Colonarie

Colonarie is a river-valley village on the windward (Atlantic) coast of Saint Vincent, in Charlotte parish, roughly midway along the Windward Highway between Kingstown and Georgetown (about 25 km north of the capital). The name — locally pronounced "Con-na-ree" — belongs both to the village near the coast and to the broad, fertile Colonarie River valley that climbs inland into the forested interior. Like much of the windward coast, it grew up around the colonial plantation economy of sugar, arrowroot and later bananas, and farming still defines daily life: terraced gardens, coconut and banana holdings, and provision grounds line the valley.

The village itself is small and workaday, strung along the highway near the mouth of the Colonarie River, with a black-sand Atlantic shore that is scenic but unsafe for casual swimming because of strong currents and surf. Colonarie's real draw is its hinterland — the Colonarie (Hermitage) forest reserve and river valley, with waterfalls, freshwater pools and one of Saint Vincent's nature trails leading into the central mountains. It suits travellers interested in hiking, rivers, agriculture and authentic rural life rather than beaches or nightlife.

The climate is tropical and trade-wind-cooled (highs around 28–31°C year-round). Visit in the December-to-May dry season, when river crossings and forest trails are at their best; the May-to-November wet season, overlapping hurricane season, brings heavier rain to this exposed windward valley and can make the river and trails difficult.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Argyle International Airport (SVD) on Saint Vincent's southeast coast, roughly 15 km south of Colonarie along the Windward Highway. A taxi from the airport costs an agreed fare (confirm before departing — expect roughly EC$60–100 for the distance), while dollar-van minibuses along the Windward Highway are far cheaper at a few EC dollars. Argyle connects to regional hubs including Barbados (BGI), Saint Lucia and Grenada, plus some direct international flights.

By Car / Road

Colonarie sits directly on the Windward Highway about 25 km (around 45 minutes' drive) north of Kingstown and roughly 10 km south of Georgetown, passing through Biabou. The road is paved but winding and hilly with river crossings. Dollar-van minibuses (plates beginning "H") run frequently between Kingstown and Georgetown and will stop at Colonarie for a few EC dollars; service thins in the afternoon, so travel early. Driving is on the left; a hired car gives the most freedom for reaching the inland valley and trailheads.

The village is small and walkable along the highway. To reach the Colonarie valley, forest reserve and waterfalls inland, use a hired car on the rough interior tracks, arrange a taxi, or join a local guide — the upper valley is best explored on foot. Dollar vans serve the coastal highway (fares from EC$1) but not the interior. There are no ride-hailing apps; agree taxi fares in advance. Do not swim the Atlantic shore here — currents are dangerous.

• Colonarie River valley — a broad, green, terraced farming valley climbing inland from the coast, among the most scenic windward landscapes; freely viewable along the valley road.

• Colonarie (Hermitage) Falls and forest reserve — waterfalls and freshwater pools in the forest reserve at the head of the valley, a destination for hikers; no fixed entry fee, though a local guide is advisable.

• Black-sand windward beach — the dramatic Atlantic shore at the river mouth, good for scenery and photography rather than swimming.

• Hike the Colonarie valley and forest reserve — follow the river valley inland to the falls and into the central forest, a half-day walk best done with a guide and in the dry season.

• River bathing — cool off in the freshwater pools of the Colonarie River away from the dangerous coast.

• Explore windward agriculture — walk the terraced banana, coconut and provision gardens that define the valley.

• Day-trip to La Soufrière — Colonarie makes a base on the route north toward Georgetown and the windward volcano trailheads.

Eating in Colonarie is home-style and local: roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish (the national dish), callaloo soup, saltfish, stewed chicken or pork, and "provisions" (dasheen, yam, green banana, plantain) drawn from the surrounding farms. Food comes from cook shops, bakeries and roadside vendors rather than restaurants, with weekend roadside barbecue (pork and chicken) on Friday and Saturday nights. Vegetarians can rely on the abundance of provisions, breadfruit and callaloo, but dishes are often cooked with saltfish or meat, so ask. For more restaurant choice, head to Kingstown.

The village rum shop is the social centre, serving Vincentian rum and locally brewed Hairoun beer alongside soft drinks like Bitter Lemon and fruit-cocktail sodas. Fresh fruit juices and coconut water are sold by vendors. Tap water is often locally collected (including rainwater) and quality varies, so bottled water is the safe choice, especially in the rainy season.

• Budget: Simple rooms and guesthouses in and around Colonarie offer basic lodging, roughly EC$80–160 (US$30–60) per night; availability is limited, so arrange ahead.
• Mid-range: Small windward-coast guesthouses, some catering to hikers, run about EC$160–350 (US$60–130) per night.
• Upscale / heritage: There is no upscale or resort accommodation in Colonarie; for higher-end stays base yourself near Kingstown (about 45 minutes south) or in the Grenadines and visit as a day trip.

Colonarie has small village shops, a bakery or two and rum shops selling everyday goods, fresh produce and snacks — enough to stock up for a hike but not for souvenir shopping. Buy water and supplies before heading inland. For markets, crafts and a full range of groceries, Kingstown is about 45 minutes south. Shop prices are fixed; light haggling may work for produce at informal stalls.

• Georgetown (about 10 km / 15 min north) — the historic windward parish town and gateway to the eastern La Soufrière trails.
• Biabou (about 6 km / 10 min south) — a windward coastal village and bay.
• South Rivers (about 5 km / 15 min inland) — a fertile agricultural village in the central valleys.
• Mesopotamia Valley (about 20 km / 40 min southwest) — the lush terraced "Mespo" farming valley.
• Kingstown (about 25 km / 45 min south) — the capital, with Fort Charlotte and the Botanical Gardens.
• La Soufrière summit (trailheads to the north) — the windward coast's premier volcano hike.