Rain or Shine: Kingstown’s Thrilling Indoor Escapes and Covered Adventures Await
Discover Kingstown’s hidden gems this rainy weekend with thrilling indoor escapes and covered adventures. From exploring historic sites to reliving movie magic, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Caribbean city.
Embrace the Rain: Kingstown’s Indoor Escapes
Kingstown, the vibrant capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This weekend, as the skies promise a mix of rain and sunshine, it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s indoor attractions and covered adventures. Start your day with a visit to the Kingstown Market, a bustling hub where local vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. The market is a sensory delight, with the aroma of tropical fruits and the vibrant colors of local textiles. As you wander through the stalls, take the opportunity to chat with the friendly vendors and learn about the island’s rich agricultural heritage.
For a deeper dive into the island’s history, head to the Kingstown Methodist Church, located on “back street.” This historic church, along with the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches nearby, offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. The architecture is a testament to the island’s diverse cultural influences, and the serene atmosphere provides a welcome respite from the bustling city streets.
Covered Adventures: Pirates of the Caribbean Tour
No visit to Kingstown would be complete without experiencing the Pirate Adventure tour. Available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday, this tour takes you on a journey through some of the most iconic filming locations from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. Begin your adventure at the Kingstown Ferry Terminal, where you’ll be guided through the city’s historic landmarks, including the Central Police Station and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
As you travel along the scenic Leeward Highway, you’ll visit Fort Charlotte, a British-colonial era fort offering panoramic views of the island. The tour also includes stops at Buccament Bay and Layou Village, where you can capture stunning photos of the island’s natural beauty. The highlight of the tour is Wallilabou Bay, the filming location for the opening scenes of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of The Black Pearl.” Here, you can explore the movie set and enjoy the lush surroundings of Wallilabou Heritage Park.
“Kevin is the BEST tour guide and really a TOP DAWG!!!! - This was a phenomenal tour lead by Kevin. He was an amazing driver on roads that were very narrow and hilly. His knowledge, professionalism, kindness, humor and willingness to make this a memorable experience for all was so much appreciated. The tour was fun and filled with a lot of conversation about the island and the people. Well done Kevin. Thank you for a memorable day.” - Reviewed on 2025-03-20
Authentic Vincentian Experience
For those seeking a more intimate look at Vincentian culture, the Authentic Experience tour is a must. Available on Sunday from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM, this tour offers a unique perspective on the island’s lifestyle and traditions. Led by an accredited expert trip guide, you’ll start your journey in Kingstown, exploring the city’s iconic buildings and vibrant vegetable market.
The tour continues with a scenic drive along the leeward highway, passing through charming villages and towns. In Barrouallie, you’ll learn about the town’s French colonial history and its significance as the first European colony on the island. The highlight of the tour is a visit to Wallilabou Heritage Park, where you’ll receive a guided tour of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” set from someone who was involved in the film’s production.
“Unique Experience and great day touring SVG - Had a fabulous tour from Orville (also known locally as Ruff) who runs IV Tours to the Pirates of the Caribbean filming site in Wallilabou. He gave us the full cultural immersion of St Vincent on the drive there thru the capital Kingstown, the manufacturing area in Camden Park and the island’s famous people from Layou. Explained the old coconut plantation and stopped several times for photo ops. Then lots of details about the Pirates movie set and how things were filmed, what was real and what was not. He even provided cold refreshments and fruit. We had a great day and will use IV Tours again for sure.” - Reviewed on 2025-04-09
Whether you’re a history buff, a movie enthusiast, or simply looking to escape the rain, Kingstown offers a wealth of indoor and covered activities to keep you entertained. So grab your umbrella, embrace the island’s unpredictable weather, and discover the hidden gems of this Caribbean paradise.