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The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dive Primer (St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Nestled in the southern Caribbean, St. Vincent and the Grenadines--a string of 32 yesteryear islands--is an off-the-beaten-path enclave of charm and authenticity. With crystalline waters, stunning white-sand beaches and warm, sweet air, it is a place for those looking to escape to paradise.
South of St. Vincent, the Grenadine Islands are strung across 40 miles of intense-blue ocean like a necklace of precious stones on velvet. Until recently, they were better known to yachtsmen than to tourists--therein lies much of their charm. Only seven are inhabited, and even they seem undeveloped compared with other island destinations. They were tailor-made for those with a bit of Robinson Crusoe in their soul--for those seeking respite from mass tourism and for whom the lack of fast-food joints and chain resorts is a virtue.
The Grenadines have harbored an age-old romance with the sea. Bequia, the largest island, retains its historical boat-building traditions. Each island also lends itself admirably to snorkeling, scuba diving and beachcombing. It is difficult to find a crowded beach, and divers marvel at the bounty of world-class yet near-deserted sites. Cherished by divers "in the know," SVG offers a diversity of underwater landscapes and a range of diving experiences, such as wall, reef, wreck and muck. Divers will also enjoy a virtual who's who of sea life, while diving in brilliantly clear waters. Those with a penchant for exploration can delve into SVG's rich flora and fauna: An active volcano, intricate hiking grounds and warm salt ponds--to name a few--beckon discovery. At the end of the day, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a place of refuge, a haven where worries melt away into tranquil harbors and flowered hillsides.
Accommodations: St. Vincent Beachcombers Hotel, Lagoon Marina & Hotel, Mariners Hotel, Paradise Inn, Rosewood Apartment Hotel, Sunset Shores Hotel, Young Island Resort Bequia Bequia Beach Hotel, Frangipani Hotel, Gingerbread Hotel, Kingsville Apartments, Old Fort Classic Villa, Sugarapple Inn, Village Apartments
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