La Soufrière dominates the northern third of St Vincent. At 1,234 metres (4,049 ft) it is the highest point in the country and one of the most active volcanoes in the eastern Caribbean: its 1902 eruption killed around 1,600 people, it erupted again in 1979, and in April 2021 a series of explosive eruptions forced the evacuation of the whole north of the island and covered it in ash.
The forest and farms have recovered remarkably, and the crater is again a destination for hikers when the authorities allow access. Standing on the rim, with the crater on one side and the Atlantic and Caribbean on the other, is the most memorable thing you can do on St Vincent.
Top things to do: La Soufrière
Hike the windward trail
The usual route starts near Rabacca on the Atlantic side and climbs steadily for about 5–6 km through banana farms, rainforest and bamboo to open, ash-covered slopes below the rim. Allow 2–3 hours up and 1.5–2 down. It is not technical, but it is steep and often wet.
Look into the crater
The crater is about 1.6 km across. The 2021 eruptions reshaped the floor and created a new dome and vents; on a clear day you see steam rising from it. Cloud rolls in fast, so be at the top early.
Consider the leeward approach
A longer, tougher and less-used trail climbs from the Richmond area on the leeward side. Only attempt it with an experienced local guide, and never cross between the two sides without one.
How to get to La Soufrière
- With a tour: the easiest option — transport from Kingstown to the trailhead and a guide are included. See the La Soufrière hike on our tours page.
- By car: about 1–1.5 hours from Kingstown up the windward highway to the trailhead area near Rabacca. Roads in the north can be affected by landslides after heavy rain.
- By minibus: possible to Georgetown on the windward side, but you will still need a local driver for the last stretch and a guide for the climb.
Insider tips
- Check current access before you go: the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and the Soufrière Monitoring Unit publish the volcano’s alert level and trail status.
- Start early — ideally on the trail by 7:00 — to beat both the heat and the midday cloud.
- Bring a rain jacket and a warm layer. It can be cold, windy and wet on the rim even when Kingstown is sweltering.
- Wear proper hiking shoes and carry at least two litres of water per person.
Tours that include La Soufrière
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see La Soufrière:
Hike from €106 La Soufrière Volcano Hike in St Vincent
A guided climb of the volcano that erupted as recently as April 2021. The trail rises from farmland through rainforest and bamboo to bare ash slopes; on a clear day the rim looks straight into the steaming crater and out to St Lucia. Transport to the trailhead is included.
- Summit the 1,234 m active volcano
- Look into the crater reshaped by the 2021 eruption
- Rainforest, bamboo and cloud forest on the way up
Full-day tour from €78 St Vincent: Leeward Island Tour with Dark View Falls
A full day up the west coast, where the road clings to the cliffs above black-sand coves. Longer than the half-day options, so there is time to linger at Dark View Falls and to stop at Wallilabou and the villages the shorter tours drive through.
- The whole leeward coast road to its northern end
- Dark View Falls and its bamboo bridge
- Photo stops at Wallilabou and the fishing villages
