Things to Do in Wallilabou Bay, Saintvincent

Wallilabou Bay is a picturesque and historically significant anchorage located on the leeward coast of St. Vincent in the Caribbean. This sheltered bay gained international fame as a filming location for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, where elaborate sets were constructed to recreate 18th-century Port Royal. The bay's crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic volcanic backdrop, and lush tropical vegetation create a stunning natural amphitheater that has attracted sailors, filmmakers, and travelers for decades. Today, Wallilabou Bay serves as both a popular yacht anchorage and a unique tourist destination where visitors can explore movie set remnants, enjoy fresh local cuisine, and experience authentic Caribbean hospitality. The bay's protected waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports, while the surrounding hills offer hiking opportunities with breathtaking panoramic views. The small community maintains a laid-back atmosphere where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Caribbean.

Top Things to Do in Wallilabou Bay

Pirates of the Caribbean Set Exploration

Explore the remnants of the elaborate movie sets used in the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean, including reconstructed buildings, props, and scenic backdrops. The local restaurant and bar area still maintains much of the pirate-themed atmosphere with authentic-looking structures and decorations. Visitors can take photos with movie memorabilia and learn about the filming process from local guides who worked as extras during production.

Booking Tip: No formal booking required - simply visit during daylight hours. Consider dining at the Wallilabou Anchorage restaurant (meals $15-30 USD) which incorporates the movie sets. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

Snorkeling and Swimming

The protected waters of Wallilabou Bay offer excellent snorkeling opportunities with good visibility and diverse marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral formations. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and the bay's sheltered nature makes it suitable for all skill levels. The underwater landscape features interesting rock formations and small reefs that provide habitat for various Caribbean sea creatures.

Booking Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent from local operators for $10-15 USD per day. Best snorkeling is typically in the morning when waters are calmest. Check with the anchorage restaurant about current conditions and recommended spots.

Hiking to Scenic Viewpoints

Several hiking trails lead up into the hills surrounding Wallilabou Bay, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, neighboring islands, and the dramatic volcanic landscape of St. Vincent. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging climbs through tropical rainforest vegetation. Local guides can point out native plants, birds, and provide insights into the area's natural and cultural history.

Booking Tip: Arrange local guides through the restaurant or nearby accommodations for $20-40 USD per person. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Early morning hikes offer cooler temperatures and better visibility.

Sailing and Boat Excursions

Wallilabou Bay serves as an excellent launching point for sailing adventures along St. Vincent's leeward coast, with opportunities to visit secluded beaches, other filming locations, and nearby coves. Day sailing trips often include stops for snorkeling, beach visits, and exploring hidden gems accessible only by boat. The protected bay also makes it an ideal spot to learn sailing basics or enjoy sunset cruises.

Booking Tip: Charter boats range from $200-800 USD per day depending on size and inclusions. Book through local operators or the anchorage facility. Half-day trips are available for $100-300 USD. Best weather conditions are typically December through April.

Local Cultural Experiences

Engage with the local community through cultural activities such as traditional cooking demonstrations, local craft workshops, or informal music sessions featuring Caribbean rhythms. The small community around Wallilabou Bay maintains strong cultural traditions and visitors can learn about local fishing techniques, traditional boat building, and island folklore. Evening gatherings often feature local musicians and storytellers sharing Caribbean culture.

Booking Tip: Arrange cultural experiences through local contacts or the restaurant staff - costs typically $25-50 USD per person. These are often informal arrangements that depend on local availability. Evening cultural activities are usually free but consider purchasing drinks or food to support the community.

Getting There

Wallilabou Bay is accessible by road from Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent, located approximately 45 minutes north along the leeward coast via the scenic coastal highway. Visitors typically fly into E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD) in Kingstown and then travel by rental car, taxi, or organized transport. The road to Wallilabou is well-maintained but winding, offering spectacular coastal views along the way. Many visitors also arrive by private yacht or charter boat, as the bay is a popular anchorage along the Caribbean sailing circuit. Water taxis and day trip boats from other parts of St. Vincent or nearby islands also service the bay regularly.

Getting Around

Transportation around Wallilabou Bay itself is primarily on foot, as it's a small, compact area centered around the anchorage and restaurant facility. The bay area can be easily explored by walking, and most attractions including the movie set remnants, swimming areas, and hiking trail starts are within a few minutes' walk of each other. For exploring the broader area or reaching hiking trails in the surrounding hills, visitors often arrange transportation through local guides or use rental cars. Water transportation via small boats or kayaks is popular for accessing nearby coves and beaches along the coast.

Where to Stay

Wallilabou Anchorage Hotel

Villa Lodge 4U

Beachcombers Hotel

Sunset Shores Beach Hotel

Kingstown area hotels

Private vacation rentals

Food & Dining

Dining options in Wallilabou Bay center around the famous Wallilabou Anchorage Restaurant and Bar, which incorporates the Pirates of the Caribbean movie sets and serves fresh local seafood, Caribbean specialties, and international cuisine in a unique pirate-themed atmosphere. The restaurant sources fish directly from local fishermen and offers dishes like grilled lobster, conch fritters, and traditional Vincentian callaloo soup. Meals range from $15-40 USD and the bar serves tropical cocktails and local rum punches. The setting provides an unforgettable dining experience with waterfront views and authentic movie props as décor. For additional options, visitors often bring provisions for picnics or travel to nearby communities, though the anchorage restaurant remains the primary and most atmospheric dining choice in the immediate area.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Wallilabou Bay is during the dry season from December through April, when rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and trade winds provide comfortable cooling breezes. This period offers the most reliable weather for water activities, hiking, and sailing, with calm seas and excellent visibility for snorkeling. The hurricane season runs from June through November, though direct hits are relatively rare, this period sees increased rainfall and higher humidity. May and November can offer good weather with fewer crowds and potentially lower accommodation rates. Water temperatures remain warm year-round (78-84°F), making swimming and water sports enjoyable in any season.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekdays when possible to avoid cruise ship crowds and have a more intimate experience with the movie set locations and local community

Bring cash in small bills as credit card acceptance may be limited and tipping local guides and service providers in cash is greatly appreciated

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent, as the tropical environment requires protection from both sun exposure and mosquitoes, especially during hiking activities

Things to Do in Wallilabou Bay