La Soufrière

La Soufrière, the active volcano that towers over the north of the main island of Saint Vincent, is its most dramatic natural feature, rising to 1,235 metres, the highest point of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and cloaked in dense tropical rainforest; it is the island's youngest and northernmost volcano, with a crater lake, and eight eruptions have been recorded since 1718. A demanding but rewarding guided hike climbs through jungle and up the volcanic slopes to the rim of its crater, offering, on clear days, dramatic views into the crater and over the island. The volcano is genuinely active: a lava dome began to grow in late December 2020, and a series of explosive eruptions between 9 and 22 April 2021 sent ash across the region, forced evacuations and reshaped the crater, a stark reminder of its raw force and of the resilience of the Vincentian people who live in its shadow.

Highlights

• The crater - the dramatic summit crater of the volcano.
• The rainforest hike - the trek through jungle to the rim.
• The volcanic landscape - the slopes reshaped by eruptions.
• The views - the vistas over the island on clear days.

When to go

December to May, the drier season, for the best hiking conditions, as the trails become very muddy and difficult in the wet season; the hike is a strenuous full-day trek best done early with a guide. As an active volcano, its status should always be checked before climbing, as activity can restrict or close access.

Before you go

La Soufrière is an active volcano that erupted powerfully as recently as 2021, so its current status must always be checked, and access can be restricted; the hike itself is a strenuous, muddy, several-hour trek requiring fitness and a guide, and the summit is often cloud-covered, hiding the views. For the fit and adventurous, though, and when conditions allow, climbing this mighty, living volcano through rainforest to its dramatic crater is a genuinely rewarding and memorable adventure.

Nearby

The capital Kingstown, the beaches and the Grenadine islands are within reach.

Key facts