Travel Agent - June 23, 2008 - (Page 210) ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES a necklace of ISLAND JEWELS T he islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines invite visitors to dip into pools at the base of rainforest waterfalls and natural surf-powered Jacuzzis, and to dine and dance at seaside dance shacks. Most of the 32 islands and cays are five square miles or less. Many, like the legendary Tobago Cays — where Johnny Depp was marooned as Jack Sparrow in “The Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” — are uninhabited coralencrusted magnets for marine life and for divers and snorkelers; several are totally devoted to creating a discreet, private getaway for celebrity millionaires and other escapists. The island group seems made for yachting and sailing. Its sheltered anchorages—each with a friendly beach bar or two, usually serving excellent fresh fish prepared with tasty local produce — are within easy sails of each other. IDYLLIC ISLES On St. Vincent, the largest and northernmost of the island group, secluded coves and sleepy fishing villages encircle lush, mountainous rainforests. Owai Salt Pond, an otherworldly pool formed of lava peaks and ridges fed by the Atlantic surf, is a sheltered spot for swimming and snorkeling. Inland, hiking trails wind through the Buccament Valley rainforest reserve and to the 4,048 foot rim of La Soufrière volcano, a dormant and much monitored volcano. At the southern end of the island chain, Union Island is the next largest island, with a wide array of bars and restaurants. Its steep verdant mountains rise to 1,000 feet — the tallest in the Grenadines. Guided hikes into the central part of the island are rewarded with the chance to see birds such as the rare cororico and lovely panoramic views. ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES GEOGRAPHY: Located in the Windward Islands 100 miles west of Barbados, 21 miles south of St. Lucia. St. Vincent is 133 square miles, 18 miles long and 11 miles wide. It is the largest of the group of islands with a mountainous interior and rugged coastline dotted with black sand beaches. The Grenadines, 32 islands and cays covering 17 square miles, have white coral sand beaches and clear waters. The main islands of the Grenadines are Bequia, Canouan, Mustique, Palm Island, Petit St. Vincent, Mayreau and Union Island. LANGUAGE: English. POPULATION: 106,253 (2002 Preliminary Census result). CLIMATE: Average temperatures range from 75ºF-87ºF. Driest season is January to April. Rainy season is June to October. Average annual rainfall: 80” on the coast, 150” in the interior. TIME: EST +1. GMT -4. 210 www.caribbeantravel .c om http://www.caribbeantravel.com
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