The Vermont Nature Trail lies at the top of the Buccament valley, about 30–40 minutes’ drive from Kingstown, on the edge of the St Vincent Parrot Reserve. The signed loop — roughly 3 km — climbs gently through tall rainforest of gommier and mahogany trees, tree ferns and wild orchids.
Halfway round, a viewing platform looks over the forest canopy where the St Vincent parrot (Amazona guildingii) feeds and nests. Found only on this island and the national bird, it is a large, gold-green-violet parrot whose population has recovered from a few hundred birds thanks to decades of conservation.
Top things to do: Vermont Nature Trail
Walk the loop
Allow about two hours at an easy pace. The path is well made but can be muddy; there are steps in the steeper sections.
Watch for parrots
Your best chance is early morning or late afternoon from the platform. Listen for their loud calls before you see them.
Spot other endemic birds
The endemic whistling warbler and the Lesser Antillean tanager also live here. A birding guide makes a big difference.
How to get to Vermont Nature Trail
- By tour: the bird-watching tour and the Caribbean Odyssey tour both include the trail.
- By car: turn inland from the leeward highway at Buccament; the road climbs to the car park.
Insider tips
- Bring insect repellent and a light rain jacket — it is a rainforest.
- Keep your voice down near the platform; parrots are shy.
Tours that include Vermont Nature Trail
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Vermont Nature Trail:
Nature walk from €70 Vermont Nature Trail and Bird Watching Tour
A guided morning in the forest reserve behind Buccament Bay. The Vermont trail is a gentle loop through tall rainforest to a parrot-watching platform; with a guide you will see and hear far more than on your own, and early starts give you the best chance of the parrots.
- The rainforest loop in the Buccament valley
- A viewing platform for the endangered St Vincent parrot
- Endemic birds and plants with a guide who knows them
Island tour from €75 Saint Vincent: Caribbean Odyssey Tour
A neat three-part day: an easy rainforest walk on the Vermont Nature Trail, where the St Vincent parrot lives, the Wallilabou film set, and a swim at Buccament. Good if you want a little nature with your pirates.
- A walk on the Vermont Nature Trail
- The Pirates of the Caribbean set at Wallilabou
- Beach time at Buccament Bay
