a fixed rate.</span>Per the </span><a href="http://tourism.gov.vc/tourism/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=462&amp;catid=20&amp;Itemid=71#:~:text=The%20official%20currency%20is%20the,at%20US%241%20%3D%20EC%242.68.">Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ministry of Tourism</span></a>, the fixed rate at the time of writing is US $1 = EC $2.68. Other currencies have variable exchange rates. </span>Many of the commercial banks in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have ATMs that will accept credit/debit cards. Any withdrawn funds will be in Eastern Caribbean dollars. Expect for major credit cards to be accepted only at hotels and larger restaurants. </span>&nbsp;
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LanguageThe official language is English, however, most of the locals speak Vincentian Creole. It is an English-based creole that has elements of French, Spanish and Portuguese. </span>
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WiFi & PhoneThere will be WiFi hotspots that can be found in tourist areas. </span>
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Where You DockCruise Ship Terminal, Kingstown, St. Vincent
KINGSTOWN WEATHER

Where You Dock in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

The cruise port is located a few minutes from downtown Kingstown. Two cruise ships can dock at the same time. If there are more than two ships in port, the ship not docked will tender passengers.  There is a cruise ship terminal that has a gift shop, restaurants and an information center. It is arranged around a terra-cotta-tiled courtyard with a mural that depicts the St. Vincent’s annual Carnival celebration.    Terra cotta colored building with peaked roof and wide open entrance. Kingstown Cruise Terminal  

Getting Around Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Transportation options once you're ashore.

Walking

You can walk into Kingstown from the cruise ship terminal. Much of this small city can be explored on foot. North of the docks is Bay Street, which runs parallel to the sea. It has a wharf, fish market and the police station, and can be an interesting walk if you want to stay in Kingstown.  While you can walk Kingstown, the cruise terminal is not within easy walking distance of the attractions that would draw an ecotourist.

Buses

What would be considered  “buses” in St. Vincent are privately owned vans. These vans can be flagged down from the roadside and they will take you to destinations that are too far to be reached by foot.

Water Ferries

Watter ferries connect the nearby islands. However, you need to have the time to visit the other islands. The closest island, Bequia, is an hour one way to reach.  If you have the time in port and want to visit another island, these services will be able to help get you there: Bequia Express Jaden Sun MV Gem Star 2

Taxis

Taxis wait outside of the cruise terminal when ships are in port.  If you prefer to call ahead, or use one of the taxi services for touring the island, here are a few of the ones available: Stefano Taxi Service VIP Taxi & Tours Lil Trix Taxi & Tours

Rental Cars

As was noted, the main attractions in St. Vincent are not within walking distance of the cruise pier. Renting a car is possible, but the difficulty with driving in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the poor quality of the roads. The main roads tend to be fine, but minor roads and rural areas are not. There are many narrow roads and blind corners. You need to watch for pedestrians, as they will walk in the roads and turn signals are not often used. Do not stop if you are flagged down by  pedestrians, either.   To rent a car, you must purchase a temporary driver’s permit. The rental car agency will help you with this process. Driving is on the left in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  Here are a few car rental services: Smalls Car Rental Prestige Auto Rentals   +1 784-433-0792 Chaine Rentals  +1 784-529-7756

Things To Do in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Make the most of your time ashore.

If your cruise line times its visit right, you will be able to see Vincy Mas. Starting the last weekend in June every year, St. Vincent holds a 10 day Carnival celebration called the Vincy Mas which  is a Caribbean Carnival that is full of culture, tradition and heritage. There is music, color, costumes and all kinds of dancing.

Buccament Bay

About 20 minutes from Kingstown, the calm waters in this bay make it a good place for swimming. Wide shot of Buccament Bay showing a stretch of white sand and a small bay with sail boats and lush green trees.  

Botanical Gardens

The oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, having been established in 1765, these gardens have an array of plants and trees. Located on the outskirts of Kingstown, the gardens were originally created to grow spices and medicinal plants. This 20-acre sanctuary also has an aviary of endangered parrots. It is open daily until early evening and costs $5 Eastern Caribbean dollars (less than $2 USD) for adult admission. Click here to see a brochure. 

Vermont Nature Trail

This 2 mile trail will take you through lush rainforests and unique landscapes. The hike winds through the forests and offers some great views of the landscape and you may see the St. Vincent parrot, the national bird of the island and is good for all ages. There are areas of the hike which have a wooden boardwalk with steps, and others more rustic dirt trail. There is a small entrance fee, a washroom and visitor's center and benches to sit throughout the trail.  Wooden boardwalk through the Vermont Nature Trail in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Beaches & Outdoors in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

St. Vincent's beaches are mostly black volcanic sand — beautiful in their own way but quite different from the white-sand Caribbean norm. Indian Bay and Villa Beach (south of Kingstown) are the main beach areas. The white-sand beaches of the Grenadines (Bequia, Mustique, Tobago Cays) are accessible by ferry or day boat — exceptional but require good time management from a port day.

Shopping in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Where to shop and what to look for.

There are not many shopping opportunities in Kingstown. The best and most available shopping is found at the cruise port terminal. The local market in Kingstown is another spot where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables.

Massy Stores SVG

Here you will find all varieties of items, just as you would in a grocery store. There is a deli and pharmacy. There is also an ATM.

SayCheap

Jewelry case from SayCheap store filled with necklaces. Located on Granby Street, this clothing store has some interesting pieces of clothing and lots of inexpensive jewelry.

Grand Bazaar

Exterior of Grand Bazaar Located on Grenville Street, household-type items and home goods are found at Grand Bazaar. 

Dining in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Where to eat and drink ashore.

The national dish of St. Vincent is the fried jack fish. The cuisine in St. Vincent is heavy on fish, as it is the most prevalent resource for the island. Breadfruit is another crop that is mashed or sauteed with garlic. Potatoes, yams, bananas and plantains are also staples on the islands. Other items have to be imported.

Flow Wine Bar and Kitchen

Located on James Street, you can get small plate items like soup, cheese platters, seafood scampi bruschetta, fish samosas and conch sushi rice cakes. They also have flatbread pizzas, and salads, along with southern fried chicken sandwiches. All of their menu items are designed to be easily paired with wines and other beverages.

Pirate Pub

Open for lunch, this bar and restaurant has burgers of beef, chicken or fish. They also have Green pea soup with oxtail. You can get grilled fish, curry duck, mutton, chicken, or rabbit. Shepherds pie and pasta salad round out the menu.

Melting Pot

Located in the cruise terminal in Kingstown, you will be able to get pasta, salads,, breakfast, and even sushi. They describe their cuisine as "infused flavors of Asian, American and Caribbean" and offer indoor and outdoor seating. 

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Dark View Falls and Beach Tour

Hike through lush rainforest to the spectacular Dark View Falls and enjoy a refreshing swim before relaxing on a beautif...

Book This Tour →

Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Site & Beach Tour

Visit the actual filming locations used in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and enjoy a beach stop in one of the Cari...

Book This Tour →

Fort Charlotte, Botanical Gardens & Kingstown Tour

Explore historic Fort Charlotte, the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere, and the colourful capital of Kin...

Book This Tour →

Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines – FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is St. Vincent known for?

St. Vincent is known for its lush volcanic landscape, the La Soufrière volcano, beautiful black sand beaches, and being a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean. The Grenadines — a chain of 32 islands — are renowned for exclusive yacht charters and pristine nature.

Is St. Vincent safe for cruise passengers?

Kingstown and the main tourist areas are generally safe. Exercise normal caution and use licensed tour operators for excursions.

Where was Pirates of the Caribbean filmed in St. Vincent?

Wallilabou Bay on the west coast of St. Vincent was used as Port Royal in the original Pirates of the Caribbean films. The movie set props are still there and it's a popular cruise excursion.

What are the Grenadines?

The Grenadines are a string of 32 small islands and cays stretching south from St. Vincent toward Grenada. They include the exclusive Mustique (a private island resort), Bequia, and the Tobago Cays — a marine park with stunning beaches and sea turtle nesting sites.

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